This weekend brings the annual Raleigh Wide Open festivities to downtown, with the alternative-leaning Cherry Bounce stage -- which is expanding into some quirky multi-disciplinary areas this year. For more on what that's all about, see this story from Friday's paper. And maybe we'll see you out and about down there over the weekend.

The alternative-music Cherry Bounce Festival is coming back later this month, in an expanded week-long format in multiple venues around downtown Raleigh. And given what the weather was like at last year's inaugural edition of Raleigh Wide Open/Cherry Bounce, it's probably best that most of those venues are indoor.

Free Electric State, Schooner and other local acts will play, along with out-of-town ringers Man Man and The Hood Internet. It happens Oct. 18-24. Check here for venue and lineup details.