Things to do this week(end)
This looks like it's going to be a busy weekend for families, especially around the Inner Harbor. There's the American Visionary Art Museum's Kinetic Sculpture race (pictured) -- always a fun time -- and the Baltimore For Less weekend, which offers discounts on a variety of downtown destinations. A little further north, you've got the two-day Flowermart.
With all these choices, what are you doing this weekend? Let us know in the comments. (Hate to say it, but as busy as we've all been lately, I could vote for "nothing in particular" in a heartbeat.)
Friday (May 2):
Baltimore’s Flowermart: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday. For 90 years, Baltimore’s Flower Mart has brought plants, entertainment and the classic lemon stick to the city. The festival offers a variety of vendors, live music, art and singing contests, classic cars and a pet parade. The monument is at Mount Vernon Place and Charles Street. Free. Call 410-323-0022 or go to flowermart.org.
Stroller Strides Baltimore City grand opening: Children can enjoy songs and games in a trial class, and parents can sample the fitness program with children of stroller-riding age. There will also be food, refreshments, raffle prizes, fitness assessments and kids' games at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, 2400 East Fort Ave., from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Call 800-733-8718 or go to strollerstrides.net/baltimorecity.
(Photo by Sun photographer Monica Lopossay, 2007)
(To read about events on Saturday and Sunday, click below.)
Saturday (May 3):
Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race: Watch the mayhem as the American Visionary Art Museum hosts the Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race. Racers, or "kinetinauts," build gaudy and outrageous human-powered crafts to traverse road, mud and water for glory. Free. The event is 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. The museum is at 800 Key Highway. Call 410-244-1900 or go to kineticbaltimore.com to see the race route.
"Baltimore For Less Weekend": Saturday and Sunday. The citywide event highlights free events as well as discounted parking and admission to 15 attractions, including Center Stage and the Maryland Science Center. Call 800-343-3468 or visit baltimore.org/moreforless.
Towsontown Spring Festival: The community festival runs from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, with more than 450 vendors, summer food and four stages with 50 acts. Activities include a children’s area, beer garden and NASCAR area. The festival is at 400 Washington Ave., Towson. Free. Call 410-825-1144 or go to towsontownspringfestival.com.
Waterfront Wiggle: Attend a concert by Milkshake, the local kids’ rock band seen on PBS, at 11 a.m. at West Shore Park, between the Visitors Center and the Maryland Science Center. Free. Go to waterfrontpartnership.org.
Sunday (May 4):
Mayfair: Port Discovery Children’s Museum hosts this event with crafts, workshops a birthday celebration with MPT’s Bob the VidTech, food and more, from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. $25. Children younger than 2 admitted free. Call 410-727-8120 or go to portdiscovery.org.
Baltimoresun.com's 
Comments
FlowerMart never disappoints, at any age. I used to be lucky enough to teach Kindergarten a block or two away, and always marched my line of ducklings over on that Friday. Nothing is better than to watch kids experience timeless lemon sticks and discover plant seedlings and flowers in bustling Mount Vernon. The feel is very European, and totally kid-friendly. Sure there are scads of festivals, but Flowermart is SO Baltimore! A must-do.
Posted by: HappyHoarfrost | May 1, 2008 12:53 PM
Did anyone get to see the kinetic sculpture race? I heard a great piece about it on NPR the other day, but we weren't able to go today - I'd love to hear any highlights firsthand from parents!
This is the first year in several that we haven't been able to make it. I heard from our friends on Fort Avenue that it was as crazy and fun as ever. Anybody have a firsthand account?
Posted by: Annelies | May 3, 2008 5:03 PM
I also have to agree with HappyHoarfrost - Flowermart is great. What a dilemma, having so many cool things to do in one weekend. But hey, I'll take that dilemma anytime!
Posted by: Annelies | May 3, 2008 5:05 PM