Copplia is a classical comic ballet performance that returns to stage by popular demand. More than 20 children are the stars of the show. I have two pairs of tickets to give away for the show Thursday, May 16! Email johnny@eventsinsider.com to win. The Boston Opera House Boston, MA, Thu 5/16–Sun 5/26.more

Literary Death Match is back! The best emerging writers of different kinds of media/publications show their best work is a mix of performance, reading and (probabally involuntary) stand-up comedy in front of judges. But of course you’re the best judge of their work. doors open at 7:30, show starts 8:30pm. Club Oberon Cambridge, MA, Tue 5/14.more

Open Studios take middlemen off the equation and allow you to purchase art directly from the creators. Take a walk around and meet great people who happen to be great artists too. This event is so big, that was splitted in two. This one’s for the East/Central area. Various Locations Cambridge, MA, Sat 5/18–Sun 5/19.more

The 54th Regiment will set up a small ‘Mock’ campsite and participate in various Civil War camp activities. 2013 11am-4pm, with a parade at 2pm! Edward O. Gourdin Veterans Park, Washington St. at Martin Luther King Blvd Roxbury, MA, Sat 5/18.more

Kites that need no wind? You’re joking, right? This event includes outdoor/indoor kite flying, rockets and solar telescopes. Do I have to say more? 4pm. Clay Center Brookline, MA, Sat 5/18.more

Garage bands are great, but how about porch bands? This is kind of an open studios event but for musicians. Check the website for a map of locations. Your new favorite band might be just across the street. 12-6pm. Various Locations Somerville, MA, Sat 5/18.more

A pro-nature outdoor concert with great bands cannot be overlooked. This year, EarthFest features popular bands such as Vertical Horizon and Fast Ball. A secondary stage will host a concert for kids. Food crafts available. 10am. DCR Hatch Memorial Shell Boston, MA, Sat 5/18.more

Cambridge is so cool that multiple events and festivals are celebrated at the same time. This one is located in West Cambridge (Fresh Pond). Expect musical performances, bike rides, food vendors, storytelling and much more. 10am-2pm. Kingsley Park Cambridge, MA, Sun 5/19.more

There’s something magical about Cadillacs. That’s probably why Cadillac Day is always the kick-off event for car show season at The Larz Anderson Museum of Transportation 10am-3pm. Larz Anderson Auto Museum Brookline, MA, Sun 5/19.more

East side represent! More than 50 artists will be showing their work, directly from their workshops or houses. Come meet talented people that do what they love, and love what they do. 11-5pm each day. Various locations Boston, MA, Sat 5/18–Sun 5/19.more

This Japanese festival is huge! There are about 80 non-food vendors, live music, activities for kids, and more than 10,000 attendees. Don’t miss out! 10am. Boston City Hall Plaza Boston, MA, Sun 5/19.more

Everyone is invited to the Haitian-American Unity Parade. A reverend will be leading it, so be ready to hear some prayers here and there. It starts from Mattapan Square. 1pm. Mattapan Square Boston, MA, Sun 5/19.more

All through Massachusetts you will find more than 100 events that are bike related: Guided tours, races, pancake breakfasts, films, parades, and even classes about human powered 2-wheelers. Various Locations All Over, , Sat 5/11–Sun 5/19.more

WHAT? Did Thomas Jefferson have slaves working at his plantation? Henry Wiencek, the famous historian, will tell you everything about it. 7:30pm. The Royall House and Slave Quarters Medford, MA, Wed 5/15.more

What does spring taste like? 25 of the best food purveyors will share the secret with you. Prizes and raffles add a bonus to this event. 5:30pm. Crowne Plaza Woburn, MA, Wed 5/15.more

Japanese cuisine offers much more than just sushi and raw fish. Come learn a bit more about this wonderful country. There’s an optional film screening. 1pm. Museum of Fine Arts Boston, MA, Wed 5/15.more

This event explores the friendship between Charles Sumner and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow through dramatic reading of letters, official documents and whatnot. Kind of an old school gossip TV show, if you ask me. 6pm. Longfellow House – Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site Cambridge, MA, Thu 5/16.more

Italian food will be served at this fundraiser dancing event, featuring big jazz figures who will be playing for you. 7:30pm. Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation Waltham, MA, Fri 5/17.more

This fair boasts rides for children and grown-ups, food vendors, crafts on sale and much more. Oh, there’s also a chance to win a quilt. 10am. The fairgrounds at the corner of Mt. Vernon Street and Skillings Road Winchester, MA, Fri 5/17.more

Amateur directors deliver films that are written, shot and edited in under 24 hours. Then we all get to vote for our favorites. Fun fun fun. Brattle Theatre Cambridge, MA, Fri 5/17–Sat 5/18.more

4 beautiful women are offering a wonderful musical performance at Mount Auburn Cemetery. Don’t worry, only the living are invited. 5pm. Mount Auburn Cemetery Cambridge, MA, Sat 5/18.more

Cemetery tours are not creepy, but full of history and culture. Come listen to stories related to Civil War and their heroes. 1pm. Mount Auburn Cemetery Cambridge, MA, Sat 5/18.more

