PICK OF THE DAY
Strummin’ on the old banjo Arrive early for workshops on the dulcimer, old-time fiddle, old-time banjo, and other instruments. Or, get there at noon to watch the participants at the Banjo & Fiddle Contests, who, in years past, have ranged in age from 4 to 75. Sept. 10 starting at 10 a.m. (free workshops; contests at noon; rain location is Lowell High School Auditorium). Donations welcome. Boarding House Park, 40 French St., Lowell. 978-970-5000. www.nps.gov/lowe/banjofiddle
TODAY
Fishy and sweet Today’s word is dramedy, best described with an example. Exquisite Corps Theatre’s production of “Trout Stanley’’ is about an exotic dancer and Scrabble champion who disappears, and an agoraphobic twin named Sugar who is visited by a stranger named Trout Stanley. Tonight at 8 (through Sept. 25). $15 (tonight is pay-what-you-can night with a $5 minimum, cash only). The Factory Theatre, 791 Tremont St., Boston.www.exquisitecorps.org
Classical gas Classical musician Greg Pattillo plays the flute while beat-boxing. He is joined in Ipswich by bass player Peter Seymour and cellist Eric Stephenson. The trio is called . . . Project Trio, and all three members have played with the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. Donations welcome. Ipswich High School Performing Arts Center, 134 High St., Ipswich. www.imadaonline.org
TOMORROW
On the waterfront Boston’s contemporary arts scene is booming, and more than 60 artists will show and sell their wares in an artists’ village at (ähts): The Boston Arts Festival. The afternoons also include performances by Orfeo Group, Opera Boston, Boston Conservatory, and others. Sept. 10 and 11 from noon-6 p.m. Free. Christopher Columbus Park, on the waterfront between Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the North End. 617-635-3911. www.bostonahtsfestival.com
Belly up to the bar How much cocoa do you like in your chocolate? Executive pastry chef Jed Hackney creates a “Chocolate Intensity’’ menu using varying amounts of cocoa at the Chocolate Bar. The mango white chocolate chili mousse parfait has zip, but the guanaja cremeaux with olive oil and sea salt has 70-80 percent. Sept. 10 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (Saturdays through June 30; reservations required). $40, $28 ages 5-12 (special treats for the kids). The Langham, Boston, 250 Franklin St., Boston. 617-451-1900, ext. 7125. http://boston.langhamhotels.com
SUNDAY
In their honor National Park Service Rangers will place 3,000 flags on the grounds of the Bunker Hill Monument in honor of the men and women killed on 9/11. There will also be hourly historical talks at Bunker Hill Bears Witness to 9/11 Tribute. Sept. 11 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., rain or shine. Free. Bunker Hill Monument, Breed’s Hill, Monument Square, Charlestown. 617-242-5601. www.nps.gov/bost
