This will definitely be an artsy weekend. Just in time too. It's safe to say most Atlantans are sick of sports at the moment (thanks Packers). So pull out your tweed jacket and your corduroys and try to learn something. Who knows, it might even be fun.

1. For the second consecutive weekend, Gwinnett is playing host to top-notch stand-up comedy. Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville presents their first "Funny Fridays" of 2011 with two great comics in local great, Dan Mengini and veteran Joe Morrison. Most comedy shows give you a feature act (usually a younger comic working their way up) and a headliner (the person you came to see). This show gives you two headliners with credits from Comedy Central and Cartoon Network to national TV spots and syndicated radio shows. Do yourself a favor. Go. Shows are at 7:15 and 9:15.

2. This weekend is your last chance to check out the newest and best that boating has to offer at The Boat Show at Bass Pro Shops at Discover Mills. Saturday and Sunday at the Boat Show will also play host to a variety of fishing classes ranging from "Local Fishing Tips" to "Using the Latest Electronics." Best part, it's all free. Not the boats, of course. But the classes, admission, parking; all free. Remember, you can't just take a boat.

3. For the history buff out their, the "Parallel Journeys" exhibit opens this week and will receive guests on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Norcross Welcome Center. This exhibit tells the stories of youths who were witnesses, participants and victims of WWII and the Holocaust. No quips here, just a solemn reminder of the missteps in humanity and the efforts to honor the past while working to improve the future. 

4. If you're like me, you need a good book. This Saturday join the 2011 Word on Da Street Literary Festival at the North Atlanta Trade Center. Celebrating the opening of Word on Da Street Bookstore, vendors, artists and musicians from across the nation will gather to recognize African American writers and readers. 

5. Instead of going to a movie this weekend. Go behind a few. Saturday evening, head over to the Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center for the Norcross Filmmakers Showcase. Local independent film producers and Emmy-award winners will screen some of their work, entertain discussions and answer questions about production.