In a discussion with a group of fellow thespians last week, I was reminded of how much Butler County has to offer as far as entertainment and performance arts.

Not only do we have four theater organizations, multiple dance studios, an art center and several small businesses that sell artwork, but also the community readily supports artists coming in from outside the county. This was evident at Maria Caruso’s “Metamorphosis” dance performance Tuesday.

When the show closed off-Broadway and a global tour ended, Caruso made it her mission to make the show available free to smaller communities. Butler residents welcomed her show with open arms.

If you missed Tuesday’s show, events abound this weekend to ease your fear of missing out.

The Firecracker 100 at Lernerville Speedway, 313 N. Pike Road, Sarver, begins at 7 p.m. Thursday and flies through Saturday. Various races will offer cash prizes as large as $50,000. For more information, visit lernerville.com/firecracker.

Succop Nature Park, 185 W. Airport Road, will have live music by blues and rock group The Rumblers at Picnic in the Park at 6:30 Thursday. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and picnic dinner to enjoy the show. Admission is free.

Know a history buff? Take them to the Carousel Shelter at Alameda Park at 6:30 Thursday for "The Biddle Boys — The Escape, Capture and Death of Butler County’s Most Notorious Outlaws" presentation. The slideshow and story talk will highlight the famous crime story which culminated in Franklin Township. The talk is free to the public.

Mother and daughter singing duo Katy and Rachel Wayne will be the highlight of Butler Symphony’s summer concert series at noon Friday via Facebook or in person in the symphony building, 259 S. Main St.

Friday and Saturday night are your last chances to see Musical Theatre Guild’s production of “The Great American Trailer Park Musical.” The sidesplitting show begins at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are available at mtgbutler.org. The show features some adult themes suited for mature audiences.

Berry Days Festival and Craft Show at Freedom Farms will have a petting zoo, tractor rides, vendors and berry many treats to try! Festivities begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at 434 Overbrook Road, Valencia.

Slippery Rock Community Farmer’s Market will set up on Main and Elm streets at 9 a.m. Saturday. Come out and support your friends and neighbors.

Can’t support the early morning event? Swing by the Slippery Rock’s vacant lot at Main and New Castle streets for Bands on Bricks from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday. Featuring band Hot Rod Willie, this is the first of three events this summer.

The Relay for Life at Cranberry Township’s North Boundary Park, 1171 North Boundary Road, is an event celebrating and fundraising for cancer. From noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, participants can walk the track, or participate in a number of other activities. Visit the Cranberry Township website calendar to sign up or see more information.

What a month for automotive lovers! Rodfathers’ 27th annual Cruise-A-Palooza will take over Butler’s Main Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is offering a free performance at Hartwood Acres for “Ballet Under the Stars” at 8 p.m. Sunday in the Middle Road Concert Area. The event is family friendly.

At 4 p.m. Sunday, Concordia at Cabot will host a free summer concert by Penn-Trafford Community Band on the Haven II Patio, 148 Marwood Road, Cabot. The performance of popular music is fit for all ages.

Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company’s Carnival will run from Tuesday to July 2 at 290 Horne Ave. The event features an opening day pet parade, rides, games and food beginning at 6 p.m.

At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Maridon Museum will feature another installment of its Collectors series by welcoming Jackie Totin’s presentation of Nintendo gaming systems and memorabilia. Learn about games from the past and the present from a local, who began her collection at 8 years old.