Get Out: Musicals and Spring Flowers

Strolling around booths, trying new delicacies — or indulging in old comfort foods — and listening to a song or two. A great festival should give you the opportunity to do all that and more.

A couple of good ones take place this weekend, including the Spring Garden Festival at Cuyamaca College Saturday and Poway's Earth Day celebration Sunday. You could say another fest has gone to the dogs, but better yet, the dogs can go and be a part of it, at Balboa Park.

There are for funny, engaging and sporty things to do in Santee and beyond, from April 7-13.

Click the links for more details.

CLOSE TO HOME

• Where/when: West Hills High School, 8756 Mast Blvd., Santee, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

• Why Go: To enjoy 13, a musical about a boy facing his bar mitzvah and learning a bit about life.

• Price: $6-8.

• Where/when: Cuyamaca College, 900 Rancho San Diego Pkwy., El Cajon, 9 a.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: Green thumb or brown thumb? Either way, at the Spring Garden Festival, you can appreciate walking among other gardeners or feel a great deal of respect for those who can make lovely things grow.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Mission Trails Regional Park, 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, 7 p.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: This month's Star Party will include chances to gaze closely at the features of the moon and catch glimpses of three different galaxies.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Santana High School, 9915 N. Magnolia Ave., Santee, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

• Why Go: If you've ever felt vulnerable walking alone, Trad Am Karate has a class for you. The experts are offering a Women's Self-Defense Clinic, taught by a woman who is a sixth-degree black belt in karate. For girls 14 and up.

• Price: Free.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• Where/when: Riverwalk Golf Club, 1150 Fashion Valley Rd., San Diego, 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

• Why Go: The headline reflects Mark Twain's thoughts on golf. Golf Fest is for those who differ with him. Admission includes a free round and lessons galore in case your putting is driving you up a tree.

• Price: $10; kids under 10 free.

• Where/when: Kroc Center, 6845 University Ave., San Diego, 7 p.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: To see a cultural exchange of sorts, from East Coast to West. This production of the musical “Godspell” will be put on by a troup from another Kroc Center, this one in Camden, NJ.

• Price: Free, but donations will be accepted.

• Where/when: Francis Parker School, 6501 Linda Vista Rd., San Diego, Friday through Sunday.

• Why Go: Watch talented young musicians and instructors from La Jolla, Encinitas, Coronado and San Diego State perform Mozart and Beethoven with the Greater San Diego Community Orchestra and Chorus; 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday

• Price: $10 suggested donation.

• Where/when: Balboa Park, Park Boulevard and Presidents Way, San Diego, 10 a.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: Balboa Barks includes contests for your favorite canine, a puppy playground and demonstrations from talented terriers (and other breeds too). Benefits Canine Companions for Independence.

• Price: $7, general, kids 5 and under, free. Entry for walk, $15-75.

• Where/when: Midland Road between Poway Road and Hilleary Place, Poway, 10 a.m. Sunday.

• Why Go: Earth Day comes 10 days early to Poway, where vendors will feature wares that are planet-friendly, plus some fun stuff too, like Dr. Zoolittle from the San Diego Zoo and Egyptian and Jamaican food. 

• Price: Free.