ArtsFest, Block Party and Relay for Life All Part of Weekend Plans

It's been the one of the wettest starts to June ever, but this weekend's forecast looks like it is shaping up to be a great time to get out and enjoy some classic annual events in our community. Take a look at some of our picks for events on the weekend calendar here in Hamilton and Wenham and the nearby area of the North Shore.

Always check our events calendar for a complete list.

Remember, each Friday morning Hamilton-Wenham Patch’s “Get Out” weekend planner brings you a quick guide to local events and activities.

If you have great ideas of your own that you want to share, please feel free to add them in the comments section at the bottom.

1. 'NACHO AVERAGE' BLOCK PARTY

Where/When: Community House of Hamilton-Wenham and Patton Park, Hamilton; Saturday, noon-3 p.m.

Why Go: There's all-you-can eat food from several popular restaurants, including Beverly Wild Horse Cafe and Beverly Butcher and Cherry Farm Creamery. There will also be live music and plenty of kids activities. It has been rescheduled from Friday night to Saturday afternoon because of the weather forecast.

Pricing: $30 per adult and $20 for children and seniors at the door

2. ARTS FEST BEVERLY 2013

Where/When: Downtown Beverly, Cabot Street between Bow Street and Dane streets; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Why Go: Arts Fest in one of the biggest events of the year in downtown Beverly, bringing together artists, musicians, food trucks, kids activities and more. New this year will be a raffle of donatated arts and crafts to benefit Arts Fest in future years plus "The Improbable Places Poetry Tour" makes a stop at Chianti Restaurant at 2 p.m.

Pricing: Free; Crafts, food and other activities have various charges

3. WHO WANTS TO BECOME THE NEXT DANVERS IDOL?

Where/When: Danvers Community Access Television, Danvers; Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Why Go: The sixth annual Danvers Idol kicks off on Saturday with a preliminary round for North Shore singers looking to claim this year's crown. Contestants are urged to pre-register for one of four two-hour slots at DCAT. Four judges, including American Idol finalist Erika Van Pelt, will send 10 singers on to the finals round June 28 at Danvers High School, where three finalists will emerge for one more round before the 2013 Danvers Idol is crowned. You can find more details regarding registration and the contest rules here. Saturday's contest is also the first in a lengthy schedule of activities planned for this year's Danvers Family Festival. You can find more information at www.danversfamilyfestival.com.

Pricing: Free

4. PEABODY RELAY FOR LIFE KICKS OFF FRIDAY RAIN OR SHINE

Where/When: Peabody Veterans Memorial High School, Peabody; Friday, 3 p.m.

Why Go: The 2013 Relay for Life in Peabody kicks off Friday afternoon up at the Peabody High track rain or shine. The two-day event raises awareness and support for cancer survivors, those who are still fighting cancer and those who have passed on, as well as their family members. There are a number of new activities planned this year, including a dinner with meals prepared by local restaurants, along with time-honored favorites, such as the Miss Relay which features some of Peabody's more well known male figures in drag. You can find more information on the schedule of activities here.

Pricing: Tickets for the dinner are $7 each

5. PORTER MILLS OPEN STUDIOS

Where/When: Porter Mill; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Why Go: Here's a great chance to see what local artists are up to a Porter Mills, where about 50 artists will be on hand with demonstrations. They'll also have their art for sale and be able to answer questions. The event is running on conjunction with Arts Fest, which is happening at the same time on the other side of downtown along Cabot Street.

Pricing: Free