Sunday, Aug. 2
Ramona Country Fair -- Closing day of this community fair features animal shows and auctions, music acts, craft booths, contests, amusement rides and vendors; noon to 11 p.m.; Ramona Fairgrounds, Fifth Street and Aqua Lane, Ramona; fair admission free; parking is $5; all-you-can-ride wristbands are $12-$18; 760-789-1311 or visit www.ramonafair.com.
San Diego Home Design & Remodeling Show -- The fourth annual home show, which also features the Green San Diego Expo, takes place at the San Diego Convention Center. The show features hundreds of exhibits by home and green product makers. An estimated 10,000 visitors are expected; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego; free; showsusa.net.
Downtown Live debuts -- The Downtown Business Association of Escondido begins a Sunday night entertainment series with live music by Ritmo Loco, a Latin instrumental jazz band. Bring your own chairs, blankets and dancing shows; 6 to 8:30 p.m.; Kalmia Street and Grand Avenue, Escondido; free; 760-745-8877.
Comedy film festival -- Lyric Opera San Diego opens its "Classics of Comedy" movie series with screenings of film comedies from the 1950s to 1980s at the Birch North Park Theatre during August. Films will be screened twice, at 2:30 p.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays. First up is "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" on Sunday, Aug. 2, and Wednesday, Aug. 5; Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave., San Diego; $7-$9; 619-239-8836.
Wednesday, Aug. 5
Full Moon Pier Walk -- Scripps Institution of Oceanography opens the privately owned Scripps Pier in La Jolla just a few times each year to the public for a moonlit walk. The 1,090-foot concrete pier is used by scientists, students and aquarium staff for research projects. For the public event, naturalists will offer guided pier tours, teach about glow-in-the-dark marine life, collect plankton, dissect a squid and more; 7 to 9:30 p.m. (also Thursday); Scripps Pier, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla; $23; reservations required; ages 9 and up only; (858) 534-7336.
Art stroll begins in Encinitas-- The Downtown Encinitas Summertime Art Stroll Series begins with an opening reception; 5 to 8 p.m.; E Street Cafe, 128 W. E Street. Galleries and studios will be opening their doors to offer the community a chance to browse art, meet local artists, enjoy light refreshments and entertainment; 760-613-5567 or e-mail buddingart@hotmail.com.
Thursday, Aug. 6
La Paloma 2009 Summer Poetry Slam -- Full Moon Poets presents its annual summer slam. Eighteen poets, ages 18 and over, will compete through three elimination rounds for the top prize at the annual festival of spoken word poetry; 7 p.m.; La Paloma Theatre, 471 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas; donations accepted; 760-944-6027 or fullmoonpoets.org.
Pops on the Green -- Fallbrook Music Society host its 24th annual Symphony Pops on the Green. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and low-back chairs for lawn seating; 7:30 p.m. (gates open at 5:30 p.m.); the Grand Tradition, 1602 S. Mission Road, Fallbrook; $25, adults; $5, children 12 and under; boxed picnic dinners -- choice of a turkey, ham or roast beef sandwich, appetizer, macaroni salad, chocolate cake and beverage -- will be available for $14; 760-451-8644 or fallbrookmusicsociety.org.
Local artist to host free demonstration -- The San Dieguito Art Guild hosts a free demonstration featuring renowned local artist Ron Lemen. Lemen will focus on sketching in oil and using the medium as a sketching tool to make quick indications under short spans of time. The presentation will also include simplifying the subject down to its abstraction, using value to push the color and illusion of light and brushwork when quickly painting; 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.; Ecke Building, Quail Botanical Gardens, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas; ; 760-942-3636 or OffTrackGallery.com.
Friday, Aug. 7
Garden club to hold ice cream social -- The Vista Garden Club stage its annual Ice Cream Social; 2 to 4 p.m.; Grace Presbyterian Church, 1450 E. Vista Way; 760-737-6707 or e-mail sderosa@cox.net.
Micah Film Festival -- Festival celebrates documentary films that advance the cause of justice, mercy and humility in the world. Films include "As We Forgive," "The Least of These" and "Shooting Beauty" and post-screening Q&As and panel discussions; 6 to 9 p.m. (also 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday; 2 to 6 p.m. Aug. 9); Crest Theater, 102 N. Freeman St., Oceanside; $5 per film; $12, weekend pass; full schedule at micahfilmfest.com.
Adventure night for the kids -- The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito's "Adventure Fun Night for Kids" event features pizza, drinks, swimming, games, activities, movie and a goody bag. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult at no cost; 6 to 9 p.m.; 533 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach; $25, adventure pass; $20 each additional sibling; $30, day of; 858-755-9371 or positiveplacesd.org.
Saturday, Aug. 8
Relay for Life invites participants -- The American Cancer Society's 24-hour Relay for Life will begin. Teams can include co-workers, club members, family and friends who have obtained donations prior to the event. A $100 minimum donation per member is suggested, however, the only cost is a $10 registration fee to participate. Register as a survivor at no cost. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society's local services for cancer patients and their families with support and programs it offers. Local businesses may participate by donating goods or services for the silent auction or sponsor the event with a cash donation. Their business or organization will be recognized for their charitable gift. A Luminaria Ceremony takes place at sundown; 9 a.m.; Lincoln Magnet Middle School, 151 Escondido Ave., Vista; 760-724-7157 or visit relayforlife.org/vistaca.
Dog Days of Summer -- Purina Pro Play Rally to Rescue hosts its fourth annual pet adoption day, where pet owners can learn about local shelters, talk to a professional dog trainer, view live training sessions, learn what pets match your personality and even adopt a pet on-site; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 124 Aberdeen Drive, Cardiff; rallytorescue.org.
Archaeological center has program on volunteer opportunities -- The San Diego Archaeological Center stages a presentation on Cleveland National Forest Heritage programs and volunteer opportunities. Topics include forest history and various volunteer opportunities including the national "Passport in Time" volunteer archaeology program, forest fire lookout program, and natural history activities; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, San Pasqual Valley; $5 for nonmembers with a $25 maximum for nonmember families, troops or packs; 760-291-0370 or e-mail acox@sandiegoarchaeology.org.
Fiesta del Sol San Diego --- More than 60,000 people are expected at this two-day festival celebrating the cultural heritage of Barrio Logan and Sherman Heights. Two stages feature live round-the-clock entertainment, more than 100 vendor booths are planned, free health screenings, a carnival, food court and arts pavilion and 25 arts and crafts booths for children; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (also Aug. 9); Imperial Avenue between 19th and 25th streets, San Diego; free; www.fiestadelsolsandiego.org.
Origami workshop at Mingei -- The Mingei International Museum in Escondido hosts a family-friendly "Paper Folding Festival" origami workshop tied into its ongoing "Origami" exhibition. Participants of all levels are invited to take part in the paper-folding class; 1 to 3 p.m.; Mingei International Museum, 155 W. Grand Ave., Escondido; $10; 760-735-3355.
Gyminny kids hosts inaugural family fun race -- The Gyminny Kids Gymnastics Booster Club will host a family-themed scavenger hunt. All groups should bring a digital camera. Proceeds benefit the GK Girls Gymnastics Booster Club. The top prize will be a $500 gift card. Other prizes, such as hotel stays, dinner for two, and Legoland California tickets, will be awarded. Food and refreshments available; 2 to 5 p.m.; Gyminny Kids/Oceanside Gymnastics, 1935 Avenida del Oro, Suite A, Oceanside; $50; 866-293-0587, ext. 8000, or gkgirlsboosterclub.com.