This is more of an event for kids, but adults can learn a couple things to help protect endangered species. Encounters with zookeepers and a drawing/writing contest for children make this event stand out. All day. Stone Zoo Stoneham, MA, Sat 5/18.more

Ha ha! Harvard Sailing Center is lending you the keys to some of their boats, and that means lots of fun. Well, they will let you sail for a bit, under supervision. But it’s free and better than nothing! 10am. Harvard Sailing Center Cambridge, MA, Sat 5/18.more

Lots of restaurants get together and offer insane amounts of food samples. All this food comes at a premium, but proceedings go to charity. 12-4pm. Landsdowne St Boston, MA, Sat 5/18.more

The old ‘Museum tickets cost too much’ excuse is not valid anymore. Free admission for all visitors, all day. 10am. Harvard Art Museums Cambridge, MA, Sat 5/18.more

Herring don’t run! Or do they? Come to this 5K paddling and run/walk race. There will be kayaking classes for newbies and more activities for both adults and kids. 8am. Blessing of the Bay Boathouse Somerville, MA, Sun 5/19.more

Can creativity be cultivated? This symposium will try to unleash everyone’s true creative potential. Not especially fun, but interesting. 12:30pm. Museum of Fine Arts Boston, MA, Sun 5/19.more

Bikes will take over Beacon Street during this 5K parade. They say basically anyone from 10-100 years old can participate. The road will be closed, so you don’t have to worry about cars. registration at noon, 1pm race. Amory Park Brookline, MA, Sun 5/19.more

Watch Terminator 2 and then talk about real life technology that’s being used today and resembles what’s see on screen. This should be a fun evening. 7pm. Coolidge Corner Theatre Brookline, MA, Mon 5/20.more

This night will be celebrating Stevie Wonder’s birthday. Lots of music (of course), food and live entertainment will be available. 5:30pm. The Beehive Boston, MA, Mon 5/20.more

This is a film festival that only displays films from all the world about adventurers on bikes. This year there will be a social hours right before the opening 6-10pm. Regent Theatre Arlington, MA, Mon 5/20.more

This fundraising walk will take you through some of Boston’s most interesting spots. The route has been marked for you but a team of awesome people will be there to help, should you need any assistance. UMass Boston Circle Lawn Boston, MA, Sat 5/18–Sun 5/19.more

This party in the park involves food and promises a lot of fun. Not sure what kind of fun, but food war is surely not included. 11am. Emerald Necklace Conservancy Boston, MA, Wed 5/15.more

Not particularly fun, but full of interesting info. This discussion will deal with the impact of the new constitutional governments in Arab countries. 6:30pm. C. Walsh Theatre, 55 Temple Street, Suffolk University Boston, MA, Thu 5/16.more

Kites are fun, and enthusiasts are usually friendly. Come join the fun in company of thousands of people. Also, bike rentals, face painting and lots of food vendors. 11am. Franklin Park Boston, MA, Sat 5/18.more

Some things must not remain unseen, which is why on the 3rd Thursday of May multiple Beacon Hill Garden Club members open their gardens to the public. They’re hidden the other 364 days, so this is a one-in-a-year chance. 9am. Beacon Hill Garden Club Boston, MA, Thu 5/16.more

Looking for a physical challenge? How about the Skyline Hike? Targeted at experienced hikers. They recommend bringing water and food, but I guess you already knew that. 9am. Blue Hills Reservation Milton, MA, Sun 5/19.more

A dance show performed by some of the best dancers and choreographers in the world. I’ll be convinced when they do the robot dance. Citi Performing Arts Center Boston, MA, Thu 5/16–Sun 5/19.more

The benefit to one who died in the Boston bombings includes juggling, magic, comedy, and song. We’ve had enough somber events — here’s a chance to celebrate life while raising money for her family’s fund. 7pm. Regent Theatre Arlington, MA, Mon 5/13.more

This play tells the story of 2 dead soldiers, one from U.S. and one from Irak. It’s a tragic-comedy show that pops the question: Is peace possible? This event is free, but donations are accepted. Boston, MA, Thu 5/16–Sat 5/18.more

This contemporary dance performance deals with women’s struggle for power and strength. At some point a monster shows up in stage, so it should be visually attractive, to say the least,. Union Square Plaza Somerville, MA, Sat 5/18.more

Finally! A puppet show for adults, enhanced by musicians, mimes and dancers. A wide variety of stories will entertain you in a funny and different way. 8pm. Puppet Showplace Theatre Brookline, MA, Sat 5/18.more

Hand bell music is fun to watch because performers tend to move around the stage. This event is more of a performance and less of a full festival, but the show is still great! 8pm. Old South Church Boston, MA, Tue 5/21.more

Odd Places is basically a performance art show inside a museum. Something you don’t see everyday. There will be experts talking about performance art and its relationship with museums. 4-8:30pm. Museum of Fine Arts Boston, MA, Wed 5/15.more

Jesse Cook is an amazing guitar player. He will be performing at The Wilbur Theatre, and you should come see his show. 7pm. The Wilbur Theatre Boston, MA, Sun 5/19.more