Can't Miss It: Weekend Edition May 15-17

CRAZY BIG STREET FAIR: It's supposed to be nice this weekend, so get outside, people! Here is your perfect excuse: the annual University District StreetFair, celebrating the beginning of the festival season. It's like country fair meets urban chic. What's not to love? But if the large crowds or hundreds of crafters freak you out, avoid them and come out later to see the Dragon Steps Fire Show with a barbarian Princess and even some fire sparring. Oooh, ahhhh!

10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday // The University District, University Way NE // Pay as you go

SHOPPING FOR CHARITY : There is something about combining shopping with champagne; all is right with the world--until you get the total bill. But if a portion of that bill goes to charity, well then, it makes shopping all the more justified. Right? This Saturday, Belltown's Karan Dannenberg Clothier will host a trunk show featuring fabulous designs and jewelry, donating a portion of the sales proceeds to the local charity, Gilda's Club of Seattle.

11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Saturday // Karan Dannenberg Clothier, 2232 First Avenue // No entrance fee, pay for your purchases

THE FOURTH OF JULY FOR NORWEGIANS: It's going to be one big ol' Scandinavian shindig this Sunday, as thousands come out to celebrate Ballard's historical Syttende Mai--the 17 of May--parade. The date of the parade marks the May 17, 1814, signing of Norway's constitution. Second only to Norway's, Ballard's Syttende Mai parade is one of the largest in the world and is expected to bring out varying flags of red, white, and blue, sweet commemorative pins, traditional costumes, parents forcing weird heritage-based games on their kids, and a Viking ship!

Events 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., parade 4:00 p.m., Sunday // Events at variety of Ballard locations// Parade begins near Adams Elementary, corner of NW 62nd and 24th Avenue NW. // Free to watch