The weather is supposed to be very spring-like this weekend.  I can't promise swimming temperatures but it should be nice to be outside. So find something to do and get OUTSIDE!

MUSEUMS AND PARKS  It's that time of year again! The Great News & Observer Birdhouse Competition returns to the JC Raulston Arboretum. If making birdhouses is not your thing, then looking at them should be. The creations range from barrels of laughs to studies in craftsmanship and beauty. Pack up the whole brood and join the fun.  Entries will be on display from 9a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Join the next generation of water explorers and conservationists at Marbles Kids Museum when the power of IMAX meets the power of the oceans at Wild Water Weekend!  The weekend will feature water-based activities and programs, special appearances by underwater critters and pirates, and wondrous water focused IMAX films. You won't want to miss this weekend of wild water fun! Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.  For more information visit Marbles Kids Museum.

Friday night, the North Carolina Museum of Art will host a Themed Art in the Evening, Down Home Carolina.  A live band will take center stage, accompanied by specialty drinks and small plates in the Egyptian Gallery. 5:30 to 8 p.m.  Plan to arrive early as themed evenings have become very popular.  Saturday morning, at the Museum, 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 week's theme is Creative Birds.  10 a.m. to noon, Ages 4-84+, Registration required: Limited space; call to enroll 919-839-6262.

From Field to Forest is this weeks program at Umstead Park.  Join a Park Ranger at the Crabtree large parking lot (off Highway 70) at 2 p.m. for a 2-mile, round trip hike on Sycamore Trail. We will talk about how fields grow into forests and how forests sometimes become fields. This program will last 1½ hours. Please call 571-4170 for more information and reservations. Limit 20.

PARADE! Because last weekend's weather was so awful, the organizers of The Raleigh St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival opted to postpone the event until this weekend.  The parade begins at noon and the festival will take place after that in Moore Square.  More information can be found at the Web site.

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.

Capital City Gun Show
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Bead Mercantile Show
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

GET ACTIVE & GIVE BACK Sunday the Durham Crop Walk begins at Duke Chapel on Science Drive. The annual event combines fun and fundraising to raise money for hungry people throughout the world. Walkers invite friends to sponsor them with a contribution of $5, $10, $20 or more. 2:30 p.m.; registration 1:30 p.m. For more information: 919-683-1179 or visit the Web site.

MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS  The North Carolina Symphony will be performing Tchaikovsky's Fourth on Saturday evening at 8 p.m. in Meymandi Hall at The Progress Energy Center.  For tickets visit Ticketmaster.

The North Carolina Theatre Presents Miss Saigon, Saturday night at 8 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m., in Memorial Auditorium at The Progress Energy Center. For tickets visit Ticketmaster.

The Triangle Youth Brass Band performs in the Progress Energy Center Fletcher Opera Theatre at 8 p.m. Saturday night.  For tickets visit Ticketmaster.

This weekend in Durham, DPAC is featuring Fiddler on the Roof, with shows scheduled Thursday through Sunday.  For more information and tickets visit DPAC tickets.

THIRD FRIDAY!  For a mix of music, art, and and open receptions take in Third Friday in Durham.  For a more information and a list of participating venues visit the Web site.


SPORTS The Hurricanes are at home this weekend.  They host the Islanders Friday night at 7 p.m. and the Capitals Saturday night at 7 p.m.  Visit the RBC Center Web site for more information

NC State will host the East Atlantic Gymnastics League (EAGL) Championships on March 21 at 3 p.m. at Reynolds Coliseum.

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!