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 dubbed Museums on Us. Get free admission August 4-5 at the Children’s Museum, Houston Zoo and Museum of Fine Arts Houston. Free admission for individual cardholder, not children.

Celebrate community — The annual White Linen Night in the Heights returns August 4 from 6 pm – 10 pm. Engage in the Heights community through art, entertainment, fashion, live music, and more. Streets are closed for crowds to mingle and browse the eclectic shops. Check out all the participating businesses and organizations here with their specials, discounts and entertainment on 11th Street, 19th Street, 20th Street, 22nd Street, White Oak, and more. The First Saturday Arts Market will be incorporated into the evening on W. 19th between Yale and Ashland. Don’t miss Pink Street, a small portion of 19th Street, where local breast cancer awareness groups will share information , art, and awareness. Theme: Local Faces, Local Flavor, Local Fun!

Get cultured with Shakespeare — Free Shakespeare in the park returns this summer to Miller Outdoor Theatre. Houston Shakespeare Festival by University of Houston  features Hamlet (August 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 at 8:30 pm) and The Comedy of Errors  (August 4, 8, 10, and 12 at 8:30 pm). Free reserved seat tickets are available each performance day from 10:30 am – 1 pm at Miller Outdoor box office.

Dance in the streets: It’s a party on the plaza at Sugar Land Town Square this weekend. The free summer concert series from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm features The Matchsticks Friday night and Superstar 2011 winner Erica Marks Saturday night.

Craft clay magnets — 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, August 4, features nature-inspired polymer clay magnets, thanks to a partnership with The Houston Polymer Clay Guild. Kids can decorate their clay base with polymer clay leaves, branches, and flowers. Come anytime from 11 am – 3 pm. HCCC is located at 4848 Main Street.

Learn about summer vegetables — Learn all about preparing summer vegetables this weekend at Williams-Sonoma’s 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.

Play at the Children’s Museum – It’s another Target Free First Sunday August 5 at the Children’s Museum of Houston. It’s a great chance to check out some of the special exhibits, such as Celebrate Mindfest, an MIT-inspired Kid Festival.  Hours are noon to 6 pm. The museum is located at 1500 Binz. Admission is normally $9 each.

Build a cork bulletin board – Kids will enjoy this school-related craft at The Home Depot Saturday, August 4, from 9 am – noon.  This month’s project features a Cork Bulletin Board. Sessions are geared to kids ages 5-12. Kids also get an orange work apron.

Meet the Cirque du Soleil folks –The KOOZA street team will be at CityCentre Saturday, August 4 from 7 pm – 10 pm. Get ready for family fun, music and surprises! CityCentre is located at 800 Town and Country Blvd.