photo by: Richard Gwin

August Gilbreath, of Lenexa, swallows some fire for a crowd in downtown Lawrence at the Busker Festival on Friday, May 29, 2015.

Celebrate the unofficial arrival of summer with two of Lawrence’s signature wacky events, then celebrate Memorial Day with patriotic tunes courtesy of the 312th Army Band. Plus, a special Memorial Day scramble at Eagle Bend Golf Course, because what’s more American than competitive sports?

Busker Fest

Friday to Sunday, various locations across downtown Lawrence

Lawrence’s ninth annual celebration of all things weird returns this weekend, bringing with it approximately 25 of the “most talented freaks, geeks, artists and musicians around.”

As in previous years, contortionists, jugglers, fire eaters and similar acts abound, including perennial favorite Mama Lou Strongwoman and newcomer/”acrobatic nerd” Adorkable Derek.

For more information on this year’s festival, including a map and schedule of performances, visit www.lawrencebuskerfest.com.

Art Tougeau Parade

noon Saturday, Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St.

The wheeled-art parade is once again partnering with Busker Fest for a doubly wacky weekend in Lawrence, starting Friday with Art Tougeau’s Final Friday Street pARTy in front of the Lawrence Arts Center.

Slated for 5 to 10 p.m., festivities include live music and entertainment from Busker Fest acts, food trucks, and plenty of artsy activities for the kids.

Parade registration and line-up (entry requirements are pretty laid back — “if it rides, bring it on!”) starts at 10 a.m. Saturday. The parade itself begins at noon in front of the Lawrence Arts Center before rolling south to 11th Street and right onto Massachusetts Street, where it will travel north for four blocks, then turn right onto Seventh Street and right onto New Hampshire Street, ending up back at the Arts Center.

For more information, visit www.arttougeau.org.

312th Army Band Memorial Day concert

1 p.m. Saturday, near the train in Watson Park, 727 Kentucky St.

Lawrence’s own 312th Army Band will showcase several American classics, among them John Philips Sousa’s beloved “Stars and Stripes Forever,” at its free concert Saturday at Watson Park.

The show is free, and guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets.

Memorial Day Scramble

1 p.m. Monday, Eagle Bend Golf Course and Learning Center, 1250 East 902 Road

Celebrate Memorial Day by hitting the links at Eagle Bend’s scramble competition.

Tee times can be made between 1 and 2 p.m. for the two-person, 18-hole scramble, which will be flighted to ensure all competitors have a chance to win prizes. Teams (all ages are welcome) can be male, female or coed.

Registration is $100 per team, and includes cart, green and prizes. For more information or to schedule a tee time, call Eagle Bend at 748-0600.