9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Memorial Park; springsspree.org

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It’s baaack. Springs Spree is gearing up for its 38th annual round this weekend in Memorial Park. For all of the kiddos, foodies and music junkies out there, the two-day event is a whirlwind of things to taste, do and ooh and aww at.

Beyond the face-painting stations and piles of hot dogs, though, Springs Spree can be a marker of how the town is doing, said Karole Campbell, who sits on Springs Spree’s board.

“I think we’re seeing a lot of energy in that corner of town,” she said. “This event has weathered through the good years, bad years, scary years, and it’s so cool that Springs Spree has been a part of this renewal.”

No matter if you’re a die-hard Springs Spree-goer or a newbie, here’s a checklist for a festive weekend in Colorado Springs.

– On-the-go eats.

You can now walk around the park with a plate of buffalo chicken fries or a cup of cookie dough frozen yogurt. Potato Potato, a fry-specialty food truck, and FrostBites, a truck that serves frozen yogurt (with 45 flavors) and coffee, are new to Springs Spree this year.

“We’re trying to give it a local focus and upscale it a bit,” said Campbell. “These will offer a few different options for the crowd.”

Don’t worry, you can still get your fix of snow cones, popcorn and nachos.

– Colorado-only tunes.

Just as in past years, Springs Spree will serve up a mix of music, including headliners Rachele Lynae and Jason Cassidy. Many of the bands, including Broadmoor Academy of Music and rock-country band Southern Bell, call the Pikes Peak region home.

“We’re excited about these acts because many of them have a regional following; they’re not just those bands who play in bars every day,” said Campbell.

– On your mark.

Are you a jogger, walker or stroller-pusher? Under the backdrop of Pikes Peak, Spree-goers can lace up their running shoes for a 5K run at 9 a.m. Sunday. The starting line is just north of Prospect Lake; race-day registration opens at 7:30 a.m. Cost is $18 to $28 through Friday at active.com, and $20 to $30 on race day..

– Fair-type fun.

Have you been wanting to gorge on funnel cake while hopping on one of those spinning rides? Now’s your chance. Hop on a kid-friendly coaster or go for a pony ride. Make a note to check out the petting zoo, complete with 3-week-old baby tigers. Cue the cute factor.

Amanda Hancock, The Gazette, 636-0131, amanda.hancock@gazettedev.gazette.com