What could please a Jewish mother more than a boy who has a rich career being a waiter? We have two pairs of tickets to give away to this comedy. Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com and tell us which show date you want to win. Regent TheatreMedford, MA, –.more
Win: Carrie The Musical
Carrie the Musical sounds macabre and thrilling! We are giving away a pair of tickets to the show on Sunday May 10 at 4pm. Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win. SpeakEasy Stage CompanyBoston, MA, .more
Win: The Lennon Sisters
The Lennon Sisters perform iconic tunes that made them overnight stars on The Lawrence Welk Show. Never heard of them? Your mother will have, and we’re giving away two pairs of tickets for this Mother’s Day show! Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win. Reagle TheatreMedford, MA, .more
Johnny’s Picks
Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
Eta Aquarids are elusive and hard to catch. This is a great opportunity to see this meteor shower, just make sure you go to bed early the night before. 4am. 2014: ? Somewhere without lights, like a pond or open field, All OverAll Over, , .more
Fort Point Spring Open StudiosWalk Art
You can go hands-on as you enjoy the works of 75 amazing artists. Ask questions, try something new, or get lost in a live performance as you discover public art. 9am-11pm. Fort PointBoston, MA, –.more
Astronomy Day
The whole family will go to infinity and beyond in this all-encompassing fun-filled event! Hands-on projects for the kids, a special performance by Gallileo himself, and we won’t tell if you listen to Pink Floyd during the laser show! 4pm-9pm. Clay CenterBrookline, MA, .more
Charles River Moonlight Canoe
Paddling a canoe is fun, but it can be also relaxing if done at night. Try it at Newton Boathouse, there will be food, too! 7pm. Charles River Canoe & Kayak, Kendall SquareNewton, MA, .more
West Medford Open Studios
For two days, West Medford’s artists open their doors for you. Grab a map and chart yourself a stunning adventure! Catch a reading or performance, or explore at your own pace. 12-5pm. Various LocationsMedford, MA, –.more
Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum
A special day dedicated to Lilacs? No wonder the rest of the flowers at The Arnold Arboretum trash talk them. There will be games, food vendors, live music and picnicking. 10am. 2014: 10-3pm. Arnold ArboretumBoston, MA, .more
Ragnar Relay Cape Cod
See the Cape like never before – as part of a 12-person, 200 mile long relay challenge. Do you have what it takes to Ragnar all night long? Various locationsHull, MA, –.more
Goodies Beach Cruise Night
Cruise with other car lovers and share snacks and stories from the road! Weather permitting. 6pm-9pm. GoodiesMilford, ME, .more
New Hampshire Renaissance Faire
Get on your shiny armor and come to this renaissance faire. There’s comedy, magic and musical shows, sword fighting and more. The best thing, it’s just 1 hour drive form Boston. 10am-5pm. New Hampshire Food BankKingston, NH, –.more
Black Powder Shoot
Watching old guns being fired is fun, but firing them is better. Colonial costumes are encouraged, but modern protective gear is mandatory. 9am. Tewksbury Rod and Gun ClubTewksbury, MA, .more
World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast
When was the last time you sat down and had breakfast in company of all the people in town? Pancakes, coffee, juice and milk for everyone! 8am-11am. Springfield, MA, .more
South Hawley Ghost Town Hike
A Ghostbusters costume isn’t necessary, but prepare yourself for this guided hike through a real-life Massachusetts ghost town. You’ll see history, natural beauty, and maybe something more! 10am-3pm. Mass Audubon’s Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Rd.Hawley, MA, .more
Find 16 New England Regions on Twitter
Hey! I’ve split my Twitter feed into 17 regions so that you can REALLY get just the events close to home, or pick what you like. Please check it out and add me to a ‘Twitter list’ too (google it). All Over, , –.more
Get the 2014 New England Guide
Mention my website to friends and get my 2013 New England Guide, with 1,200 off-beat destinations including dinosaur footprints, zoos, ziplines, where to go stargazing, and where to find an indoor water park in December! All Over, , –.more
Lift that pinkie as you sip tea and enjoy the ballet. If that’s not enough, The Little Ladies of Fashion have you covered with 61 authentic Victorian outfits to enjoy. 3:30-5:30pm. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age MuseumLenox, MA, .more
Western Mass Mother’s Day Half Marathon
Your mother gave you life, so on her special day, run for the lives of others! Join hundreds along the Connecticut River in this special race. YCC drivewayWhately, MA, .more
Memories of Mothers – Walking Tour
A cemetery is probably not the best place to celebrate Mother’s Day, especially if she’s reaching certain age. But if you must, come and learn about the symbols of motherhood found at this place. Guided tours to famous mother’s graves available. 1-2:30pm. Mount Auburn CemeteryCambridge, MA, .more
Mother’s Day performance of The Lennon Sisters
Take mom to see America’s Sweethearts of Song! These famous sisters will delight with their decades of experience and talent. 2pm. Reagle Music TheatreWaltham, MA, .more
Mother’s Day Tea
Tea and cake in a gorgeous mansion is sure to make any mother’s day a little bit sweeter. 3pm. Gore PlaceWaltham, MA, .more
Mother’s Day Walk for Peace
Help stop violence by attending to this Mother’s Day walk. It’s good exercise, and many people will thank you for it. 8-10am. Town Field Park, Fields CornerDorchester, MA, .more
haha mama Mother’s Day Show
This is one show that is part of the Women in Comedy Festival (Row 6), 5/11, 7pm. Share some laughs with mom as six talented female comediennes take to the stage in this special mom-themed showcase! 7pm. Laugh BostonBoston, MA, .more
Mother’s Day at the Zoo!
