A moving place

Santa Barbara is such a vibrant community — this weekend has an organic food festival, an art exhibit by people with mental health issues, an AIDS walk, two provoking talks and a visit of “The Moving Wall” – a replica of the Vietnam Memorial.

Be moved

“The Moving Wall” is a replica of Washington's  Vietnam memorial and contains the names of over 58,000 men and women who lost their lives during that conflict. Saturday's dedication at Chase Palm Park starts at noon with a keynote address by Major General Joseph Franklin, former Commandant of West Point; a flyby by military aircraft is at 1 p.m. On Sunday, a non-denominational candlelight ceremony is at 6:30 p.m.

Have some heart

Since the first AIDS Walk in 1992, the local community has helped raise nearly $3 million for the men, women and children living with, affected by, or at risk for HIV/AIDS in Santa Barbara county. Saturday's walk continues this vital work. Check in for the Heart & Sole AIDS Walk is at 9 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m., departing from Leadbetter Beach.

Mental Health Arts Festival

Artists with mental health disabilities showcase their works at the 18th Annual Mental Health Arts Festival in the De La Guerra Plaza from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. There are paintings, sculptures, jewelry, plus music and poetry, and a lot of support for these creative community members.

Make it organic

SOL stands for Sustainable, Organic and Local – which is how SOL Food Festival organizers want people to select their food. Meet local farmers, and join in discussions about backyard chickens, worm composting, container gardening, seed saving and canning, to name a few. Come hungry – food vendors offer delicious dishes made from local bounty. Come thirsty – the Beer and Wine Garden has fermented fun in the form of tastings and talks about wine, beer, mead and more. Admission is free at Plaza Vera Cruz, across from the Farmers Market on Cota and Santa Barbara streets, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m..

Be inspired

Two talks sponsored UCSB Arts & Lectures should inspire. Entrepreneur Blake Mycoskie (TOMS Shoes) shares his visionary ideas about “conscious capitalism” and social responsibility at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Arlington Theatre; tickets are $28. On Sunday, African peace activist Leymah Gbowee discusses how she started a women-led peace movement in Liberia and how the movement continues today.

Laugh

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater returns to the Lobero by popular demand with shows at 4 and 7 p.m. Sunday and at 7 p.m. Monday. His animal cast features more than 30 performing pets including housecats, dogs, parrots and even geese and mice.