Eat, drink, peek at Kinetic sculptures

Mr. Rain’s Fun House is hosting a Cinco de Mayo-themed dinner and fundraiser on Friday to support the annual Kinetic Sculpture Race. The race—a zany, 15-mile jaunt across Baltimore in human-powered works of art—takes place on Saturday.

To kick off Mr. Rain’s event, a private reception, sponsored by Drink Baltimore, will feature Latin-influenced hors d’oeuvres and a flight of Ilegal Mezcal cocktails and be held on the restaurant’s balcony at the American Visionary Art Museum. The 6 p.m. event is $30.

After that, diners can enjoy a five-course, Latin-inspired tasting menu by Mr. Rain’s executive chef Bill Buszinski for $50. Hand-crafted cocktails from beverage director Perez Klebahn will be available for $8-14.

Guests who attend both events will receive a discounted price of $70. All proceeds will benefit next year’s Kinetic Sculpture Race.

The weather promises to be glorious this weekend. And Friday's events offer a great chance to get a sneak peek at several of Saturday’s competing sculptures.

Photo of the 2011 grand champion Platypus.