How about visiting a zoo for Mother’s Day? Moms get in for free at Franklin Park and Stone Zoo. Games, music and prizes will be avaiable at Stone Zoo, courtesy of MAGIC 106.7 12pm. Stone Zoo & Franklin Park ZooBoston, MA, .more
Norwalk Youth Symphony Mother’s Day Concert
A Mother’s Day Concert sounds like a good way of closing the Norwalk Youth Symphony’s concert season. Don’t miss out, it’s going to be a while before these guys are back. 3pm. Norwalk Concert Hall at City HallNorwalk, CT, .more
Mother’s Day Special at the Conway Scenic Railway
Buy an adult first class ticket at Conway Scenic Railroad and mom gets to ride for free. Delicacies included. Conway Scenic RailroadNorth Conway, NH, .more
Mother Out Loud
Is there anything a mom can’t handle? Yes – not cracking a smile during this thoughtful and hilarious collection of scenes celebrating motherhood in all its glory. 8pm. Firehouse Center for the ArtsNewburyport, MA, –.more
Free Mother’s Day at Old Sturbridge Village
Bring your kids to Old Sturbridge Village, where they’ll be able to make gifts for mom. Works great if y’all forgot about Mother’s Day. Features a ‘Moms vs. Kids’ tug of war contest and brunch (reservation required). 10am. 2014: 9-5pm. Old Sturbridge VillageSturbridge, MA, .more
Also Fun
Blackadder Goes Forth- LIVE!
It’s like a Netflix binge, but live on stage! An entire season broken into two parts, celebrate this classic comedy’s 25 anniversary! The Charlestown Working TheaterCharlestown, MA, –.more
A Taste of Spring
What does spring taste like? 25 of the best food purveyors will share the secret with you. Prizes and raffles that benefit members of the community add a bonus to this event. 5:30-8pm. Hilton HotelWoburn, MA, .more
Revels Spring Pub Sing
Revels music director George Emlen will make you sing like a real rebel. Enjoy a night full of music, singing and food. 6pm. 2014: 6pm. Doyle’s CafeJamaica Plain, MA, .more
Asian, Pacific American Heritage Celebration
Celebrate and explore many facets of Asian cultures through photos, flowers, music, dance, and more! 7-9pm. City HallNewton, MA, .more
The Ghosts In Our Machine
If you’ve ever survived an extended late-night ASPCA commercial, this documentary will give you a much needed different point of view – focusing on the strength and beauty of exploited animals, and exploring ways to make things better. 7pm. Kendall Square Cinema, One Kendall Square 1900Cambridge, MA, .more
Women in Comedy Festival
Slam the door shut on the gender gap in comedy by attending one of these 33 shows featuring 200 of the funniest women in America! Feeling funny? There are workshops and panels too. Various Locations, All OverBoston, MA, –.more
Gallery 263 Foraged Banquet
Take a highly respected chef and a wild foods enthusiast and what do you get? A night of Italian-inspired courses with ingredients from around the corner, perhaps literally. 6pm-7pm. Gallery 263Cambridge, MA, .more
Art Spiegelman: What the %@&*! Happened to Comics?
