Event Calendar

Giving

ROCKIN' A CURE FOR CANCER: Dancing, karaoke, games, food. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society and Komen for the Cure. $5. 6 p.m. until midnight Friday, Davidson County Fairgrounds, 400 Greensboro St. Ext., Lexington.

ZUMBATHON FUNDRAISER: Certified instructors will lead Zumba exercises to benefit Relay for Life. Open to all ages. There will also be a bake sale and prizes. $10 for age 14 and older. 7-9 p.m. Friday, Thomasville Community Recreation Center, 7003 Ball Park Road, Thomasville.

HELP RIP CANCER TO SHREDS: The public can bring unwanted documents to be shredded on site by Data Chambers. Free; donations accepted for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. 9 a.m. until noon Saturday, Walmart, Kernersville. Debra Johnson, 407-1899.

TRIAD LADIES CIVITAN CLUB YARD SALE: Clothing, books, CDs, DVDs, toys, furniture, kitchen and household items. Proceeds benefit Ladies Civitan programs. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Fire Mountain Restaurant parking lot, 1180 S. Main St., Kernersville. http://civitan.net/triadladies.

TRIAD FIRST IN FAMILIES BICYCLE RIDE: Vehicle parade, bike rides for all skill levels. Proceeds benefit Triad First in Families, a local nonprofit. $25 entry fee. 8 a.m. Saturday, Farmington Methodist Church, Farmington. Susan Pepper, 724-1412, ext. 144, tfif@youthopp.org.

ANNUAL HOSPICE HOPE RUN: A 10K run and a 5K fitness run/walk for all ages. The Deacon Dash is open to children younger than 8. Proceeds benefit the patient-care fund at Hospice & Palliative CareCenter of Winston-Salem. 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Deacon Tower, BB&T Field. $15-$35. Carolyn Breese, 768-3972, www.support4hospice.org.

DOGGIE EGG HUNT: An egg hunt for leashed dogs, with vendors, pet photos, artisans, demonstrations, and more. $10 a dog. Proceeds benefit the SPCA of the Triad and Safe Haven Equine Rescue & Retirement. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, BarkPark at Country Park, 3905 Nathanael Green Drive, Greensboro. www.sherrnc.com, www.triadspca.org.

BENEFIT SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT: Teams from across the state, many comprising firefighters and emergency workers, will compete. Proceeds benefit the Wake Forest Burn Center Firefighters' Burn Fund. Free. 6:30 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Washington Park. www.forsythcountyfire-rescue.com.

GOT FRIENDS? FAMILY FESTIVAL: A 5K run/walk, crafts, raffles, live entertainment, inflatables, and an Easter-egg hunt with 30,000 prize-filled eggs. Sponsored by and proceeds benefit the Lillie's Friends Foundation, which raises research money for neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer. $30 for 5K competitors; $2 for spectators. 9 a.m. April 23, BB&T Ballpark, downtown Winston-Salem. www.lilliesfriends.org.

BREAK THE CYCLE: A doubles tennis tournament for women. Sponsored by and proceeds benefit Next Step Ministries domestic-abuse safe house. Tournament registration deadline is April 22. 5:30 p.m. April 29, 8 a.m. April 30, Fourth of July and Civitan parks, Kernersville. Paulette, tennisnextstep@gmail.com

Theater

"A CLOSER WALK WITH PATSY CLINE": A musical starring Lisa Dames; 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 1 p.m. Sundays and Tuesdays, through May 29; The Barn Dinner Theater, 120 Stage Coach Trail, Greensboro. Reservations required. $40 and $45; $20 and $22.50 for children 12 and younger. www.barndinner.com, 292-2211, (800) 668-1764.

"SCARLETDALE": A dinner-theater production of the comedy by Jason Roland; 6:30 p.m. today through Saturday; Tricia's Catering, 408 Piedmont Drive, Lexington. Presented by the Hot Flash Players Performing Arts Company. Reservations required. $25. 236-8007.

"STEEL MAGNOLIAS": A drama by Robert Harling; 7:30 p.m. Sundays and Tuesdays through Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through May 8; The Pyrle Theatre, 232 S. Elm St., Greensboro. Presented by Triad Stage. $10-$44. 272-0160, (866) 579-8499, www.triadstage.org.

"HARPERS FERRY": A drama by Barrie Stavis; 8 p.m. today through Saturday and Wednesday through April 23, 2 p.m. Sunday and April 23; Performance Place, UNC School of the Arts. Presented by Studios III and IV. $12, $10 for seniors and students. 721-1945, www.uncsa.edu.

"EURYDICE": A play by Sarah Ruhl; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Wednesday through April 23, 2 p.m. Sunday; Scales Fine Arts Center, Wake Forest University. Presented by WFU Theatre. $12, $10 for seniors, $5 for students. 758-5295.

