5 Things to Do This Weekend: May 21-22

It’s Thursday, and the weekend is right around the corner. Patch has your back with a few fun things to do. Check our picks for the activities to hit and some places to explore. Here's what's happening in and around your town.

• Where/When: on Dedham Avenue; Saturday, May 21, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
• Why Go: All ages can climb behind the wheel of many of the Needham ’ vehicles, from big rigs to front end loaders to pick-up trucks. This free, family-friendly event is sponsored by the DPW and the Commission and is part of Public Works Week, celebrated May 15-21.
• Pricing: Free

• Where/When: , 1155 Central Ave.; Saturday, May 21, 1:00-4:30 p.m.
• Why Go: Now in its second year, Needham Bikes’ Bike Fair offers a variety of activities for bicyclists of all experience levels. Get tune-up tips from experts in a workshop from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Bring in unwanted bikes to donate or sell—or look for one that may be perfect for you or the kids (all day). Young cyclists are encouraged to decorate their bikes and participate in a mini-parade from 2:00-3:00 p.m. And Needham Bikes members will lead riders on an easy 8-mile ride on local streets from 3:00-4:30 p.m., weather permitting.
• Pricing: Mostly free; $10 per bike for the tune-up workshop (a portion of the proceeds go to support the nonprofit Needham Bikes, which is working to make Needham more bike-friendly)

: Revolutionary War Battle and Encampment

• Where/When: , 463 Charles River St.; Saturday, May 21-Sunday, May 22, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. each day
• Why Go: In a weekend filled with fun activities, this is definitely the star event—and most likely the biggest and loudest. Part of the town’s celebration, this event led by re-enactors from The Brigade of the American Revolution will include a mock battle on the Ridge Hill green each day—not based on any actual events—as well as artillery demonstrations, musical concerts and military drills. Battles will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. On Saturday night, visit the 18th Century Ball from 7:30-10:00 p.m. at the VFW Hall, 20 Junction St. There will be live music, dancing and dance instruction. The public may attention and mingle with both American and British soldiers from the battle but must wear either an 18th-century costume or black tie formal modern wear. There will be a cash bar.
• Pricing: The battle and encampment are free to visit, but take note: Because of the size of the crowd and safety concerns, spectators must arrive no later than 1:00 p.m. on Saturday and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday and must remain in the designated spectator area while the battle takes place. The ball costs $10 at the door.

• Where/When: Brookline High School, 115 Greenough St., Brookline; Sunday, May 22, 12:00-3:00 p.m.
• Why Go: Sponsored by the Needham-based and Chabad centers of Brookline, Chesnut Hill and Newton Center, this community event celebrates the Jewish festival of Lag Ba’omer. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment featuring magic, juggling, stunts and balloons (shows start at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.) and the usual party fare—inflatables, face painting, clowns, pony rides, music and concessions.
• Pricing: $5 per person with a maximum cost per family of $36.

Hillside’s

• Where/When: , 28 Glen Gary Rd.; Sunday, May 22, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
• Why Go: Sponsored by the Hillside PTC, this family fun event will include fast-action mini NASCAR racing, barn babies, a giant slide, an obstacle course, sand art, a cake walk and, of course, lots of delicious food such as grilled burgers, hotdogs and pizza.
• Pricing: Free admission