Experience the evolution of comics as you listen to an expert cartoonist sketch it out. One panel at a time, you’ll better understand this unique medium. 8pm. Sanders TheatreCambridge, MA, .more
SMFA Spring Sidewalk Sale
Students will be selling art works created by themselves. Proceeds will help them keep creating amazing stuff. You’ll find ceramics, t-shirts, photos, prints, jewelery, and more. Make sure you bring at least 5 bucks with you. 10am. 2014: 10am@5pm. Along Museum Road, SMFABoston, MA, –.more
National Astronomy Day: Clay Center
Indoor kite flying? That’s only possible on National Astronomy Day. The Clay Center will hold telescope clinics, science demos and much more. No pets allowed. 5-8:30pm. Clay Center for Science & TechnologyBrookline, MA, .more
Green Space Blues Jam
There will be plenty of red sauce to go around on Italian foods, featuring live blues and dancing, to benefit Waltham’s green spaces. 7-11pm. Charles River Museum of Industry and InnovationWaltham, MA, .more
Brookline Sakura Matsuri
Cherry Blossoms are pretty in any language, but the Japanese food, drums, and games provide a fresh twist on this springtime celebration. Brookline High School QuadrangleBrookline, MA, .more
Bay State Bike Week
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 OverAll Over, , –.more
Duckling Day Parade
Ducklings are cute, so are children. So a parade of kids dresssing as ducklings has to be at least a thousand times cuter. 10:30am. Boston CommonBoston, MA, .more
Wildflower Hike
Breathe fresh air and admire the beauty of wildflowers while going on this 8 mile hike. 1pm. 2014: 1-3pm. Little Tom Mountain, I-91 and Route 5Holyokespan>, MA, .more
Lex Fly a Kite
Bring your mom and fly a kite together. If you don’t have one, there will be several for sale. Allowance is free, just like kites! 1-5pm. Chiesa Farm, Adams StreetLexington, MA, .more
Machine Learning
What in our modern lives is not tied into a machine? Come get all the facts on Machine Learning from the experts at Microsoft. 9am. Horace Mann Conference Room
First Floor Conference Center, One Memorial DriveCambridge, MA, .more
Massachusetts Farmers Markets
Not all food should be sugar coated. It is OK to eat healthy from time to time. Spring brings more than 30 farmers markets in Massachusetts. Click for the list! Copley Square, Boylston Street, Clarendon Street, St. James Avenue, and Dartmouth StreetAll Over, , .more
National Public Garden Day
Public gardens are always there for you, and don’t ask much in return. Celebrate them and come enjoy nature’s beautiful landscapes. It does not cost much. In fact, it’s free. Various Locations, All OverAll Over, , .more
Lawrence Spring Carnival
What’s better than a carnival in the spring? Unlimited carnival rides for one low price, offered at various times throughout the week. All the thrills and chills you can handle! Lawrence Common,, Common StreetLawrence, MA, –.more
Biennial Quilt Show
There are not many big quilt shows in New England. This is one of the 2 biggest ones I’ve found. More than 100 quilts are on exhibit. I’ve been to quilt shows before and they’re actually interesting! Workshops, auctions, food, drink, raffles, and the boutique will keep you in stitches! 10am. Grace Community ChurchChelmsford, MA, –.more
Spruce Up for Spring
Orchard House, the home of ‘Little Women’ needs a bit of maintenance here and there. Visit this popular house, help a little and enjoy the refreshments prepared for volunteers. 8:30-4:30pm. Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard HouseConcord, MA, .more
Stars, Moons and the Rings of Saturn
Saturn is coming for a visit, but we’ll still need a telescope to see it in all its glory. Venus and Mars might show up too! All Over, , .more
Go Topless Day NH
On Saturday, @BackwoodsTom invites you to go topless – you know, to get fresh air – as you enjoy opening day on your 4×4 and so much more. Backwoods FarmRumney, NH, .more
Open Practice Day at White Mountain Motorsports Park
Who knows what can be found over six hours of open practice on one of New Hamshire’s most exciting Motorsports tracks? Only one way to find out. 11-5pm. White Mountain Motorsports ParkNorth Woodstock, NH, .more
The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden is not so secret anymore, but its story is always entertaining. This one is presented in the form of a musical play. Firehouse Center for the ArtsNewburyport, MA, –.more
Essex River Race
Everyone’s invited to this 5.5 mile boat race. There will be awards for the winners, but only 2 hours to cross the finish line, so row row row your boat! Registration 7am, race 9am. Town Boat Ramp Downtown, Route 133Essex, MA, .more
Skyline Hike
Take your tots to new heights as you travel step by step through the beautiful Blue Hills. Bi-weekly event starting May 6 @ 11am. Houghton’s PondMilton, MA, .more
