Thirsty? Stop by any participating 7-11 on Wednesday, May 23 to pour yourself a free Slurpee between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Then on Friday, help Pinkberry celebrate its newest location at a grand opening in North Beverly, where there will be free frozen yogurt and all the toppings you can muster from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Still not enough? Find even more free happenings around town.

Making plans? Short on ideas? No worries. See Nicole Cammorata and June Wulff's picks for the top things to do around the Hub this weekend. Now get out and go to it!

WEEKEND

WOOL DAYS AT OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE Learn what happens to wool every step of the way, starting with the haircut. The process includes 1830s-style sheep shearing by farmers, sheepherding exhibitions with Bborder Ccollies (Saturday), wool carding, spinning, knitting, and more. May 26-28 from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. $24, $22 seniors, $8 ages 3-17, free for active United States military and families. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. 800-733-1830. www.osv.org

THURSDAY

WFNX DOWNTOWN CROSSING BLOCK PARTIES: Downtown restaurants provide the free appetizers; The Swinging Johnsons, also known as the Johnson Brothers, provide most of the weekly music; you provide the partygoers at these weekly block parties. Thursdays from 5-8 p.m. through Aug. 30. Free. Downtown Crossing, Boston. 617-261-0066. www.bostonbid.org

FRIDAY

CAMPFIRES AND WHAT ELSE? What are your camp memories? We remember forming a circle at the end of the day to watch the lowering of the American flag. Perhaps we weren’t meant for camping. The ImprovBoston folks channeled their experiences to create characters for “Camp,” their improvisational comedy which takes place in 1994 at an eight-week summer camp. Fridays at 10 p.m. through June 22. $14-$18. ImprovBoston, 40 Prospect St., Cambridge. 617-576-1253. www.improvboston.com

SATURDAY

NIKOS “NIVO” VOURLIOTIS: This European house DJ is sort of a big deal back home in Greece, where he hosts his own late-night talk show and is the frontman for the Greek hip-hop group Goin’ Through. DJ Ted L will open for Nivo on Saturday, and DJ CK Pellegrini will be spinning in the side room. May 26, 10 p.m., $10-$20, 21+. Underbar. 617-292-0080, www.underbaronline.com

CRUISE AFRIQUE ALL WHITE AFFAIR: As the saying goes, “no white until after Memorial Day.” So here’s a way to kick things off early. For the third year, Afrique Events is hosting this dance party aboard the Spirit of Boston, where guests are required to dress in their best summer whites. Enjoy cocktails, dancing, and four levels of entertainment as you cruise around Boston Harbor. May 26, 11 p.m., $40-$60, 21+. Spirit of Boston, 200 Seaport Blvd. 781-354-1580, www.cruiseafrique.com

KAYAK FAMILY PADDLE ON THE PARKER RIVER: Look for wildlife in the secluded areas of the Plum Island waters at this family outing sponsored by the Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center and Plum Island Kayak. May 26 from 8:30 a.m.-
12:30 p.m. $60 (preregistration required; for families with kids 7 and older). Meet at Plum Island Kayak, 92 Merrimack St., Newburyport. 978-462-9998. www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats

SUNDAY

NORTH AND SOUTH: The South Slope of Beacon Hill is the ritzy section. The North Slope was part of the Underground Railroad, home to immigrant families, lined with narrow streets and alleys, and the destination of Boston By Foot’s The North Slope of Beacon Hill Sunday tour. May 27 from 2-3 p.m., rain or shine. $15. Meet at the side entrance to the Massachusetts State House, intersection of Bowdoin Street and Ashburton Place, Boston. 617-367-2345. www.bostonbyfoot.org

LET'S WRAP IT UP: Since your kids think you’re older than dirt, introduce your offspring to some of your old friends at “Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science.” This interactive exhibit has a re-creation of an Egyptian tomb, real artifacts from the funerary culture of ancient Egypt, real and animal mummies, and a life-size prototype of a mummy in a stage of “unwrapping. May 27 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (through Sept. 3). $22, $20 senior, $19 ages 3-11. Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston. 617-723-2500. www.mos.org

