Let's Dance this Weekend, Poway

It's a quandary kind of weekend, with a veritable cornucopia of things to do, whether you prefer music, art, civic or cultural celebrations.

Take heart, though. You might be able to split your choices for great things to do near Poway and beyond during from April 28 through May 4.

Several two-day fests kick off  Saturday: In San Diego, art will be feted in Little Italy, roots music in Normal Heights, and Cinco de Mayo in historic Old Town.

But the big county-wide enviro clean-up on Saturday, and the Asian Cultural Festival in Point Loma on Sunday? They are one-day affairs.

So pick and choose wisely. Maybe even hit two in one day. Seriously, this weekend's a tough one, but in a cup-runneth-over-kinda way. Enjoy, dearies.

CLOSE TO HOME

• Where/when: Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Rd., Poway, 7 p.m. Thursday.

• Why Go: Students from 10 area high schools and middle schools will perform at the 20th anniversary of the Poway Unified School District's All District Dance Festival.

• Price: $15-18.

• Where/when: Los Penasquitos Canyon Reserve, Black Mountain Road and Mercy Road, San Diego, and dozens of other sites, 9 a.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: A coordinated series of events throughout the county, the ninth annual Creek to Bay Cleanup brings together thousands of volunteers from Oceanside to Imperial Beach and from the coastline to Lakeside, to restore waterways in inland and coastal areas.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when:  Templar's Hall, 14134 Midland Rd, Poway, 7 p.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: Guitarist Phil Boroff, who specializes in old timey, bluegrass, finger picking, ragtime, country blues and classical styles, has a busy weekend. He will perform in Poway in the midst of his two-day gig at the Adams Avenue Roots Festival.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Black Mountain Rd & Twin Trails Dr, San Diego, 11 a.m. Sunday.

• Why Go: The Rancho Penasquitos community meets up for Fiesta de los Penasquitos, with vendors, booths and entertainment.

• Price: Free.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT 

• Where/when: Normal Heights, Adams Avenue and 35th St., San Diego, 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

• Why Go: Big regional music fests have been all the rage for several years, but that hasn't stopped the Adams Avenue Roots Festival from thriving. It's one of the city's best regarded street fairs.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Old Town, Mason Street and San Juan Street, San Diego, 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

• Why Go: Cinco de Mayo falls on a Thursday this year, so Old Town is hosting its celebration the weekend before, with music, dancing and several children's performances. Take the San Diego Trolley between Old Town and nearby Little Italy and do two fests in one day.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Little Italy, India Street and Date Street, 11 a.m., Saturday and Sunday.

• Why Go: The neighborhood hosts ArtWalk, a place for scores of artists to mingle with the public, and show off their pieces, be they paintings, sculpture, glass or mixed media. Again: Try the trolley.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Vista Buddhist Temple, 150 Cedar Rd., Vista, noon, Saturday and Sunday.

• Why Go: The temple marks the birth of Buddha, the prince who shed his material goods to seek enlightenment, with the Hanamatsuri Bazaar, featuring music, games and martial arts demonstrations.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: NTC Promenade at Liberty Station, Roosevelt Road & Cushing Road, San Diego, 10 a.m. Sunday.

• Why Go: The second annual festival celebrates Asian Pacific Heritage Month, and includes martial arts and dance demonstration, cooking by local Pan-Asian chefs and children's activities.

• Price: Free.