The Shore Leave 31 science fiction convention happens Friday-Sunday, July 10-12, at the Marriott Hunt Valley Inn. This event will include workshops, a film festival, a masquerade contest, an art show, and a host of dealers selling memorabilia. There will also be guest appearances by actors, including Vanessa Angel, Miracle Laurie, Clifton Collins and Adrienne Wilkinson. There will also be guest appearances by dozens of sci-fi writers. Registration at the door is $75 general for a weekend pass (discounts for kids and single days). For a slate of events, go to www.shore-leave.com.

Toast the artists

Baltimore City's School 33 Art Center will host a reception for its semi-annual Studio Artists Exhibition Friday, July 10, 5-8 p.m., at the school, located at 1427 Light Street. The exhibit will feature the work of all nine current School 33 artists-in-residence as well as an exhibition essay written by Baltimore Museum of Art executive director Doreen Bolger. The exhibit runs through Aug. 1. Admission is free. Call 410-396-4641.

Caribbean festivities

The Baltimore Caribbean Carnival Festival happens Friday-Sunday, July 10-12, in Druid Hill Park. This event will showcase live music (such as soca, reggae and steel drum bands), costumes, and authentic ethnic food. Hours are Friday 5-9 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday noon-9 p.m. Admission is $5 general and free for children age 10 and younger. Call 410-230-2969.

Stories on the radio

The Stoop Storytelling Series will present its first-ever live radio show, "Baltimoored: Summer in the City," Thursday-Saturday, July 9-11, 8 p.m. at Centerstage. The show will feature celebrity storytellers like Maryland First Lady Katie O'Malley and actress Rain Pryor talking about being stuck in Baltimore for summer. WYPR-FM will broadcast the show Fridays, July 17 and 24, 7 p.m. The live shows will be preceded by a 7 p.m. cocktail hour. Admission is $20. Call 410-332-0033 or go to www.stoopstorytelling.com.

Christmas in July

The Carroll County Farmers Market will host its Christmas in July crafts preview Saturday, July 11, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Agriculture Center (700 Agriculture Center Dr., Westminster). On the bill are craft demonstrations, home-baked goods, flowers, local produce, and drawings for free prizes. Admission is also free. Call 410-848-7748.

Lawnmower racing

One of the region's most eccentric events, the Lawnmower Races, will happen once again Sunday, July 12, noon-5 p.m., at the Steppingstone Museum in Havre de Grace. Watch people compete to see who has the fastest riding lawnmower. There will also be turtle races, a frog jumping context, an ice cream eating contest and a classic car show. Admission is $5. Call 410-939-2299.

All's fair in Perry Hall

The 13th annual Perry Hall/White Marsh Town Fair happens Saturday, July 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Perry Hall High School (4601 Ebenezer Road). This event is known for its large activity area for children. There will also be live entertainment and over 140 vendors selling crafts and other items. Admission is free. Call 410-931-0030.

Get patriotic

The annual John Paul Jones Day happens this year on Saturday, July 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., in the U.S. Naval Academy's Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center in Annapolis. Expect such patriotic events as patriotic flag raisings, historical demonstrations, fifes and drums, wreath layings, and activities for kids. Admission is free. Call 410-293-8687.

French fest

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens will host a French Festival Saturday-Sunday, July 11-12, at its headquarters at 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW. Hours are Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. Admission is $18 general, $5 for kids. Call 202-686-5807.

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