A comprehensive listing of galleries, plays, music, and other happenings in the area.
MUSIC
Acton: Acton Jazz Cafe at 452 Great Road. Open 6 p.m.-midnight Wednesday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. Sundays. Music usually at 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Sunday brunch, noon-3 p.m.; jazz, 4-7 p.m. Thursdays, Star Child and BJ Magoon blues jam. Cover $5-$15. actonjazzcafe.com, 978-263-6161.
Acton: Acton Community Chorus will perform "Love's Journey: The Many Faces of Love" May 30, 8 p.m., and May 31, 7 p.m., at R.J. Grey Junior High school. $15-$20. 978-461-0312.
Andover: Concerts at Phillips Academy campus, 180 Main St. At Cochran Chapel: May 16, 7:30 p.m., Academy Concert Band and ensembles. May 23, 7 p.m., Academy symphony and chamber orchestras perform Borodin, Cheetham, and Villa Lobos. At Graves Hall: May 31, 6:30 p.m., Chamber Music Society performs Brahms, Beethoven, Haydn and Ravel. Free. 978-749-4263.
Arlington: The Arlington Belmont Chamber Chorus will perform Hindemith's "Six Chansons" and Veloso's "Executive Order" May 16, 8 p.m., at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 630 Massachusetts Ave. $5-$15. psarlington.org,
Ayer: J.P. O'Hanlon's Irish Pub, 9 Main St. May 17, North Shore Acappella. $7-$10. jpohanlons.com, 978-772-9282.
Bedford: Nine church choirs and secular chorale groups will perform "Mozart in May," including "Coronation Mass," Ave Verum," and "Laudate Dominum," May 29, 7:30 p.m., at St. Michael Church, 90 Concord Road. Donations benefit Homes for Our Troops. 781-275-3515.
Bedford: Boston Jazz Voices concert and CD release party May 17, 8 p.m., First Parish Church, 75 Great Road. $10. 781-894-8048. Bedford: "An Evening of Jazz" starring Bob and Fran Tyler, Doug Lowe, Alice, Buffie and Dean Groves" May 30, 7:30-10 p.m., Common Room First Parish Church, 75 Great Road. $5-$10. 781-275-7994.
Belmont: Second Friday Coffeehouse, First Parish Church, 404 Concord Ave. June 13, Larry Zarella, Richard Curzi. $5-$8. 617-484-1054.
Chelmsford: Spirit Fiddle will perform swing, waltzes, jigs, reels, and gypsy music May 17, 7 p.m., at All Saints Episcopal Church, 10 Billerica Road. $10-$12, 13 and younger free. Proceeds benefit the church's refugee immigration ministry. 978-256-5673.
Concord: The Concord Orchestra at 51 Walden St. May 16, 17, 23, and 24, 8 p.m. "A Little Traveling Music" pops concert. $20. concordorchestra.com, 978-369-4967.
Concord: Janis Ian will perform May 17, 8 p.m., at Emerson Umbrella Theater, 40 Stow St. $30; reception and concert $100. Proceeds benefit Animals as Intermediaries. aai-nature.org, 978-369-2585.
Concord: Colonial Inn, at 48 Monument Square. At 8 p.m., unless noted. Mondays, roots music jam session. Tuesdays, acoustic open mike with Bruce Marshall. Wednesdays, Jimmy Mazzy and the Last Minute Men. Thursdays, John Fitzsimmons. Saturday, Workingman's Jazz Band and guests. Sundays, 7 p.m., Folk Tradition. May 17, Jennie Lovering and Tom Yates. May 24, BJ Magoon Swinging Blues Experience. May 26, Charlie Koch. concordscolonialinn.com, 978-369-9200.
Groton: Stage Coach Inn and Tavern, 128 Main St. Irish music every Wednesday, 8:30-11 p.m. Fridays, open mike with Skip Jackson. 978-448-5614.
Groton: Chris Elliott will perform "Pipe Organ Pops" June 1, 2:30 p.m., at the Shanklin Music Hall, 130 Sandy Pond Road. $20. emcatos.com, 508-674-0276.
