FRIDAY, JUNE 13

STEAMfest

There’s a genre of speculative fiction called “Steampunk” that puts a Victorian spin on science fiction and fantasy. It’s heavily indebted to the imagined futures by authors such as H.G. Wells and Jules Verne. This weekend, the Atlanta STEAMfest turns the genre into a festival for all ages featuring live music, a costume contest, workshops, artists market, chess tournament and more.

• 4 p.m. June 12-13. $20 per day; $35 festival pass. Academy Theatre, 119 Center St., Avondale Estates. 404-296-9510. www.academytheatre.org.

The Fray

Denver-based quartet The Fray is one of pop music’s biggest success stories of recent years. The band has scored three top 10 hits since 2006 — “How to Save a Life,” “Over My Head (Cable Car)” and, most recently, “You Found Me.” Jack’s Mannequin opens the show.

• 7 p.m. June 12. $43.50-$58.50. Chastain Park Amphitheater, 4469 Stella Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-233-2227. www.chastainseries.com.

Steve Earle

Alt-country maverick Steve Earle, whose latest album “Townes” pays tribute to late, great Texas singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt — opens the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s annual summer concert series.

• 8 p.m. June 12. $35. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

When the Fairy King Oberon meddles in the affairs of foolish mortals - and immortals - mayhem ensues in Shakespeare’s beloved romantic comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

• Through July 31. $15-$45. Georgia Shakespeare at Conant Performing Arts Center, 4484 Peachtree Road N.E. (Oglethorpe University), Atlanta. 404-264-0020. www.gashakespeare.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13

Keith Urban and Taylor Swift

Two of country music’s biggest stars — rock-influenced guitar whiz Keith Urban and teen singing-songwriting phenomenon Taylor Swift — perform.

• 7:30 p.m. June 13. $20-$81.50. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-878-3000, 404-249-6400. www.philipsarena.com.

TV On The Radio

Two of the most critically adored bands of the moment share the stage at the Tabernacle. Headlining the show is the experimental yet enthralling New York combo TV On The Radio, which twists indie rock into fascinating new shapes. Opener Grizzly Bear just released “Veckatimest,” a dense album of lush beauty that will still be revealing new treasures when it lands on many a best-of list at year’s end.

• 8 p.m. June 13. $26. The Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St. N.W., Atlanta. 404-659-9022, 1-877-598-8698. www.livenation.com.

X

The legendary quartet of Exene Cervenka, John Doe, Billy Zoom and DJ Bonebrake was as raw and punky as it got when they stormed into record stores in 1980 with “Los Angeles,” but X also marked the spot where a touch of country first met punk. Unfortunately, Cervenka recently revealed that she has multiple sclerosis, but she’s not letting that stop her. “While this diagnosis will most certainly mean some changes for me, personally, it will not affect my commitments to the current X U.S. tour,” she writes on her official Web site, “nor will it affect my solo album that is slated for release this fall on Bloodshot Records.”

• 8:30 p.m. June 13. $25. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-521-1786. www.variety-playhouse.com.

All American Soap Box Derby

The All American Soap Box Derby is part of the NASCAR Youth Initiative for ages 8-17. The winners of each division earn a spot to represent Cobb County and the state of Georgia in the 72nd annual All American Soap Box Derby World Championship Race in Akron, Ohio (July), where they will race against more than 600 local champions from all over the world. Presented by Kiwanis Club of Marietta.

• 9 a.m. June 13. Free. Marietta High School, 1711 Whitlock Ave. S.W., Marietta. 678-794-8232. www.mariettakiwanis.org.

Crepe Myrtle Festival

Live entertainment, children’s activities, food, arts and crafts, and a car show are all part of the 16th annual Crepe Myrtle Festival. Proceeds go toward scholarships for Walton County high school seniors and to improving the event’s venue, Hammond Park.

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 13. $4; $2 senior citizens and children; military and ages 4 and younger free. Hammond Park, 150 Russell Circle, Monroe. 770-868-5137. www.crepemyrtlefestival.org.

Back to the Chattahoochee River Race

Back to the Chattahoochee River Race begins at 9 a.m., when open and recreational class canoeists and kayakers will race from Garrard Landing on Holcomb Bridge Road to Riverside Park in Roswell, the site for the free festival (10 a.m.-2 p.m.). Family-friendly festival includes live music, environmental exhibitors, kids’ activities, vendors and more.

• 9 a.m. June 13. Race registration is $40-$60 in advance, $50-$70 on race day. Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell. 770-641-3705. www.roswellgov.com.

Reynoldstown Wheelbarrow Festival

The 14th annual Reynoldstown Wheelbarrow Festival includes two stages of entertainment that will host 11 bands, four D.J.s, a comedian, firespinners, dancers and more. The fest will also have a kids camp, a health fair and other activities sponsored by the Reynoldstown Neighborhood Association.

• 11 a.m.-11 p.m. June 13. Free. Lang-Carson Community Center, 100 Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta. 404-215-2856. www.wheelbarrowfestival.com.

SUNDAY, JUNE 14

Better Than Ezra

New Orleans-born band Better Than Ezra hasn’t troubled the pop-chart compilers in years but remains a popular concert draw in Atlanta. 1995’s naggingly catchy “Good, ” was the trio’s chart peak, but they always manage to come up with a couple of knockout tunes on each release.

• 7:30 p.m. June 14. $22-$25. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave., Atlanta. 404-524-7354. www.variety-playhouse.com.

Gipsy Kings

Gipsy Kings — known for fiery flamenco guitar work, gruff yet exuberant vocals and infectious hand claps — has been a perennial favorite with the concertgoers at Chastain for well over a decade.

• 8 p.m. June 14. $33.50-$48.50. Chastain Park Amphitheater, 4469 Stella Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-733-5012. www.chastainseries.com.

“Celebrate: The Splendor of Islamic Art and Culture”

“Celebrate: The Splendor of Islamic Art and Culture” is a day of family fun with activities that include tile painting, calligraphy and music and art from around the Muslim World.

• Noon June 14. Free with Museum ticket. High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-733-4570. www.high.org.