Weekend Plans: Balloon Fest, Broadway, baseball, more

As always, check WRAL.com’s Out & About calendar for more activities. Check our strawberry farm database if strawberry shortcake or this strawberry cream cheese pie is on the menu for the weekend. And, don’t forget, public pools are opening across the Triangle starting this weekend. Our database has the details.

The WRAL Freedom Balloon Fest is Friday through Monday at Fleming Loop Park in Fuquay-Varina. The weekend features all kinds of hot air balloon competitions and displays. There also is a fun zone with activities for kids, live music and arts and crafts vendors.

We have two Broadway shows in the Triangle this weekend. N.C. Theatre presents “Matilda” at the Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts in Raleigh. And "Finding Neverland" is at the Durham Performing Arts Center.

New Hope Valley Railway in New Hill offers a 10:30 a.m., Friday, ride, along with the Brew N Choo Bonsal Beach Party on Saturday, a family-friendly event with train rides, food, music and more.

Booth Amphitheatre in Cary has two concerts this weekend. The N.C. Symphony launches its Summerfest series with a 7:30 p.m., Saturday, performance of the New World Symphony. Kids 12 and under are free. And the Triangle Wind Ensemble at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, will perform Broadway favorites. Kids 12 and under also a free.

The Durham Bulls are playing away this weekend, but the Carolina Mudcats in Zebulon have all kinds of activities planned. Friday night is Harry Potter Night with fireworks to end the night. Saturday is “Game of Ponds” night as they bring the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros to Five County Stadium. The first 1,200 fans will get a Mudcats Bannerman flag. On Sunday, fans can celebrate favorite children’s book characters and enjoy fireworks. On Monday, the team will be wearing patriotic uniforms.

And Bennett Place Historic Park in Durham will host a Military Timeline Commemoration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 pp.m., Sunday. It’s free. During the day, visitors can learn from military historians, who represent the American soldier throughout our nation’s history. A ceremony to commemorate the sacrifice of soldiers is 3 p.m., Saturday.