Zach's weekend picks for Louisville: fire breather at Kaviar Gallery, BBQ festival, state parks book signing

3 in 1 with Fire on the Hop Kaviar Forge & Gallery 1718 Frankfort Ave. July 31, 6 p.m. with the fire-breathing performances at 7 and 8 p.m. In case the three art exhibitions it's hosting are not enough of a draw, Kaviar Forge & Gallery [3] also will have a fire breather on hand as part of the F.A.T. Friday Trolley Hop [4]. The three artists being featured are painter James Russell May, furniture craftsman Mark Whitley and photojournalist Molly Bingham (whose "IRAQ: remains" exhibit [5], a photographic documentary of the United States' invasion of Iraq, is a must-see). For more on Bingham, read Louisville.com [6]'s interview with the photojournalist [7]. Admission is free. A Literary Evening Day's Espresso & Coffee 1420 Bardstown Road July 31, 7:30 p.m. Hear local authors read their work along with musical interludes at my favorite coffee shop in the Highlands [8]. And while at Day's [9], check out Louisville artist Ryan Davis's work, which has been generating a lot of conversation among customers. Admission is free, but you'll want to buy yourself an iced latte (not to be confused with an iced coffee [10]). Firehouse Cook-off & BBQ Festival Easter Seals Pediatric Outpatient Center's Great Lawn 9810 Bluegrass Pkwy. Aug. 1, 2 p.m. I hate the cliche "something for everyone," but with a kids fun zone, BBQ contest, arts and crafts booths and live music, it's hard to find a demographic that won't find something enjoyable at this Easter Seals benefit [11]. The BBQ contest and tasting starts at 4 p.m. with the firefighter contest at 5:45 p.m. And Cookie Monster (yes, that Cookie Monster) will judge the firefighters cookie bake off at 4 p.m. Admission is free. with all proceeds from the events going to support essential medical rehabilitation to children with disabilities (99 percent of the funds will be used locally). Movie Night Featuring Kung Fu Panda Louisville Zoo 110 Trevilian Way Aug. 1, 6:30 p.m. with the movie starting at sundown I hated zoos, all zoos, with their hiny kids, lots of people and visitors who smelled worse than the residents. Now that I've got a kid on the way, I've warmed to them: possibly because I realize soon one of those whiny kids will be mine. Or maybe it's because I know the stench will pale in comparison to what'll be emanating from my future offspring's nappies. Anyway, Saturday night the Louisville Zoo [12] is showing "Kung Fu Panda" [13] (which I think was directed by Fellini) along with having music, dancing and games. Admission is $5 after 5 p.m. "The Complete Guide to Kentucky State Parks" book signing and and discussion Carmichael's Bookstore [14] 2720 Frankfort Ave. Aug. 2, 4 p.m. Author Susan Reigler and photographer Pam Spaulding will be signing and discussing their new "full-color exploration of our state’s numerous natural havens," "The Complete Guide to Kentucky State Parks" [15], at Cartmichael's [16]. Admission is free. For more information: Read about how Louisville's new downtown arena could use local concessionaires. (Photo: Flickr/Falashad [17])