Detectives, Dancing and Sweet Melodies - Center for the Arts in Natick
Saturday, 3/31

Classical music, lively dance and some plain old fashioned detective work merge forces to solve the “great” musical mysteries of all time! Where did composer Saint-Saëns suddenly disappear to when he and his wife were vacationing? Why did no one attend Debussy’s funeral? What prevented Robert Shumann from marrying the love of his life, Clara? These mysteries and more brought to life with a dash of theatrical playfulness by talented dance and music students. Members $10; Non-members $8

Big Apple Circus: Dream Big - City Hall Plaza, Boston
Through May 13

Circus artists perform under an intimate Big Top, and no seat is more than 50 feet from the ring! This year’s show features a juggler with a suit to fit his sweet feats of fancy handiwork; a mechanical doll who comes alive in a sinuous balancing act; spirited horses, frolicsome dogs, and a capybara; acrobats, comical conjurors, and trapeze flyers. Tickets $15-$65

Woolapalooza 2012 - Drumlin Farm, Lincoln
Sat 3/31

Festival highlights include Drumlin Farm’s new spring babies, sheep shearing and sheep-herding demonstrations, hands-on activities for all ages, and all natural, locally grown and harvested Drumlin Farm food. Local fiber artisans offer demonstrations and sell their handmade products. Follow the “Sheep-to-Sweater Interpretive Trail” to learn how fleece on a sheep becomes the warm woolen sweater you wear. Adults $11; Children $9. $2 member discount

Harlem Globetrotters - TD Garden, Boston
Saturday, 3/31

The basketball team known around the world returns to the TD Garden for a doubleheader, complete with its famous ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind entertainment. Performances at 2pm & 7pm. Tickets $22.50-$164

Sensational India - Peabody Essex Museum, Salem
Saturday & Sunday, 3/31 - 4/1

The festival celebrates Faces of Devotion, Indian Sculpture from the Figiel Collection and focuses on the theme of spiritual and artistic devotion. Families can enjoy performances, demonstrations, art activities and storytelling. Free with admission

EcoFest - Atlantic Wharf’s Waterfront Square, Boston
Saturday, 3/31

The afternoon EcoFest includes international short films, puppet-making, a kids’ matinee, an eco-marketplace, and a cinematic tribute to Kenyan Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai. FREE

Ben Rudnick & Friends Concert & Family Works Event
TiCO, Boston on Saturday, 3/31 (10am-12n)
Regent Theatre, Arlington on Sunday, 4/1 (2pm-4pm)

Good tunes and doing good - Ben Rudnick and Family Works combine forces at two locations this weekend:

Family Works! Project: Catching Joy! leads an activity table where kids can use crayons, creativity and care to make bookmarks to go along with their donations. The event at TiCO is to benefit Reach Out and Read - please bring new and gently used children’s books. The event at the Regent is to benefit Birthday Wishes - please bring new birthday party supplies.

Ben Rudnick & Friends Concert: Ben Rudnick & Friends’ adventurous acoustic music and lyrically humorous style have won them fans of all ages.

Play Date: Off the Wall - ICA, Boston
Saturday 3/31

Families explore Swoon’s monumental ICA installation, then test their artistic skills and global knowledge by helping artist Amy Beth Harrison create an installation adorned with wishes for a cleaner environment. Using bamboo, cloth, and cut paper, each family will also create a miniature sculpture to take home, containing messages and symbols for a healthy planet. FREE for families: up to two adults per family accompanied by children ages 6–12

Final Notes

If you are starting to look for a fun way to spend Mother’s Day as a family, you may want to consider the ICA’s Mother’s Day Art Making workshop. Space is limited, so early registration is highly recommended.