Lexington: Friday Noon Concerts at First Parish, 7 Harrington Road. May 16, Art-Poem Music Project. May 23, Shaylor Lindsay and friends perform Bartok. May 30, Brass Works Chamber Music, Handel, Britten, Gabrielli. June 6, Esprit de Cors. June 13, Lexington Symphony Chamber Players, Thomas Oboe Lee premiere. June 30, American Guild of Organists. June 27, Minuteman Chamber Orchestra, Stravinsky, Joplin. July 4, The Battle Green Brass. July 11, Duo con Anima. July 18, Susan Craft and Thomas Dawkins, Poulenc, Messiaen. July 25, Benjamin Sears and Brad Connor. Free. fplex.org, 781-862-8200.
Lexington: Soprano Anna Lawrence will perform operas, Broadway tunes and musical favorites June 1, 7 p.m., at Follen Community Church, 755 Massachusetts Ave. $15-$20. 781-648-4766.
Lexington: Trouz Bras, Music and Dance of Brittany, will be performed May 31, 8 p.m., at First Baptist Church, 1580 Massachusetts Ave. $7-$18. music-for-robin.org, 781-862-7837.
Littleton: Indian Hill Music Center, 36 King St. May 15, noon, soprano Nancy Leinonen Howells performs Debussy and Poulenc. Free. May 16, 8 p.m., May 17, 2 and 8 p.m., "A Little Night Music." $15. Recommended for ages 12 and older. $10-$15. May 22, 7 p.m., open Celtic session with fiddler Laurel Martin. $20. indianhillmusic.org, 978-486-0540.
Lowell: Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 East Merrimack St.: July 18 and 19, Melissa Etheridge. $35-$100. lowellauditorium.com, 978-454-2299.
Lowell: The Nashoba Valley Chorale, Treble Chorus of New England and Harvard Pro Musica will perform Orff's "Carmina Burana" May 17, 8 p.m. at Durgin Hall, Wilder Street, UMass Lowell's South Campus. $12-$15. nashobachorale.org, 978-456-5039.
Reading: The Reading Symphony Orchestra will perform a pops concert May 18, 3:30 p.m., at Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center. $10-$15, 12 and younger free. 978-664-0024.
Shirley: At the Bull Run Restaurant, Route 2A. At 8 p.m. May 16, Geoff Muldaur. May 17, Rust Never Sleeps. May 29, Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band. bullrunrestaurant.com, 978-425-4311.
Westford: The Westford Chorus will perform "The Best of Broadway" May 17, 8 p.m., and May 18, 3 p.m., at Stony Brook Middle School, 9 Farmer Way. $5-$20. westfordchorus.org, 978-392-4662.
Westford: Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln St. May 17, 8 p.m., East of Shirley CD release party for "A Thousand Sarajevos." $8-$10. westford.com/pca.
THEATER
Acton: Theatre III, 250 Central St., will perform "Man of La Mancha" May 16 and 17 at 8 p.m.; May 18, 2 p.m. $15-$18. theatreiii.org. 978-263-9070.
Lexington: The Lexington Players perform "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" May 18-20, 8 p.m., at Hancock United Church of Christ, 1912 Massachusetts Ave. $14-$18. lexingtonplayers.org, 781-862-2866.
Lowell: Performances by the Image Theater at the Old Court Tavern at Middle and Center streets: May 16, 17, 23 at 8 p.m., May 24 at 4 and 8 p.m.: "Tales from a Tavern." $19. imagetheater.com, 978-441-0102.
Reading: The Quannapowitt Players, 55 Hopkins St., will perform "True West" by Sam Shepard May 16 and 17, 8 p.m. $16-$18. qptheater.com, 781-942-2212.
Reading: Diane Lind and Harold Bond will perform "Marriage, Mayhem, and Memories," four comedic episodes, May 22, 7 p.m., at Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Ave. Free. 781-994-9044.
CHILDREN
Acton: The Discovery Museums at 177 Main St. Open daily, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The Children's Museum, for toddlers and preschoolers; the Science Museum, for school-age children. $8 per museum, $12 for both. discoverymuseums.org, 978-264-4200.