MONDAY

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS MEMORIAL DAY OPEN HOUSE: Spend the day with works of art, encourage the kids to participate in art-making activities, take introductory tours of the Museum’s collections, listen to talks, and check out the latest exhibits. May 28 from 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Free. Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 617-267-9300. www.mfa.org

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE BAND OF LIBERTY: Bring your blanket and lawn chair to this Memorial Day concert of traditional and contemporary tunes. And what a fitting place to honor our fallen soldiers. May 28 at 2 p.m. Free. Grounds of the Minute Man Visitor Center, Route 2A, Lincoln and Lexington (for directions use 250 North Great Road, Lincoln). 978-369-6993. www.nps.gov/mima

Wendy Maeda, Globe Staff

Lettuce at last year's Davis Square Market

The growing season is upon us, and local farmers markets are opening for the season. What can you buy now? Tender asparagus, creamy goat cheese, fresh eggs, nutritious greens, and yummy baked goods to list but a fraction of the tempting inventory. Area farmers bring their bounty to Boston's Copley Square on Tuesday and Friday, Central Square in Cambridge on Monday, and Davis Square in Somerville on Wednesday. Click here for info on other markets in the area.

Copley Square Farmers Market Tuesday and Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. through Nov. 20.

Central Square Farmers Market Monday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through Nov. 19.

Davis Square Farmers Market Wednesday noon-6 p.m. through Oct. 31, noon-5 p.m. Nov. 7-21.

Courtesy of the Boston Harbor Hotel

The Boston Harbor Hotel has opened its newest dining option, Sea Grille To Go, featuring an outdoor-friendly menu from chef Daniel Bruce. Sea Grille To Go is located outside on the waterfront, and customers are welcome to enjoy their to-go meals on the hotel's harborside lower terrace. The menu of traditional New England cuisine features soups, salads, and sandwiches, perfect for summertime al fresco dining. Open daily 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Rowes Wharf, Boston. 617-856-7744 www.roweswharfseagrille.com

Photo by Mark S. Howard

ON THE AVENUE: This Tony-winning show is a great way to introduce your teens to a Broadway musical. “Avenue Q” has the right amount of adult language, songs like “It Sucks To Be Me,” dialogue about what to do after college, and life in general. And the puppets are adorable. 8 p.m. (through June 24). $25-$60, $5 senior discount. The Lyric Stage Company of Boston, 140 Clarendon St., Boston. 617-585-5678. www.lyricstage.com

It's a warm weather weekend and all I want to do is be outside. You too? Let's chat.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. PRESIDENT: Visitors are welcomed back to the John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site which celebrates the 95th anniversary of our 35th president’s birth. Tours of Kennedy’s birthplace and boyhood home are ranger- or self-guided, and audi players are available in several languages. May 20 from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (open Wed-Sun). Free. John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site, 83 Beals St., Brookline. 617-566-7937. www.nps.gov/jofi (Text by June Wulff, Globe Staff)

Making plans? Short on ideas? No worries. See Nicole Cammorata and June Wulff's picks for the top things to do around the Hub this weekend. Now get out and go to it!

WEEKEND

“CHARLOTTE’S WEB” Friendship wins out on the farm in classic children's favorite "Charlotte's Web," presented by young actors in grades 2-4 from the Watertown Children’s Theatre. May 18 at 7 p.m. (May 19 and 20 at 1 p.m.). $10. Black Box Theater, Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. 800-838-3006. www.watertownchildrenstheatre.org

IT'S "MAGIC" The word means a beautiful, idyllic place. The musical, “Xanadu,” means roller disco, the 80s, and a Greek muse disguised as an Australian who shows up on Venice Beach. Presented by SpeakEasy Stage Company. 7:30 p.m. (through June 9). $30 and up, $25 ages 25 and under, $5 senior discount. Stanford Calderwood Pavilion, 527 Tremont St., Boston. 617-933-8600. www.bostontheatrescene.com

A PERFECT 10: Before Sunday’s main event, you can check out three plays at Saturday’s free Warm-Up Laps. Boston Playwrights’ Theatre presents Boston Theater Marathon, a 10-hour showcase of new 10-minute plays by 53 Nw England playwrights. Included are “Reality Book Group” by Richard Grossman and “Amber Reads” by Melinda Lopez. May 19 (Warm-Up Laps shows at noon, 2, and 4 p.m.), May 20 marathon from noon-10 p.m. $25, $35 at the door. Stanford Calderwood Pavilion, 527 Tremont St., Boston. 617-933-8600. www.bostonplaywrights.org

