The weekend is almost here! What are your plans? Here is a snapshot of a few free events and activities to enjoy with your family and friends:

Browse free museums and zoo – It’s Bank of America’s first weekend freebie for cardholders.  Get free admission July 7-8 at Children’s Museum, Houston Zoo and Museum of Fine Arts Houston. Free admission for individual cardholder, not children. More details here on my previous free museum post.

Craft Chinese paper lanterns — The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is hosting Hands-On Houston, a free family event the first Saturday of each month. This Saturday’s craft, July 7, features Chinese paper lanterns, thanks to a partnership with Asia Society Texas Center. Kids can decorate their lanterns with ribbon and other materials. Come anytime from 11 am – 3 pm. HCCC is located at 4848 Main Street.

Pick some grapes — Families are invited to help Haak Winery harvest grapes Saturday, July 7, for its Old World Harvest Festival. Free breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. while it lasts. The event is 8 am – 4 pm with live music and food for purchase. This unique Galveston County winery in Santa Fe, Texas, will award door prizes from 11 am – 3 pm. More info: Haak Winery, 6310 Ave. T, Santa Fe, TX, 409.925.1401

Learn about canning — Learn the basics of canning at Williams-Sonoma’s next free in-store technique class. Times vary by location. Sundays at 11 am, 1 pm, Town & Country Village; Sundays at noon, Highland Village; Sundays at 2 pm, The Woodlands Mall; Sundays at noon, Baybrook Mall; plus 11 am Saturday and 1:30 pm Sunday at First Colony Mall. These technique classes are free, but reservations are recommended to reserve your spot.

Jam at Miller — It’s a free outdoor summer concert July 6 as Houston native saxophonist and songwriter Kirk Whalum brings his Grammy-winning sound to Miller Outdoor Theatre. The Romance Language Tour kicks off at 8:30 pm. Free covered seats are available on performance day from 10:30 – 1 pm at the Miller Box Office.

Enjoy an Idol-Like Competition — Sugar Land Superstar continues this summer for its 7th season. Listen to talented singers July 7 from 7 pm – 9:30 pm. Five will be selected for the August 11 finals competition. Located in Sugar Land Town Square.