Ministry of Science Live, Civic Theatre, Darlington, on Saturday, 2.30pm

MINISTRY of Science Live is not your ordinary science show – it comes with a hovercraft, a few cannons, lots of bangs and a push bike that powers a blender. It looks at the inventors and the engineers who have shaped the modern world we live in, from liquid nitrogen flowers to hydrogen bottle rockets, Buzz Aldrin to Virgin Galactic, cat food tins to the hovercraft, plasma balls to light sabres and the discovery of methane to the invention of the battery. Expect loud bangs. Come and join the team and the voiceover from above (X Factor’s Peter Dickson) as they take you on an adventure. Tickets on 01325 486555.

NGS Open Gardens, Gardens on the Green, Hurworth, on Saturday, 1-5pm

A VARIETY of village gardens of different sizes and aspects on the north and south sides of the village green, including two new gardens this year. Three of the gardens have spectacular views over the River Tees. There is a courtyard garden, formal and cottage gardens with vegetable areas. One of the gardens is a previous winner in the Darlington in Bloom competition. Wheelchair access. Dogs on a short lead welcome. Home-made teas. Plant sales.

Tractor Fest 2015, Newby Hall and Gardens, Ripon, on Saturday/Sunday, 10am-5pm

JOIN the biggest Tractor Fest in the North. A two-day festival showcasing thousands of vintage tractors, cars, lorries, stationary engines and motorcycles. This year’s stars are Ferguson and Massey Harris tractors, featuring the UK’s biggest gathering of the popular Ferguson tractors. Among the 1,500 exhibits there will also be hot bulb engines and touring cars. Back by popular demand will be the March of the Tractors – a parade of tractors from Newby Hall to Ripon’s historic market square. The event will also feature an array of fun, family activities including vintage tractor pulling, free tractor and trailer rides, interactive exhibits and working machinery, as well as food outlets and trade stands. Tel 0845 450 4068.

North Yorkshire Open Studios 2015, this weekend

FIND out what happens behind the scenes when over 100 North Yorkshire artists, including painters, potters, silversmiths and sculptors, open up their studios this June. The event brings together artists working in many different styles and materials, all keen to reveal the imagination and hard graft behind each piece of art. Studios will be open right across North Yorkshire, from Skipton to Scarborough, during two weekends – June 6-7 and 13-14, 10.30am-5.30pm. Tel 01756 748529.

NGS Open Garden, Croft Hall, on Sunday, 2-5pm

A LOVELY lavender walk leads to a Queen Anne-fronted house (not open) surrounded by a five-acre garden, comprising a stunning herbaceous border, large fruit and vegetable plot, two ponds and wonderful topiary arched wall. Pretty rose garden and mature box Italianate parterre are beautifully set in this garden offering peaceful, tranquil views of open countryside. Some gravel paths. Plant sales, wheelchair access, home-made teas.