FRIDAY

HIPPIE HOUR: Roll into the Midway Cafe every Friday to celebrate the end of another work week with live music from The Merry Runaround. The musical interpretation of happy hour, which is quickly approaching its one-year anniversary on May 25, features tunes by the Grateful Dead, as well as cover songs by the likes of Chuck Berry and Johnny Cash. May 18, 6 p.m. Free. 21+ Midway Cafe, 617-524-9038, www.midwaycafe.com

SATURDAY

ZOO 100 DAY: Franklin Park Zoo celebrates its 100th birthday in October, but why wait? The first of many events is this day of zookeeper encounters and entertainment including the musical group, Jumping Monkeys (10:15-11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.-noon, weather permitting). The first 1,000 visitors receive a free mini cupcake or frosting shot from Sweet Cupcakes. May 19 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $17, $14 seniors, $11 ages 2-12. Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston. 617-541-5466. www.franklinparkzoo.org

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WITH FATBOY SLIM: Theater district nightclub Royale is celebrating two years of business with a weekend packed with great DJs, culminating with a performance by none other than Fatboy Slim. The British DJ and producer rose to acclaim in the 1990s, finding mainstream hits with songs like “Praise You” and “Weapon of Choice” -- the video for which introduced the world to Christopher Walken’s dance skills. Show off yours at Royale on Saturday. May 19, 10 p.m. Tickets: $30, 21+ Royale Nightclub. 617-338-7699, www.royaleboston.com

HARPOONFEST: This annual celebration of local beer serves up Summer Beer, UFO White, and the brewery’s newest year-round suds, Rich & Dan’s Rye IPA. Local music groups playing Harpoonfest include Will Dailey & the Rivals, Mean Creek, and Jenny Dee & the Deelinquents. May 18 (5:30-11 p.m., doors close at 9:30 p.m.), May 19 (2-9 p.m., doors close at 7:30 p.m.). Rain or shine. $20 (includes a drink ticket and souvenir cup). 21+. The Harpoon Brewery, 306 Northern Ave., Boston. 888-427-7666. www.harpoonbrewery.com

DOG EAT DOG WORLD: You’ll be near Boston’s beloved ball field, but Fenway Park vendors won’t be tossing you hot dogs at the Hot Dog Safari. Local eateries will supply the grub, and there will be inflatable slides, temporary tattoos, and more for the kids. Phantom Gourmet hosts this annual benefit for the Joey Fund & Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at the block party on Lansdowne Street. May 19 from noon-4 p.m., rain or shine. $15, $20 at the door, free under 10. Lansdowne Street, Boston. www.hotdogsafari.com

SUNDAY

EASEL DOES IT: More than 50 members of the Copley Society of Art will be all over the place Sunday for Fresh Paint. Look for them around the city painting Boston neighborhood landmarks and locations. May 20 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Neighborhoods including Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Bay Village, Charlestown, Jamaica Plain, Kenmore, the North End, and South End. 617-536-5049. www.copleysociety.org

PLANET FUN: Practice your eco-friendly habits at Radio 92.9 EarthFest by sampling earth-friendly food products, throwing your trash in the special recycling containers, and enjoying music and kids activities (these last two help the planet too). The musical lineup will include Third Eye Blind, The Spin Doctors, Switchfoot, and Eve 6. May 19 at 10:30 a.m. (Kid’s Planet stage; 11:30 a.m. main stage). Free. DCR Hatch Memorial Shell along the Esplanade, Boston. 617-822-9600. www.earthfest.com (Text by June Wulff, Globe Staff)

Essdras M. Suarez / Globe Staff

Every Monday night at signless Central Square outpost Brick and Mortar (where the old Enormous Room used to be) it's time for Spin the Bottle, which features a different DJ and a host of special craft cocktails just for the occasion. We’re told one of these days they’ll have a spinner so patrons can leave their drink choice up to fate (thus the name “Spin the Bottle”). Some nights the drinks and song choices are themed. Mondays, 9:30 p.m. 21+. Brick and Mortar. 617-491-0016, www.brickandmortarbar.com

Making plans? Short on ideas? No worries. See Nicole Cammorata and June Wulff's picks for the top things to do around the Hub this weekend. Now get out and go to it!

