Last week, I had a theme for the weekend. This week, the only thing these events have in common is that I find them halfway interesting. Maybe you will too.

If you regret not taking Basket Weaving 101 in college, then lucky you because life is full of second chances. For 15 bucks, you can learn to make an open weave basket from wisteria vine at Aldridge Botanical Gardens this Saturday at 2. I’m thinking perfect Christmas present for my hard-to-shop-for mother-in-law. The gardens are located at 3530 Lorna Road in Hoover. Nice lake and walking trail, worth a visit anytime.

There’s a lot more after the jump (a lot more)…

I like going to Whole Foods and really, I don’t need a reason to wander the aisles trying all the cheeses. But if I did need a reason, the Giving Grille cookout would be a good one. For $4 on Saturday from 11 to 3, I can get a cheap lunch with drink, hot dog or hamburger, and chips and help kids at the same time. All of the proceeds are going to Reach Out and Read Alabama, a group working to make literacy promotion a part of pediatric care. Not a bad idea to foster a love of reading at a young age. This event is sponsored by our good friends over at Birmingham Magazine.

If you live out in Trussville, Superior Bank on Edwards Lake Road is having family fun day, FREE to everyone from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Here’s some of the details: A huge combo Moon Bounce that includes bounce, slides, obstacle course and a rock climb. Fire truck & police car on display. Child seat placement/inspections by the Trussville Fire Department. FREE hamburgers, hotdogs, chips and drinks. In my family, fire trucks are extremely cool so going out of the way to see one, not unheard of.

Ok, I’ve still got lots to do around the house before the weekend so here’s four events in four short paragraphs:

It’s Babypalooza time at Brookwood Village. Having a kid? Thinking of having a kid? Already got the kid? Yep, this event is aimed at you. Check out vendors, pick up samples, play some games. It’s all FREE and it’s from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Have you taken a look at Woodlawn lately? This is a part of town with beautiful structures and a sense of community that is just waiting to be found again. I imagine a thriving arts scene with cute boutiques and bars/restaurants. Maybe that dream is a long ways down the road but you are invited to check out Woodlawn Arts this Saturday, a FREE open house from 1-6 for artists’ studios and office space. At the very least, check out the Web site because it features Charles’ artwork.

Apparently Pepper Place is the happenin’ place to be this Saturday, even more so than usual. After the farmers market wraps up, the bikes will take to the road for the Pepper Place Criterium. Most of it will be hardcore racing but they will have some family and kid rides too. Also, Alabama Ballet has planned a yard sale the same day, right around the corner at 2726 1st Ave. South from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

And no, I didn’t forget about the Greek Food Fest. I just figured you already knew about it since this is the 36^th annual event for Holy Trinity – Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral. It opened Thursday and runs through Saturday. Head to Southside for your baklava fix.