By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Today might be the best day for outdoor activities, with mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the upper-80s. And there's an abundance of things to choose from.

The Gold Star Chilifest takes place on Court Street this weekend in front of the Fire Museum.

Head to the museum for free admission today and Sunday to help the Cincinnati Fire Department celebrate 150 years of service.

This year's festival includes the Five Alarm 5K run, which commences at 7:30 tonight. The male and female winners will each receive two round-trip airline tickets to anywhere in the continental United States. A cook-off takes place today and Sunday, and booths will offer exotic chilies such as Italian, buffalo, elk, Cajun, bourbon and barbecue, along with the familiar Cincinnati and Texas varieties.

Entertainment includes the headliner Marshall Tucker Band ,which takes the stage 8:30 p.m. tonight, along with Robin Lacy & DeZydeco, Salsa Caliente, Cheaper Than Therapy and other local bands.

The festival is noon to midnight today and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. Information: www.chilifest.com.

Not to be outdone, the eighth annual Newport Arts and Music Festival takes place across the river on the Newport riverfront.

The free event features music by Ricky Nye, the Star Devils, Rockets to Mars, the University of Cincinnati alumni band and others, as well as architectural tours of historic Newport, activities for kids and concessions.

It runs noon to 10 p.m. today and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Information: call Wertheim at (859) 912-2509.

The Carl H. Lindner Family American Jumping Classic features 25 of the world's best equestrians performing show jumping Saturday at Galbreath Field near Paramount's Kings Island. Adults: $12-$17; children 13 and under, $6-$8.50.

Information: www.cincinnatihorseshow.com or call (513) 369-3679.

Today is Seabiscuit Day at River Downs. Five thousand commemorative-edition programs featuring rare documents and pictures of the thoroughbred will be available for $5. A Seabiscuit bobblehead and a Red Pollard jockey card are free with the purchase of a program.

On Sunday, with the purchase of a daily racing form, a free Seabiscuit poster by artist Peb will be included.

Information: Darlene at (513) 354-8303 or www.riverdowns.com.

Finally, if you're in the mood for romance, try swing dancing tonight with a glorious view of the city as the backdrop. The Big Band Concert Series presents the Maple Knoll Big Band free in concert at 7:30 p.m.at Mount Echo Park, 318 Elberon Ave. in Price Hill. Information: (513) 352-4080.

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