Weekend Plans: Modern dance, modern pop, festivals, more

As always, check WRAL.com’s Out & About calendar for more ideas. I’m taking a bit of a break this week, but if you’re looking for more weekend activity ideas, be sure to check out our Summer Fun Guide, with activities to keep you busy all summer.

The American Dance Festival’s kids series starts up with a performance from the long-time festival favorite and world-renowned dance troupe Pilobolus. The show is 1 p.m., Saturday, at the Durham Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $15. The one-hour performance is followed by a party in the lobby with music, face painting, snacks and more. I know the Sandbox band will be there.

What’s been described as a homegrown version of the television show “Glee” takes place at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, at Fletcher Theatre at the Duke Energy Performing Arts Center in Raleigh. The 2013 Summer Showcase features 40 of the region’s most talented high school and college students from more than two dozen local schools. They’ll be accompanied by a live band while they perform choreographed group selections and individual spotlight solos. Tickets are $10 to $15.

Elska, a modern pioneer who discovered a newly formed volcanic island off the coast of Iceland, will perform her modern pop music for kids and families at an 11 a.m., Saturday, show at The ArtsCenter in Carrboro. Elska is actually a character dreamed up by Shelley Wollert, the creative person behind the performance. Read all about it in my earlier Q&A with Wollert. Tickets are $7 for kids and $9 for everybody else. Kids 2 and under are free. A family four pack is $28.

JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh will hold a Summer Solstice Family Fun Night  from 5:30 p.m. to 8:34 p.m., Friday. The evening includes food, games and a screening of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax. Read my earlier post for details.

The Rex Hospital Open runs through Sunday at TPC Wakefield Plantation in north Raleigh. The event includes a Carolina Hurricanes-sponsored family fun day on Saturday with face painting, bounce houses, mini-golf, a rock climbing wall and more. On Sunday, during Service Appreciation Day, the Open offers free admission for active and former military, police, fire and EMS. The first 500 attendees receive a free hat. After the final hole, there will be a demonstration jump by the All Veteran Parachute Team on the 18th hole, followed by the Open trophy presentation. Admission is free for kids 16 and under with an adult.

If your kids like big trucks: The state chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America will hold an annual Equipment and Truck Road-E-O this weekend at two locations in Wake County. More than 100 contestants representing public and private waste collection services will be competing for driving, operating and mechanical honors. It takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, at two locations - City of Raleigh Wilders Grove Solid Waste Services Facilty, 630 Beacon Lake Dr., Raleigh, and at the South Wake Landfill, 6130 Old Smithfield Rd., Apex. It's free and open to the public. Some equipment will be set aside for kids at the event in Raleigh where they can touch the equipment and climb into the driver's seat.

Peak City Pig Fest is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, in Apex. The day includes pig races, a special area for kids and lots of barbecue.

The Ackland Art Museum in Chapel Hill will hold a family day from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday. Make summertime hats and fans and take in some art in the gallery. A story time is scheduled for 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Programs are best for kids ages 4 to 8.

Ritmo Latino Festival is noon to 7 p.m., Saturday, in downtown Cary. The free festival features Latino music, dance and arts, along with special activities for kids.