Though the weather outside looks frightful, this upcoming weekend forecast is for partly cloudy skies. Hopefully those clouds don’t put a damper on the activities planned by state park boards, fire departments and musical groups.

That said, there is plenty to experience outdoors this weekend. Whether you’re into flowers, water activities or sports, there is something for you in Butler County.

On Thursday, the Heron Kingfisher Paddle at Moraine State Park will make some waves. The water route led by Moraine staff will observe the Great Blue Heron and other ecological elements of Lake Arthur. The trip lasts from 1 to 3 p.m. Kayaks can be rented or you can take your own. To register, call 724-368-8811.

Not interested in being on the water? Cranberry Community Park continues to host concerts at 7 p.m. Thursdays in the Rotary Amphitheater, 111 Ernie Mashuda Drive. Admission to a performance by the Water View Band is free, and snacks can be purchased from the Rotary on-site.

The Harmony Park Board will have the Good Guys Duo playing that old time rock and roll in the Harmony Square at 7 p.m. Thursday. The concert is free, and be sure to take a chair!

Butler Art Center’s exhibit “The Art of the Bloom” runs until Aug. 6. The show features all things flowers in all sorts of mediums. Visit during gallery hours from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays.

Butler County Symphony Association’s free summer concert series will feature “Need for Reeds” with Maddie Weiland, Jonah Mechling, Collin Dorcy and Greg Schultz at noon Friday via Facebook or in person in the symphony building, 259 S. Main St.

Rock Falls Park on Stoughton Beach Road in Slippery Rock is back with the Mid Summer Music Festival. Tunes start at noon Friday, and two days’ worth of artists and groups are ready to entertain you. For tickets and more information, see the Facebook event titled “Rock Falls Park Mid Summer Music Festival.”

Local band Country Limits will play from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday the Donegal Grange, 851 East Slippery Rock Road, Chicora. The music group plays every Friday night for a crowd of line dancers and welcomes new faces!

All Saints Parish invites runners and walkers to the Twilight 5K and one-mile run at St. Conrad Church, 125 Buttercup Road, at 7 p.m. Friday. Admission is $15 and benefits the parish and the Sarah Kasunic/Emily Leyland Scholarship at Butler Catholic School.

Stars, Stories and S’more will feature tales from the past about constellations and celestial bodies around a campfire. Bring a blanket and binoculars for some good-natured entertainment in Moraine State Park’s Lakeview Beach Area, 225 Pleasant Valley Road, Portersville, at 8:30 p.m. Friday.

Another Summer Clean Up day is on the horizon. At 8 a.m. Saturday, meet up with volunteers and Butler Downtown at Secret Plant Co. on Main Street to weed, sweep and pick up litter. Trash bags are provided, so bring gloves, screw drivers and a dust pan to brighten the town. Coffee and donuts provided!

Celebrate the Bloom will bustle with various walks, demonstrations, vendors and music at Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road, Slippery Rock. The festival commemorates the the blossom of the Blazing Star prairie flower. The fun lasts from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

Lick Hill Community Fire Department will hold its fourth annual Car Cruise at Clearview Mall from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday. The music, T-shirts and food offered are just the beginning. Roll up to the parking lot by the former J.C. Penney and support the department!

Can’t get enough cars? The Mars Rumble is a custom car show that accepts all types of vehicles. The theme this year is Circus Freak, so bring out your hot rods, motorcycles, cars and trucks for a chance to win a category prize. Live music and food and drink vendors as well as other forms of entertainment will rev their engines starting at 3 p.m. Saturday.