WEEKEND

TOY PIANO MINI FEST: Remember plunking out masterpieces on your little toy piano? The instrument is alive and well in the hands of local composers who perform original works plus Sunday's performance of John Cage's "Music for Amplified Toy Piano(s)." May 11 and 12 at 8 and 10 p.m., May 13 at 4 p.m. $10 suggested donation, $5 (May 13). Mobius, 55 Norfolk St., Cambridge. 617-945-9481. www.mobius.org

FULL STEAMPUNK AHEAD: Thank techie geeks and sci-fi aficionados whose underground style movement led to Steampunk. Think of it as modern technology meets the turn of the 20th century. Find out more at Watch City Festival: Waltham the Original Steampunk City presented by Waltham's Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation. Friday's Election Night Party at Watch City Brewery for the Mayor of Steampunk kicks off a weekend of parades, art exhibits, the Steampunk Mobile Home, and a lecture by Jules Verne historian Jean Christophe Valtat. May 11 at 6:30 p.m. (through May 13). $20 festival button, $10 children (additional cost for some events). Downtown Waltham. 781-893-5410. www.watchcityfestival.com

MAKING THEIR POINT: This waterfront warehouse district is home to more than 75 artists who open their studios to you at the self-guided Fort Point Art Walk. Pick up something for Mom — a painting, jewelry, photograph, clothing — and talk with the artists. May 11 from 4-7 p.m. (May 12 and 13 from noon-5 p.m.). Free. Studios in Fort Point area, Boston (maps at corner of A and Binford streets). 617-423-4299. www.fortpointarts.org

FRIDAY

DISCO POTENTIAL WITH KEVIN CHURCH: Tiny though it may be, River Gods packs in the entertainment, with DJs perched on high seven nights a week. On Friday, catch Kevin Church spinning disco, synth pop, and more. May 11, 9 p.m. Free. 21+. River Gods. 617-576-1881, www.rivergodsonline.com

MASSART FASHION SHOW: There's a pecking order at "Reveal" which, for the first time, adds work by sophomores and juniors to its senior show. Seniors reveal their collections; juniors show sportswear; sophomores reveal avant-garde, non-textile designs including a birch-bark dress. May 11 at 3 and 5 p.m. (8 p.m. sold out). $25 (advance purchase required). Space 57, the Revere Hotel, 200 Stuart St., Boston. 617-879-7676. www.massart.edu

SATURDAY

MIND CONTROL: Frequent collaborators Richie Santana and Peter Bailey are once again joining forces to form Mind Control for a show at Underbar, where they will piggyback on each other track-for-track spinning house and techno remixes. DJ Vic Angelo will open the set. May 12, 10:30 p.m. Tickets: $15-$25. 21+. Underbar 617-292-0080, www.underbaronline.com

"MOMMY AND ME" COOKING CLASS: If Mom likes French toast and huevos rancheros, bring the kids to this class where chef Patricia Yeo will teach them how to serve breakfast in bed on Mother's Day. May 12 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $25 (reservations recommended; for ages 6-10). Moksa Restaurant, 451 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 617-661-4900. www.moksarestaurant.com

SUNDAY

MOM AT THE MUSEUM: The Peabody Essex Museum celebrates moms and its exhibit, "Natural Histories, Photographs by Barbara Bosworth" with a Mother's Day Festival. Take mom to Salem for a day of activities including the "Curious Creatures" animal presentation (noon-1 p.m.) and the "Mothers and Families in Art" tour (2-2:45 p.m.). May 13 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free with museum admission of $15, $13 seniors, $11 students, free under 17. Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St., Salem. 978-745-9500. www.pem.org

HAVE YOUR DUCKS IN A ROW: Learn the names of the ducklings from "Make Way for Ducklings" and impress the crowd at the Duckling Day Parade (hint: they're in alphabetical order). The Friends of the Public Garden sponsor this Mother's Day celebration based on Robert McCloskey's book. May 13 at noon (registration starts at 10:30 a.m.). $35 per family, $40 day of parade. Boston Common, corner of Beacon and Park streets, Boston. 617-267-7366. www.friendsofthepublicgarden.org

