Family Picks: A weekend of whimsy with ClydeFEST and more

Childhood is full of fantastic, imaginative creatures – monsters, aliens, dragons and dinosaurs. This weekend, why not explore that world with your kids? Several events feature odd beings, from poetic foxes to chainsaw art critters. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

▪ ClydeFEST, Bynum’s annual celebration of spring, childhood and off-the-wall chainsaw art, takes place Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Bynum’s ball field. This 14-year-old festival is named for Pittsboro’s Clyde Jones, whose wooden “critters” decorate the little Chatham County town, and features bluegrass music, food trucks, kid-friendly activities and enough whimsy to turn basically any frown upside down. Ages 12 and up pay $7, 3-11 pay $3, and those under 3 are in free. In case of rain this will take place Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Visit chathamartscouncil.org.

▪ Morgan Taylor comes to Carrboro’s ArtsCenter at 11 a.m. Saturday, and he brings with him Gustafer Yellowgold, an alien from the sun whose adventures in Minnesota are the basis of Taylor’s show. Mixing catchy live music and gently psychedelic animated music videos, the Gustafer Yellowgold show should appeal to kids’ love of picture books – and to some parents’ love of indie-pop along the lines of The Flaming Lips or They Might Be Giants. Tickets run from $7-$9 with lap-sitting kids under 2 getting in free, or a family of four pays $28. Visit artscenterlive.org for more.

▪ The Carrboro Elementary School Fair is Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The poetry fox will be on hand to write impromptu poetry, while a dunk tank will contain teachers. There will be a wide variety of food and games, a bounce house, photo booth and face painting, naturally. DJ FORGE, who provides the music, will even give DJ lessons to curious kids. How cool is that? This takes place rain or shine. Contact Tamara Daley at tamara.daley@gmail.com with any questions.

▪ Saturday the Morehead Planetarium brings its “make a monster” activity to Durham’s Discovery Nook, a children’s area in the Northgate Mall. This activity explores traits and genetics, introducing scientific principles through play. Participants in this free activity also receive a free book through Reading is Fundamental. The event runs between 12:30-2 p.m., and more information can be found at northgatemall.com.

This story was originally published April 30, 2015 at 10:00 AM with the headline "Family Picks: A weekend of whimsy with ClydeFEST and more."