La Paloma Hosts Poetry Slam and More 'Must-Dos'

It’s Thursday, and you’ve begun to think about the long weekend stretched out before you. Don't let the rain put a damper on your plans. Let us help. We’ve got the best bets for you whether you want to stay close to home or find something to do a little farther afield. Check our picks for the places to see and things to do.

This week, we feature a film festival, performers who have a way with words and an award-winning choral octet.

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• Where/when: La Paloma Theatre, Encinitas, 7 p.m., Friday.

• Why go: To watch poets participate in three rounds of head-to-head competition and performance with their own original material. Poets should arrive by 5:45 p.m. to be chosen to perform. 

• Price: Free

• Where/when: Carlsbad Village Theatre, Carlsbad, Thursday.

• Why go: The San Diego Jewish Film Festival concludes its engagement in Carlsbad with screenings of a documentary and a drama. The festival continues through Feb. 20 with screenings daily at other sites, including La Jolla's Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center.

• Price: $11.25-$13.25

• Where/when: Joey's Smokin' BBQ, Carlsbad, 8:30 p.m., Friday.

• Why go: To see popular and up-and-coming comedians as part of Comedy at Doc's Saloon. Marc Takemiya headlines this week. 

• Price: $10

• Where/when: San Diego Convention Center, downtown San Diego, 9:30 a.m., Saturday.

• Why go: To learn about bone, joint and back health and injury prevention. Orthopaedic surgeons in town for their annual conference offer free sessions and will participate in a Q&A session with the audience. 

• Price: Free

• Where/when: St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, La Jolla, 4 p.m., Sunday.

• Why go: The church continues its music series, with Voces8, an award-winning a cappella act from the United Kingdom. Their repertoire ranges from English and European choral work to modern pop and jazz arrangements. 

• Price: $25