Weekend Plans: Puppets, Paddington, baseball, more

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

Paperhand Puppet Intervention’s annual summer show is on stage now at the Forest Theatre in Chapel Hill. The group specializes in large-scale shows that showcase puppets of all shapes and sizes, live music and incredibly creative stories. There’s a suggested donation, but people aren’t turned away. The show will run on weekends through Labor Day, then move over to the N.C. Museum of Art in Raleigh (where tickets are required).

Apex will host a free outdoor screening of “Paddington” at dusk on Saturday at its Apex Nature Park, 2600 Evans Rd. Be sure to bring your own chairs or blanket.

WINGS Kids Consignment Sale in Raleigh is this Friday and Saturday.

Baseball! Both the Durham Bulls and the Carolina Mudcats are rounding out their season with home games all weekend. Both will feature fireworks after Friday and Saturday’s games.

Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site will offer its annual summer artillery living history program from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday. Costumed living historians will demonstrate how soldiers made meals, maintained their weapons, equipment and uniforms, trained for battle, withstood the weather, and much more. This free program will feature artillery firings at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. and musket demonstrations at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. It’s in Four Oaks in Johnston County.

The next Relative Pitch Youth Open Mic is 5 p.m., Saturday, at Sola Coffee Cafe, 7705 Lead Mine Rd. The series features young performers (up to age 18). Performers can sign up through the Relative Pitch website for future shows. Saturday's show is filled! This is a great opportunity for young musicians and other performers to play in a friendly and safe setting.

Waverly Promenade in Cary will host a Back to School Party from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday. It includes free pony rides, crafts, live music and an interactive “little farm.”

Durham’s Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St., will host Jody Cassell and Jude Casseday of the American Dance Festival for “Dancing Stories,” at 10:30 a.m., Saturday. In “Dancing Stories” Cassell uses sounds, rhythms and creative movements to tell stories pulled from personal experiences, folk tales and public records, and Casseday provides musical accompaniment. The two work together to present these educational classes in public schools, museums, camps and more, sponsored by the American Dance Festival, according to a press release. Attendees are invited to participate in dance movements. No prior dance experience is necessary.

From 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill will host Ellen Fischer, who celebrates her latest book, “If an Elephant Went to School,” with a party featuring goodie bags and special craft.

Village Lanes in Durham will host a youth league day on Saturday with free food, bowling and information about the youth league registration. It’s for ages 2 to 20 with parent.

Booth Amphitheatre in Cary will host a variety of free activities for families during an event that combines the popular, but rescheduled summer series Tuesdays for Tots and It’s a Small World Celebration. It’s 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday. The evening includes performances from area cultural groups representing countries all over the world, an instrument petting zoo, craft stations, face painting and more. Admission is free. Some activities may have a small fee.