Cows and bulls highlight our weekend Best Bets

More than 150 life-sized cows, all painted by local artists, will be on display at the Golden Belt in Durham on Saturday for the kickoff of CowParade North Carolina. Head over to see the cows together for one day only. Meet the artists, sample local cuisine and paint your own mini cow. The event is free and runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

After Saturday's event, the cows will be placed at high-trafficked public locations in Chapel Hill, Durham and Raleigh. Eleven of the cows will be residing at American Tobacco Campus starting Sunday. Be on special lookout for the one wearing a Durham Bulls jersey. 

Cirque du Soleil's “Dralion” is playing the PNC Arena through Sunday. As with all Cirque du Soleil shows, expect lots of acrobats, artistry and color. "Dralion" draws its inspiration from from “Eastern philosophy and its never-ending quest for harmony between humans and nature,” according to the show’s official website. We got a sneak peek backstage to check out rehearsals and the costumes. Tickets start at $28.

Check out some classic cars at the 3rd annual Carolina Classics at the Capital event at the Raleigh Convention Center this weekend. This family-friendly show will feature hundreds of classic and show cars. The show starts Friday evening and continues through Sunday. Highlights this year include a Ford Model-T assembly challenge and a visit from the "Lizard Lick Towing" gang on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lafayette Village in Raleigh is holding a Running of the Bulls Spanish Festival Saturday from noon until 10 p.m. Drop by between noon and 2 p.m. to meet Durham Bulls mascot Wool E. Bull. Stay for live Spanish music and themed meals and drinks at the village. There will even be face-painting for the children.

Avenue Q

The Tony award winning musical “Avenue Q” is playing the Progress Energy Center for Performing Arts Fletcher Opera Theater through Sunday. The story focuses on a bright-eyed college grad who comes to New York with big dreams and little money. He can only afford to live on Avenue Q, where he encounters a funny group of characters. This show might be done with puppets but it is definitely not for children! Tickets start at $27.

Alan Jackson will play Koka Booth Amphitheatre on Friday night. On Sunday, Meat Loaf will hit the Durham Performing Arts Center while singer-songwriter Jason Mraz plays Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek in Raleigh.