Baltimore's homegrown science fiction convention, Balticon, will happen once again Friday-Monday, May 22-25, at the Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn. This year's edition will feature Charles Stross as the author guest of honor, as well as music by Mary Crowell and an author appearance by 2008 Compton Crook Award Winner Mark Van Name.

As always, there will be film screenings, comic books, art displays and a masquerade ball. Admission is $60 for the full weekend. Call 410-563-2737 or go to www.balticon.org.

Gems and minerals

There will be gemstones, jewelry, fossils and minerals galore at the Chesapeake Gem and Mineral Society's annual Chesapeake Gem and Mineral Show on Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Ruhl Armory, 1035 York Road, Towson. The show will feature mineral dealers from around the region plus original jewelry and auctions. There will also be activities for children. Admission is free. Go to http://chesapeake.rockclub.us.

Going herbal

The Baltimore Herb Festival will mark its 20th year when it sets up shop once again Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., in Leakin Park, 1900 Eagle Drive, Baltimore. Expect to find herbs for sale as well as lectures, exhibitors, cooking demonstrations, guided walks and live music. Admission is $5 general, free for children age 12 and younger. For details, go to www.baltimoreherbfestival.com.

Discover change

Port Discovery will open a new visiting exhibit, Change for Children, Saturday, May 23. The exhibit reproduces over a dozen masterpieces by painter Marc Chagall, all of which are accompanied by hands-on, interactive elements. All of the artwork includes an interactive audio recording that will let young visitors learn about the piece and create mosaics, weave tapestries and digitally alter the works. Admission is $11.75 general; children under age two are admitted free. Call 410-727-8120.

Oldies but goodies

The Maryland Music Collectors' monthly Record & CD Show will take place Sunday, May 24, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Arbutus Fire Hall, 5200 Southwestern Blvd. The show, which has become a mainstay for area record collectors, regularly features dealers from around the area who showcase old vinyl records, rare CDs, tapes and magazines. Admission is free. Call 410-455-0418.

Caribbean wine

Linganore Winecellars will hold a Caribbean Wine Festival on Saturday-Sunday, May 23-24, at 13601 Glissans Mill Road in Mount Airy. The weekend will feature crafts, wine tastings, and music by the DC Pan Jammers and the Image Band. Admission is $15 general, $10 for anyone age 18-20 and free for people younger than age 18 with an adult. Call 301-831-5889.

McHenry Memorial Day

Fort McHenry will hold a Memorial Day service Monday, May 25, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The day will be marked by poetry readings, a wreath-laying ceremony and the hosting of the "Star-Spangled Banner" flag at noon. A decoration of veterans' graves will be held at 1 p.m. Admission is free. Call 410-962-4290.

Rockin' in Rockville

Rockville will host a Hometown Holidays celebration Saturday-Monday, May 23-25, in the Rockville Town Center. On the bill will be activities for children, a parade and live music, including the reggae band the Wailers and local rocker Pat McGee. Hours are Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-10 p.m. and Monday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Go to www.rockvillemd.gov/events.

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