Get Out: See Art Shows, Concerts and a Race at the Base

We’ve reached the end of summer and it’s time to celebrate the first weekend of fall. Friday marks the first day of autumn and the weekend forecast promises cool weather with some clouds to boot. Enjoy the new season with some fun events and activities for you and the family. We’ve got the best bets, near and far, listed below.

This weekend, Sept. 23-25, get out in Imperial Beach and go to a sustainable garden class, a piano concert, an end of summer concert and an art show centered around surfing. This weekend, Coronado is hosting a fun Fleet Week activity with fast cars and fun memories.

Looking for some travel time? Coronado has a naval exhibit to view, Santee has a big wine and bluegrass festival for those that love the simple things in life and Point Loma is hosting the San Diego County beer fair.

Click the links for more details.

BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME

• When/where: , 301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach, 8 a.m.-noon Saturday.
• Why go: Learn about making a sustainable garden in your own backyard. Other green tricks you’ll learn include composting.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: Nestor United Methodist Church, 1120 Nestor Way, San Diego, 6-7 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Listen to the adult and youth choirs of the church sing popular movie songs at this end of summer concert.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , 866 Imperial Beach Blvd., Imperial Beach, 4 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: Listen to the parish organist, Stewart Simon, give a piano concert featuring music by Beethoven, Chopin, Brahams and more.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , 206 Palm Ave., Imperial Beach, 7-9 p.m. Friday.
• Why go: TNT is hosting a surf shop art show, where you can see the work of artists and Mike Gogin.
• Price: Free.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• When/where: , North Island Naval Complex, Coronado, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Why go: See cars race and wind their way around the naval base at this Fleet Week Coronado Speed Festival.
• Price: $25-$150.

• When/where: , intersection of Riverwalk Drive and Cuyamaca Street, Santee, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Enjoy life’s simple pleasures at this Bluegrass and Wine Festival. Sip on wine, munch on cheese, and tap your foot to some twang. A silent auction will also be held.
• Price: $35.

• When/where: , 1100 Orange Ave, Coronado, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: See how Coronado became the birthplace of aviation at this Wings of Gold exhibit at the Museum of History and Art.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: 2750 Womble Rd., San Diego, noon-4 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: It’s the San Diego County Beer Fair, where you can sample 12 beers, taste samples of food, meet brewers and more.
• Price: $35-$50.