For something different this weekend how about singing along to a drag act or holding a majestic owl? Read on and you might just find yourself doing something a bit different.

Opening of parliament

*OWL'S about finding out more about some magnificent winged creatures?

Sharandys Birds of Prey will be at Poundbury Garden Centre today (17) from 10am to 4pm with a parliament of magnificent owls.

Gardeners of all ages will have the chance to hold these mysterious round-faced creatures.

*BUDDY Holly fans should flock to Weymouth Pavilion tomorrow. (18)

The UK's number one Buddy arrives with Buddy Holly – A Legend Reborn concert show.

Stars in Their Eyes winner Marc Robinson is backed by a band reminiscent of the Crickets in their Fifties heyday.

Prepare for an evening of non-stop rock'n'roll hits. Buddy superbly revives songs like Peggy Sue, That'll Be The Day, Oh Boy, Heartbeat and It Doesn't Matter Anymore. Call the box office for tickets.

*AN UTTERLY spiffing magic show will entertain children of all ages at Charlton Down Village Hall near Dorchester on Sunday at 4pm.

Time travelling Victorian magic duo Morgan & West will unload another boxful of bafflement and impossibility.

Witness a mountain of mysterious magic, a hatful of hyper-reality, and of course a truck full of tricks and tea. The show is suitable for those aged five and over.

See artsreach.co.uk for more information.

*COMEDY drag variety show Music Hall Tavern is back by popular demand!

The show will be sashaying its way to Weymouth Pavilion on Sunday.

This is said to be a feel-good night which will not only entertain and amuse you, but will leave you with unforgettable memories.

So come along and join Mrs T and the 'girls'.

*MAKE a splash by supporting fundraisers in a Charity Swimathon at Osprey Leisure Centre on Portland.

Weldmar Hospicecare's first Charity Swimathon takes place tomorrow (18) from 12.30pm until 2.30pm.

The event is sponsored by New Image Tiles.

*RELIVE the joy of imaginary friends with Margo and Mr Whatsit at Cerne Abbas Village Hall tomorrow (18) at 11am.

Paddleboat Theatre will tell the story of Sophia. Her imaginary friend is called Mr. Whatsit, and he's always there with a new joke to tell and a new game to play – that is, until the day she unimagines him. Now there's a new imaginary friend in town – the tea-drinking, lipstick-wearing, ever-confident Margo.

The show will also be at Winfrith Newburgh Village Hall tomorrow at 4pm and at St Nicholas School in Child Okeford today (17) at 4pm.

See artsreach.co.uk for tickets.

*FIND out more about fossils at Durlston Country Park in Swanage on Sunday.

Take part in the Ancient Wildlife: Fossils of the Jurassic Coast session at the Learning Centre from 11am to 1pm.

There will be a question and answer and book signing with Sam Scriven and a fossil road show.

Booking is essential at purbeckliteraryfestival.info