Birds and All That Jazz
Take bird watching to the next level by pairing it with live jazz, food and drink, and a host of activities the whole family can enjoy? 7-10pm. Oak Knoll Wildlife SanctuaryAttleboro, MA, .more
Sky Dances and Stars
If the scientists say that the woodcock’s evening mating rituals and gazing at distant planets in the night sky go hand in hand, who are we to argue? 7-9:30pm. Daniel Webster Wildlife SanctuaryMarshfield, MA, .more
Bluegrass On The Bogs
Some of the most talented musicians in the area will perform at this non-traditional acoustic music fest. You can come and camp here, be part of the workshops or just enjoy a fun day at the swimming ponds. Camp KiwaneeHanson, MA, –.more
Downton Abbey Fundraiser
If you can’t get Downton Abbey out of your head, this event might do the trick. Spend a night in the style of your favorite character; appropriate attire is suggested. With authentic foods and socializing, you may not want to come back! 6:30pm. Hedge House MuseumPlymouth, MA, .more
Battleship Cove Tournament
No one will blame you if you cry ‘you sunk my battleship!’ after hearing ‘checkmate’ in this unique chess tournament for all ages held on a historic battleship. 9:15am. Battleship CoveFall River, MA, .more
Brimfield Antiques Show (Spring)
There is something for everyone at this massive collection of antiques, collectibles, and everything else, INCLUDING the kitchen sink. BrimField Town Hall,Brimfield, MA, –.more
Cape Cod Maritime Festival
Take a tour in a kayak, explore lighthouses, and learn about the rich maritime history of Cape Cod! There is something for everyone in this month long adventure, from nautical art to boat building. Cape Cod Museum of Natural HistoryBrewster, MA, –.more
Restaurant Week & Gallery Stroll Provincetown
You’ll have a full week to taste top notch dishes from more than 20 of the greatest Provincetown restaurants. Your pocket won’t suffer, since everything will be offered at at discount. I couldn’t find updated 2014 information about this. Is it really happening? Various Locations, All OverProvincetown, MA, –.more
Sandwich Artisans Show and Sale
The best artisans from the area will be showing their products. Take advantage of the on site sales, which include clothing, jewelry and much more. 10-4pm. Sandwich Public LibrarySandwich, MA, .more
Cape Cod Restaurant Week
Taste the best of Cape Cod’s food during Restaurant Week. Your pockets won’t suffer, since most dishes are discounted. Not my fault if later on you have to add an extra hole to your belt. Various LocationsSandwich, MA, –.more
Chocolate Festival
Two words: Chocolate Festival. But hey, if you need more there’ll also be a chocolate scavenger hunt. I couldn’t find updated information about this in 2014. The Purple FeatherProvincetown, MA, –.more
Rhode Island Tattoo Expo
This tattoo expo is not only about tattoos, but music, fashion and a bit of history. Learn about the latest tattooing trends and techniques, and much more! Rhode Island Convention CenterProvidence, RI, –.more
Misquamicut SpringFest
Watch bike stunt demos under the light of a fireworks show, or get on your favorite ride while listening to live music. Want more? How about a petting zoo, theatre plays and led shows? Misquamicut State BeachWesterly, RI, –.more
Sheep Shearing Day
This is the time of the year when sheep need a haircut. Come discover the latest trends in sheep fashion at Watson Farm. Tours around will be available too. 12- 4pm. Watson FarmJamestown, RI, .more
Performance
Review: On the Verge
Start with Happy Days, drop a group of Victorian women into the mix, and you’ve got a general idea of this hilarious time-travel fantasy. Charles Mosesian Theater at the Arsenal Center for the ArtsWatertown, MA, –.more
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
A wonderful story and American classic come to life in this adaptation of ‘Where The Mountain Meets The Moon’. Wheelock Family TheatreBoston, MA, –.more
ICARUS
They’re not responsible if you got a weak heart! Everything from puppets and clowns to live music in this Americana Myth Musical. Come hear the melodies of Icarus! OBERONCambridge, MA, –.more
White Rabbit, Red Rabbit
White Rabbit, Red Rabbit has no director, no set and a different actor for each performance. The actors don’t get to see the script until they arrive on stage to perform this utterly wild, original play. 7:30pm. Plaza Black Box Theater at the Boston Center for the ArtsBoston, MA, –.more
Review: Good Television
This is an interesting play about Reality TV shows and how much they’re actually good/bad to society and their participants. Plaza Black Box Theater at the Boston Center for the ArtsBoston, MA, –.more
The Glass Menagerie
