NATCHEZ — While only a few events are scheduled this pre-holiday weekend, there are still plenty of activities to appeal to each member of any Miss-Lou family.

“The Nutcracker”

Performances of “The Nutcracker,” presented by the Natchez Ballet Academy, will be at 7 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center. Admission is $10, and free for children 3 and under.

“The Nutcracker” tea will be 2 p.m. Saturday, and area children are welcome to attend. Admission is $5.

Performance tickets can be purchased in advance at the center or at One of a Kind gifts on Main Street.

Hangout Cafe

A new, safe hangout for teens of the Miss-Lou is opening this week. The soft opening of the Hangout Cafe for ages 13 to 18 will be from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday in the youth center at Natchez First Assembly of God.

The Caleb Berg Band will play, and refreshments will be available. Admission is free.

The church is located at 150 Liberty Road in Natchez. Call 601-442-3178 for information.

Natchez gun show

The annual Natchez Gun Show will be displaying firearms, knifes and other weaponry Saturday and Sunday the Natchez Convention Center.

The show will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults and $1 for children ages 6 to 11.

Show coordinator David Chancellor said he comes to Natchez twice a year, and has seen good turnout.

“Some people come knowing what they are looking for, and some just like to see what’s on the tables,” Chancellor said. “You’ll see different dealers with different items on the table to show. Some (dealers) do it for a living, but some do it as a hobby.”

Chancellor said in April, approximately 45 vendors and more than 1,000 spectators attended the show over the weekend.

Explore Native American art

This hands-on art class for children will focus on using natural materials and themes, and understanding the Native American creative view on art. Programs are scheduled for different age groups Saturday. The workshop for children ages 6 to 8 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For children ages 9 to 12, the class will be from 2 to 3:30 p.m., but parents and grandparents are always welcome to stay and learn.

Pre-registration and payment are required at a $10 fee. Contact Kay McNeil at kmcneil@mdah.state.ms.us or 601-442-2901 for more details.