Coastal Concert Band, 'Annie' and Ugly Dogs

Beautiful dolls, ugly dogs and a talented local band that's celebrating almost 30 years of entertaining.

These are some of the choice options if you're looking for fun things to do and see with your family near Encinitas and in San Diego from March 9-15. You also can hear a talented soprano who will perform at the school she attended in La Jolla and plan for an audition for your own little ham. 

Click the links for all the details.

BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME 

• Where/when: Encinitas branch library, Encinitas, 6 p.m. Wednesday.

• Why Go: To hear some lively tunes with your kids on a warm evening. Ice cream on the way perhaps? Sven-Eric Seaholm performs as part of the library's acoustic series.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Carlsbad Community Church, Carlsbad, 2 p.m. Sunday.

• Why Go: The Coastal Communities Concert Band marks its anniversary. Band members come from throughout the county.

• Price: $12-15

• Where/when: Carlsbad Performing Arts Academy, Carlsbad, 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

• Why Go: To give your youngster a shot to perform in Annie, the venerable musical that brought us “Tomorrow” and “It's the Hard-Knock Life.”

• Price: Free.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• Where/when: La Jolla Country Day School, La Jolla, 7 p.m. Friday.

• Why Go: Soprano Stephanie Weiss returns to her childhood school a month ahead of her San Diego Opera debut. If your child nurses dreams of becoming a professional performer, he or she might be inspired by seeing Weiss perform with current students. Must RSVP to get in.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Qualcomm Hall, Sorrento Valley, 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

• Why Go: Little girls love their “American Girl” dolls and this weekend a lucky few will be able to dress in period costume just like their favorites. Or at least watch the runway action as the “American Girl” Fashion Show, to benefit UCSD's neonatal unit, takes place.

• Price: $35-$100.

• Where/when: Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, 10 a.m., Sunday.

• Why Go: You love your pooch—we trust that you do—but you know he's just not a looker. Don't worry. What he lacks in beauty he may gain in infamy by winning the Del Mar Kiwanis Ugly Dog Contest. OK, if you own an attractive dog, there will be prizes for that, too. 

• Price: $2-8.