The Winchester Players take on the Glass Menagerie in their latest performance. 8pm. First Congregational Church of WinchesterWinchester, MA, –.more
Review: ASP’s As You Like It
One of Shakespeare’s most delightful comedies! Click for our review. The Springstep BuildingMedford, MA, –.more
Review: Sontag: Reborn
Whether or not you’re a fan of Susan Sontag, you will enjoy this journey through her iconic mind. Straight from her personal journals to the stage. Emerson/Paramount Center MainstageBoston, MA, –.more
Lebensraum
While we realize that a life event can have numerous, if not infinite outcomes, how often do you see it on stage? The possibilities are endless in Happy Medium Theater’s final production of the season. Factory TheatreBoston, MA, –.more
Into the woods
Your favorite fairy tale characters will get chewed up and spit out in this epic mashup, will there be a happy ending? The Lyric StageBoston, MA, –.more
Boston Theater Marathon
Watching 50 theatre plays in just 10 hours? Sounds crazy, but not so much when all of them are only 10 minutes long. It’s a good thing you only have to pay for one ticket, don’t you think? Center for the ArtsBoston, MA, –.more
The Tempest
This performance of a Shakespeare classic gets even better with the addition of magic straight from the secrets of Teller of Penn and Teller! Loeb Drama CenterCambridge, MA, –.more
Review: The Complete History of Comedy (abridged)
A play that tries to cover the history of comedy from its very early stages to Jon Stewart’s Daily Show! Nancy L. Donahue TheatreLowell, MA, –.more
In The Territories
The Great American West feels like the kind of place and time where a dramatic comedy can really shine! Sea Change Theatre Company, 10 Dane Street,Beverly, MA, –.more
Travel
Adelaide Herrman – The Queen Of Magic, portrayed by Margaret Steele
Leave ‘abracadabra’ at the door. It’s sure to be a magical night discussing the world’s first great female magician, Adelaide Herrmann, whose memoirs were recently discovered. Added bonus:magic will be performed! 7pm. Mark Twain House & MuseumHartford, CT, .more
Westville Village Artwalk
Live music performances breathe life into this 3-block artisan market. There are art workshops, theatre shows, guided tours and food vendors too. Historic Westville VillageNew Haven, CT, –.more
Mother’s Day 10K Run and 5K Health Walk
Race your mom for a chance of not doing the dishes. But seriously, this 10K race benefits the American Heart Association and local charities. 8am. Calf Pasture Beach, Calf Pasture Beach RdNorwalk, CT, .more
Magician Todd Robins & Now You See Me screening
Now you see me, and now you’ll get to see the secrets behind the magic in the movie Now You See Me at this special screening. 6:30pm. Bethel CinemaBethel, CT, .more
Skyhoundz Canine Disc Championships
They’re man’s best friend, but they sure love their frisbees! Enter your disc-loving dog or watch the greats in this competition that is sure to be high-flying fun! 6pm. Corneluis McAuliffe ParkEast Hartford, CT, .more
Burning of the Ships Day
This event features a fife & drums parade, a row boat race, re-enactments and a parade. There’s no fire involved, since it’s a bit dangerous, you know. 2-5pm. Connecticut River MuseumEssex, CT, .more
National Train Day at the Danbury Railway
Trains are fun no matter what their size is. Danbury Railway is offering free train rides with admission ticket. Get on the famous 1455 locomotive, or play with Thomas and their friends. 10-4pm. Danbury Railway MuseumDanbury, CT, .more
Maine Coast Marathon
Not ready for another 26 year break, this race is staying put, though you’ll be running 26.2 miles! 7:30am. Kennebunk High SchoolKennebunk, ME, .more
De-armament
Enjoy a full weekend of LARPing. De-armament is the perfect opportunity to be part of an epic medieval adventure. Claremont, NH, –.more
Rumford’s Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Festival
Become a lumberjack for a day! You will find log tossing contests, zip line rides, crosscut saw competitions and of course, lumberjack breakfast. Downtown Rumford, Congress StRumford, ME, .more
Mother’s Day Weekend Craft Festival
Over 75 booths will be offering food, crafts and artwork. Most of the exhibits will be juried, and live music will entertain visitors. And don’t forget, this one’s all about mom. 10am-5pm. Town CommonHampton Falls, NH, –.more
Spring Fest at Shelburne Museum
Bring mom to this special celebration of spring and mothers. Plant flowers and do some gardening, enjoy a tea party or just take a stroll around. 12-4pm. Shelburne MuseumShelburne, VT, .more
Classic Car Cruise Night
Put the top down, crank the tunes, and drive off into the sunset during Classic Car Cruise Nights. An automatic time machine right there, ladies and gentlemen. 6pm-8pm. White River JunctionHartford, VT, –.more