FRAGRANT FUN: Thanks to the lilacs on Bussey Hill, we get Lilac Sunday, an annual event that began more than a century ago to celebrate these fragrant plants. There are 180 different kinds of lilacs to see and smell, and it?s the only day that picnics are allowed. There will be guided tours, music, activities, and food vendors. May 13 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (grounds open from dawn to dusk). Free. Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University, 125 Arborway, Boston. 617-524-1718. www.arboretum.harvard.edu

[Angela Sterling]

FANCY THAT: In 1944, Jerome Robbins danced in the original cast of "Fancy Free" as a member of American Ballet Theatre. It was his first ballet as a choreographer, and the music was written by some guy named Leonard Bernstein. The story is about sailors on leave in New York City, and the ballet headlines the Boston Ballet program, which also includes Haraldcq Lander?s "Études" and Peter Martins's "Barber Violin Concerto." May 10 at 7:30 p.m. (through May 20). $25 and up. The Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. 617-695-6955. www.bostonballet.org

Text by June Wulff, Globe Staff

Dina Rudick, Globe Staff

Boston area bicycling and public transit ridership are booming. That's good for the environment and your pocketbook, but what about your precious time? Which mode of transportation is quickest? Find out the answer Monday at the Boston Bike Week 2012 kick-off event. In Rush Hour Race, an automobile driver, a cyclist, and a T rider travel from Davis Square to Kendall Square in a rush to the finish. Who do you think will get there first?

May 14, 7:45-8:30 a.m. pre-race party. Redbones, 55 Chester St., Somerville. 8:30 a.m., race gets underway. 8:45-10 a.m., post-race party featuring breakfast, music, and granting of awards including cheapest, most calories burned, and most fun. Genzyme, 500 Kendall Square, Cambridge. Rain date May 15. www.livablestreets.info For more information on Boston Bike Week 2012 including the closing celebration on May 18 at City Hall Plaza, see www.bostonbikes.org Information on Bay State Bike Week at www.massbike.org

Miro Vintoniv

Bernadette Peters with the Boston Pops

This year's season opener for the Boston Pops features Broadway star Bernadette Peters. In a conversation with The Globe's June Wulff, she has some interesting things to say about singing Sondheim, the television show "Smash," and advice to aspiring musical theater performers. Keith Lockhart conducts on May 9, with Peters singing selections including "Some Enchanted Evening," "Let Me Entertain You," and "Fever." The season runs through June 16. Other highlights include Ann Hampton Callaway in the Streisand Songbook on May 15-16, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers on May 29-30, and John Williams on June 1-2.

Opening night May 9, 8 p.m. (pre-concert reception at 7 p.m.). $41-$125. Symphony Hall, 301 Mass. Ave., Boston. 888-266-1200, www.bostonpops.org

Bertrand Guay/Big Apple Circus

Time is running out to catch the final performances of The Big Apple Circus in Boston. Clowns, acrobats, jugglers, trapeze flyers, dogs, horses and Grandma, in her farewell season, will dazzle audiences of all ages under the big top on City Hall Plaza. The Circus is in town through May 13.  City Hall Plaza, Boston. Tickets $20 and up. 888-541-3750

[Yoon S. Byun/Globe Staff]

A look at events happening on Saturday in honor of Cinco de Mayo. Olé!

PAPAGAYO’S CINCO DE MAYO FLASH MOB: Mexican eatery and tequila bar Papagayo will host a flash mob somewhere close to the restaurant’s Summer Street location. Once you purchase a ticket for a specific time, you’ll get notified of the location an hour before it starts. Expect food, drinks, dancing, live mariachi music, and a DJ. May 5, 1 p.m., 5 p.m., or 9 p.m. Tickets: $30. 21+. 617-423-1000. For tickets go here.

