Caribbean in Druid Hill
The lowdown -- Head to the Baltimore Caribbean Carnival Festival this weekend in Druid Hill Park to see a costume parade, hear live entertainment by reggae and steel drum bands and partake in authentic Caribbean food.
If you go -- The festival is 5 p.m.-10 p.m. tomorrow and noon-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Druid Hill Park on Lake Drive. Tickets are $8 and free for ages 12 and younger. 410-230-2969 or bcacar nival.net.
Freedom ride
The lowdown -- The American Watercraft Association will join with Operation Second Chance for a watercraft ride to raise money for wounded soldiers in the Operation Helping Heroes Freedom Ride. Spectators can watch along the riverbanks or from the starting or ending point of the ride, which is a fundraiser for care packages for soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
If you go -- The event takes place tomorrow and Saturday. The ride begins at sunrise tomorrow down the Chesapeake Bay from Charlestown and continues up the Potomac River. A return trip will take place Sunday. Free. Donations are accepted. Go to easternpariver runners.com.
At the races
The lowdown -- The Cockeysville Optimist Club will host the annual Short Track Motorcycle Races starting Wednesday at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. Races will also take place July 25 and Aug. 1, 3, 8 and 10. Riders of all ages can participate.
If you go -- The races begin at 7 p.m. Rider sign-up is 3 p.m. on race day. Practice begins at 4:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds, 2200 York Road in Timonium. Tickets are $5-$10 and free for ages 6 and younger. Call 410-661-MOTO or go to bctra.com.