Merge Records 25K, hoops lead our weekend best bets

RALEIGH, N.C. — Our picks for what to do in the Triangle this weekend!

Merge Records is celebrating 25 years of independent music with a 25K road race this Saturday. Participants will start in Chapel Hill, where Merge had its beginnings, and race to the finish line in Merge’s current home in downtown Durham. The event will help raise funds for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina and Habitat for Humanity of Durham and Orange County. An after-party is planned at Motorco with music from The Love Language and Vertical Scratchers. Registration for the race is $85. 

One of the most respected improve troupes in the country – the Upright Citizens Brigade brings its touring show to the Carolina Theatre of Durham on Friday night. Tickets start at $18. 

PNC Arena will be hosting the second and third rounds of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament on Friday and Sunday. Tickets are still available. If you are headed there, make sure to go early and check out the Hoops and Hops FanFest outside of the arena before and in between sessions on Friday. There will be food trucks, beer and more. The Hoops and Hops FanFest continues Sunday prior to game time.

InterAct holds its annual Hoopla fundraiser Saturday at the NC State Fairgrounds’ Holshouser Building in Raleigh. This basketball-inspired event will feature teams competing to raise money for InterAct, which helps individuals and families impacted by domestic and sexual violence. Enjoy food, a silent auction and some hoops. Tickets are $30.

Bond Park’s annual Kite Festival is Saturday afternoon. There will be expert kite-flyers on hand for stunt demos. Fly your own kite and be entered to win a certificate. Categories include best crash, quickest take-off, most un-flyable kite and most unique. Everything starts at 12:30 p.m. with registration. 

Head to Dorton Arena in Raleigh on Sunday for India Fest, a cultural arts showcase featuring music, dance and fashion. Tickets start at $8. 

Head to downtown Wake Forest’s The Cotton Company for the White Street Spring Craft Market on Saturday. For one day only, there will be 80 vendors under one roof. And if that isn’t enough, Sweet Traditions by LeAne will be serving cupcakes outside. Admission is free. 

Lots of opportunities to shop locally this weekend. On Sunday, the second Let’s Shop Local Shopping Spree will be held at the North Carolina Fairgrounds’ Holshouser Building. From 11 a.m .to 6 p.m., shop local art, jewelry and crafts. Admission is $3 for adults and children 12 years and under get in free. 

Rock n Roll Fun Run at Busy Bee: Have some fun while training for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon this Sunday. They will have 5 and 8 mile fun run routes available, and after the run come back for drink specials.