Get Out: Weekend Happenings

If the rain and odd May chill have you down in the dumps this week, you need a pick-me-up more than ever. It's not due to be a warm weekend, but it's going to be a sunny one. Yea!

Let us guide you to what's happening in Carlsbad, San Diego and beyond from May 19 to 25. You can enjoy a tasty night out in Cardiff, a big weekend at the San Dieguito Heritage Museum, complete with food and the arts, and have a rare close encounter with lagoon birds.

On a serious note, you also may join in with local police officers as they hold a rally to support the family of an officer who died in the line of duty.

CLOSE TO HOME

• Where/when: TriCity Wellness, 6250 N. El Camino Real, Carlsbad (and other stops countywide), 6 a.m. Friday.

• Why go: Granted, gas prices are beginning to come back to earth, but you can join in Bike to Work Day and save a little dough or make a political statement or just get a workout, while snagging prizes, because local companies will hand out swag to bikers during the morning commute. 

• Price: Free.

A RETURNING FAVORITE ... AND A COUPLE OTHER GOODIES

• Where/when: , 450 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas, Friday and Saturday.

• Why go: The weekend at the museum starts off 7 p.m. Friday with , followed at noon Saturday by , with museum access, a vintage car show and live music. That evening, at 7:30 p.m., guitarists  will perform.

• Price: Poetry, free; BBQ, $10-$30; concert, $10-$20.

• Where/when: Lagoon Discovery Center, 1580 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad, 1 p.m. Saturday.

• Why go: The Migratory Bird Festival features a calling contest and chance to interact with birds.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: , 2787 State St, Carlsbad, 8 p.m. Saturday.

• Why go: Ruby Blue, which has performed with jazz greats from Etta James to Buddy Guy, takes the stage.

• Price: $20.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• Where/when: Cardiff Chamber of Commerce, 124 Aberdeen Dr., Cardiff, 5 p.m. Thursday.

• Why go: Sample favorites from one of 20 restaurants at Taste of Cardiff. Fare includes seafood, Mexican and Italian.

• Price: $20 in advance, $30 at the door.

• Where/when: Morgan Run Club and Resort, 5690 Cancha de Golf, Rancho Santa Fe, Friday through Sunday.

• Why go: You like the New Orleans Saints? See Super Bowl MVP (and former Charger) Drew Brees. You like the Dallas Cowboys? See Tony Romo. You like TV? See Ray Romano. It's all possible at the Cox Celebrity Championship, a charity golf tournament to benefit local causes.

• Price: $10 for three-day pass, but there are several opportunities for free admission.

• Where/when: Palomar Police Academy, 184 Santar Pl, San Marcos, 8 a.m. Saturday.

• Why go: The Officer Down Memorial Motorcycle Rally will support the family of Christopher Wilson, a father and veteran of San Diego's Southeastern Division who was killed on duty last fall.

• Price: $20-$30.

• Where/when: North County Health Services, 2210 Mesa Dr, Oceanside, 10 a.m. Saturday.

• Why go: Kids can enjoy games and activities while parents take advantage of free health services at the Coastal Health Fair. Screenings include blood pressure, dental and pregnancy tests.

• Price: Free.