Last weekend was a perfect example of how we need to fly by the seat of our pants weather-wise. All week long we heard about the weekend rain we were going to get. The forecast called for 3 and 8 inches of rain. By Friday night I was convinced Noah and his ark were on their way. As it turned out the weather people were only partly right. True, it was a gully washer on Sunday, but Saturday turned out to a pretty nice day. Which just goes to show–never cancel anything until actual rain falls.

This weekend  we’re told to expect nothing but sunny skies and puffy clouds. But just like Forrest and his box of chocolates, you just never know what you’re gonna get when it comes to the weather in North Texas. Hold on to that mindset–and your umbrella, as you head out to these fun weekend April festivals. They’re all for a good cause, so who cares if you get a little wet?

Swing from the trees at Fair Park with Tree Climbers International. Photo: Earth Day TX 2016

Give Mother Earth a big ol’ hug at the Earth Day Texas 2016. The annual outdoor shin-dig has the parental approval trifecta–family-friendly, fun and free! Also, don’t tell the wee ones, but it’s educational, too. That makes it a “can’t miss” event. Kids can learn all about weather, oceans, and environmental trends with NOAA’s giant animated orb, meet and milk a cow, learn to ride a bike on a fun (and safe) track, visit the tiny house village, or learn to climb trees rope-and-harness style with Tree Climbers International. Catch the festivities all weekend long at the land of corny dogs and Big Tex, aka Fair Park.

Wondering what to do with all those empty Target bags? Check out the TRASHion Show at the Denton Redbud Festival. Photo: Keep Denton Beautiful, Inc.

Earth Day isn’t the only nature-related holiday in April. In case you’ve forgotten, Arbor Day is April 29. Get a jump on the tree hugging holiday at the Denton Redbud Festival this Saturday at the Denton Civic Center. Even the Lorax couldn’t compete with all of the Arbor Day activities going on here. For starters, the Denton Public Library is hosting a special tree-themed storytime at 11 a.m.. The first 50 kids to arrive get a copy of “The Happiness Tree.”  There will also be a free tree giveaway, bounce houses, face painting, and live music performances throughout the day. And be sure to see TRASHion Fashion Runway Show at noon on the outdoor stage. Creativity abounds as trash is turned into fashion.

Cheer on the riders at Gaitapalooza! Photo: ManeGait

Make some equine friends and do it for a good cause at the 6th Annual Gaitapalooza this Saturday. The folks at ManeGait are transforming their facility into a family-friendly carnival. Admission to the carnival area is just $5 per child and includes games, bounce houses, petting zoo, face painting and food trucks. You can also cheer on ManeGait riders as they participate in a trail-ride-a-thon with the horses dressed up like race cars. Proceeds from the event will help ManeGait with it’s mission of providing riding lessons to children and adults with disabilities. You won’t have to worry about the rain for this event because the carnival area takes place in ManeGait’s covered arena.

Fans of Young Adult literature won’t want to miss the North Texas Teen Book Festival at the Irving Convention Center in Las Colinas this Saturday. This is the largest free book festival in the region and will feature up to 75 bestselling, award-winning, and debut writers in attendance. book lovers can  attend panel discussions, purchase books, and meet rock star authors like James Dashner (Maze Runner), Gayle Forman (If I Stay), Sarah Dessen (Saint Anything),  Holly Black (The Spiderwick Chronicles), Libba Bray (The Diviners) and Margaret Stohl (Dangerous Creatures).

Watch a colorful folk dance performance at the Latino Street Fest. Photo: Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico

Celebrate the vibrant Latino culture in North Texas this Saturday at the 2016 Latino Street Fest in the Dallas Arts District.  This family-friendly festival features live performances, food contests, talent competitions, and much more. All proceeds from the event will benefit AVANCE-Dallas.