Weekend To-do: May 28-30

It’s a three day weekend. Lots of you guys are going to the lake, a river, creek or some other body of water for some water-related activities, grilling, breaking out your white jeans and your white shoes for a much needed long weekend of relaxation with friends and family.

But for those of you who aren’t headed to the river/lake/pond/etc (as incredible as that sounds to me right now) don’t worry, you might just be rewarded with the weekend of your life.

There happens to be a full scale carnival going on all weekend at the Washington County Fairgrounds starting on Friday, and I’m pretty sure the person who wrote this list came up with the schedule of events.

Listed on their website for this weekend are a pig race, a demolition derby, helicopter rides, a banana derby (?), a magic show, a petting zoo, a “rhinestone roper,” a “wing fest eat off,” a Pink Floyd cover band, and something called a “freak show deluxe.”

And no, none of the above is a dream (or a joke.) See for yourself. You are welcome.

I am 100% positive that nothing past the words “freak show deluxe” really means anything now, but here are the rest of the weekend activities.

Greenhouse Grille celebrates their fourth year in business this weekend with the Walter Savage/Ben Harris duo on Friday. You could stop by and wish them happy birthday.

We don’t get a lot of live comedy around here, so stopping by Teatro Scarpino tonight for “The Anger Loves Company Comedy Tour” might be fun. Four comedians, $8. Jokes.

You’re still thinking about that freak show deluxe, aren’t you?

There’s a dinner and a movie night at the UARK Bowl & Ballroom with the The Graduate. Scandalous.

Tunes wise, acclaimed singer/songwriter Bill Staines is at GoodFolk, and Willie Stradlin plays a free show at George’s Friday night.

On Saturday, if you’re nerdy enough to know what WordPress is, there’s virtually no chance you’re missing Word Camp Fayetteville at the Town Center.

There’s a big show at Smoke & Barrel with Lollipop Factory, Hosta, and TIMBER! According to Lollipop Factory, they’ve been on the road since 2008, and according to the Lawrence Journal World, the Columbus, Ohio duo “shred(s) like Queens of the Stone Age and harmonize like Queen.” Interest=Piqued.

Mountain of Venus play another free show at George’s on Saturday night, but most of that is moot because I know in my heart that there’s no chance any of you are missing the pig races, helicopter rides and banana derby at the fairgrounds.

In conclusion, I’m not sure what a banana derby is, but on the description page, there is a picture of two monkeys, in costume, riding dogs.

Here’s the rest. Happy Memorial Day, everyone.

Friday, May 28
Washington County Fairgrounds: Ozark Mountain Fair
UARK Bowl & Ballroom: Dinner and a Movie – The Graduate
Ella’s: Matt Smith
Greenhouse Grille: Walter Savage / Ben Harris Duo
JJ’s Grill n Chill: Steppin Stones
Rogue: DJ Derrick
George’s: The Nace Brothers / The Odds / Willie Straddlin
GoodFolk: Bill Staines
Smoke & Barrel Tavern: Sarah Hughes Band
Teatro Scarpino: Comedy: Marcus Lane, Patrick Beam and Dan’s Party
Drifters: Bizar / Action Girl / J-Dub / ProFessor Ping
Arsaga’s on Crossover: Rachel Billingsley
Saturday, May 29
Washington County Fairgrounds: Ozark Mountain Fair
Walton Arts Center: The Butterfly Garden (Farfalle) by TPO
Ella’s: Matt Smith
JJ’s Grill n Chill: Jason Strode
Jose’s: Stone Coat
Arkansas Air Museum: Big Band Canteen Dance
Boom Boom Room: Parade of Fools
George’s: Mountain of Venus
Smoke & Barrel Tavern: Lollipop Factory / Hosta / TIMBER!
Fayetteville Town Center: WordCamp Fayetteville
Arsaga’s on Crossover: Jerimiah’s Call
Sunday, May 30
Washington County Fairgrounds: Ozark Mountain Fair
Common Grounds: DJ SoulFree / Stoll Vaughn
New Design School: WordCamp Fayetteville
Greenhouse Grille: Raja
Walton Arts Center: The Butterfly Garden (Farfalle) by TPO
Mellow Mushroom Pizza: Candy Lee
George’s: Pope County Bootleggers
Smoke & Barrel Tavern: Space battle movie trilogy
Teatro Scarpino: Neta Band & Sunday Night Salsa