Lots of fun and healthy things going on this weekend to get your New Year off to a good start. Even if it rains, there’s plenty of reason to get out of the house and give yourself some time to focus on your health and your family.
Friday, January 20
San Diego Tet Festival
San Diego’s official Tet Festival, a Lunar New Year Celebration is a 3-day event that features authentic Vietnamese cuisines, entertainment and carnival games. Highlights of this event in Balboa Park include: Miss Vietnam San Diego, Mr. Vietnam San Diego pageants, Opening Ceremony celebration with firecrackers and lion dances, a Cultural Village with replicas of historical monuments and their importance to Vietnamese culture. In the evening, the venue features local artists, bands as well as top-notch Vietnamese entertainers. www.sdtet.com
Human Rights Watch Film Festival
The Museum of Photographic Arts hosts this showcase of films from around the world with a human rights theme. “Love Crimes of Kabul” on Jan. 20; “Granito: How to Nail a Dictator”, “When the Mountains Tremble”, “The Price of Sex” on Jan. 21; and “You don’t like the Truth: 4 Days Inside Guantanamo”. Visit www.mopa.org for details.
Saturday, January 21
San Elijo Hills 5K and Street Festival
Coined as the “Toughest 5K in North County” this event is for both serious runners, as well as families just looking to get out and have some fun together. After the race, there will be a street fair with vendors, music, food trucks, jumpies, games and more. Race starts at 8 am and festival runs all day until 4 pm. For information, click on 2012 San Elijo Hills 5K.
Free Electronic Waste Recycling
Free Electronic Recycling. Bring your Computers, TVs, Printers, Ink Cartridges, Microwaves and any other electronics to Carlsbad High Carlsbad High School 3557 Lancer Way in Carlsbad from 10 am to 4 pm.
3rd Annual Mitchell Thorp Foundation (MTF) 5K Walk/Run
This event is to support families in San Diego County, whose children are suffering life-threatening illnesses, diseases and disorders. Join other families on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 9 am, registration 10 am, at Thorp Field in Carlsbad’s Poinsettia Park. Funds generated from this event will go to the foundation; a nonprofit, public benefit 501 (c) (3) organization. Payments are made directly to the vendor’s for medical expenses not covered, transportation, and more; and 90% of all funds raised go to support qualified families.
Day of Wellness & Yoga
Join Lynda Light from “Light & Love Yoga” and her instructors for “A DAY OF WELLNESS AND YOGA” at Seaside Center for Spiritual Living. Admission for the day includes a choice of 5 Wellness Workshops, a Wellness Talk “How to Read Your Body Intuitively and Balance Your Systems” by Dr. Brett Mosher L.Ac., O.M.D., D.N.B.A.O, and a Healthy Lunch. Choose from 5 workshops on wellness. There will be drawings for FREE Giveaways. Tickets are $45 In Advance, $50 at the Door. Seaside Center for Spiritual Living, 1613 Lake Drive, Encinitas – www.seasidecenter.org
Sunday, January 22
Tri-City Medical Carlsbad Marathon & Half in Carlsbad
The marathon starts at 6 am and the half marathon’s wave starts kick off at 7:30 am. The event also includes Health & Lifestyle Expo (free and open to the public) which features exciting vendors, interactive displays, free samples, and bargains on apparel and equipment. The Expo will be held on Friday, Jan. 20 (2 to 6 pm), Saturday, Jan. 21 (10 am to 5 pm) and Sunday, Jan. 22 (7 am-to noon) under a big top tent at the Westfield Plaza Camino Real.
Encinitas Wellness Week Kick-Off
The Downtown Encinitas Mainstreet Association and North County Health Services will host Wellness Week Opening Day Expo from 1 to 4 pm on January 22 at the Encinitas Library (540 Cornish Dr). This is the start of a weeklong of free events designed to help attendees learn about improving their well-being. Free health screenings, cooking demonstrations, etc. www.encinitas101.com.
