Festival season is assuredly heating up

Minnesota River History "Paddling Theater." Seats are sold out for the voyageur canoes, but you can paddle along in your own canoe or kayak. The show starts at 10 am Saturday in Granite Falls.

• The 18th annual Art-a-Whirl runs through Sunday with more than 500 artists displaying their work in 70 locations throughout northeast Minneapolis.

Preston Trout Days features a fishing contest and a parade on Saturday.

• The Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds. Where you can even catch a birding tour featuring familiar voices like Sharon Stiteler "the Birdchick" and DNR bird expert Carroll Henderson.