"CHUCKLEBALL": A musical sports parody by Jason Goldstein and Ian Nemser; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Hayes Performing Arts Center, 152 Jamie Fort Road, Blowing Rock. $25-$40. (828) 295-9627, www.hayescenter.org.

Music

FREEPORT: 8 p.m. today, Underground Theatre, Commerce Plaza, 411 W. Fourth St. $8, $6 for Community Arts Café members. 793-8000.

THE MARTHA BASSETT BAND: A CD-release party for the band's new album, "The Goodbye Party." 8 p.m. Friday, Hanesbrands Theatre, 209 N. Spruce St. $15. 747-1414, www.rhodesartscenter.org.

TINSLEY ELLIS, SAM ROBINSON: 9 p.m. Friday, Millennium Center, 101 W. Fifth St. $15, $12 in advance. 723-3700, www.mcenterevents.com.

UNC SCHOOL OF THE ARTS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: A conductor-search concert. Free. 2 p.m. Saturday, Crawford Hall, UNC School of the Arts. 721-1945.

YADKIN VALLEY BLUEGRASS CONVENTION: 6 p.m. Saturday, Yadkinville Elementary School, 305 N. State St., Yadkinville. $10. www.yadkingrass.com.

"SIMPLY SINATRA": Starring vocalist Steve Lippia, with the Winston-Salem Symphony. $15-$55. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Reynolds Auditorium, 301 N. Hawthorne Road. 464-1045, www.wssymphony.org.

VOICE OF THE BLUE RIDGE: Starring the Carolina Travelers and Mac Snow & the Round Peak Ramblers. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Downtown Cinema Theatre, 142 N. Main St., Mount Airy. $7, free for Surry Arts Council season-pass holders and for children 12 and younger. 786-7998, www.surryarts.org.

HARLEM NIGHTS: Starring Bertha Young, Joe Robinson, Saundra Crenshaw, Phyliss Ottley, Sophia Kelly, and Diana Tufin. 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, Hanesbrands Theatre, 209 N. Spruce St. $35 for Saturday, $25 for Sunday. 747-1414, www.rhodesartscenter.org.

WINSTON-SALEM SHUFFLE: 8 p.m. Saturday, Krankies Coffee, 211 E. Third St. A monthly multimedia contest, with a cash prize for the winner. $5. www.ws-shuffle.org, 745-6660.

WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY GOSPEL CHOIR: A concert in celebration of the Choir's 37th anniversary. Free. 3 p.m. Sunday, Brendle Recital Hall, Wake Forest University. 758-5121.

CAHALEN MORRISON & ELI WEST: 7:30 p.m. Monday, The Mast Farm Inn, 2543 Broadstone Road, Banner Elk. $25. (828) 963-5857.

SONGWRITERS OPEN-MIKE NIGHT: The host will be singer/songwriter Martin Buchanan. Free. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Underground Theatre, Commerce Plaza, 411 W. Fourth St. 793-8000, editor@communityartscafe.com.

DARK IN THE SONG – A CONTEMPORARY BASSOON COLLECTIVE: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Watson Hall, UNC School of the Arts. $12, $10 for seniors and students. 721-1945, www.uncsa.edu.

TRIAD AMERICANA JAM GROUP: Country, bluegrass, and more. Open to all skill levels. Free. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Reynolda Manor Branch Library, 2839 Fairlawn Drive. 972-7490.

SPRING CHORAL CONCERT: Wake Forest University's Concert Choir, Collegium Vocal Ensemble, and Chamber Choir will perform "Music from the Pacific Northwest." Free. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Brendle Recital Hall, Wake Forest University. 758-5026.

Literary

MY STORY: Poet Terri Kirby Erickson will read from her new book, "In the Palms of Angels," and then discuss its path to publication. Sponsored by Winston-Salem Writers. Free. 7 p.m. today, Community Arts Café, Commerce Plaza, 411 W. Fourth St. www.wswriters.org.

HIM BOOK CLUB: A reading group for men. John Steinbeck's novel "Of Mice and Men" will be discussed. Free. 10:30 a.m. Friday, Walkertown Branch Library, 2969 Main St., Walkertown. 703-2990, forsythlibrary@gmail.com.

SATURDAY SPECIAL: A poetry workshop with Valerie Nieman. Sponsored by Winston-Salem Writers. Free. 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Community Arts Café, Commerce Plaza, 411 W. Fourth St. www.wswriters.org.

ANNA JEAN MAYHEW: Mayhew will sign copies of her debut novel, "The Dry Grass of August." Free. 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Barnhill's Books-Wine-Art-Gifts, 811 Burke St. 602-1383, www.onlyatbarnhills.com.

