Doughman, anime convention lead our weekend best bets

RALEIGH, N.C. — It is time again for the Doughman challenge in Durham. Watch teams compete in this part triathlon, part competitive eating event on Saturday morning. Teams run, bike and do some type of water event. In between each leg, team members eat courses from local restaurants. Proceeds benefit Durham Public Schools' Hub Farm. Team registration is closed, but you can still go out and watch or grab some grub at the Doughman hEArTs Durham Food Fair. The fair is during the race from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Tasting tickets are $2 each or grab 10 for $18.

Animazement at the Raleigh Convention Center this weekend will celebrate everything about anime and Japan. The three-day convention will have dances, karaoke, human chess and costume contests. You can register on-site starting Thursday evening. 

Head to Pittsboro Saturday for the fourth annual NC Hops and Roots Festival. This family-friendly event celebrates local beer, wine, food and music. There will be children's activities, local artists and farmers. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate.

The North Carolina Symphony kicks off its summerfest on Saturday night at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. They will be joined by citizen musicians, nearly doubling the size of the orchestra for this show. Advance tickets are $28 and children 12 and under get in free on the lawn.

Celebrate America on Sunday at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. The Town of Cary and Triangle Wind Ensemble are presenting "An American Celebration," featuring selections from John Williams. Tickets start at $15.

For a good laugh, check out "Saturday Night Live" alum Finesse Mitchell at Goodnight's Comedy Club in Raleigh this weekend. Tickets start at $15.

And finally, the reason for the three-day weekend: To remember those who have died in service to our country. Memorial Day commemorations are set for many local communities, most of them on Monday morning.