Barking up right tree BARK: A FIELD GUIDE TO TREES OF THE NORTHEAST Leaves aren’t the only way to identify a tree. Learn how to do it by looking at bark, and you won’t be stumped come winter when the leaves are gone. Author Michael Wojtech discusses tree identification, the structure and ecology of tree bark, how it evolved, and phases of trees’ life cycles. The talk is offered in conjunction with the exhibit “New England Forests.’’ Oct. 9, 2 p.m. Free with admission of $9, $7 seniors and students, $6 ages 3-18. Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St., Cambridge. 617-495-3045, www.hmnh.harvard.edu
Events: the week ahead
Barking up right tree BARK: A FIELD GUIDE TO TREES OF THE NORTHEAST Leaves aren’t the only way to identify a tree. Learn how to do it by looking at bark, and you won’t be stumped come winter when the leaves are gone. Author Michael Wojtech discusses tree identification, the structure and ecology of tree bark, how it evolved, and phases of trees’ life cycles. The talk is offered in conjunction with the exhibit “New England Forests.’’ Oct. 9, 2 p.m. Free with admission of $9, $7 seniors and students, $6 ages 3-18. Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St., Cambridge. 617-495-3045, www.hmnh.harvard.edu
KIDS
STEVESONGS Preschoolers who watch PBS Kids know him as “Mr. Steve.’’ His hordes of young fans love his participatory songs, stories, and catchy melodies. Oct. 8, 10:30 a.m. $15, $12 advance. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. 781-646-4849, www.regenttheatre.com
OCTOBER HARVEST WEEKENDS Pumpkins are one of the best things about fall. Pick your own at Drumlin Farm and enjoy games, activities, a hayride, and live animal demonstrations. Oct. 8-10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Activities 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pick your own hours 10 a.m.-2 p.m. while supplies last. $7, $5 ages 2-12. Drumlin Farm, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln. 781-259-2200, www.massaudubon.org/drumlinfarm
DAY OUT WITH THOMAS Meet Sir Topham Hatt, take a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, play at the Thomas and Friends Imagination Station, and enjoy storytelling and videos about the well-loved train. Oct. 7-10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $18, under 2 free. Edaville, Pine St., Carver. 508-866-8190, www.edaville.com
FAMILY SWAP DAY This year, make outfitting your kids for Halloween easy on yourself and the environment. Bring your old costumes and trade them for new ones at Family Swap Day 2011, celebrating National Costume Swap Day. There will also be swapping of like-new and gently used children’s and maternity clothing, children’s books, toys, games, and general family-friendly items. Oct. 8, donation drop-off noon-2 p.m., family activity room noon-4 p.m., swap at 2:30 p.m. $10, under 13 free. Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. www.familyswapday.eventbrite.com
EVENTS
SEACOAST FRINGE FESTIVAL Non-mainstream artists and performers gather for a celebration of the arts. The event features jazz, folk, swing, klezmer, oldies, magic, improv, comedy, puppets, plays, dance, and even a mind reader. Oct. 8-10. Various venues in the downtown area of Portsmouth, N.H. 603-749-3405, www.seacoastfringefestival.com
COMING TOGETHER Blue Hills Brewery, Canary Square, and Stella are just a few of the restaurants serving up specialties at the 20th anniversary benefit for Hearth. The organization began in 1991 as the Committee to End Elder Homelessness. Today, it provides housing at seven residences and has become a national model for the cause. The benefit event also features entertainment by Jimmy Tingle and work by 50 artists. Oct. 6, 6-9 p.m. $150. Villa Victoria, 85 West Newton St., Boston. 617-369-1555, www.hearth-home.org
SMOKE THIS RIB FEST Who makes the best ribs in town? Taste and decide as pit masters compete for the distinction. Besides the barbecue, the event features chef demos, children’s activities, and music. Oct. 9, noon-4 p.m. Admission free. $20 taste ticket for 10 rib samples. Cambridge Street between Fulkerson and Fifth streets, East Cambridge. www.eastcambridgeba.com 
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