Not long ago, the city used the tagline “Surprising Suffolk” as a marketing tool. The thinking behind that phrase was that many people around the other parts of Hampton Roads still thought of Suffolk — rightly or wrongly — as a sleepy little town where nothing much ever happened.

Things have certainly changed. While the city might still struggle to attract folks from Virginia Beach and Norfolk to shop and dine here, there’s no question anymore in the minds of anyone who’s paying attention that Suffolk is a vibrant city with much to commend it to those looking for something to do.

Take a look at what’s going on here on Saturday for an example.

• The day starts with the Peanut Fest 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Walk at 7:30 a.m. Sponsored by Healthy Suffolk, the event starts and finishes at Constant’s Wharf Park and Marina in the downtown area. Trophies will be awarded, and prize drawings will be held. Check-in starts at 6:30 a.m., and late registration is available for $25.
• The East Suffolk Recreation Center, 138 S. Sixth St., will have a free community Fall Family Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be bounce houses, food, music, crafts, bingo, fitness demos, vendors and more.
• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will hold its first Out of the Darkness Community Walk at 10 a.m. at Bennett’s Creek Park. This is the 13^th year the organization has held its walk, which raises awareness of the problem of suicide, but it’s the first time one of the walks has been planned for Suffolk. On-site registration begins at 9 a.m. Call 822-9961 or visit afsp.org/suffolk for more information.
• A car show to benefit Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the College Drive Walmart, 6259 College Drive. Cars and trucks are $20; bikes and motos $10. Food will be available for purchase.
• The Peanut Fest Parade will take place in downtown Suffolk along West Washington and North Main streets beginning at 10 a.m. This is one of two parades scheduled for the downtown area between now and the end of the year, and it marks the beginning of a big week for Peanut Fest. It’s always a great time for kids of all ages.
• The Boys and Girls Club Suffolk Unit oyster roast will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at Constant’s Wharf, 110 E. Constance Road. The Island Boy Band will perform. An individual ticket is $30 and includes all-you-can-eat oysters and barbecue and two drink tickets. The event benefits the Suffolk Unit.
• Legends of Main Street: A Suffolk Ghost Walk will depart at 7 p.m. from the Suffolk Visitor Center, 524 N. Main St. Follow a costumed guide through the shadows of historic Main Street, discovering stories, legends and “unexplained occurrences” by lantern light. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, military and children ages 9 to 12. Reservations are required; call 514-4130.

Surprising Suffolk? We’ll only be surprised if you can’t find something to do on Saturday.