Get ready for Cincinnati's first Great Outdoor Weekend this Saturday and Sunday, a free event offering dozens of programs and tours of outdoor and environmental venues throughout Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Modeled after the popular Fine Arts Sampler, the weekend lets residents sample various parks, nature tours and nature classes. More information is available at www.cincygreatoutdoorweekend.org. Brochures are available at libraries in Hamilton County and Meijer and Dick's Sporting Goods stores in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

Parking to be free for grand opening

Visitors attending the grand opening of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Saturday will be able to park for free from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Great American Ball Park garage. The Hall of Fame will be open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tickets: non-game days - $8 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children, $2 school groups; game days - $5 for anyone with a game ticket. To reach the garage, enter off Pete Rose Way at the east end of the stadium or off Mehring Way at the south end.

Smitherman to lead volunteers

Cincinnati Councilman Christopher Smitherman will lead volunteers in his fifth Community Cleanup effort, beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday at Martin Luther King Park, Reading Road and Burton Avenue, Avondale. The crew will be deployed to areas on Burnett, Rockdale, Forest, Lincoln and Gilbert avenues, Reading Road, and Walnut Hills and East Price Hill. Information: (513) 352-3464.

TRAFFIC WATCH

Crews will be working on Central Avenue downtown between Ninth Street and Ezzard Charles Drive from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and between Sixth and Ninth streets from 6-11 p.m. weekdays until Oct. 1. One lane will be open each way.