Downtown Peabody The Place To Be This Weekend

Peabody is prepping for a weekend of major festivities culminating with the 34th Annual International Festival on Sunday.

The weekend kicks off with a Pop-Up Block Party on Friday from 6-9 p.m. on Chestnut Street. Red Square, a popular Boston-based cover band will perform classic rock hits and today's favorites. Ipswich Ale Brewery will be on hand with two beer trucks. The Nex Mex Thing will have their authentic Mexican cuisine on sale alongside salsa and chips served by Bella & Harvey. Admission to the Pop-Up Block Party is $5 and those under the age of 21 can get in free.

The next morning dozens will be running in the 16th International Race for Research to benefit the Progeria Research Foundation. Registration opens at 7:45 a.m. at Leather City Commons on Lowell Street. The race features a two-mile Fun Walk and a 5K Road Race. For more information, visit www.prf.roadrace.org.

On Sunday, thousands will gather in downtown Peabody - on Main Street, Foster Street, Walnut Street and Peabody Square - to celebrate the city's rich cultural diversity. The 34th International Festival begins at 12:00 p.m. and will run until 6:00 p.m. Nearly 60 booths will line Main Street with ethnic cuisine inspired from cultures all over the world. An Artists' Galleria will be on display on Foster Street and will feature artwork and creations from several North Shore artists.

The Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Beer Garden along with Karl's Sausage Kitchen in the parking lot of North Shore Bank on Main Street. Notch Brewery will be serving up their finest craft beer. A Kid's Day program at East End Veterans Memorial Park on Walnut Street will have activities and entertainment for children of all ages.

For more information, visit www.livepeabody.com or www.peabody-ma.gov.