San Diego Weekend Guide: Aug. 23-25 – Lassos & Loops

Whether you’re sporty or arty or outdoorsy, let fun rope you in this San Diego weekend, as the Padres face a big series and the rodeo returns to Ramona.

The Padres, after a torrid start to their month, are in the thick of the playoff chase – and even could challenge for the division title. They continue their series with a fellow wild-card contender, the Mets, through Sunday at Petco Park. And if you haven’t seen rookie Jackson Merrill yet, a recent National League Player of the Week – he’s had a big homer or two recently – now is the time.

The Ramona Rodeo continues Friday and Saturday with competitions, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. See performers, such as Brian Patton, the Misfit Cowboy, at 7:30 p.m., and events that include bareback riding, steer racing and breakaway roping, followed by post-rodeo dances at 10 p.m. Tickets for the rodeo, at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center, start at $25.

Oceanside Museum of Art hosts Street Level Volume 2.4, inspired by the current “More Disruption: Representational Art in Flux” exhibit. Street Level transforms the museum into a stage, with the Montalban Quintet and Nicey Nice featuring Marcelo Radulovich performing. Artists from the exhibit, Miguel Camacho-Padilla & David Fobes, are set to appear. Tickets for the event, at 6 p.m. Friday, cost $15.

UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater hosts the free Celebrate AMERI’KANA Music and Arts Festival, honoring the diversity of American music, at 2 p.m. Saturday. Featured acts for the fest, founded by the Latin Grammy-nominated band Making Movies, include Los Texmaniacs, Renee Goust and Gaby Moreno. An online RSVP is required.

The Out & Abt Music Festival begins at Wicked West, 1735 National Ave. in Barrio Logan, with queer acts including Lauren Sanderson, Sasha Allen & the Dogs, Chloe Star, Cassidy King, Queentide and Cayley Spivey. Tickets for the fest, at 3 p.m. Saturday, start at $39.

Sycuan Casino in El Cajon hosts the WCK: Ultimate Conquest Muay Thai fight card at the Heritage Event Center. The night includes Jessica-Rose Clark challenging for the WCK world title and Julio Rios taking on champion Tyler Duangsay. Tickets start at $48.

Bike the Bay offers riders the rare chance to cross the Coronado bridge sans cars. Departures along the 25-mile loop start bright and early, at 6 a.m. Sunday. Riders set off from Embarcadero Marina Park South, passing through Coronado, Imperial Beach and National City. They then return to the park, where there will be a post-ride festival. Registration costs $85.

The 18th annual LeucadiART Walk, at 10 a.m. Sunday, along North Coast Highway 101, features live art demos and music, dancers, kids activities, a makers market and more. A free, open-air trolley will be available.