Do It. San Diego Music Thing.

Summer may soon be over, but you've still got an excuse for a road trip this weekend. The San Diego Music Thing -- great name, right? -- looks like pretty much the closest thing Southern California may get to its own SXSW, and while it isn't exactly boasting something along the lines of a Death From Above 1979 reunion, it's still got some cred. A few L.A. highlights include Abe Vigoda, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. and Exene Cervenka (from X), and that's alongside some 150 other bands over the two-day event. Plus there'll be speakers straight from the heart of the music industry, offering their insights and probably some fun stories to boot.

Best of all, an all-access pass -- meaning every concert and speaker panel -- is only $45 right now (or $50 the days of). For both days! It's a pretty sweet deal. And if you just want to check out the bands alone, it's only $20 a day.

Musical road trip sounds pretty good now, huh?

The San Diego Music Thing takes places this Friday and Saturday at The Lafayette Hotel, located at 2223 El Cajon Blvd. in San Diego.

-- Chau Tu

Advance Notice. Four Day Weekend in San Diego.

I still remember the first time I saw The Dodos. I was at the El Rey to see Les Savy Fav, and was frankly taken aback when this two-man band walked onstage to start playing an acoustic set. That was it -- two guys, one on drums and one on guitar, both singing and both totally on their game. The passion and care they took to their music was blatant and beautiful, and I instantly fell in love with their easygoing, simple yet intricate songs.

They're still not playing huge venues, but I can only imagine seeing them in small spaces anyway; I'm sure that's the best way to experience them. Which is why the Four Day Weekend in San Diego, hosted by Sezio at Sushi Art in the East Village seems like a worthy road trip. The four-day (duh) event is aimed at bringing music to its audience in an intimate and special setting (last year's event took place in a loft; Sushi Art is just a tad bigger), and highlight local bands. Besides the Dodos, you have a chance to check out LBC's own Avi Buffalo, as well as Dominant Legs and The Tree Ring.

The best part is each of the shows is only $10. But be sure to grab these tickets early -- the venue is small, after all. Start planning!

Four Day Weekend takes place Nov. 4-7 at Sushi Art in San Diego. Buy tickets here.

-- Chau Tu

Do It. Camping in SD.

In celebration of Earth Day tomorrow eight San Diego county parks are waiving their fees and allowing free camping April 22.

Among the participating locations are Sweetwater Summit, Agua Caliente, Dos Picos, Guajome, Lake Morena, Vallecito, and William Heise. Normally camp site prices are in the $20 range.

Seems like a totally legitimate excuse to cut out of work a bit early and celebrate California's natural wonders.

Reservations are encouraged. For an assured spot at Sweetwater Summit call (619) 472-7572.

-- Lauren Williams

Photo credit: San Diego parks and rec website.