Weekend best bets: BBQ, STOMP and African-American Cultural Fest

RALEIGH, N.C. — We have some fun ahead this weekend, including an outdoor festival.

12th Annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County (Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E South St., Raleigh) - This annual celebration will be held in-person in downtown Raleigh. The two-day event will include a vendor village at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts parking lot on Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m. There will also be a family friendly event in Moore Square from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday. That event will include a battle of the DJs and children's activities. In the evening from 6 to 11 p.m., there will be several concerts on the main stage outside of Duke Energy Center. These will be presented at limited capacity due to COVID-19. Fans must sign up online to attend these concerts.

STOMP (Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham) - STOMP has been called explosive, inventive, provocative, witty and utterly unique. See it on stage Saturday and Sunday at Durham Performing Arts Center. Face coverings are required for these performances.

Aries Spears (Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main Street, Cary) - You might remember Aries from his role on Fox's "Mad TV" or in his film roles. See the comedian live on stage at Raleigh Improv Thursday through Sunday.

Bull City BBQ Bash (Mike D's BBQ & General Store, 306 S. Driver Street, Durham) - Mike D's BBQ will host this festival on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. The event will include a barbecue competition, live music, food trucks and more.

Primus (Red Hat Amphitheater, 500 S. McDowell St., Raleigh) - Primus will pay homage to prog-rock legends Rush this summer with A Tribute to Kings, a cross-country tour that will feature the Bay Area trio playing Rush's classic 1977 album A Farewell to Kings in its entirety, in addition to their own music. See them at Red Hat Amphitheater on Saturday.

Mural by Bike Tours: Downtown Durham ("Major" the Bull Sculpture, 211 W. Parrish St., Durham) - On Saturday, Preservation Durham and Museum of Durham History bikers, guide riders thru downtown Durham showcasing mural art on Durham's historic buildings. The rides take place the first Saturday of each month.

The Great Drunk History Walking Tour (Paddy O'Beers, 121 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh) - With an expert guide, the tour winds it way through Downtown Raleigh featuring tall tales and stops at some of the city's most famous landmarks. The tour is Saturday at 3 p.m.

Wonderbop (Boxyard RTP, 900 Park Offices Drive, Durham) - This monthly event is designed to get RTP turnt up and inspired with live music, DJing, spoken word, and more. This collaboration between Blackspace and Wonderpuff will feature talented artists and youth from the area on the first Saturday of every month at Boxyard RTP from 6 to 9 p.m. This month, Fullsteam will be out there selling beer.

Rod Wave: SoulFly Tour (Red Hat Amphitheater, 500 S. McDowell St., Raleigh) - Rapper and singer-songwriter Rod Wave will bring his SoulFly tour to Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh on Sunday night.

Pickin' in the Pines Music Series: Kelley & The Cowboys (Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary) - A native North Carolinian, Kelley Breiding has been hailed by many as "the new queen of country music." See her on stage at Booth Amphitheatre on Sunday afternoon. Tickets are $5.