Big 3: Top events Saturday and Sunday

1. African World Festival at Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

This family-friendly event includes live music, a book fair, visual arts, vendors, ethnic food and more. Karen Clark Sheard and Dorinda Clark Cole perform Sunday. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sat., Sun. Free. 315 E. Warren, Detroit. (313) 494-5824. thewright.org

2. Michigan Renaissance Festival in Holly

The annual convention of medieval fairies, wizards, knights, maids and the like returns weekends in Holly through Oct. 2. This weekend’s theme is Royal Pet & Ale Festival with special activities for furry friends, including a pet costume contest and weiner dog race. Popular ongoing features are the Feast of Fantasy, beer and bacon tastings, royal high tea, live music, shopping and more. All day Sat.-Sun. $19.95, $11.50 ages 5-12 in advance. 12600 Dixie Highway, Holly. (248) 634-5552 or michrenfest.com.

3. Ashanti at Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel

This R&B singer, songwriter, actress and dancer made a splash in 2002 with her self-titled, debut album. Most recently, she released the single “Let’s Go.” 8 p.m. Saturday. $18 and up. 2901 Grand River, Detroit. (313) 309-4700.

Melody Baetens

1. African World Festival at Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

This family-friendly event includes live music, a book fair, visual arts, vendors, ethnic food and more. Karen Clark Sheard and Dorinda Clark Cole perform Sunday. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Free. 315 E. Warren, Detroit. (313) 494-5824. thewright.org

2. Michigan Renaissance Festival in Holly

The annual convention of medieval fairies, wizards, knights, maids and the like returns weekends in Holly through Oct. 2. This weekend’s theme is Royal Pet & Ale Festival with special activities for furry friends, including a pet costume contest and weiner dog race. Popular ongoing features are the Feast of Fantasy, beer and bacon tastings, royal high tea, live music, shopping and more. All day Sat.-Sun. $19.95, $11.50 ages 5-12 in advance. 12600 Dixie Highway, Holly. (248) 634-5552 or michrenfest.com.

3. Ashanti at Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel

This R&B singer, songwriter, actress and dancer made a splash in 2002 with her self-titled, debut album. Most recently, she released the single “Let’s Go.” 8 p.m. Saturday. $18 and up. 2901 Grand River, Detroit. (313) 309-4700.

Melody Baetens