Spring is most definitely in the April air! This weekend in Racine County includes the year’s first First Friday, the PEEPS invasion, a garden fund-raiser and a classical music concert. Come along with Real Racine.
First again! It feels like we’ve been waiting all winter (actually just four months) for the return of First Friday in Downtown Racine. The monthly celebration is back from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday with shopping opportunities, food and beverage specials, horse-drawn carriage rides (with a new, larger carriage) and much more along Main and Sixth streets. There’s also free admission all day at the Racine Art Museum, 441 Main St. Head downtown and meet up with friends. Details at www.firstfridaysracine.com
The PEEPS are here. To most people, PEEPS are a colorful marshmallow candy but at the Racine Art Museum (RAM), 441 Main St., they’re art! The 8th Annual RAM International PEEPS Art Exhibition opens Thursday and runs through April 23. Drop by RAM Tuesdays through Sundays and vote for the PEEPle’s Choice. See a preview at www.ramart.org
Supporting the gardens. Gardening, food and fun are on tap for the Racine Urban Garden Network (RUGN) 4th Annual Fundraiser on Friday. It runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at Milaeger’s, 4838 Douglas Ave., Caledonia. There are table talks with local gardening experts, greenhouse tours, appetizers, live music, silent auction, drawings and a cash bar. Admission at the door is $30. Please RSVP to rugn.org@gmail.com or call 262-633-8239.
Think you’re smart? The 2nd annual Lighthouse Brigade Trivia Night features fun and prizes for the top three teams plus raffles all evening. Doors open at 7 p.m. Friday at St. Sebastian Church, 3030 95th St., Sturtevant. Six-member teams are $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Register by emailing amandajlipke@gmail.com
Wrapping up the season. The Racine Symphony Orchestra (RSO) finishes its 85th season with a Masterworks Concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Francis Bedford Concert Hall on the University of Wisconsin-Parkside campus, 900 Wood Road, Somers. Special guest is cellist Matthew Udry, this year’s Young Artist Competition winner. He’ll perform Dvorak’s Cello Concerto in B minor. Also performing with their RSO mentors, participants in the Side-by-Side Youth Invitational. Admission is $23 for adults; students 20 years old and younger admitted free. Tickets at 262-636-9285 or www.racinesymphony.org
Here come the brides. The Spring Bridal Showcase features vendors, food and drink samples and giveaways. There is also a groom’s room and cash bar. The show runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Roma Lodge, 7130 Spring St., Mount Pleasant. Admission is $5 for adults. Free admission for pre-registered brides and grooms. For free tickets, message www.facebook.com/bridalshowcaseracine
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