The Silver Spring Penguin

Hmmm … Chocolate croissants at the farmers market? Or samples of Hook and Ladder beer at the old firehouse? Decisions, decisions, decisions!

You make the call.

Thursday

4:00 p.m. Stroll the grounds at Washington Gardener magazine (826 Philadelphia Ave) for their free open house — er, garden. Get growing tips until 8:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m. Author Helen Oyeyemi swings by Borders to talk about her latest novel, “Opposite House”.

7:00 p.m. The Sherwood Blues Band kicks “authentic bedrock blues” for free at Silver Plaza.

Friday

6:30 p.m. The Dance Antonini group drops the postmodern movement like it’s hot at Kefa Cafe. The entertainment is free. The almond biscotti soaking in your cup will cost you.

Saturday

9:00 a.m. The chocolate croissants are back! Score a few at the Ellsworth Drive farmers market until 1:00 p.m.

12:00 noon. The B&O rail station opens its doors for a photo exhibit of Silver Spring’s past. The free exhibit runs until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

12:00 noon. The 1914 firehouse holds its open house. Come for the free history lesson. Stay for the modestly priced samples of Hook and Ladder beer, pizza by Mama Lucia and music by MSG. The educational kegger runs until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

5:00 p.m. Pyramid Atlantic Art Center welcomes Irish printmakers Elaine Megahey and Jill McKeown with gab, art, food from McGinty’s Public House, and a fire ceremony. The party rocks until 9:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m. Brooklynite Kevin Devine performs an acoustic set at the Round House Theatre. Tickets run $25 each ($15 if you’re packing student ID), and all of the proceeds benefit underserved kids and adults.

Sunday

12:00 noon. The B&O rail station and 1914 firehouse continue their open houses, with more beer and pizza at the firehouse. The kegger ends at 4:00 p.m.