San Diego Weekend Guide: July 31-Aug. 2 — Comedy, dancing and (literal) Dog Days

Even if we’re past some of the big tentpole events of the summer, there’s no reason to fear the (figurative) dog days quite yet.

From Ramona to Cardiff and beyond, there’s still stuff to do including cultural celebrations, dance and country music festivals, along with (literal) Dog Days.

Friday, July 31

ArtWalk Liberty Station: This event runs through Sunday, though Friday’s preview party (or as they call it, “pARTy”) does require buying a $28 ticket. On Saturday and Sunday, there’s no cost for admission to Liberty Station’s Art District (2751 Dewey Road) to enjoy the work of more than 175 artists from around the U.S., as well as Mexico.

Heiva San Diego: This celebration of Tahitian culture and dance returns to Harrah’s Resort Southern California in Valley Center (777 S. Resort Drive) for a three-day celebration starting at 6 p.m. and running through Sunday. General admission tickets on Friday cost $10; on Saturday and Sunday, the event starts at 9 a.m. with regular tickets costing $20 for kids and $30 for adults. VIP tickets over the weekend cost $193, including fees.

Friday night’s event will include the Mister and Miss Heiva SD Pageant, while Saturday and Sunday night will both include gala parties.

Morava Serbian Summer Folkfest: Morava, a San Diego-based Serbian dance ensemble, is kicking off this three-day event with a Friday dance party at the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church Hall (3025 Denver St.) at 7 p.m.

The festival continues on Saturday with a 2 p.m. concert at University City High School (6949 Genesee Ave.). Tickets cost $15 through July 31 and $20 the day of the show; the action shifts back to the church at 6 p.m. for an afterparty. On Sunday, the event concludes with a free gathering on the beach near the Lahaina Beach House in Pacific Beach (710 Oliver Ave.)

Ramona Country Fair: This free event at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center (421 Aqua Lane) also extends throughout the weekend, with Friday night’s “Rhythm & Roots Night” starting at 4 p.m., and rides opening an hour later. On Saturday and Sunday, the event runs from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. with rides opening at 1 p.m. Besides live music, the fair will have carnival rides, vendors, food offerings throughout the park and a cornhole competition.

Saturday, Aug. 1

Creative Alley Market: The Creative Collective returns to Artist Alley in Oceanside (211 Artist Alley) for this event from 12-5 p.m., in conjunction with Mystic Soul Ritual Shop. The marketplace will have more than 30 vendors on hand plus an open mic spotlight, a free crafts table, live music and more.

Dancing Outdoors, Take 4: The Encinitas-based troupe LITVAKdance will host this showcase for not only its performers, but groups like Bella Lux Entertainment, Ballet Collective San Diego and Ballet Folklorico San Diego, at the Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego’s north campus (1550 El Camino Real). Shows are at 5:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m, though Bella Lux will only take part in the latter show. Tickets cost $12 for kids under 12; $25 for students, military service members or seniors, and $35 for general admission.

New LVL Backpack Drive: This event is hosted by the New LVL Housing Stability and Thrive Program, which helps single mothers around San Diego County with resources including a 90-day rental stipend. On Saturday starting at 5 p.m. at the Skyline Park & Recreation Center (8285 Skyline Drive), they’ll hand out backpacks to help kids in need of essential supplies.

San Diego Soul Food Fest: Celebrating the tastes and cuisines of the African diaspora, the festival returns to North Park Mini Park (3812 29th St.) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with offerings from Black-owned eateries and live music from The Bearded Pianist. Ticket prices range from $7 to $18.

Saps At Sea’s Tribute to Oliver Hardy: The Saps, a local group of comedy cinema devotees, like to say they’ve been “in the laughter business since 1978.” For this event at the First Lutheran Church of El Cajon (867 S Lincoln Ave.), they’ll show four shorts from the early 1900’s oeuvre of ol’ Ollie and his comedy soulmate Stanley — a.k.a. Laurel & Hardy. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with the program starting at 5 p.m. A $10 donation covers both entry and refreshments; kids 12 and under can go for free.

Sunday, Aug. 2

Aloha Spirit Makers Market: The Commons in Vista (802 S. Santa Fe Ave.) will host a special island-themed edition of the monthly Vista Makers Market, which showcases local vendors. This time around, visitors can take in live Hawaiian dance performances and lei-making demonstrations, while also enjoying “island vibes” from 1-5 p.m.

Cardiff Dog Days of Summer: Now in its 21st year, this free event at Encinitas Community Park (425 Santa Fe Drive) is packing a lot into its 10 a.m.-3 p.m. runtime. Making their debut this year are the Corgi & Dachshund Run and a Dog Yoga activity; the latter, and more perks, are open to visitors who go for the $35 VIP tickets.

Beyond that, the event will have all sorts of contests for owners who want to show their pooches off (categories include Best Dressed, as well as ice cream contests), and a raffle will be held. The top prize is a one-year supply of free dog food from the sponsor, Kahoots.