Weekend Plans: Lego-palooza, Astronomy Days, African American celebration

Happy weekend! Here’s what’s happening in the family fun department. As always, check WRAL.com’s Out & About calendar for more.

Lego-palooza returns to Morehead Planetarium and Science Center this Saturday and Sunday in Chapel Hill. This is the 12th year for this very popular event, which is held in conjunction with the North Carolina LEGO Users Group. There will be some big displays, along with hands-on activities. This one is best for ages 6 and up. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday. (It's also one of three Lego-related events coming up in the next few months.).

Astronomy Days launches this weekend at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh and will feature Christina Hammock Koch, a North Carolina native who is one of eight members of the 21st NASA astronaut class. The two-day event is a collaboration with NASA and the Raleigh Astronomy Club. The free event runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, at the Raleigh museum.

The 15th annual African American Cultural Celebration is 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, at the N.C. Museum of History in downtown Raleigh. The free event will feature more than 75 musicians, storytellers, dancers, authors, artists, chefs, and more will help kick off Black History Month and celebrate African American heritage and culture.

Some local Barnes & Noble book stores will host Groundhog Day-themed storytimes this weekend. Check with your local Barnes & Noble store to find out if one is planned near you. (We also have two Groundhog Day events with actual groundhogs on Tuesday).

Wake Up and Read, a Wake County effort to collect books to distribute to needy kids, will kick off its annual book drive at 2 p.m., Saturday, at Quail Ridge Books & Music in Raleigh. The afternoon will include special storytimes, face painting, appearances from Disney princesses and more. Quail Ridge also will be offering a 20 percent discount on any purchase if customers donate to Wake Up and Read.

The Museum of Life and Science’s Frozen Over ends its run this Sunday. The special exhibit, best for ages 5 and under, features all kinds of indoor winter-themed fun. It’s free with admission.

The Chapel Hill Carrboro Mothers Club annual preschool fair is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, at the Carrboro Century Center.

Finally, Central Park in Durham will host a food truck rodeo from noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, featuring live music and all kinds of food.