Today’s best bet

It’s that blooming time again. It’s all about the cherry blossoms in Rockdale County this weekend, so head out to the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival 2009. There will be an art festival with 300 artist booths, a variety of food booths, an interactive children’s area and plenty of entertainment. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 28-29. Free admission; parking $5. Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers. 770-602-2606, www.conyerscherryblossomfest.com.

Sunday’s best bet

Mariza is the expressive vocal ambassador of the mournful fado, the evocative folk-blues of Portugal. Words such as longing, sadness, home-sickness and pain are tossed about when trying to describe this venerable musical form. 5 p.m. March 29. $26-$36. Ferst Center for the Arts, 349 Ferst Drive N.W., Georgia Tech, Atlanta. 404-894-9600, www.ferstcenter.org.

Looking ahead

Musical adventurer Janelle Monae (below) was nominated for a Grammy Award in the urban/alternative category, but she won’t stay pigeonholed for long. She made a big splash at the recent South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas, according to many post-fest reports, impressing the gathering’s often-jaded audience of music insiders. 7:30 p.m. April 3. $38.50-$40.50. Rialto Center for the Arts, 80 Forsyth St. N.W., Atlanta. 404-413-9849, tickets.rialtocenter.org.

Free and cheap fun

Atlanta Hawks Fan Block Party is presented by the AJC and includes activities such as street ball games, inflatables, prize tents, music, food and appearances by former Hawks players. 1:30-3:30 p.m. March 29; 5-7 p.m. April 4. Free. 1 Philips Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-878-3800, www.hawks.com.