As warm weather moves into the Triangle, our options for weekend entertainment are broadening.  The weather and the calender have decided to cooperate this weekend and we are going to get warm and dry!  So find something to do and get OUTSIDE!

MUSEUMS AND PARKS  Friday night, at the North Carolina Museum of History, the Museum of History Associates will be hosting Pirates and Poker.  Celebrate the opening of Knights of the Black Flag at this spirited gala. Expect an evening of high energy as you socialize with friends, listen to live music, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and play casino games. 8pm-midnight For tickets, call 919-807-7853. $75, $65 for members.

Saturday morning, at the North Carolina Museum of Art, you can find something for the whole family in Family Fun Saturdays.  Free morning workshops for families. Kids and adults will delight in creating projects, discovering one another's creativity, and learning about art together. A different theme each week means there's always something new to explore. This weeks theme is Fluidity in Art.  10 a.m.–noon, Ages 4-84+, Registration required: Limited space; call to enroll (919) 664-6828.

Head out to William B. Umstead State Park on Sun, March 8, 2009 for the Big Lake Boat-A-Bout.  Join a Park Ranger at the Boathouse (located off Hwy 70) at 1:00 p.m. for a guided canoe trip around Big Lake and a discussion of the many plants and animals that live in or around this important body of water. Canoes, paddles and life jackets are provided. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Basic canoe skills are recommended. Reservations required. This program will last 1-1/2 hours. Please call 571-4170 for more information and reservations. Space is limited.

Durham Parks and Recreation will host a Night Hike on Friday March 6, from 8-10pm at West Point on the Eno.  For information on any program or to pre-register, please contact (919) 620-8154.  Join us to explore the forest in the beauty of night.

Get up early on Saturday morning and head out to Lake Crabtree County Park for Birding with Vernon. Join resident bird enthusiast, Vernon, for an easy walk while looking and listening for our feathered friends. Discover different types of birds and their habitats. Meet at the Waterwise Garden in the first gravel parking lot on the right No preregistration required. FREE! 8:30am

If you are in the Apex area, you can head out to the American Tobacco Trail White Oak Church Parking Lot for Fox Trackers, Saturday, March 7, 2-3 p.m. Fox may be sly, sneaky and hard to find, but if we look closely, we can find evidence they are around. Learn how to search for fox tracks, fox scat and other signs fox leave behind. Make a fox track mold to take home. Advance registration is required for all programs. All programs are $3/person or $5/family.

SHOWS AND EXPOS The State Fairgrounds is always a hub if activity on the weekend. Hours and admission costs (if any) can be found at State Fairgrounds Web site.  Head out for a show and take advantage of the warm weather to wander around the flea market.

Friday through Sunday NCHJA C Indoors Horse Show
Hunter Jumper Horse Show - Daily show begins at 8 a.m. Free admission.

Friday through Sunday Dixie Deer Classic
Deer Hunters Convention. This is the 28th annual event designed to offer the latest in hunting equipment from more than 200 vendors. Seminars, displays, trophy scoring, and archery competition.

GET ACTIVE & GIVE BACK Saturday morning you can be a part of Raleigh's inaugural Get Your Rear in Gear 5K event at Fred Fletcher Park. Help us recognize survivors and honor those we have lost to colon and rectal cancer. Funds raised will help local efforts to raise awareness of colon and rectal cancer and positively impact screening rates. This is a USA Track & Field Certified Course.  Kids Fun Run 8:00 am, 5K Timed Run 8:30 am., 5K Walk 8:35 am.  Preregistration is closed but you can register at packet pick up times, Friday at Athletes Foot in Cameron Village from 2-7pm, and Saturday at the race site from 7-8am.  Registration is $30.  Children 10 and under are $15.  For more information visit Get Your Rear In Gear.


FILM Normally I wouldn't push a movie opening, but the much anticipated Watchmen opens Friday night at your neighborhood theater.  Comic buffs everywhere are sure to be thrilled.  Check your local theater for listings and show times.

Certainly worth checking out Mummies 3D also starts this weekend at the IMAX at Marbles Kids Museum.

MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS  The big show this weekend will be in Durham, at DPAC, as Jesus Christ Superstar is on tap for shows Friday through Sunday nights and matinees on Saturday and Sunday. $27-$67

For a smaller venue, head to Slim's Downtown Distillery in Raleigh to hear The Hymns, Sunday night at 10pm.  This up and coming band has a great airy country rock sound.  Cover is $5.  Call (919) 833-6557 for more information. Or for an earlier start  The Pour House, also in downtown Raleigh, is hosting The Battle of the Bands.  4pm, cover is $10.

For something a little different, The Carolina Theatre in Durham will play host to The Art of Bellydance, featuring the Bellydance Superstarts.  Tickets range from $27-$32 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 919-560-3030 or visiting the theatre's website.

FIRST FRIDAY!  First Friday is one of Raleigh's most popular evening escapes. Join us on the First Friday of every month for a fun-filled introduction to Raleigh's exciting art, music and dining scene. Enjoy a free self-guided tour of local art galleries, art studios, museums, retail, restaurants and alternative art venues on the first Friday of every month. Look for the First Friday Flags to easily locate participating venues. A detailed map/guide will be available at each location. Pick up your very own FREE copy for easy event navigation. Visit the galleries and listen to live music. Delight in a divine culinary experience and take advantage of the First Friday Specials offered by all participating restaurants. Experience art in all of its forms!  For more information, a venue map, and calender of events visit the First Friday website.


SPORTS The Hurricanes host The Flames, Friday night at 7pm.  More information and ticket availability can be found here.

In Durham, the Blue Devils Lacrosse and Baseball teams are hosting at home on Saturday and Sunday.  For more information visit www.goduke.com.  The Heels have Baseball, Softball, Track, and Tennis teams at home both days as well.  UNC Athletic website for more info. 

If you would rather spend the evening hanging out with friends; UFC 96: Jackson vs Jardine is showing on Pay Per View at 10pm.  If you don't want to shell out the $45, then call your local sports bar to see where its showing and give them your money instead.  At least you'll get dinner for your money!

ROAD TRIP  In Greensboro, the ACC Women's Basketball Tournament kicked off today.  If you can't make the trip to Atlanta next weekend to support your team, then make the short drive to Greensboro and support the women instead.  Tickets are still available for the remaining sessions through Ticketmaster or you can try your luck at the venue.

Whew!  That was quite a pageful!   Hopefully, there is something for everyone; try to take advantage of the arrival of the spring weather. Let me know what you did and send suggestions for the future. Check back next week for more great ideas and informative chatter.

Ciao!