Marathon, wine festival lead weekend best bets

We've been talking about the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon for a while, and it's finally here. Get the details on it and so many other weekend events going on in the Triangle!

Posted 3:00 p.m. Apr 10, 2014 — Updated 3:02 p.m. Apr 10, 2014

Caitlin Zanga

RALEIGH, N.C. — We've been talking about the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon for a while, and it's finally here. Get the details on it and many other weekend events going on in the Triangle!

The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon is this Sunday! Even if you're not running, you can still join in on the fun. The Health Expo is Friday and Saturday at the Raleigh Convention Center and features vendors, running gear, nutrition information and more. The event is free and open to the public.

On Sunday, Raleigh's first Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon winds through downtown Raleigh as bands pump up the runners. Feel free to watch the bands and cheer on runners along the route, but be aware of road closures. Following the race is a free post-race concert at Raleigh Amphitheater featuring New Politics.

For even more marathon news, take a look at our Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Page.

Rock 'n' Roll isn't the only race happening this weekend. The Girls on the Run Spring 5K Fun Run is Saturday at 9 a.m. at the American Tobacco Campus in downtown Durham.

Activate Good's National Volunteer Week wraps up this weekend. There are several volunteer opportunities on Friday and Saturday, including assisting the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle get ready for planting season. On Sunday, Activate Good is teaming up with Yelp for a Wrap-Up Party at Tir na nOg. There will be hors d'oeuvres, beer and fun with other volunteers. There is a $10 requested donation if you did not volunteer during the week. Be sure to RSVP with Yelp for the party!

Bikes in Raleigh

Crank Arm Brewing Company is the site of a bike-a-thon for charity this Friday. Crank for a Cause will raise funds for the American Diabetes Association. Come to cheer on the cyclists, hear live music and enjoy great beer.

The Oaks & Spokes Bike Festival in Raleigh wraps up this weekend with some great events:

Frankenbike on Sunday at Oak City Cycling Project is a free bike swap to buy, sell or trade bicycles or parts.
The Oak City Open is Saturday and Sunday at Brentwood Park. Enjoy some bike polo matches and learn about a new sport.
Kidical Mass is Sunday at Oak City Cycling Project. Kids will take over the streets for a casual ride through downtown Raleigh. Don't forget your helmet!

For more family-friendly events this weekend, check out Go Ask Mom.

Festivals, live music, fundraisers

Last weekend was all about beer. This weekend, wine takes center stage. The Great Grapes! Wine and Food Festival is at Koka Booth Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission includes a tasting glass to sample delicious wine and food, and there will also be live music and vendors. General admission starts at $26 in advance, and VIP passes are $39 in advance. Designated driver tickets are available.

Hillsborough Street in Raleigh will be lively this Saturday during Live & Local Hillsborough Street. The event features the best local music on eight stages, food trucks, local artisans and more. It's free and the fun starts at 11 a.m.

Enjoy more local music at the NC Local Music Benefit for Interact this Saturday at Waverly Place in Cary. This is a family-friendly event with plenty of activities. WRAL-TV anchor Debra Morgan is also a guest speaker at this event. It is free to attend, although there are VIP tickets available for $100.

Take a musical tour through historic Boylan Heights this Saturday. The Boylan Heights Tours and Tunes II event is from noon to 5 p.m. Ten of the neighborhood's homes will open their doors to the public while area musicians will perform throughout the tour in a nod to the neighborhood’s longstanding musical traditions. Tickets are $10 in advance.

Marbles Kid's Museum hosts a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs this Friday. Appetite 4 Art is an evening of fun, food and art with food and wine from local restaurants, an auction, fashion from local designers and more. Tickets start at $30 for general admission.

Fuquay-Varina food, art

More art is on tap in downtown Fuquay-Varina this Friday afternoon. The En Plein Air Paint-Off challenges participating artists to create an original oil or acrylic masterpiece of Fuquay-Varina's historic downtown landscape. The event is free, and later in the year there will be an auction of the completed paintings.

Fuquay-Varina is also showcasing its culinary scene this weekend. Savor Fuquay-Varina is this Saturday afternoon, and tickets are $20. Enjoy fresh, local food prepared by the town's restaurants, a beer garden, a wine tasting, a silent auction and more. WRAL-TV's Michelle Marsh and Brian Shrader are judging a cooking contest there, too!

On stage

Comedian Demetri Martin performs at the Carolina Theatre in Durham this Friday. His unusual and distinctive style will make this a really fun show. Tickets start at $37.

Popular reggae-rock band The Dirty Heads are playing Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh this Friday. Tickets start at $25.

Easter egg hunts

Get into the Easter spirit with some egg hunts this weekend.

The largest egg hunt in the Triangle is Saturday at 10 a.m. at Halifax Mall. 60,000 eggs will be hidden, and there are seven hunt times to break up the age groups. There will also be inflatables, prizes and games. It's free to participate.

The annual egg hunt at Mordecai Park is Saturday at 11 a.m. It's free and the event is divided by ages. There will also be crafts and other games.

Dogs can get in on the Easter fun too. The 7th Annual Doggie Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday at Crowder Park, starting at 1 p.m. Healthy treats will be hidden around the park, and there will also be a raffle and various vendors. Registration is $10 per dog and $2 for every additional dog in the family.

Garner's Spring Eggstravaganza is at Lake Benson Park this Saturday at 10 a.m. Meet the Easter Bunny, participate in an Easter egg hunt and enjoy entertainment, games, crafts, food and more. This event is free.

The Spring Egg Hunt at JC Raulston Arboretum isn't your typical Easter egg hunt. Wooden eggs with letters on them are placed around the arboretum, and kids must unscramble the letters to find out the secret word and receive a small prize. This hunt is free and good for all ages.

For more family-friendly events this weekend, check out Go Ask Mom.

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