The News Journal

A curated list of things to do for the weekend. Enjoy!

Foodie Friday at Blue Ball Barn

Food and booze will collide for a good cause Friday night at the Blue Ball Barn (1914 W Park Dr., Rockland) at Alapocas Run State Park. The first Foodie Friday starts at 6 p.m. with small plates and special menu items from local food trucks like Wildwich, The Brunch Box, Cajun-Sno and Koi on the Go, along with beer and wine from Peco’s Liquor Store. It benefits the annual Man & Woman of the Year campaign by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Admission is $5 and featured dishes cost $4-$5.

‘Dirty Delaware’ debut hip-hop show

Mike Miller, who mans the hip-hop heavy “Dirty Delaware” account on Twitter, is taking the leap from cyberspace into the clubs by curating a show from 7-11 p.m. Friday at Lavish (1206 N. Union St., Wilmington). Fans can look forward to performances by locals including Ken Masters, Dreemy Yoey and Quadie Diesel. Also on the bill: Brizz Rawsteen, Geno, Ricky J. Reyes, Thwaglord, Timmy the Third, Tre Squad, Turt Luchiano, Blizzy Hunnid Band$, Val Strasser and Sounds by Yair. Tickets are $15. twitter.com/dirtydelaware

Animal Collective at World Cafe Live at the Queen

Friday night’s concert by critically-acclaimed band Animal Collective at World Cafe Live at the Queen in Wilmington has been sold out for months. The good news? Tickets have appeared on secondary ticket sites like Stubhub for as low as $22.50. The experimental, Baltimore-based pop group is touring in support of its new album, “Painting With." Electronic composer Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith opens. So if you’re a super fan and this show slipped past you, look beyond the Queen’s box office to see this off-centered act in your home state.

Wilmington Grand Prix

The bikes will be flying around downtown Wilmington this weekend when the annual Grand Prix, a three-day event, begins Friday with the Monkey Hill time trials. That's when the party starts, too. The kickoff party at Brandywine Park (1001 N. Park Ave., Wilmington) runs from 5-8 p.m. with live music, a craft beer garden and food trucks. So basically you can socialize with other people sweat. On Saturday, the biggest day of the event, cyclists will speed through downtown while kids have fun at the free activities and festival portion of the event. There are also Kids Sprints, a chance for ages 9-15 to race, starting at noon (registration opens at 10 a.m.) at the Urban Bike Project Tent, 5th and Market streets. Kids can bring a bike or borrow one, helmets provided. Sunday brings the Governor's Ride and Gran Fondo to close out the weekend.

Pooches in the Park

Dogs and their human friends are taking over Lewes Canalfront Park (211 Front St., Lewes) on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. for Pooches in the Park. Pet portraits, games and prizes are part of the day, as are demos by Delmarva Dock Dogs and law enforcement K-9 units. Dogs should be on up to 8-foot non-retractable leashes. One dog per handler. (302) 645-2795.

Grapes and Grains Wine & Beer Festival

Brews and vino. That's what's going to be flowing Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. in Middletown. Get your tickets early for this and treat yourself to a sampler mug, unlimited samples and music. Food vendors will be there, too, in case you get the munchies. The festival is at Peachtree Station and Metro Pub & Grill (17 Wood St., Middletown). Tickets are $45-$55. grapesandgrainsde.com.

"In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play)"

Bootless Stageworks isn't the most traditional theater company in town, a fact highlighted by their current production "In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play)." Catch the show that reviewer Holly Quinn called "a fun and historically illuminating production for adults" at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church (1301 N. Broom St., Wilmington). It runs through May 21.

Spring Bingo with Anita Mann

It's Springo! time once again. The fundraiser for AIDS Delaware mixes bingo with drag, and is hosted by drag personality Anita Mann. Call or visit the site for tickets as this does tend to sell out. The event is at 6 p.m. Sunday at Cranston Heights Fire Hall (3306 Kirkwood Highway, Prices Corner). (302) 652-6776 or aidsdelaware.org.