Weekend best bets: Reptiles, live music and comedy

This weekend will be filled with live music, comedy and more fun.

Live music

Aug. 11: Jason Aldean: Highway Desperado Tour 2023 - The country singer performs at Coastal Credit Music Park at Walnut Creek on Friday.

Aug. 13: Tyler Childers: Send in the Hounds Tour - See the singer on stage with special guest S.G. Goodman at Red Hat Amphitheater on Sunday.

Aug. 13: The Tune Swingers Orchestra will perform for the City of Raleigh's Summer Concert Series this Sunday at Pullen Park. This is a free event.

Comedy

Aug. 11-12: Aries Spears - Aries was a regular on Fox's "Mad TV" and has gone on to appear in a number of films and national talk shows. See him on stage at Raleigh Improv from Friday and Saturday.

Aug. 13: James Gregory - For decades, the unforgettable caricature of veteran comedian James Gregory has stood grinning: his shirt untucked, his arms outstretched, a carefree welcome to a down-home, hilarious comedy experience. It’s storytelling at its best. The trademark caricature is the essence of humorist James Gregory’s comedy: rib-tickling reflections on life from the front porch. See him on stage Aug. 13 at Raleigh Improv.

Movies

Aug. 10-13: OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival - OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival celebrates a worldwide glimpse of today’s LGBTQ+ life, helps bring the community together and features entertaining and sophisticated films and filmmaking. Enjoy screenings at Carolina Theatre of Durham from Aug. 10 to 13.

Aug. 11: Outdoor Movie: Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Raleigh Brewing is hosting our first-ever outdoor movie night on Friday with a screening of "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." The movie will begin at dusk. Admission is free.

More Fun

Aug. 10: National S’mores Day - For one day each year, the town of Morrisville changes it's name to “S’Morrisville.” The Town will hand out delicious s'mores and host other fun activities at Morrisville Community Park from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Aug. 11: Friday Night on White - Head to White Street in Wake Forest for this free block party with performances form Stone Age Romeos.

Aug. 11: Foodie Friday - Enjoy live music and food trucks during this event from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Dix Park Flowers Field.

Aug. 12: River Rat Regatta: Head to the Smithfield Boat Ramp on Front Street for the annual River Rat Regatta. The River Rat Regatta is a two-person boat race with "river worthy" vessels made using only cardboard, glue, and duct tape!

Aug. 12: 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Sneaker Ball - Celebrate the history of hip hop music during this event at Raleigh Union Station on Aug. 12. There will be legendary hip hop artists and DJs, drinks and food. Tickets start at $50.

Aug. 12: Skywatching - Perseid Meteor Shower - Join staff and volunteers from the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and Raleigh Astronomy Club in viewing the Perseid Meteor Shower at Dix Park on its peak night.  All you need to view meteors are your eyes, but there will be telescopes for you to view other celestial delights. The event is free and held from 9 to 11 p.m. at the Big Field at Dix Park. You can also watch and enjoy Whit’s Frozen Custard from the front lawn of the Burwell School in Hillsborough.

Aug. 12: Dog Days of Summer Party - Gizmo Brew Works hosts this afternoon of entertainment, live music, food and craft beer. The event is from 2 to 9 p.m.

Aug. 12: Geek and Grub Night Market (Anime Edition) - This monthly market at Fred Fletcher Park is from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12. This month's theme is Anime. Admission is free.

Aug. 12: Made Market: Raleigh - Shop from a variety of local merchants during this event at Market Hall in downtown Raleigh. Tickets are $5 for adults and children ages 15 and younger are admitted for free.

Aug. 12: Cary Eid Festival - Immerse yourself in a showcase of diverse performances, mesmerizing acts, and captivating cultural displays at the Cary Arts Center from 4:00 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Family friendly fun

Aug. 10-12: The Towne Players of Garner present “High School Musical Jr.” Thursday through Saturday at Garner Performing Arts Center (742 W. Garner Road). Shows are 8 p.m. all three nights plus a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door or in advance.

Aug. 12: Summer Night Hike - Experience the Cape Fear Botanical Garden after dark with a guided night hike. Listen for owl calls, learn how bats find their way in the dark and end the night with s'mores around the campfire. Register online. The cost is $20 per family.

Aug. 12: Back to School Pool Party - This one is just for the teens. The city of Raleigh is hosting it's Back to School Pool Party with free admission, food, DJ, and more. This will be at the Biltmore pool in Raleigh.

Aug. 12: Basketball and Back to School - Join the John Wall Family Foundation and Raleigh Parks for a party in the park to celebrate the groundbreaking of the John Wall Family Foundation Court at Roberts Park. There will be a backpack giveaway while supplies last and entertainment.

Aug. 12-13: Repticon Raleigh Reptile and Exotic Animals Show - Shop from hundreds of vendors, who specialize in merchandise and supplies for exotic pets. Also shop for a new pet among the hundreds of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, arachnids and small exotic animals available on site. The event is at the N.C. State Fairgrounds' Exposition Center on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $10 to $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 5 to 12 years old. Those ages 4 years and younger are admitted for free.

Aug. 13: Bubbles Day featuring Ayla the Dreams Fairy - Head to Kids Together Park in Cary for an afternoon of bubble fun! This is a free event starting at 2:00 p.m.

Aug. 13: Popsicles, Playtime & Pups - Enjoy this end-of-summer festival of fun, games, and pup-friendly activities! Bring your family, friends, and furry canine pals to Jack Smith Park in Cary. Cool off at the sprayground, create a craft, play games, make bubbles, and take your pup to the dog park for activities.

Now-Sept. 24: Paperhand Puppet presents: Where our spirits reside - The show takes place August 4th through September 17th at the Forest Theatre in Chapel Hill and September 22-24 at the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh. Tickets range $10-20.