Concord: Concord Youth Theatre at Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts, 40 Stow St., will perform "Alice in Wonderland" May 17, 2 and 7 p.m., at the Thoreau School, 29 Prairie St. $9-$12. For ages 4 and older. $9-$12. concordyouththeatre.org, 978-371-1482, ext. 1.
Lowell: Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 East Merrimack St., Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m., "Playhouse Disney Live." $18-$54. Tickets on sale now. ticketmaster.com, 617-931-2000 (Mass.), 603-868-7300 (N.H.), or at the box office.
HISTORICAL HOUSES
Arlington: The 1740 Jason Russell House and Smith Museum, 7 Jason St., home of the Arlington Historical Society, is open for tours Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. $1-$3. arlingtonhistorical.org, 781-648-4300.
Bedford: The 1713 Job Lane Farm Museum, one of the oldest houses and barns in Bedford, is open for tours the second Sunday of the month, 2-4 p.m. $2; $5 per family. 781-275-8794.
Concord: Orchard House, 399 Lexington Road, home of the Louisa May Alcott family. May 24, 4:45 p.m., "Welcome to Our Home: A Living History Tour." $4-$12, family rate, $30. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m. $9; seniors and students, $7; ages 6-17, $5; family rate, $25. louisamayalcott.org. 978-369-4118.
Concord: The Ralph Waldo Emerson House, 28 Cambridge Turnpike, home of the author from 1835 to 1882, is open for guided tours Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m. $6-$8. 978-369-2236.
Concord: The Old Manse, 269 Monument St., home of the Emerson, Hawthorne, and Ripley families, is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays and holidays, noon-5 p.m. House admission: $5-$8; family rate, two adults and up to three children, $25. Trustees of Reservations members admitted free. oldmanse.org; 978-369-3909.
Lexington: Lexington Historical Society properties are open for the season. The Buckman Tavern on the Green is open daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tours on the half-hour. The Munroe Tavern, 1332 Massachusetts Ave., is open weekends, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., through June 15, then daily. Tours on the half-hour. The Hancock-Clarke House, 36 Hancock St., is closed for restoration. One-house admission: $6; ages 6-16, $4; younger than 5, free. Two-house admission: $8; ages 6-16, $5. lexingtonhistory.org, 781-862-1703.
North Andover: The North Andover Historical Society, 53 Academy Road, features exhibitions on 19th-century New England, an archive, and library. May 21, 7:30 p.m., slide presentation on the 1740 Samuel Osgood House. $5; members free. The 1715 Parson Barnard House, 179 Osgood St., which also features period furniture and artifacts from 1715 to 1830, opens May 18: Sundays, 1-3 p.m. House admission: $5, seniors $3, age 16 and younger $2. Members free. 978-686-4035.
Reading: The Parker Tavern, 103 Washington St., the oldest house in Reading, is open Sundays, 2-5 p.m. Free. parkertavern.org, 781-944-7240.
GALLERIES
Acton: Acton Memorial Library at 486 Main St. Through June 30: "Earth Works," paintings by Karma Shaath-Massoud. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 2-5 p.m. Free. 978-264-9641.
Andover: Addison Gallery of American Art on the Phillips Academy campus, 180 Main St. Through July 13: "Accommodating Nature: The Photographs of Frank Gohlke." Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Free. addisongallery.org, 978-749-4015.
Arlington: Arlington Center for the Arts, 41 Foster St. Through June 20: "Arlington: My Take Community Photographic Exhibit," photos by 44 citizen photographers. Free. acarts.org, 781-648-6220.
Arlington: 13FOREST Gallery, 167A Massachusetts Ave. Through June 6: "Sharp Objects," metal sculpture, mosaics, and stained glass. Reception May 16, 7-9 p.m. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thursday-Friday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free. 13forest.com, 781-641-3333.
Belmont: The Massachusetts Audubon Society Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Road. Through June 2: "New Work" by Fay Lamson Hannon. Open weekdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. massaudubon.org, 617-489-5050.
