The Silver Spring Penguin

Attention National Weather Service employees: Can you help a Penguin out?

Much of this weekend’s activities are outdoors, so how about hooking me up with some clear skies, cool air and low humidity? Check this out:

Throughout the weekend

11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The 41st annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival hits the National Mall like a mofo. This year, the festival highlights the cultures of Northern Ireland, the Mekong delta and the exotic land of Virginia. The edutainment is free. The funnel cake and lemonade will cost you.

Thursday

7:00 p.m. The Radio King Orchestra drops old-school swing on Silver Plaza. The big-band sounds are free.

Friday

5:00 p.m. Grab your shot at stardom! The county’s arts and humanities council hosts open auditions for Metro Performs, a project that puts musicians and other performers at area Metro stations. Show off your stuff at Silver Plaza (or the Round House Theatre, 8641 Colesville Rd, in case of rain) until 8:00 p.m. Click here for details.

8:00 p.m. The Silver Spring Stage presents “Never the Sinner,” a play based on the murder case against teen preps Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb. Catch the act in Four Corners (10145 Colesville Rd, Woodmoor Shopping Center) on weekends through July 22. Tickets run from $13 to $18 each.

Saturday

9:00 a.m. Try the cream-cheese croissants at the Ellsworth Drive farmers market. The goodies roll until 1:00 p.m.

6:30 p.m. The Groove Killers deliver free funk and R&B to Silver Plaza.

Sunday

12:00 noon. Score some locally made art at the Georgia Avenue artists market. The deal goes down at the Wayne Avenue Plaza (in front of 8435 Georgia Ave) until 5:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m. Artist Cedar Lee shows off her paintings at Mayorga Coffee Factory (8040 Georgia Ave). The opening reception rocks until 8:00 p.m., but Lee’s art will be on display through July 31.