DONALD DAVIS: Davis will discuss and sign copies of his new book, "Tales from a Free-Range Childhood." Free. 7 p.m. Monday, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1925 Hampton Inn Court; 7 p.m. Tuesday, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Friendly Center, Greensboro. (800) 222-9796.

ON THE SAME POEM LUNCH: Visiting poet Robert Morgan will read his poem "Audubon's Flute." Afterward, it will be discussed by the group. Participants may bring a brown-bag lunch. Reservations required. Noon until 2 p.m. Tuesday, Forsyth County Central Library, 660 W. Fifth St. 703-3022, www.forsyth.cc/library.

WINSTON-SALEM WRITERS OPEN MIKE: Current and prospective members may read aloud excerpts of their prose and poetry, or just listen. 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Rana Loca restaurant, Commerce Plaza, 411 W. Fourth St. www.wswriters.org.

THE CALL OF BONE TO SINEW: A poetry reading by Kimberly Becker from her new collection, "Words Facing East." Sponsored by the Salem College Center for Women Writers. Free. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Single Sisters' House, Old Salem. 917-5313, www.salem.edu.

THIRD WEDNESDAY BOOK CLUB: "Simple Genius" by David Baldacci will be discussed. Free. 2 p.m. Wednesday, The Shepherd's Center, 1700 Ebert St. 760-6303.

Outdoors

ASTRONOMY OBSERVATION: Co-sponsored by the Forsyth Astronomical Society. Saturn, late-winter and early-spring constellations will be on view. Free. 8-11 p.m. Saturday, SciWorks, 400 W. Hanes Mill Road. 767-6730, www.sciworks.org.

Food

SUSTAINABLE-FOOD DISCUSSION: Barbara Lawrence, president of the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, will give a talk on creating a sustainable local food economy. Sponsored by the Sierra Club. Free. 7 p.m. today, 5IVE & 40RTY gallery, 541-A N. Trade St. 466-2804, sierrafoothills@gmail.com.

BLUE RIDGE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL: Wine tasting and seminars; "Fire on the Rock Chef's Challenge"; cooking classes; meet-and-greet with food critics, cookbook authors, and winery owners; live music. Today through April 17, venues in Blowing Rock. (877) 295-7965, (828) 295-7851, www.blueridgewinefestival.com.

GREAT GRAPES! WINE, ARTS & FOOD FESTIVAL: Live music, children's activities, cooking demonstrations, food samples, and tastings from more than 20 wineries. $15-$25, free for children 12 and younger. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Booth Amphitheatre, Cary. (800) 745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.

COBBLESTONE MARKET: All-local, sustainably produced foods; live music by classical guitarist Ryan Layton; tastings and demonstrations by chef Kevin Fisher of Screaming Rooster; prepared lunches for sale by Triad Community Kitchen; food-donation stations to support local soup kitchens. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, cobblestone area near Third Street and Patterson Avenue. The Market will continue Tuesdays through Nov. 29. www.facebook.com/pages/cobblestone-farmers-market/175172035853383.

BBQ CAPITAL COOK-OFF: Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Fifty teams from across the country will compete for the title of Grand Champion. There will be live music by Emerson Drive, the Marble Alley Band, Allison Crowell and the Drones, and Carolina Moonshine. Free, except for food, beverages, and children's activities. 5-9 p.m. April 22, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. April 23, Lexington. 249-0383, www.uptownlexington.com.

Dance

CONTRA DANCE AT THE VINTAGE THEATRE: Lesson for newcomers at 7:30 p.m. From 8 to 10:30 p.m., there will be dancing to live music by Steam Shovel, with calling by Joy Greenwolfe. No partner required. Open to all skill levels. Sponsored by Fiddle and Bow Country Dancers. $7, $5 for students. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, 7 Vintage Ave. 272-3245, www.feetretreat.com.

DANCE DIALOGUES WITH ERIC OBERDORFF: The noted French choreographer will speak with Ethan Stiefel, dean of the UNC School of the Arts School of Dance. They will discuss Oberdorff's new work, which will have its world premiere at UNCSA. Free. 7 p.m. Wednesday, deMille Theatre, UNCSA. www.kenanarts.org, 722-0030.

Film

RIVERRUN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL: New independent films from around the world, as well as parties, panel discussions, and lectures. Today through Sunday at various times and venues in Winston-Salem. www.riverrunfilm.com.

"SON OF LEXINGTON": A short documentary about Joshua T. Harris of Lexington, who died in 2008 in combat in Afghanistan while serving as a U.S. Navy SEAL. The filmmaker Joe Cornelius will make introductory remarks. 7 p.m. Friday, Lexington Senior High School, 26 Penry St., Lexington. Jack C. Waters, 425-5959, www.jthmemorialride.com.