MARGARITA MANIA: At Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar, nine bartenders will face off in a cocktail competition to see who can whip up the best margarita, to be judged by TV Diner's Jenny Johnson, the Improper Bostonian's Kyle Wright, and UrbanDaddy's Dan McCarthy. Those competing are: Bill Codman of Storyville, Michael Ray of Forum, Moira Horan of Union Bar & Grill, Mary Whitcher of Erbaluce, Chad Fox of Franklin Cafe, Domingo Martin-Barreres of the W Hotel, Josh Jamison of Lolita, Noon Inthasuwan of Moksa, and Jesse Dupuis of Woodward at the Ames. Bottom's up! May 5, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., free. Loltia Cocina & Tequila Bar, 617-369-5609, lolitaboston.com

CINCO DE MUSTACHE: A celebration of music and mustaches (sure, why not) will be taking place at Great Scott on Saturday. The lineup for the night includes Mongrel, Monkey Knife Fight, Preamble, The Vital Might, and Fifth Freedom at this annual event. Prizes will go to those with the best 'staches, so get growing. May 5, 8 p.m., $10 ($5 for those with real mustaches), 21+ Great Scott, 617-566-9014, www.greatscottboston.com

TAZA CHOCOLATE CELEBRATES CINCO DE MAYO: A sweet take on the holiday will be happening at the home of Somerville confectioner Taza Chocolate. Sample treats and enjoy music by Boston's Blue Ribbon Band -- for those 21 and older, Highland Kitchen bartender Joe McGuirk will be pouring the Taza Oaxaca Cocktail. May 5, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., free. Taza Chocolate, 617-623-0804, www.tazachocolate.com

DERBY DE MAYO: The Kentucky Derby falls on the same day as Cinco de Mayo this year, and as such the folks at Sweet Caroline's are taking the occasion and running with it. Watch the Red Sox game at 1 p.m. and stick around for the derby, which will be broadcast on 11 TVs and 3 projectors. Baseball, horses, tequila, and bourbon: what could be better? May 5, all day. Sweet Caroline's, 617-424-1260, sweetcarolinesboston.com

CINCO DE MAYO PUB CRAWLS: When one bar just isn't enough. There are a slew of Cinco de Mayo-themed pub crawls happening on Saturday. Cinco de Drinko, presented by barcrawls.com, will start at the Hard Rock Cafe at noon and will proceed to Clarke's, McFadden's, The Place, Battery Park, and Side Bar. The Faneuil Hall area will also see another organized crawl during the day, which will begin at the Bell in Hand at 2 p.m. Search all Cinco de Mayo crawls here.

Join me for a chat at 1 p.m. about the Brimfield Antique Show (which starts May 8), summer concerts (Aerosmith will be in town), weekend events (it's Cinco de Mayo, ole!), and more.

Making plans? Short on ideas? No worries. See Nicole Cammorata and June Wulff's picks for the top things to do around the Hub this weekend. Now get out and go to it!

WEEKEND

ART A PLENTY: About 400 artists take part in Somerville Open Studios (approximately 25 percent of them on Friday night), so you should have plenty of stuff to choose from for Mother’s Day. Look for the orange balloons that indicate participating home studios and commercial buildings. May 4 from 6-9 p.m., May 5 and 6 from noon-6 p.m. Free. Throughout Somerville. 617-398-0346. www.somervillopenstudios.org

FRIDAY

PARTY ON THE HARBOR: It’s not officially summer until June, but we like to kick things off a bit early and welcome the warmer months with this annual party at the ICA. In addition to specialty cocktails and views of the water, there will also be dancing with music courtesy of DJ Kiss and DJ M.O.S. May 4, 9 p.m. Tickets: $100-$200 21+. Institute of Contemporary Art. 617-478-3100, www.icaboston.org

SHPONGLE PRESENTS THE MASQUERADE: Synthesizers, world music, and even flutes come together to form the trance-like psychedelic sounds that can only be described as Shpongle. The UK duo will perform a DJ set at the House of Blues, where Oregon-based electronica DJ Phutureprimitive will open. May 4, 8 p.m. Tickets: $22.50-$35. 18+. House of Blues. 888-693-2583, www.houseofblues.com