Concord: At Concord Library, 129 Main St. Through May 31: sculpture by Maggie Stern and pastels by Kay Hartung. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Free. 978-371-8782.
Concord: Lacoste Gallery, 25 Main St. May 17 through June 5: "Warren MacKenzie: American Master." Reception May 17, 3-5 p.m. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday until 7 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Free. 978-369-0278.
Groton: Owen Smith Schuman Gallery of the Groton Public Library, 99 Main St. Through June 14: "Botanical Inspirations," multimedia exhibit. Open Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. gpl.org, 978-448-1167.
Lawrence: Essex Art Center at 56 Island St. Through June 20: "Symbols of Search" by Goodloe Suttler and "Ten Years of New Paint." Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 978-685-2343.
Lexington: Francesca Anderson Gallery, 56 Adams St. Through May 24: annual portrait show featuring works by 40 artists. Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2-6 p.m. Free. fafineart.com, 781-862-0060.
Lexington: Depot Square Gallery, 1837 Massachusetts Ave. Through May 25: "Earthtones," ceramics by Joan Carcia, landscapes by Carole Parrish. May 28-June 22: "Retrospective: Two Views on Watercolor by Margaret Kipp and Marcie McManus." Reception June 1, 3-5 p.m. Artist talk June 19, noon. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Free. 781-863-1597.
Littleton: Gallery at Indian Hill Music Center, 36 King St. Through June: "Drawings from the Kitchen." Open weekdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 978-486-0540.
Lowell: Congressional Archives Exhibits highlighting chancellor Martin T. Meehan's congressional career will be on display through December at UMass-Lowell's Lydon Library, 84 University Ave., 978-934-3205, and O'Leary Library, 61 Wilder St., 978-934-4550. Both open Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-midnight; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.-midnight. Free. 978-934-4808.
Lowell: At the 119 Gallery, 119 Chelmsford St. May 16, 8:30 p.m., 'Spiral7 and Cilla Vee perform "That From Which," a multidimensional performance of movement, music, and projections. $10. 978-452-8138.
Lowell: The Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Ave. Through May 25, "Floral Studies: Photography, Pastels" by Thaddeus Miles and Roland Crosby. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Open studio day the first Saturday of each month. Free. 978-508-8740.
Medford: At Springstep, 98 George P. Hassett Drive. Through May 29: "Drawing in Space: Sculptures by Joe Wheaton." Open weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. springstep.org, 781-395-0402.
Medford: Tufts University Art Galleries at Aidekman Arts Center, 40 Talbot Ave. Through May 18: MFA Thesis Exhibition. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday until 8 p.m. Free. 617-627-3518.
North Andover: At the Lehman Art Center at the Brooks School, 1160 Great Pond Road. Through June 15: "Andy Warhol, Early Work: Selections from the Collection of Richard F. Holmes." Weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon; Sundays, 2:30-5 p.m. Free. brooksschool.org, 978-725-6232.
Pepperell: At the Lawrence Library, 15 Main St., through May 30: photos of Pepperell conservation lands by Ken Hartlage. Free. Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. lawrencelibrary.org, 978-618-6048.
Winchester: At the Griffin Museum of Photography, 67 Shore Road. Through May 18: "Photosynthesis II," a collaboration between Boston Arts Academy and Winchester High School; "Convolutions," photographs by Georganne Mennin; "Salisbury," photographs by Marla Sweeney. Open Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m. $5; seniors $2; children younger than 12 and members free; free to all on Thursdays. griffinmuseum.org. 781-729-1158.
Winchester: At the Aberjona Nursing Center, 184 Swanton St. May 17-July 24: "Impressions," pastels and watercolors by Cheryl O'Halloran McLeod. Open daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 781-729-9370.
DANCE
Arlington: "Tapestry 2008," a celebration of tap dance day featuring Tap Ole, May 16, 8 p.m., at Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St. $28-$32. May 17, 8 p.m., participant showcase. $15. regenttheatre.com, 781-646-4849.
Chelmsford: Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Road. May 24, 7-10:30 p.m., "In Memorium Dance." Music by The Comeback Kids. $8. 978-635-1829.
