It's circus time in Dorton Arena this Friday.
It looks like warmer weather is finally on tap for the Triangle area this weekend, so why not enjoy it at the fairgrounds? Circus performers, dinosaurs, rollergirls and brides-to-be will make up the eclectic mix of visitors. As usual, the Raleigh Flea Market will be open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with hundreds of vendors selling a wide variety of goods and services.
Weekend events kick off Friday with the Garden Bros Circus in Dorton Arena. Show features high flying daredevils, BMX extreme stunt team, flash mob dancers, pink poodles, clowns, human cannonball, princesses, heroes and penguins. Show times are 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Admission is $8 for children and $20 for adults. VIP ringside seats are $16 for children and $28 for adults. Special ticket deals available online. Credit cards are accepted online, but cash only at the door.
Discover the Dinosaurs is returning to the fairgrounds and moving into the Graham Building, which will allow for more exhibit space. This interactive exhibit takes adventurers through life-sized recreations of dinosaurs, plus the Dino Dig, Dino Theater, Gem & Fossil Panning, Dino Mini-Golf, face painting, rides and inflatables. New this year is Discover the Ice Age, which shows a world transformed by snow and ice, and where gigantic creatures reigned after the dinosaurs disappeared. Experience these massive moving, breathing, animatronic mammals of the Ice Age in their natural environment. This event is ticketed separately. The event is open Friday, noon until 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ticket prices start at $18 for adults, $22 for children ages 2-12 and $16 for seniors 65 and older. See the website for combo ticket prices. Tickets are available online or at the Graham building ticket booths 30 minutes before event opens.
Other events this weekend:
The 66th Raleigh Antiques Extravaganza is in the Exposition Center Friday through Sunday. The show includes more than 125 exhibitors, from Florida to New England, featuring quality antiques and collectibles. Hours are Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $6.50 per day or $7.50 for a weekend pass.
The Carolina Rollergirls bring back the fierce competition of flat-track roller derby with a double-header event to open the 2015 season. The North Dorton Box Office opens at 11 a.m. and doors open at 2 p.m. Game 1 starts at 3 p.m. and game 2 begins at 5 p.m. All seats are general admission. Bout day admission is $15 for adults; $10 for students, seniors 65+, and military with ID; $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Up to two children 5 and under are admitted free per paying adult. Advance admission is $12 for adults, $5 for children. A group rate is available for advance purchases for groups of 15 or more.
The Triangle Farms NCHJA “C” Indoors Show will be held Saturday at the Hunt Horse Complex. The show begins at 8 a.m. and spectator admission is free.
The Bead Mercantile Show will be in the Scott Building. This event features a great selection of beads and bead-related items from vendors across the world, selling everything from handmade artisan glass beads to direct imports including beads, findings, threads/cord and other supplies to make beaded jewelry. Workshops are also available. Hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission of $6 is discounted to $3 with registration at door or online. Children under 16 are free but must be accompanied by an adult.
Carolina Coin and Stamp Show is Saturday and Sunday in the Holshouser Building. This show features U.S., foreign, ancient, gold and silver coins, postcards and stamps. Dealers will be buying and selling foreign, domestic and ancient currency. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.
The March of Brides Bridal Show is Sunday in the Martin Building. This is a specialty show for Southern brides. Admission is $5 in advance and $8 at the door. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
City of Oaks Beach Blast Cheer & Dance Competition is Sunday in Dorton Arena. North Carolina high school cheer and dance competition. Doors open at noon. Competition begins at 1 p.m. and features cheerleaders and dancers competing to win their age divisions and the grand championship.
