Beer and Bacon, Chocolate 5K lead our weekend best bets

RALEIGH, N.C. — Lots of great events are happening in the Triangle this weekend. Here are our picks for weekend fun: 

Two of our favorite things are the focus of a festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary this Saturday. The Beer and Bacon Fest boasts 75 craft beers, food from 15 restaurants and 10 types of bacon from across the country. This all-you-care-to-eat event will also include live music. The day kicks off at noon for VIP ticket holders and at 2 p.m. for general admission. VIP tickets, only available in advance, are $69 and general admission is $35 in advance and $45 day of the event. The party lasts until 6 p.m.

One of our favorite spring events is finally here. The Lonerider Showdown will be taking over Moore Square in downtown Raleigh on Saturday. Starting at 4 p.m., this event features live music, a beer tent and casks including a Chocolate and Chipotle Sweet Josie and Jalapeno Peacemaker. General admission tickets are $20. VIP tickets, which are $75, get you access to catered food and beverage and an “Outlaw’s Saloon.” Proceeds benefit The Boys and Girls Clubs in Wake County. 

You might not be able to see him on “The Tonight Show” anymore, but Jay Leno will be taking his stand-up act to Durham this Friday night. Leno plays the Durham Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $59.

White Street Brewing Company in Wake Forest is kicking off NC Beer Month a little early with this NC Brewers’ Build the Guild event. There will be guest speakers from Fullsteam, Foothills, Mother Earth and Wicked Weed Brewing and two discussion panels on “Barrel Aging Beers” and “What’s New for 2014.” White Street will also be unveiling its first cork and cage bottle Koschei the Deathless Imperial Stout. Tickets are $15.

The Tap 'n' Run 4K is this Saturday afternoon on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh. Placed along the 2.5 mile course are multiple "chug stations" where you can indulge in 5 ounces of beer. More beer awaits at the finish line, where every participant receives a finisher's medal that doubles as a bottle opener. There will also be costume contests, an after party and fun had by all. Registration is $55. 

Fullsteam Brewery in Durham is holding the bomber bottle release of its new Lemuria brew this Saturday evening. Brewed in conjunction with the Duke Lemur Center, this chocolate brown ale is made with Madagascar vanilla, chocolate and roasted bananas. One dollar of each bottle sold goes to the Lemur Center. 

Sola Coffee in north Raleigh is holding a 5K Run/Walk to benefit the USO of North Carolina. This 5K starts and stops at Sola. The race starts at 7:30 a.m. and children are welcome to participate in group fitness with Marine ROC folks prior to a family fun run. Online registration is closed but you can sign up the day of for $35.

Lace up your running shoes and get that sweet tooth ready! The Chocolate 5K is Sunday at UNC’s South Building in Chapel Hill. Starting at 8 a.m., this race offers you sweet treats throughout and then some at the end. The event is a fundraiser for the Cornucopia Cancer Support Center. Sign up for $35 in advance and $40 the day of.

Head to Wake Forest to for some comfort food on Sunday evening. The Shore Grief Center is holding a Comfort Food Cook Off at The Cotton Company downtown. Local restaurants will be preparing their favorite comfort foods and attendees will be able to vote for their favorite. Tickets are $20 for those ages 16 and up. Children eat for free. Some of the restaurants participating: Real McCoy’s, Cannizzaro’s Pizza and the Angus Barn who will be bringing dessert!

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Flora and Food Trucks at Fairview Greenhouses and Garden Center off of Holly Spring Road in Raleigh. Learn more about vegetable gardening, herbs and perennials and check out four local food trucks at this monthly spring event. American Meltdown, Chick N Que, Sympathy for the Deli, Baguettaboutit and Sweet Traditions by LeAne will be on hand. 

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Benefit Food Truck Rodeo at Cary Creative Center. Trucks include Barone Meatball, Sarge’s Chef on Wheels and Blue Sky Dining. The event also includes a community yard sale and face painting.