Weekend Entertainment

If you can dodge the rain on Saturday, then Sunday's mild temperatures and sun are going to be the perfect day to be outside.  So get off of the couch and find something to do.

MUSEUMS AND PARKS On Saturday, from 9am to 4pm, William and Mary Coker Joslin will host the public at Open Day at the Joslin Garden.  Visitors can explore the garden's distinct areas by following informal paths that connect a collection of camellias, an arboretum of unusual trees, a native woodland, and a formal patio garden. Naturalistic groupings of special native, cultivated, and exotic plants include some rare specimens. Joslin Garden is located at 2431 West Lake Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609. Please call (919) 513-7005 for more information about this event.

On Saturday, March 28, 2009, from 2 - 4 p.m, at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, in Durham there is an oppportunity to attend a Japanese Tea Ceremony.  Come and join a traditional Japanese tea ceremony demonstration and tasting to celebrate the early bloom of Japanese cherries. Afterward take the time to stroll (weather permitting) through the W. L. Culberson Asiatic Arboretum to view traditional Japanese lanterns and to visit the Durham-Toyama Sister Cities Pavilion on the hillside above the Teien-oike lake.  Location: Doris Duke Center  Fee: Friends $10 General Public $15 Students & Children (over the age of 5) $5

Join Museum of Life & Science staff and area scientists as they celebrate NanoDays 2009; a day of hands-on programs and demonstrations about nanoscale science, engineering and technology. We will feature various science and technology related activities designed to excite, engage and educate people of all ages about the science of the very small.  For more information visit the event web page.

At Marbles Kids Museum you can explore the chemistry of food with Saturday's program What's In Your Food, Dude ?!  You can join graduate students and professors from the NC State Department of Chemistry in Power2Play on Saturday, March 28, 10:00am–2:00pm, to discover what's in the food you eat. Extract DNA from a green pea and use chromatography to unveil the hidden colors from in snacks. Kids of all ages will learn something while playing with their food! 

Fungus Among Us: Saturday, March 28, from 1 - 3 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. As the spring nears, mushrooms are beginning to pop up. Come out and discover all the different types of mushrooms at the park. If you have an identification book, please bring it.  Call 620-8154 for more information.

Fishing Frenzy: Sunday March 29, from 1 - 3 p.m., at the Lake Michie Boathouse. This program gives children a chance to learn to fish. We provide poles and bait. Parents provide the company. This is for ages 5-12, and the cost is $2 per child. Every child must be accompanied by an adult. Limit 12 children. Call 620-8154 to register.

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.

Children's Spring Clothing and Baby Equipment Sale     open to the public Saturday 7:30am -2:30pm

2009 Making Magic Family Expo     Saturday

Broughton Ducks Unlimited Banquet     Saturday-  ticket information: 252-430-1576

India Fest - A Cultural Arts Showcase     Saturday & Sunday

GIVE BACK Service Raleigh 2009 has reopened their call for volunteers.  Only the first 2000 people to volunteer are guaranteed a tshirt and an assigned project.  After that there is a waiting list.  There are currently spots available.  To volunteer or for more information visit Service Raleigh's website.

MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS The North Carolina Symphony will be performing Blue Skies and Golden Sands on Friday & Saturday evenings at 8 pm and Sunday at 3pm in Meymandi Hall at The Progress Energy Center. For tickets visit Ticketmaster.

The North Carolina Theatre Presents Miss Saigon, Friday & Saturday nights at 8 pm, Saturday & Sunday afternoons at 2 pm and Sunday evening at 7pm , in Memorial Auditorium at The Progress Energy Center. For tickets visit Ticketmaster.

This weekend in Durham, DPAC is featuring 70's Soul Jam starring The Stylistics, Delfonics, Manhattans, J.J. Walker and The Main Ingredient on Saturday night at 8pm. For more information and tickets visit DPAC tickets. 

For a night of laughs, on Sunday evening Bill Cosby will be at DPAC.  The show begins at 8:30.  More information and ticket information can be found at DPAC's website.

Saturday night at 7pm Applause! Cary Youth Theatre presents Improv Comedy Night.  Laugh your way through funny, fast-paced skits and games – based on ideas the audience throws out - as our talented Improv Troupe presents Applause!’s 5th Improv Comedy Night! Admission is free, but bring some extra cash for concessions! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Are you a teen who’d like to perform? Call (919) 465-4792 for more information.  Location: Cary Senior Center

For live music dowtown Raleigh is the place to be Saturday night for Mike Roy & Rob Watson's CD Release Party at The Pour House.  The show will also feature Kenny Roby, The Mercy Filter & the Kennebec Duo. Tickets are $6 advance/$8 at door.  Doors open at 8 pm; show is at 9 pm.  For more information visit The Pour House website.

CARY ART LOOP All galleries and participating venues will be hosting the Art Loop from 6pm to 9pm on the final Friday of every month.  For participating venues and more information visit the Web site.



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!