Hairspray, the Broadway Musical - Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston
Opens Fri 1/24
Tickets $20-$35

In 1950’s Baltimore, Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big dreams, auditions for a role on the Corny Collins TV dance show. However, when the producer refuses to integrate the program, Tracy draws on her own struggles with prejudice to lead the charge for change. “You Can’t Stop The Beat” encapsulates an era that brought monumental changes through song, dance and the courage of a few. [Details]

Author Visits: Melissa Guion and Jen Corace - Blue Bunny Books, Dedham
Sat 1/25
FREE

Melissa Guion, author-illustrator of Baby Penguins Everywhere is back with her new book, Baby Penguins Love their Mamas - can there be such a thing as too many adorable penguins? And Jen Corace, illustrator of books like Little Pea, Little Oink and Little Hoot, celebrates the launch of her new book, I Hatched, a gleeful, goofy, gorgeous celebration of being new, curious, and ready to take on the world. [Details]

Tanglewood Marionettes: Perseus and Medusa - Amazing Things Arts Center, Framingham
Sat 1/25
Tickets $12

A lavish show featuring beautiful, hand-crafted marionettes, scrolling sets, exotic music and much, much more. The ancient world has never been so accessible. [Details]

Rock 'n' Romp Rock Show - The Sinclair, Cambridge
Sat 1/25
Adults $10; Children $5

Got kids? Like live music? Rock 'n' Romp is for you! The family friendly rock show series lets you bring your kids to a rock club to see the best in local rock performed during the day in a family friendly atmosphere. Today's show features Parks and Bent Shapes. Extra fun for the kiddos with Knucklebones and face painting by Color Me Funky. [Details]

Play Date: 5th ICA International Children's Film Festival - ICA - Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston
Sat 1/25
FREE for families; up to 2 adults per family accompanied by children 12 and under

Join the ICA for a day of films (some made by kids!) and hands-on activities that foster an awareness of the filmmaking process. Work with film artists on a project about pixilation and step into the Bank of America Art Lab to design a movie set and take action. [Details]

Brick Factor - BPL - Central Library, Boston
Sat 1/25
FREE to watch

The soon-to-open LEGOLAND is looking for a Master Model Builder. Stop by the library this weekend to see the two-day competition in which contestants are given a theme and a limited amount of time to showcase their creativity and talent to develop the best LEGO® model possible. Each round is judged with the top contestants advancing to the next stage. The final round is held on Sunday. [Details]

Families Connect: Fairy Tales - BCA, Boston
Sat 1/25
FREE

Actors from BCA Emerging Theatre Company imaginary beasts help children get into character. Fairy tales come to life with fun theater games and exercises. After the workshop, stay to watch the 1pm performance of Rumpelstiltskin. Pre-registration preferred. [Details]

Harvard Square Chocolate Festival - Tastings Event - Harvard Square, Cambridge
Sun 1/26
FREE

Deguglielmo Plaza plays host to an array of chocolaty samples from restaurants and shops from across Harvard Square. Make sure to come early, as this event is very popular and attracts hundreds of sweet tooths. [Details]

Wingmasters: North American Birds of Prey - Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield
Sun 1/26
Admission: Adults $13; Children $11        

Wingmasters introduces participants to different types of raptors, including hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons. See live birds of prey up close and learn how they hunt, what they eat, and all about their amazing vision, hearing, and feathers. Call to reserve your place. [Details]

Family Concert: Casey at the Bat - The Center for the Arts at the Armory, Somerville
Sun 1/26
Adults $15; Children (2-12) $5        

The Cambridge Symphony Orchestra presents a musical afternoon for the entire family, featuring Casey at the Bat, Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor - III, and the William Tell Overture. [Details]