Concord: New England Foundation for the Arts will host a conference exploring the work of regional dance artists through performance and discussions, June 2 and 3 at Concord Academy, 166 Main St. Free. Reservations required by May 20 through jmarx@nefa.org. summerstage.org/about, 617-951-0010, ext. 521.
NATURE
Acton: Friends of the Acton Arboretum will host tours of Arboretum gardens. June 14, 10 a.m.-noon, hosta, butterfly, and herb garden tour. $5. Register at acton-ma.gov. Information at actonarboretum.org.
Bedford: Plant and craft fair, with entertainment, children's activities, and barbecue lunch May 17, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at First Parish Church on the Common. Free. Rain or shine. uubedford.org/plantfair.
Belmont: The Massachusetts Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Road, is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 18, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., herb plant sale. $3 each, 4 for $10. Trails, formal gardens, art gallery. $3-$4 for nonmembers; free admission to gallery. 617-489-5050.
Chelmsford: Chelmsford Garden Club will host "A Prelude to Summer" a five-house garden tour, including the Butterfly Garden at Red Wing Farm, June 8, 1-5 p.m., and June 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Proceeds benefit civic beautification projects. Tickets $20-$25 available at Harrington's Wine and Liquor, Java Room, Chelmsford Basket Shop. 978-256-2893.
Concord: Verrill Farm, 11 Wheeler Road, will hold an asparagus festival May 24, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Includes trip to fields, luncheon, cooking tips. $25. Reservations required. verrillfarm.com, 978-369-4494.
Lexington: NASA climate scientist James Hansen and author Mark Bowen will discuss recent findings on global warming June 1, 7:30 p.m., at Cary Memorial Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Ave. Book signing follows. Sponsored by the Global Warming Action Coalition of Lexington. $5. 781-454-6131. lexgwac.org.
Lexington: The Lexington Field and Garden Club will hold a plant sale May 21, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., on the grounds of the National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road. Free. 781-862-1453.
North Andover: Coolidge-Stevens Place, 139 Andover St. Gardens and grounds are open year-round, 8 a.m.-sunset daily. Free. thetrustees.org.
Reading: Reading Garden Club "Geraniums and More" plant and bake sale May 19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at Reading Public Library. Proceeds benefit club's civic projects.
Stoneham: Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St. Open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday and major holidays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $6-$10, ages 2 and younger free. stonezoo.org, 617-541-LION.
Stoneham: Botume House Visitor Center, Middlesex Fells Reservation, 4 Woodland Road, offers hikes and programs for all ages on its 2,575 acres of scenic and recreational areas. Open daily, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 781-662-5214.
Stoneham: The Stoneham Garden Club will hold a plant sale and lobster roll luncheon May 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at All Saints Episcopal Church, 79 Central St. Luncheon starts at 11:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit club projects. 781-438-9529.
Westford: Westford Garden Club annual plant sale May 24, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., on Westford Common. 978-392-6827.
Winchester: En Ka Garden Sale fund-raiser May 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mahoney's Rocky Ledge, 242 Cambridge St. Portion of sales that day benefit En Ka projects.
LECTURES
Belmont: Belmont Public Library, 336 Concord Ave. May 15, 7:30 p.m., "Beyond the Olympics: Discontent in the Minority Provinces of Tibet and Xinjiang." Slide lecture by Seth Kirby. Free; 617-993-2870.
Concord: Readings at the Poetry Center at Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts, 40 Stow St. May 18, 3 p.m., Afaa Michael Weaver, Bob Clawson, and Caroline Hunter. $3-$6. concordpoetry.org.
Concord: E.L. Doctorow will discuss and sign copies of his books May 20, 7:30 p.m., at Trinitarian Congregational Church, 54 Walden St. $5-$15. Proceeds benefit the Walden Woods project. Reservations recommended. 781-259-4707.
Lexington: Spring Lecture Series at National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road. May 17, 2 p.m., Elizabeth Cobbs Hoffman, "Flying to the Aid of Humanity: Hope and Reality in JFK's Peace Corps." June 5, 7 p.m., Crocker Snow Jr., "Speak Softly and Carry a Soft Stick." Free. 781-861-6559.