"REEL BAD ARABS": A film and panel presentation by Naadiya Hasan and Dana Hamdan. Part of the "Understanding Orientalism" series. Free. 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Community Center, Guilford College, Greensboro. Diya Abdo, 316-2214, abdod@guilford.edu.

Festivals

RURAL HILL SCOTTISH FESTIVAL AND LOCH NORMAN HIGHLAND GAMES: Scottish athletic competitions, Highland dancing, live music, children's activities, and a living-history encampment. Guest artists include Jiggernaut, Rathkeltair, John Taylor, Alex Beaton, and Men of Worth. 5:30 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Rural Hill, Center of Scottish Heritage, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville. For ticket information, see www.ruralhillscottishfestivals.net or call (704) 875-3113.

PLANET PARTY 2001 -- PIEDMONT EARTH DAY FAIR: Demonstrations, live music, children's activities, natural foods, and more than 100 exhibitors. Used electronic equipment will be accepted for recycling. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dixie Classic Fairgrounds, Joel Coliseum Complex. www.peanc.org.

Kids

A VISIT WITH ILLUSTRATOR AND AUTHOR TROY CUMMINGS: Cummings, whose books include "The Eensy Weensy Spider Freaks Out! (Big Time!)," will perform an "Eensy Weensy Puppet Show" at 11 a.m. He will talk about "Bugs, Bears and You: Illustrating and Writing a Book" at 3 p.m. He will sign copies of his books after each event. Part of the RiverRun International Film Festival. $7, $6 for seniors. Today, Children's Museum of Winston-Salem, 390 S. Liberty St. 723-9111.

BUNNY DAY: English Lops, New Zealand Giants, Satins and other rabbit breeds will be available to see and pet. There will also be face painting, crafts, storytelling, and a visit with the Easter Bunny. $8, $7 for seniors and for children ages 3-13. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Natural Science Center, 4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro. 288-3769, www.natsci.org.

"WALLY ROOSTER'S BIG MOVE": Linda Greene Dean will sign copies of her new book. Free. 11 a.m. Saturday, Barnhill's Books-Wine-Art-Gifts, 811 Burke St. 602-1383, www.onlyatbarnhills.com.

Other

ACTRESS BETTY LYNN: Lynn, who played Thelma Lou on "The Andy Griffith Show," will sign autographs for $10. 12:30-3:30 p.m. Friday, Andy Griffith Museum, 218 Rockford St., Mount Airy. Museum admission $3. 786-7998.

ARTS ON MAIN: Farmers market, food, live entertainment, wine tasting, meet-and-greet with artists. Free. 6-8 p.m. Friday, near the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center, downtown Yadkinville. 679-2941, www.yadkinarts.com.

SEAGROVE POTTERY FESTIVAL IN GREENSBORO: 2-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, noon until 5 p.m. Sunday; Special Events Center, Greensboro Coliseum Complex, Greensboro. $7. 373-7474, www.greensborocoliseum.com.

SALISBURY GHOST WALK: 7, 7:30, and 8:30 p.m. Friday, Salisbury. Reservations required. $10, $5 for students. (704) 642-1734, boo@salisburyghostwalk.com.

2011 N.C. STATE BODYBUILDING, FITNESS CHAMPIONSHIPS: Men and women will compete in morning and evening shows. $15-$35. 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, High Point Theatre, 220 E. Commerce Ave., High Point. Pat Valentino, 841-1264.

INTERNATIONAL SHOW: Dances, songs, and skits from cultures around the world. Sponsored by the Salem College International Club. $8, $5 for students, $3 for children younger than 10. Reservations required. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Salem Fine Arts Center, Salem College. 917-5493, saleminternationalclub@gmail.com.

SATURDAY NIGHT KO FIGHTS: Scheduled to appear are fighters including Evgeny Gradovich, Juan Dominguez, Tiwon Taylor, and Scott Sigmon. $20-$62.50. 8:15 p.m. Saturday, Special Events Center, Greensboro Coliseum Complex, Greensboro. (800) 745-8000, www.ticketmaster.com.

THE STRONGEST DEACON: Truck pull, keg relay, tire flip, farmer's walk. 1 p.m. Sunday, Parking Lot W, Wake Forest University. www.wfu.edu/campusrec/strongestdeacon.

SCIENCE CAFÉ: Sara Quandt will speak on the challenges and successes of local community gardens. She is a professor of public health sciences at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Free. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Big Shotz Tavern, 109 S. Stratford Road. 758-3485, gardens@wfu.edu.