B’More Social: Sept. 27-30

We’d like to interrupt the regular format of our weekly calendar to bring you … the Baltimore Book Festival. If the written word captivates your soul and you cannot get enough of turning pages, the Baltimore Book Festival is for you. A wonderful way to encourage the young readers in your home, this three-day festival features appearances by local and nationally recognized authors, book readings, cooking demonstrations, book signings and endless opportunities to purchase books. Kids will have a blast with special programming and activities geared toward fun and early literacy in the Children’s Corridor. Sept. 28-30, Inner Harbor, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., free, baltimorebookfestival.com

What else is going on this weekend? So much! Read on.

Thursday

Pics in the Park

Bring a blanket and snacks and enjoy an outdoor showing of “Coco,” the animated story that follows young Miguel and his dreams of becoming a musician. Center Plaza, sunset, free, godowntownbaltimore.com

40^th Annual Westminster Fall Fest

Celebrate community and support local nonprofit organizations with a four-day festival including rides, activities, entertainment and a parade. Sept. 27-30, Downtown Westminster, times and prices vary, westminsterfallfest.com

Friday

Harry Potter Movie Night

Hogwarts fans unite. Watch “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” paint a house-themed piece and munch on pizza. If you’re lucky, there may even be Butterbeer. Registration required. Ages 8 and up. The Pottery Stop, 6-9 p.m., $35/child, thepotterystop.com

Fall into Goucher Dance

Experience a family-friendly evening overflowing with dance featuring performances by Goucher’s dance team, DOCC, Reverend’s Rebels and Pizzazz. Grab some food from one of the food trucks, and enjoy outdoor fun with a DJ and lawn games. Hyman Forum of the Athenaeum, 6-9:30 p.m., $10, goucher.edu

‘Star Wars: A New Hope – In Concert’

The film that would change the world and first introduced audiences to R2-D2 returns to the big screen accompanied by live music from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. With a live soundtrack of the Oscar-winning score, audience members will feel immersed in the story in a whole new way. Fans young and old will love the enhanced experience, as they watch Luke Skywalker learn the ways of the Force in the film that started a global phenomenon. Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 29-30, 3 p.m., Meyerhoff, $45-85, bsomusic.org

Saturday

Breakfast with the Penguins

Rise and shine with everyone’s favorite flightless birds. Enjoy a buffet breakfast, photo opportunities, a special zookeeper chat and the opportunity to help feed these sweet birds their first meal of the day. Price includes same-day zoo admission. Maryland Zoo, 8:30-10 a.m., $55/members, $65/nonmembers, marylandzoo.org

 Pumpkins in the Park

It’s an urban, mini-fall festival. Little ones will love the toddler hay maze, face painting and a pumpkin patch in the middle of the city. Center Plaza in Charles Center, 10 a.m.-noon, free, godowntownbaltimore.com

 Super Hero Days

Everyone’s favorite super heroes unite at the B&O Railroad Museum to teach young heroes in training about railroading safety through activities, challenges, crafts and a super hero train ride. Sept. 29/10 a.m.-3 p.m. & Sept. 30/11 a.m.-3 p.m., $20/adult, $12/kids, borail.org

Halloween Costume Swap

Why buy new when you can swap? Bring the costumes your family has outgrown and trade with other families. Baltimore County Public Library, Perry Hall Branch, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., free, bcpl.info

Sunday

Run Wild for Autism

Get some fresh air for a great cause with this 5K and 1-mile fun run and walk through the Maryland Zoo and Druid Hill Park. Afterward, enjoy up-close time with your favorite animal pals.  Your race fee includes same-day zoo admission. Maryland Zoo, 8:30 a.m., $30/adult, $20/youth 12-17, free/under 12, pathfindersforautism.org

Orioles vs. Astros

It’s Fan Appreciation Weekend at Camden Yards. Root for the home team, and stick around after the game where kids 4 to 14 head down to the field to run the bases.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards, 3:05 p.m., $15-72/ticket, orioles.com