No Brand Con IX – Wisconsin's premiere anime convention – returns for its ninth year in Eau Claire with a weekend of anime, gaming, and fan hijinx. Ever popular events include the cosplay contest, Saturday night dance, the MAN auction, and Sunday Variety show, plus table-top gaming, video games, anime and several fun panels to attend. (Ramada Convention Center, Eau Claire; Sat/noon onward; Sun/noon-5pm; $15 Sat, Sun day pass)

VEGGIES: Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market | The farmers market leaps into agri-action on Saturday for its first day of the season. Seasonal, locally grown vegetables and fruits, plus baked goods, dairy products, meat, honey, maple syrup, flowers, art, coffee, and more are on hand. (Phoenix Park Pavilion; Sat/7:30am)

BEER: Big Brew @ Mt. Simon Park | May 1st is national homebrew day. Homebrewers, homebrew enthusiasts and anyone who just likes beer are encouraged to come to this family-friendly event. Craft brew with us in the park, enjoy the tastes of homebrews and check out the things that are possible in the beer world. Also including a potluck so bring a dish to pass and a six pack of your favorite brew. (Mt. Simon Park, Eau Claire; Sat/10am-10pm/free)

SONGSTRESSES: A Songstress Showcase w/ Feathe | Back for a second year of celebrating women in music, local folk-poppers Feathe are featuring a night of songstresses including: Hannah Connolly, Kristen Korkowski, Jessica & Rachel Long, Kenzie Joy, Ladybug Science, Rachel Hager, Savannah Smith, Desiderata, Vanessa Bray, Hannah Chang Schroeder, and, of course, Feathe themselves. (Acoustic Café, Eau Claire; Sat/6pm-10pm/free)

Saturday: See it all. Sunday: As well.