MFA FIRST FRIDAY: BEACH PARTY: Wear your fabulous summer outfit in the glass-enclosed courtyard and celebrate the Alex Katz Prints exhibit at the MFA. Check out the beach-themed decorations, dance, sip a cocktail from the cash bar, and enjoy the spinning of DJ Brad Brodie. May 4 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Free with museum admission of $22, $20 students and seniors. 21+. Shapiro Family Courtyard at the Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 617-267-9300. www.mfa.org

MANGIA, MANGIA, MANGIA: No need to choose one eatery, because more than 35 of ’em are involved in this year’s Taste of the North End. Sample appetizers, cheeses, entrees, and desserts, and vote for the best taste. May 4 from 7-11 p.m. $99, $75 military (proceeds benefit non-profits in the North End). DCR Steriti Memorial Ice Rink, 561 Commercial St., Boston. 617-643-8000. www.tasteofthenorthend.org

SATURDAY

PAPAGAYO’S CINCO DE MAYO FLASH MOB: In honor of Cinco de Mayo, Mexican eatery and tequila bar Papagayo will host a flash mob somewhere close to the restaurant’s Summer Street location. Once you purchase a ticket for a specific time, you’ll get notified of the location an hour before it starts. Expect food, drinks, dancing, live mariachi music, and a DJ. May 5, 1 p.m., 5 p.m., or 9 p.m. Tickets: $30. 21+. 617-423-1000, For tickets, search event name at www.eventbrite.com

HERE A CHICK: Music and art programs in Greater Boston-area schools are recipients of Chick Singer Night proceeds. You are the recipient of music by talented ladies including Anne Stott, Valerie Giglio, and hosts Jennifer Truesdale and Kristin Bythewood. 4 p.m. $10. Johnny D’s, 17 Holland St., Davis Sq., Somerville. 617-776-2004. www.johnnyds.com

SUNDAY

CELEBRATE ASIAN CULTURES: Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at the Boston Children’s Museum where the Pacific Islands take center stage Sunday. Polynesian Dance Arts performs at 1 and 2 p.m., and kids can make a lei from recycled materials. May 6 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.). $12, free under 1.
Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 617-426-6500. www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org

SEDARIS SAYS: One of my top David Sedaris quotes is “I haven’t the slightest idea how to change people, but still I keep a long list of prospective candidates just in case I should ever figure it out.” This nugget is from “Naked,” and the best-selling author will rattle off more gems at Symphony Hall. May 6 at 7 p.m. $38 and up. Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. 617-482-6661. www.celebrityseries.org

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Don your fanciest hat, pick your favorite horse, and join the fun at Suffolk Downs for Boston's biggest Kentucky Derby Party. The party begins at 2 p.m., with a 6:25 p.m. post time for the race, which will be screened on a giant TV. WEEI's Mike Mutnansky and racing analyst Jessica Paquette will also be there, along with a DJ and live music by cover band Guzzle. May 5, gates open at 10 a.m. for simulcasting, party 2-7 p.m. Suffolk Downs, Route 1A North, East Boston, 617-567-3900.

The Kentucky Derby falls on the same day as Cinco de Mayo this year, and as such the folks at Sweet Caroline's are taking the occasion and running with it for their Derby de Mayo party. Watch the Red Sox game at 1 p.m. and stick around for the derby, which will be broadcast on 11 TVs and 3 projectors. Baseball, horses, tequila, and bourbon: what could be better? May 5, all day. Sweet Caroline's, 617-424-1260, sweetcarolinesboston.com

The aptly-named Julep Bar will have plenty of mint juleps on hand during their Jubilee Party, complete with a pre-race bugle call and entertainment by DJ Miss Jade. Also hosting viewing parties locally: Back Bay Social Club, Game On, and Cityside.

Looking for even more Derby fun? Search all parties here.

When is a flash mob a swarm? When it's a Jazz Week Boston lunchtime jam. Every day this week through May 6, swarms of horn players will descend on South Station to celebrate America's great musical genre. Thursday, Ken Field (above) of the Revolutionary Snake Ensemble will gather a horde for a Saxophone Swarm. Friday, Jerry Sabatini and his fellow trumpeters blow for a Trumpet Swarm. Other jazz events in and around the city abound. Friday events include the Donal Fox Inventions Quartet and vocalist Jane Monheit. On Saturday Riffs & Raps introduces jazz to kids. The full schedule features jazz brunches, concerts, and lots more.