This weekend's Best Bets features lots and lots of local music, loads of local theater and a Bluegrass benefit for tornado-ravaged Harveyville.

Friday art: Van Go spring mural unveiling

The kids at Van Go Arts are reveling their spring project, a mural called "Emergence," starting at 5 p.m. at 715 N.J. It's free to come and see what they're up to.

Friday music: Long Shadows, the Devil and White Widow at the Jackpot

I'm assured this is a whole lotta weird-but-wonderful music packing into one show (plus DJ sets, apparently). It kicks off at 10 p.m. and tickets are $5 for 21+ and $7 for 18+.

Ghosty, Fourth of July, Mary Fortune

Local favorites Ghosty will celebrate its new EP, with the fancy title "Ghosty," at 10 p.m. at the Replay. Fourth of July and KC's Mary Fortune opens.

The Floozies

Lawrence brothers Matt and Mark Hill bring an electric dance party to the Bottleneck. Using sampled tracks, fancy computer production and good old rock and roll, the Floozies have been touring and return to Lawrence before heading back on the road. The band says the show will be filmed, and while 80s attire is not required, it is strongly encouraged.

8 p.m., tickets are $10. Spankalicious and Electric Theory open.

Frankenstein Brothers featuring Buckethead & That 1 Guy at the Granada

In 2008, multi-instrumentalists Buckethead and That 1 Guy joined forces as the Frankenstein Brothers and released their first collaborative album, “Bolt on Neck”. See them tonight with Wolff & Tuba at the Granada, 1020 Mass., for an all-ages show starting at 7:30. Doors open at 7 p.m.; tickets are $20 in advance.

Weekend theater

Three local productions of classic plays and musicals offer theater fans some good entertainment options.

Theatre Lawrence's production of "Steel Magnolias" continues through Sunday. Our critic wrote that a strong cast gives the audience a smart and witty performance worthy of the script.

University Theatre debuts the Stephen Sondheim classic "Merrily We Roll Along" tonight, with performances tomorrow, Sunday and next weekend.

The young thespians at Free State High School perform Shakespeare's farce "A Midsummer Night's Dream" tonight and tomorrow.

Saturday kids

The second annual Kids Summer Fun Fair takes place Saturday at the Community Building, 115 W. 11th St. This carnival-like event features games, a sticker scavenger hunt, hands-on activities, crafts, performances, demonstrations, and more! In addition, parents can visit with the organizations offering kids camps, classes and special events throughout the summer.

Sunday film

Check out the Lawrence Jewish Community Women's Film Festival Sunday at the Lawrence Jewish Community Center, 917 Highland Drive. Starting at 3 p.m., it will be showing "The Life and Times of Hank Greenburg," "My Brother's Wedding," "Women Unchained" and "Making Trouble: Three Generations of Funny Jewish Women."

Sunday music

Local bluegrass bands The Alferd Packer Memorial String Band, the Midday Ramblers and Rick Farris join forces for a show benefiting Harveyville, which was struck by devastating tornado last month. The show is at 2 p.m. at Abe & Jake's Landing, 8 E. Sixth St.