It's easy to find things to do in Racine County this weekend. Ethnic food, live music and physical activities are all over the place. Come along for our picks.
Gyros and much, much more. One of the Racine area's most popular festivals — Greek Fest — opens Friday, June 29 at the Kimissis Greek Orthodox Church, 1335 S. Green Bay Road. This festival has it all with live music, special food, music, dancing, a Greek market and carnival rides. A gyros lunch is available from noon to 2 p.m. on Friday. Festival hours are 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. Free admission and parking. Visit www.kimissis.org
Up and away. Head to Monument Square in Downtown Racine Friday for Starlifter, the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid America. This talented group plays all kinds of music from pop to patriotic in a big way all over the world. The free concert in the Music on the Monument series runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Movies music at Festival Hall. "Tribute to the Silver Screen" kicks off the 25th anniversary of the Racine Symphony Orchestra Summer Pops Concerts on Friday. You'll hear memorable scores from films like "Dances With Wolves," "Titanic" and "Star Wars." The RSO Pops is joined by the Lighthouse Brigade Junior Band and the Belle City Brassworks Brass Band, both celebrating 25th anniversaries this year. Advance tickets are $23 for adults and $5 students. Children under 12 years old are free. Tickets at the door are $25 for adults and $8 for students. The ticket window opens at 5 p.m. at Festival Hall,. 5 Fifth St. The concert starts at 7 pm. Visit www.racinesymphony.org or call 262-636-9285.
Get dirty, you dog! Fun in the mud starts at 8 a.m. Saturday with the Dirty Dog Mud Run at the Mount Pleasant Civic Campus, 8811 Campus Drive. Participants will slog through obstacles including mud pits, swings and slip-and-slides. The $75 registration fee at the gate includes a shirt, beverage and entertainment. Visit dirtydogmudrun.com for details.
Kicking off another season. Racine Raiders semi-pro football opens the 2012 season Saturday against the Gateway Hawks of Missouri. The action starts at 7 p.m. at Horlick Field, North Memorial Drive and High Street. Tickets at the gate are: $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $4 for students. Veterans (with ID) are always admitted free. A family pack admits two adults and two kids for $15. Visit www.racineraiders.com
Marching on. Fans of drum and bugle corps won't want to miss the annual Lighthouse Brigade of Racine Band Championships at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Case High School Hammes Field, 7345 Washington Ave., Mount Pleasant. Eight different marching bands from across the Midwest will perform under the lights. Tickets at the gate are $9 for adults, $8 for seniors and students. Kids age 5 and under are free. Visit www.lighthousebrigade.org
Make the climb. It's 144 steps to the top of the Wind Point Lighthouse, 4725 Lighthouse Drive, Wind Point, but the view is spectacular. The first of four scheduled climbs is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Wear sturdy shoes - no sandals or flip-flops. Advance reservations are a must. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids under 12. Kids ages 5 and younger aren't allows. Call 262-880-8266.
Visit the Real Racine website (www.realracine.com) for more ideas on things to see and do.. You’re also invited to like us on Facebook by clicking HERE or follow us on Twitter by clicking HERE.
