Greetings, friends! Friday is on the way, so get ready for a lovely book release party, a blast from the (Renaissance) past, the fabulous French flair, a dance party and a celebration of creation… all in one weekend?? You bet!

(Want more fun? Check out our list of street fairs this month. Some of them are this weekend!)

Sept 10

Book Release Party – Love is What Makes Us a Family

The Q Center hosts a release party for a sweet kids’ book about an LGBTQ family and the questions and conversations that arise. Pop in for a book reading, kids’ art table and treats! Free, facebook.com/events/315321945475163

Sept 10

La Foire à Faire

Le Monde French Immersion Charter School’s inaugural craft fair and carnival is this weekend at TaborSpace! The craft fair starts at 11 am and the carnival kicks off at 1 pm. There will be loads of fun stuff to do, including carnival games, arts and crafts, puppet-making, yummy things to eat, and music to groove to by Mo Phillips and the Alphebiticians. Oui, oui! Free, facebook.com/events/789682671173673

Sept 10

Care to Dance?

We know you have an inner dancing queen or king. Get out and shake your sillies this weekend! While you’re having a good time gettin’ your groove on to the No Po Big Band or the open salsa, tango, swing, or ballroom dancing, you’ll also be benefiting Care Partners and Hospice Palliative. And if you don’t dance, no worries, there will be plenty of food, drink, and vendors to check out as well. $10, kids 10 and under free, commitchange.com

Sept 10-11

Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire

Hear ye, hear ye! Come one, come all, to this weekend’s Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire, not 15 miles outside of Downtown Corvallis. This festival offers you a one of a kind experience: an interactive adventure into the Renaissance of 1558 to 1603. Browse the 125+ vendors while surrounded by more than 1,000 costumed players and endless Renaissance entertainment. $11, kids 5 and under free, shrewfaire.com

Sept 10-11

2016 Portland Mini Maker Faire

A thrilling showcase of creation, innovation and engineering that will delight and fascinate the whole family. With over 100 exhibits, most of them interactive and hands-on, there’s no shortage of learning and fun. Good thing you’ve got two days to do it all! $10-15 for 1 day, $15-25 for both, makerfaireportland.com