what's up for the weekend... may 27-29

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! Sticking 'round home? Here are a few ideas for getting outta the house and keeping the kids busy. For even more things to do, check out our calendar.

Tales and Trails: Join Irvine Nature Center for a few animal stories followed by an animal interaction! We'll read a story about an animal that calls Irvine home, and then we'll meet that animal in real life! It's a different program every Friday. Story time starts at 10:00 AM.

Strawberry Picking: THEY'RE here! Strawberry season is in full swing. Check out our round up of local farms that are offering pick your own strawberries. Larriland Farm and Baugher's Farm were too popular picks among our readers when we asked for fav places to berry pick with the family.

Green Spring Station Farmer's Market: This Saturday from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM! Look for all things fresh and local as Green Spring Station welcomes the 3rd season of its Farmers Market. More than 20 of Maryland’s very best local vendors will be on-site. While you're there, enjoy the sculpture art in the courtyard!

Canstruction: Last weekend to catch the masterpiece! Canstruction is a national event held in different cities throughout North America as one of the most unique food charities in the world. This design/build competition showcases colossal sculptures built from thousands of ordinary cans of food. Highlighting the creativity and compassion of top architectural and engineering firms, these outstanding structures help to change the world by lifting the spirits of those in need, raising public awareness, and most importantly, collecting millions of pounds of food for local food banks. Come see the magnificent designs on display for public viewing at Harborplace & The Gallery!

Science Alive! Kids Under 5: Head over to Masonville Environmental Education Center to explore the world of camouflage and other ways that animals hide themselves. Join them for games, stories and crafts on Saturday from 10 AM - 11 AM. Snack & Take Home Craft Provided.

Brew at the Zoo and Wine, Too! Sample many of the area’s finest craft beers and wines with great music at The Maryland Zoo’s biggest "FUN"draiser of the year! Brew at the Zoo and Wine, Too! couples food and beverage with music and fun! Tickets are required and include unlimited beer and wine tastings, a commemorative tasting glass, 3 live bands per day, and access to food, snack, artisan, and commercial vendors. The fun happens Saturday and Sunday.

The Sowebo Arts and Music Festival: For a quarter-century the Sowebo Arts and Music Festival in Baltimore has been a Memorial Day weekend tradition. Held surrounding historic Hollins Market, the festival combines food, drink, music, and art, making for a fantastic day for festival goes of all ages. Music from noon to 8 pm on Sunday.

Ninth Annual Baltimore Rathayatra Chariot Parade and Festival of India: Join in the FREE fun at this year's Ninth Annual Baltimore Rathayatra Chariot Parade and Festival of India on Sunday, May 29th proclaimed "Rathayatra Day" in Baltimore. The Parade begins at noon on the corner of Key Highway and Light Street behind the Science Center at the Baltimore Inner Harbor. Participants from throughout the East Coast will pull by hand the gigantic, colorful and awe inspiring 30' tall wooden cart up Light Street, to the accompaniment of melodious singing and dancing, to McKeldin Square at the corner of Pratt and Light Streets. At that time (2pm) the Festival of India will begin with performances of Indian music, dance, and drama, cultural exhibits, gift shops, face painting, kids activities and a FREE vegetarian feast.

Memorial Day at Fort McHenry: Join National Park Service Rangers for a day-long program of Memorial Day observances. Events include wreath-layings, flag demonstration involving veterans at noon, observances of the National Moment of Silence (3:00 p.m. in the Star Fort), historic Memorial Day speeches, poems and special programs about the history of Memorial Day.