Get Out: Stay Active with Fitness Expos and More

The holiday is over. You have this weekend to chill out and do with it what you will. You could stay at home and take a breather, but we’ve got some better, more active ideas for you and the family—because a weekend in summer should never be wasted.

Check out our best bets to spend your downtime this weekend, July 8-10. Stay in Carlsbad for some jazz and fitness, or venture out a little farther and start your Christmas shopping or inspect some insects.

Click the links for more details.

BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME

• When/where:, 3420 Camino de Los Coches, Carlsbad, 6 – 8 p.m., Friday.
• Why go: Listen to San Diego-based band the B-Side Players as they crank out tunes with funk, rock, jazz and hip-hop rhythms.
• Price: Free.

• When/where:, 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Learn about a living healthy lifestyle, participate in demos and agility tests, and check out different health vendors, including work-out gear and vitamin stores.
• Price: Free.

• When/where:, Tamarack Ave & Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, 6 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: Learn about the latest gear for all your triathlon needs.
• Price: Free.

• When/where:, 1775 Dove Ln, Carlsbad, 2 – 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Watch and discuss the film “Adam” with other movie-lovers.
• Price: Free.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• When/where: San Elijo Hills Visitor Center,San Elijo Rd S & Elfin Forest Rd W, San Marcos, 12 - 4 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Look at various model homes and munch on goodies while you browse.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: Old Mission Montessori School, 4070 Mission Ave, Oceanside, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Get your Christmas shopping done way in advance. Browse hand-made items and snack on summer favorites, like sno-cones.
• Price: Free (not counting all those gifts you’ll buy!)

• When/where: San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday through Sunday.
• Why go: Take the kids to view and explore live insects, taste some mealworm larva and ask entomologist endless questions about their favorite bugs.
• Price: Free with admission or membership.

• When/where: PETCO Park, 100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 7 a.m. Friday.
• Why go: Represent America’s finest city on one of the biggest shows ("American Idol") in our country.
• Price: Free.