African American Heritage Festival
Baltimore's ninth annual celebration of its African-American heritage features rides, giveaways, community booths, food aplenty and an entertainment lineup that includes Robin Thicke, Chuck Brown, Fantasia, Ryan Leslie, Marsha Ambrosius, even local star Mario. It all starts this afternoon at 4, and runs until 10 p.m. today; from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday; and from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday at M&T; Bank Stadium, 1101 Russell St. Tickets are $5, free for kids under 12 (and for everyone who arrives before 4 p.m.). Limited reserved seating is available for some of the shows at an additional fee. Information: 410-235-4427 ext. 211 or aahf.net. Read more on Page .
'Toy Story 3'
Woody, Buzz and the gang are back -- which by itself is cause for celebration. This time, Andy is off to college, and his toy pals find themselves sent to a day care center, where things are hardly as innocent as they seem. In IMAX and 3-D in selected theaters. Opens today. See a review on Page .
DogFest
Games, contests and prizes, plus all sorts of furry animals looking for a good home -- DogFest 2010 offers a day to celebrate the four-footed friends we share our homes (and lives) with, and maybe help a few of them find the loving families they deserve. For dogs, there will be obedience contests, an agility run, even a swimming pool. Cats and cat lovers can enjoy a photo contest, a kitty carnival and homemade cat treats. Runs 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, 2200 York Road, with the rain date set for Sunday. There's a $10 entry free, but parking is free. Benefits the Baltimore Humane Society. Information: 410-833-8848 or dogfest2010.org
M3 Rock Festival
If the Scorpions, Cinderella, Vince Neil, Kix, Winger, Nelson, Bang Tango and Black Mambooza are in town, it must be time for the annual M3 Rock Festival, a day for metalheads from all over the area to abuse their guitars, let fly their hair and make like Ozzy Osbourne. The gates of Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia open at 11 a.m. Saturday. Tickets are $35-$175. Information: 877-435-9849 or merriweathermusic.com. Read more about the festival on Page .
Baltimore Pride
Since 1975, Baltimore Pride has showcased the city's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community with parties, a parade and a daylong festival. This year's festivities begin with a party at 10 o'clock tonight at the Club Hippo, 1 W. Eager St. (tickets are $6). Outdoor events begin at the corner of Charles and Eager streets at 3:45 p.m. Saturday with the High-Heel Race, followed by the parade up Charles Street at 4 p.m. and a block party from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. The weekend wraps with a festival in Druid Hill Park from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Information: 410-837-5445 or baltimorepride.org
Gettysburg Festival
For those who think of Gettysburg only as this big battlefield to the north, here's an eye-opener: the third annual Gettysburg Festival, today through June 27, turns this historic Pennsylvania hamlet into one of the top arts venues in the country. Highlights include concerts by Kevin Eubanks (June 26) and John Pizzarelli (June 25); a series of 10 culinary events planned by former White House chef Walter Scheib; and performances of the works of Gilbert & Sullivan. Information: 717-337-8200 or gettysburgfestival.org
Reginald F. Lewis Museum birthday
Baltimore's Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture turns five with a weeklong birthday celebration beginning Sunday. Events include an exhibition of artists whose work has been featured at the museum (begins Tuesday); an oral history seminar (Tuesday, noon-2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.); and a series of theatrical performances looking at famous African-Americans (Thursday, noon-2 p.m.). Events are free with paid museum admission, reduced to $5 for the week. The celebration concludes next weekend with free admission to the museum June 25 and a Family Fun Weekend on June 26-27. Information: 443-263-1800 or africanamericanculture.org
Andre Rieu
Superstar violinist Andre Rieu and the 55-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra bring their "Celebration of Music" tour to the 1st Mariner Arena on Sunday night. He'll also be joined onstage by the Children's Chorus of Maryland for a Michael Jackson tribute. Tickets for the 6 p.m. show are $39-$139 and available through ticketmaster at 410-547-7328 or ticketmaster.com.