WALLETFREE WEEKEND 11/19-22/09

‘Tis the season! Start off the holidays with a cheerful note and a fatter wallet. Here are 10 FREE things to do this weekend in San Diego County (or ALMOST FREE) that will leave you with more to spend on this years’ holiday gifts.

THURSDAY, November 19
The Ivy Hotel’s Ultra Lounge and Wine Bar is hosting a FREE tapas and wine pairing event tonight. The Versatile and Tasty Tapas Pairing will feature award-winning Hall Wines and Ivy Hote’s Ultra Lounge bites. The event is lead by Wine Smarties from 7-9pm. RSVP directly to Lindsay@winesmarties.com

On the third Thursday of every month, head to Cedros Avenue Design District in Solana Beach and enjoy new exhibits, live music and artist receptions as you saunter down the area’s streets, alleys and buildings. Art galleries aren’t the only residents of this vibrant neighborhood, vendors of handcrafted furniture, antiques, clothes, jewelry and accessories occupy imaginatively converted warehouses across from the Solana Beach Coaster Station.  3rd Thursdays on Cedros runs 5:30-8:30pm.

FRIDAY November 20
Dance to the beat of your own drum during Musical Fun Fridays at the Recreational Music Center at Point Loma’s Liberty Station. Play Rock Band on the Xbox Elite or try your hand at electric guitar, drum kits, keyboards, or steel drums. Every Friday evening 6:30-8:30pm. 2590 Truxtun Road, Suite 103.

Revel in the holiday spirit and enjoy the lighting of a 20-foot Christmas tree at the Holiday Lighting Celebration in Santee. This event includes live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa and an ice-skating rink (only $3 per session). Event 5:30-8:30pm at Santee Trolley Square. 619-258-4100

SATURDAY, November 21
Enjoy colorful costumes and traditional dances with the FREE folklorico dancing performances in the outdoor courtyard at Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Saturday performances run 12-3pm.

In honor of Thanksgiving month, head to Mission Trails Regional Park and join a trail guide naturalist for an interpretive Journey Into Nature and learn about the food of the Native Americans and the pioneers, plus what it took to feed their families.  Walk is 9:30-11:00am and meets at the Visitor & Interpretive Center.

Head to North Park for Sight and Sound, a monthly arts extravaganza featuring music performances, video storytellers and spoken word. Held at Architecture at 3956 30th Street from 7pm-midnight. Only a $5 donation; all proceeds go to the Green Scene Gallery.

Chicali Riva! Art Events at Mundo Gallery in University Heights features Mexicali artists and their paintings and graphics. Plus, performers will debut songs, poetry and dance. From 7-10pm.

Photo credit: PD Photo.org

SUNDAY, November 22

For many the official start of the holidays in San Diego is the spectacular display of floats, marching bands, giant helium balloons, performing artists and Santa Claus at the Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon. A tradition started in 1947 as a gift to the county’s children, this annual parade is the largest single-day event in San Diego and one of the largest of its kind in the country. Parade starts at 10am at Magnolia Avenue & Main Street.

Explore the tide pools in Point Loma when the tide is low to see some of the magnificent creatures of the sea.  Point Loma tide pools are located just south of the tip of Cabrillo Point.