A day at the beaches

There's plenty of time to stock up on tax-free items this weekend, but you only have five hours to soak in the Dorchester Beach Festival. Bring a blanket and picnic lunch to neighboring Savin Hill and Malibu beaches, but don't be surprised if you're too busy to relax. The fun includes sailing (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.), canoeing (noon-3 p.m.), and kite decorating and flying (11 a.m.-2 p.m.), as well as exhibits and demonstrations from the Franklin Park Zoo (noon-2 p.m.) and Dorchester Historical Society (all day) and a Traveling Tidal Pool from the New England Aquarium (11 a.m.-1 p.m.). 11 a.m.-4 p.m., rain or shine. Free. Savin Hill and Malibu beaches, off Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester. www.dorchesterbeachfestival.com [June Wulff]