what's up for the weekend... july 15-17

The forecast is sunny with a 100% chance of 90 degrees this weekend. Here are our top picks for how to keep the kiddos busy! Check out our calendar for a more complete list of events.

Green Spring Station Sidewalk Sale: This is one for the WHOLE family! The summer Sidewalk Sale is BACK at Green Spring Station from July 14-16! Stop by and check out exclusive savings on end of the season styles. You’ll find savings of up to 70% at your favorite stores like Essentials by Panache, Bare Necessities,Tea and Toobydoo for the kids, Nicole Miller, Julie Brown, Nanette Lepore, Tommy Bahama and Trillium! We hear that Wee Chic has $12 dresses for the wee fashionistas, and that Matava Shoes has some killer deals for mamas.

ArtScape: Seems like some of our fav places are a little lean on the special events this weekend -- and that's probably because everyone and anyone will be at ARTSCAPE! This is the 30th anniversary of the region's premier celebration of the arts featuring continuous musical performances by local, regional and national talent on four outdoor stages, indoor and outdoor visual arts exhibitions, film, theater, the Artists' Market with crafts and works of art for sale, opera, dance, fashion, literary arts activities, street theater and special activities geared towards children, July 15-17, 2011, Friday and Saturday 12-10pm, and Sunday 12-8pm. Can't wait!!

Cinderella: The classic Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musical comes to life onstage this weekend with Liberty Showcase Theatre. Have your princess dress up in her ballgown finest and see the story made infamous by Disney in 'real life.' Journey to a place where dreams really do come true & impossible things happen every day -- when you have a live orchestra like they do. Curtain opens at 8:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, and at 3:00 PM on Sunday at New Town High School in Owings Mills.

Free Yoga in West Shore Park: Mom or Dad that needs a little zen in their life? Charm City Yoga and Waterfront Partnership present a FREE yoga series to encourage health, relaxation and well-being. Last week, over 60 people attended! Classes will continue to be held at West shore Park every Saturday at 9am through the end of July. Everyone is welcome; no yoga experience is necessary.

Glow in the Dark Walk: Have a cutie that loves capturing fireflies? The summer night sky is aglow with lightning bugs! Join Irvine Nature Center as they search for these luminescent bugs and other night critters during an evening walk through Irvine’s forests and meadows. 7:30 - 9:00 PM on Saturday.

National Ice Cream Day: Sunday is National Ice Cream Day! To celebrate, Carvel in Towson and Hunt Valley are giving kids a FREE soft serve cup or cone in the flavor of their choice with any adult purchase! Milburn Orchards in Elkton is handing free toppings on your sundae, 1/3 off all other Ice Cream Treats from Noon - Five and offering freeface painting for the kids (noon-3pm only).

Groovin' in the Grass at Ladew Topiary Gardens: Concerts are held in the Great Bowl from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Tickets are available at the door and do not need to be purchased in advance. Picnics, blankets and chairs are welcome, but please, no pets, alcohol or athletic equipment. Food and refreshments are available for purchase. Admission includes the Gardens: Members $7, Adults $15, Seniors (62+) and Students $13, Children (ages 2 -12) $3. Note: Green guest passes are not valid for summer concerts.

$2 Target Family Fun Night at Port Discovery: Head over to Port Discovery on Friday for its next Target $2 Family Fun Night. Enjoy a discount admission of $2 from 4 p.m.-7 p.m., a savings of nearly $11 per ticket. While there, your kids can enjoy the “Tinkertoy: Build Your Imagination” exhibit.

KERPLUNK! It’s cool inside Creative Alliance in so many ways. Drop in to The Patterson for family art making fun. Open to families and kids of all ages! Tour our galleries and design unique art projects linked to the exhibits. You’re welcome to come for a quick visit or stay for the entire afternoon exploring new materials to make a collage, drawing, or sculpture. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required! FREE!!