Triangle families can sample an eclectic mix of fun this weekend, from an evening of music and art in Hillsborough, to a free hands-on free ecology lesson on the Haw River, to a horse show in Smithfield and a sky watching session at Lake Jordan.

In Hillsborough, last Fridays events are back! This Friday, June 26, from 6 to 9 p.m., enjoy music, art, shopping and dining. The Hillsborough Arts Council will be sponsoring the center-stage musical act and children’s art events on the courthouse square, and—new to this year—a pie contest!

Take the kids out to the Haw River in Saxapahaw from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, June 27, to learn how to test water quality, then stay on for an evening of family-friendly summer fun. You’ll see how to measure a stream's water quality by identifying the number and type of water bugs and by doing simple chemical tests. After, stay on to hear Jimmy Magoo and the Good Life play (fun for the whole family), visit the farmer's market and crafts booths, buy a picnic supper, and enjoy a great summer event.

If you love horses, don’t miss the Johnston County Horse Show Series on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at the Johnston County Livestock Arena, in Smithfield. The horse show, which encourages family participation, is open to riders and horses/mules from all riding levels, breeds and disciplines. Call 934-1344 or visit www.johnstoncountync.org.

On Saturday from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., all ages are welcome for a skywatching session at the Jordan Lake Ebenezer Church Recreation Area. Call (919) 962-1236 or visit www.moreheadplanetarium.org. It’s a chance to discover the night sky with telescopes and guidance from Morehead educators and the Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society.

On Saturday at 7 p.m. in Chapel Hill, check out "Just Us Chickens" for a choral concert featuring music, stories and songs about animals that will delight all ages. Donations are accepted.. You’ll find it at Forest Theatre, on the UNC-CH campus, Chapel Hill. Visit www.womensvoiceschorus.org for details.

In Cary on Friday, enjoy the Starlight Concert Series: Moment's Notice at 7:30 p.m. at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center Garden. The series offers free concerts on select Fridays throughout the summer. You’re invited to gather with family, friends, lawn chairs and a picnic, but asked to leave pets and alcoholic beverages at home. Concerts may be cancelled or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. For more information, call (919) 460-4963.

Also in Cary from Friday through Sunday, check out the Tournament of Stars at the USA Baseball National Training Complex. Watch the top 144 baseball high school juniors and seniors compete against one another. The tournament is made up of 144 of the nation's best ballplayers who are born in 1991 or 1992. They are invited by 8 youth baseball groups (AABC, American Legion, Babe Ruth, Dixie, PONY, NABF, RBI, and USA Baseball) and compete on 8 teams under the same names. Cost: $10 entry fee for the entire day. For more information, call (919) 387-5844.

In Cary on Saturday, join Triangle Brass Band at 7 p.m. at Sertoma Amphitheatre at Bond Park for "Pops in the Park!" It’s free. The area's premier adult brass band will perform a selection of marches, musicals, light classical music and traditional brass band tunes. For more information, call (919) 363-8664 or visit www.trianglebrass.org.

Also in Cary on Saturday, you’ll find NC Symphony Summerfest: Cirque de la Symphonie performing at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 7:30 p.m. The amphitheatre will be turned into a circus, as aerialists fly overhead and acrobatic feats are performed as the orchestra plays favorite classical masterpieces. Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 the day of show. For more information, visit www.boothamphitheatre.com.

If you love live music, head to in Bosendorfer Hall at Ruggero Piano, in Raleigh at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 26, for 4th Friday Mix, a free public concert. This month's 4th Friday concert offers an evening of solo piano, violin, and vocal performances for the whole family Eats and drinks always follow the evening's performance and an opportunity to talk with the musicians. For more information, visit www.ruggeropiano.com.

If you’re headed to the movies with the kids and want to check what’s appropriate for your tot, tween or teen, read Jean’s Movie Choices for Kids on CarolinaParent.com before you go.