Weekend Outlook - May 5-8, 2011

It's Mother's Day Weekend! Here are Economoms' recommendations for the best budget-conscious family activities in the Maryland region for May 5-8, 2011. All are great ways to celebrate mom in a family-friendly atmosphere.

WTMD's First Thursdays Concert in the Park: Weather.com is forecasting temps in the high-60s with sunny rays this evening for WTMD's kick-off of their summer concert series at Mt. Vernon Park. So grab a blanket, your kids, and even the dog for some outdoor fun, featuring bands Harper Blynn, April Smith and the Great Picture Show, and The Damnwells. FREE! Concerts run the first Thursday of each month through October.

Flowermart 2011: Also in Mount Vernon this Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. both days, is Baltimore's annual Flowermart, originally the first of its kind to be held in America. Enjoy beautiful flowers blossoming around the Washington Monument, and don't forget to treat your kiddos to a peppermint stick -- a tradition since 1948!

Mother-Daughter Look-Alike Contest at The Avenue in White Marsh: Do you have a mini-me? Flaunt those matching genes Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. and you could win a $500 shopping spree to the shops at The Avenue! Contestants will be judged on overall likeness, facial similarity, and dress. To participate, click the link to fill out an entry form. All forms, which can be faxed, must be received by 4 p.m. on Friday. Second place gets a $250 shopping spree and third prize gets a massage, mani, and pedi package for two!

34th Annual Steam Show at the Fire Museum of Maryland:  Head to the Fire Museum in Lutherville from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday for a fun-filled day of dalmatians, horses, fire engines, and cascades of water to run through! Facebook fans save $1 on admission by clicking the above link and printing the coupon.

Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race: It's lucky year 13 of this wacky, annual race of human-powered sculptures that navigate both the streets of downtown Baltimore and the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Check out these moving works of art this Saturday. The Opening Ceremony kicks off at 8 a.m. at the American Visionary Art Museum.

Fair in the Square at Cross Keys: An afternoon featuring a petting zoo, with members of the Sparks 4H Club on hand to offer educational information, plus animal-themed activities, live entertainment, games with prizes, animal face-painting, a puppet party, and an animal-themed craft project. Saturday, 12-3 p.m. at the Village of Cross Keys in Baltimore.

St. James Academy Horse and Pony Show: Have a little horse lover in your family? He or she will be in awe watching equestrians jump their horses Saturday afternoon on St. James' beautiful campus in Monkton. For moms, there will be a flower tent, filled with great stuff you can treat yourself to for Mother's Day.

BUGS Farmer's Market: Baltimore Urban Gardening with Students (aptly acronymed BUGS!) is having their 15th annual seedling sale this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Living Classrooms Foundation in Baltimore. Thousands of seedlings for your garden, planted and raised by Baltimore kids, will be available for purchase, as well as performances, kid-made art work, face-painting, and BBQ.

Mother's Day at Ladew Topiary Gardens: If April showers bring May flowers, then now's the perfect time to visit Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton! Head there this Sunday for a special Mother's Day event, and mom will get a FREE treat (while supplies last), as well as complimentary coffee and tea.

Other Mother's Day Freebies and Deals: Don't forget to check out our round-up of Mother's Day goodies courtesy of local and national retailers, including how to get FREE admission for mom at Medieval Times this weekend, a FREE zipline ride at Terrapin Adventures on Sunday, and more. Economoms also has a Mother's Day Giveaway going on right now. Be sure to enter before noon on Friday, May 6 for a chance to win! Two Economoms totes are up for grabs, each filled with a $30 gift certificate to Lisa Marie Photography, a FREE week of Training with Fit Mom, and more.

Happy Mother's Day!