Weekend Update: Feb. 15-17

International Auto Festival (photo from www.ncautoexpo.com)

The 26th annual N.C. International Auto Expo kicks off on Thursday in the Graham Building and Exposition Center. The Wake County New Vehicle Dealer Association presents more than 160,000 square feet of  new production models and concept cars with car, truck and sports utility vehicle manufacturers on display. Classic cars will be on display in Dorton Arena on Saturday and Sunday. Show hours are noon to 9 p.m. on Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults ages 13 to 60; $5 for adults older than 60; $4 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for children 5 or younger.

The Raleigh Winter II Hunter Show runs Thursday to Sunday. This is a USEF A-rated show sponsored by Triangle Farms Inc. Daily shows begin at 8 a.m. Free spectator admission.

The VolksFest, an all-Volkswagen car show and swap meet, takes place in the Scott Building on Saturday. VW enthusiasts can buy and sell vintage VW parts, as well as sell or show off their vehicles. Show runs 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission is $10 for adults ages 13 and up.

The 32nd Annual Carolina Aquarium Workshop & Auction takes place Saturday and Sunday in the Martin Building. The Raleigh Aquarium Society is offering workshops throughout the day on Saturday and an auction on Sunday with a wide variety of fish, plants and hardware items, including rare and difficult-to-find items. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. both days.  Auction registration is on Sunday from 9 to 11 a.m., with the auction starting at 11.

Two separate cat shows will take place this weekend in the Holshouser Building. The Mid-Atlantic Persian & Himalayan Fanciers CFA Cat Show will be held on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with up to 225 cats in competition. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens and students with ID, $3 for ages 2 to 12 years old and free for 2 years and under. On Sunday, the Vision Cat Club TICA Cat Show takes over with a new set of cats from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for this show is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens and students with ID, $3 for ages 2 to 12 years old and free for 2 years and under.

On Sunday, more than 100 vendors will fill the Scott Building featuring Lionel, K-Line, MTH, American Flyer and more at the the  Toy Train Sale and Swap Meet. In addition to the sales, there are hands-on layouts and train races for the children and minor on-site repairs. An auction takes place at 1 p.m. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. General admission is $6 for adults ages 13 and up, free for children under 13 accompanied by paying adult.