Friday Night Football and A Day with the Dogs

As we creep closer to fall, the weekends become more packed with fun activities for you and the family. We’ve got options this weekend for events close to home, so save gas and stay nearby. We also listed some fun events happening a car trip away, if you’re up for some close-quartered family time. And don’t forget that San Diego Restaurant Week begins on Sunday—and this year they’re including lunch in the deal.

This weekend, Sept. 16-18, Santee is hosting activities like a dog park dedication, a Friday night football game and an educational exercise. This Saturday is Coastal Cleanup Day all over San Diego County. Pick a beach (or Santee Lakes) and start cleaning!

Head to El Cajon for a golf tournament for a cause. See the Rocky Horror Show downtown or visit a huge music and boat fair at Mission Bay that’s happening all weekend long.

Click the links for more details.

BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME

• When/where: , 10250 Woodglen Vista Dr., Santee, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Let Fido off the leash at this new park dedication ceremony. Enjoy raffles, food, and lots of pooches.
• Price: Free.

• When/where:, 9915 N. Magnolia Ave., Santee, 7 p.m. Friday.
• Why go: Football season is in full swing. Watch Imperial face off against Santana High in this Friday night game.
• Price: Call school for price.

• When/where: , 1 Father Junipero Serra Trl., San Diego, 8-10 a.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Meet up at the Old Mission Dam for a bird walk, where you’ll hike with a guide who will point out different types of birds and their traits.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , 9 a.m.-noon Saturday.
• Why go: Help hundreds of others in our community clean up our coastal lines and make the Lakes clean and beautiful during this countywide coastal cleanup. (Update: Santee Lakes are already full for volunteer space. Click here to see other nearby coastal cleanup sites)
• Price: Free.

• When/where: Carlton Oaks Plaza, 10 a.m. and on
• Why go: The whole strip mall is throwing a party! There will be free food, music, balloons, face painting, and more. Some of the businesses participating in the event are: Santee's Pizza, Expressions Dance and Movement Center, Santee Party Zone, TG Harris Coaching and Business Consulting, and Pina Business Services. See this by for more info.
• Price: Free.

BEST BETS A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• When/where: Cottonwood Golf Club, 3121 Willow Glen Dr., El Cajon, noon-8 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: Gather up your golf buddies and put around. Proceeds from the four-person scramble tournament will benefit Susan G. Komen For A Cure Foundation.
• Price: $125.

• When/where: , 8910 Troy St., Spring Valley, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Learn BBQ basics, like cook times, procedures and tools needed. You’ll even learn how to properly smoke at this instructional class. Price includes the class, a drink and a BBQ meal.
• Price: $95.

• When/where: , 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, 8-10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
• Why go: Travel down to the Old Globe for a cult classic, The Rocky Horror Show. Sing along to your favorites with Brad and Janet.
• Price: $29-$122.

• When/where: Mission Bay, 1775 E. Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, various hours Friday through Sunday.
• Why go: See more than 25 bands perform over the weekend and watch big boats race in the water. There will be activities for kids, food booths and beer gardens.