A new flea market to the area called the Baltimore Big Flea will take place Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 24-25, in the Maryland State Fairgrounds. Billed as the mid-Atlantic's largest antique flea market, this show is new to the area, having originated in Virginia. It will offer more than 600 booths of antiques and collectibles. Hours are Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $8 and good for both days. Call 757-430-4735 or go to www.damorepromotions.com.

Get dancing

Harborplace and the Gallery will host Thrill the World Baltimore 2009 on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Harborplace Amphitheater. Thrill the World is a dance event designed to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the most people dancing to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" at the same time. The event begins at 5 p.m. with a performance by the Art Sherrod, Jr. Band. The "Thriller" dance starts 8:30 p.m. Go to www.dancebaltimore.org/thrilltheworld.

Fit kids

Young 'uns can get some exercise and have some fun at the same time at Be Fit Baltimore: A Downtown Kids' Month Event on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 4-8 p.m., at the Baltimore Convention Center. This event, geared toward children under age 10, will feature athletic activities, plus appearances by Ravens players and the Oriole Bird. Admission is free. For details, go to www.KidsLoveDowntownBaltimore.com.

Discover wildlife

Port Discovery will hold a program called Wildlife Adventures on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 1 and 2 p.m., at its headquarters, 35 Market Place. The program will combine live animals, fun props and audience volunteers. Children can learn through hands-on experiments how animals survive. The ticketed program runs $2 for members and $3 for non-members (children younger than age 2 are admitted free). Admission to Port Discovery is $12.95 for people ages 2 and up and free for anyone younger. Call 410-864-2700.

A haunted forest

Folks looking for a Halloween happening can check out the Creepywoods Haunted Forest Friday-Sunday, Oct. 24-26, at Huber's Farm, 11898 Philadelphia Road in Bradshaw (north of White Marsh). The outdoor attraction, now in its second year, is a haunted trail featuring live actors and special effects, including a 17-foot tall Pumpkin King creature. Hours are Friday-Saturday 7-11 p.m. and Sunday 7-10 p.m. Admission is $15 general. Call 410-538-6461 or go to www.creepywoods.com.

See the stars

A Star Party will be thrown by the Community College of Baltimore County, Friday, Oct. 23, 8-10 p.m., in the Dundalk Observatory, at 7200 Sollers Point Road. Attendees can identify stars and constellations without a telescope or use the observatory's telescope. Admission is free, but the event may be canceled if conditions appear potentially cloudy, rainy or snowy. Call 410-282-3092 or 443-840-4216.

Not for the birds

Dr. Irene Pepperberg, research associate at Harvard University, will discuss her research on bird intelligence and cognitive capability Thursday, Oct. 22, 7-9 p.m., at the National Aquarium. The talk will be part of the Marjorie Lynn Bank Lecture Series and will be titled "In Search of King Solomon's Ring: Studies with Alex, the Grey Parrot," as Pepperberg's observations are based on her relationship with a parrot. Admission for members is $15 general and $10 for children ages 8-15; non-member admission runs $25 general and $15 for kids. Reservations are required: Call 410-727-3474.

Goodbye, RenFest

The Maryland Renaissance Festival wraps up its 2009 season Oct. 24-25, with a Chivalry Weekend. The event, which runs Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 23-25, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., off Route 97 in Crownsville, will feature a jousting tournament. The fair itself recreates the atmosphere of a 16th century English village, with actors playing the parts of King Henry VIII and his court. Admission at the gate is $18 general, $15 for seniors, $8 for children ages 7-15 and free for anyone younger. Call 800-296-7304. For a rundown of events, go to www.rennfest.com.

Fun at the zoo

The National Zoo, in Washington, will hold its annual Boo at the Zoo children's Halloween celebration Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 24-25, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at its home base on Connecticut Avenue. Youngsters can collect treats from more than 40 treat stations, walk along spooky trails and check out a haunted animal house. Admission is $25; tickets are required in advance. go to www.fonz.org/boo.htm.

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