Start the summer with some free entertainment. Enjoy the nice weather by walking for a good cause, taking home a furry friend, or simply enjoying a good ol’ hotdog. This weekend has some great things to be a part of, but don’t forget to bring your rain gear for the thunderstorms that are forecasted this weekend.

1. Summer Kickoff Concert

5 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 30, Main Street Downtown Austin

There will be free entertainment for all ages, including live music Big Ben and the Brians, Molly Kate Kestner, Terry Schmidt and The Bissen Band. Shop, eat and drink downtown merchants. There will be food vendors, visit the Austin Jaycee’s Beer Garden, and there are even kids activities and games. Take Photos with Bruiser, Sir Can-A-Lot and Skippy. For more information visit www.vision2020austin.com.

2. Third Annual Darren Dash

8 a.m to noon, Saturday, May 31, Veterans Pavilion, 104 9th Pl SW, Austin

This third annual event will honor the life of Austin native and running enthusiast, Darren Lewis. All events will start and end at the Veteran’s Pavilion. Participants may register on the Darren Dash website through Friday, May 30 and in person the day before and morning of the race. Packet pick up/registration will be held at Lewis Physical Therapy/Excel Fitness Friday, May 30, 5-8 p.m. and the morning of the race at 6:45-7:45 a.m. Event will be chip timed and participants will receive a tee shirt. Water stops and post race refreshments will be provided for all participants. Race times are as follows: 1/2 Marathon starts at 8 a.m., 5k starts at 8:15 a.m., Kiddie run starts at 11 a.m. For more information, contact Shelley LeTendre at 507-440-4670, or go to www.darrendash.org.

3. Bonnet Strings

2 p.m., Saturday, May 31, the Large Meeting Room, Austin Public Library

Saloma Furlong, author of Why I Left the Amish, and Bonnet Strings: An Amish Woman’s Ties to Two Worlds, will return to the Austin Public Library to talk about her work and her life.

4. Meet-and-Greet

11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 31, 2000 8th Street NW, Austin

Come visit with special animal visitors from the Mower County Humane Society and learn how you can adopt and animal or help the shelter. There will be a hotdog lunch, Plinko, Fish Pond, Guess How Many?, a demonstration by the Austin Police Department K-9 unit, prize drawings, and local vendors including The Doo Crew, Scentsy and Pawsh Styling.