Weekend Planner: 'Umami' Tasting, Cherry Blossom Festival, and Live Music

It's finally the weekend, and the weather in Northern Virginia is finally looking up. Time to have a little fun! We've rounded up some area weekend events — be sure to get out there and play!

Tasting Party: Umami Means 'Delicious'

• Saturday, 10 a.m., $27 (in county), $29 (out of county): Sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami. Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival with the fifth taste that's fundamental to Japanese cuisine. Explore the savory taste of umami, its history, health benefits, and the taste research science behind it. Sample umami-rich foods and learn how to use its attributes to enhance your cooking at Green Spring Gardens Park.

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• Saturday, All day, Free: Activities such as hula hooping (the act of doing hula hoop) will strengthen your bones and tone your muscles. One hour workout uses over 30 core muscles. Our hoops are bigger, 1 to 1.5lbs hoops are easier to use . They are wrapped in colorful tape used to help keep them on your body.  Nearly everyone can hoop, regardless of age, size or sense of rhythm.

The American Backstage Company Grand Opening:

• Saturday, 9:30 a.m., Free: Come celebrate the Grand Opening of The American Backstage Company, Saturday, April 6. We will have live music by the group Shenandoah Run, special sales, prize drawings, and cake. Free events include Face Painting, a Zombie Makeup Workshop, and Costume Try-On (bring your camera!). The complete schedule is on the website, www.americanbackstage.com.

Mount Vernon RECenter's Public Skate:

• Sunday, 1:50-3:30 p.m., varying costs: The family pass — valid for 1-2 adults and up to three children for a total of four skaters — is now available.

FHLL Opening Day:

• Saturday, 9 a.m., Free: Join over 500 Little Leaguers and their famillies as FHLL kicks off its 2013 Spring baseball season at Carl Sandburg Middle School.

The Rick Sickmen Band (RSB):

• Friday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., $5: Join Rick and the Band for a fun filled night of dancing and Great  Classic Rock Music and all of your favorite "Roadhouse Rock" tunes at Sully's Restaurant and Lounge

Heroes v. Villains 4th Annual Run for Justice 5k Benefitting the Fairfax Law Foundation

• Sunday, 9 a.m., $25: Come be part of the Heroes v. Villains 4th Annual Run for Justice 5k benefitting the Fairfax Law Foundation. The event is managed by PACERS Events and will be held in Fairfax Corner to celebrate friends, family and fun. Be ready to run in your favorite hero or villain costume.  Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers and the best in costume -  individuals, duos and groups.

Don't forget, you can always get in a last minute visit to the Cherry Blossom Festival. Click here for Patch Cherry Blossom Festival Guide.