It's fall and it's festival time. Here are some highlights if you're looking for something to do this weekend.

FESTIVALS 

Of course the big one for kids every year is BugFest, which runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh. We took my daughter last year and had a ball. Lots of crafts, entertainment (Sandbox band at noon) and fun things to see. We're definitely planning a visit on Saturday. Introduce yourself if you see us! The day caters to a more adult crowd after 5 p.m., but it's still family friendly. There's more information in my Family Outing column on Friday.

Before or after BugFest, walk a few blocks to the Raleigh Street Painting Festival at Moore Square. The festival, where hundreds of artists will take over the streets, starts Friday but most of the activities are Saturday. We went last year and I remember they had lots of chalk for kids to make their own creations on the street. My daughter had a lot of fun (but it got a little messy).

The Clayton Harvest Festival in downtown Clayton started Wednesday and runs through Sunday. Carnival rides, games, activities.  

Durham has two big ones this weekend - the Bull Durham Blues Festival at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and Centerfest in downtown Durham.

And then there's the annual Greek Festival in Raleigh, which runs from Friday to Sunday at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. Lots of food and entertainment. I can taste the baklava already.

THE REST 

The First United Methodist Church's consignment sale in downtown Cary is Saturday morning. Proceeds go to local children's and women's charities.

Crowder Park's 10th anniversary celebration is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, with a parade, ice cream and other old-fashioned fun and games.  

And there's a lot more. Go to the TriangleMom2Mom calendar to learn about other family-friendly events this weekend and the weeks to come. 

Check out our other daily themes at TriangleMom2Mom:

MONDAY: Meet!
TUESDAY: Ask!
WEDNESDAY: Eat!
THURSDAY: Play!
FRIDAY: Out!

WEEKEND: Relax!