Lowell: Jay Leno will speak at the 10th anniversary of the Middlesex Community College
Medford: Historian Thomas L. Doughton will discuss "Beyond Belinda's Story: Moral and Legal Responsibilities to Freed Slaves in Massachusetts" May 21, 7:30 p.m., at Royall House and Slave Quarters, 15 George St. Free. royallhouse.org, 781-396-9032.
Methuen: At the Nevins Memorial Library, 305 Broadway. May 19, 6 p.m., author Evelyn Shakir, "Remember Me to Lebanon: Stories of Lebanese Women in America." Free. 978-373-2288.
North Reading: At Flint Memorial Library, 147 Park St. May 20, 7 p.m., John Veneziano, "Numbelieveable: The Dramatic Stories Behind the Most Memorable Numbers in Sports History." Free. 978-664-4942.
Reading: Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Ave. May 27, 7:30 p.m., John Galluzzo, "Lighthouses Far and Near." Free. 781-944-0840.
Stoneham: Author reading at Stoneham Public Library, 431 Main St.: May 15, 7 p.m., mystery writers Donald Davidoff and Hallie Ephron. Free. 781-438-1324, ext. 29.
BENEFITS
Shirley: Friends of Hazen Memorial Library book and bake sale May 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the library, 3 Keady Way. Proceeds benefit library programs and services. 978-425-2621.
MUSEUMS
Billerica: Middlesex Canal Museum, 71 Faulkner St., featuring exhibits about the 27-mile canal and narrow-gauge railroad, is open Saturday and Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Free. 978-667-2316.
Concord-Lexington: Minute Man National Historical Park's North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty St., Concord, and Minute Man Visitor Center, Route 2A, Lexington, are open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Both feature Revolutionary War exhibits and artifacts. Grounds open daily, sunrise to sunset. Free. 978-369-6944.
Concord: Concord Museum at Lexington Road and Cambridge Turnpike. Through May 18: "American Style: Russell Kettell's Pine Furniture." Open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. $5-$10. concordmuseum.org, 978-369-9609.
Harvard: Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Road. On exhibit: "Branching Out." May 25, tour ecological sites associated with the exhibition "Forests Interrupted" with John O'Keefe. Parking $5; members free. fruitlands.org; 978-456-3924.
Lawrence: Lawrence Heritage State Park, 1 Jackson St., and the Immigrant City Archives. Ongoing: "City of Workers," "Bread and Roses Strike," video and changing art, and historical exhibitions. Open daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 978-794-1655.
Lexington: National Heritage Museum at 33 Marrett Road. On exhibit: "The Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts: Celebrating 275 Years of Brotherhood." "Remember Me: Highlights from the National Heritage Museum," and "Sowing the Seeds of Liberty: Lexington and the American Revolution." May 18-Feb. 8, 2009: "Keepers of Tradition: Art and Folk Heritage in Massachusetts." Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Free. nationalheritagemuseum.org, 781-861-6559.
Lowell: American Textile History Museum, 491 Dutton St. The museum's exhibition halls are closed for renovation; the collections department and library are open by appointment. Thursday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $3-$4. athm.org, 978-441-0400.
Lowell: The New England Quilt Museum at 18 Shattuck St. On exhibit through June 15: "The Whole Story: Wholecloth Quilts Made by Hand and Machine." Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday noon-4 p.m. $4-$5. nequiltmuseum.org, 978-452-4207.
Lowell: Revolving Museum, 22 Shattuck St. Through Dec. 31: "Toys and Games: More Than Amusement." Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 978-937-2787.
Lowell: Mogan Cultural Center, 40 French St. "Mill Girls and Immigrants" exhibition. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1:30-5 p.m. Free. 978-275-1826.
Lowell: Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market St., is open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Exhibits include National Streetcar Museum, Boston & Maine Railroad, and River Transformed. Walking tours are offered daily at 2:30 p.m., Boott Museum, 115 John St. (formerly 400 Foot of John St.), features weave room, interactive exhibitions about the Industrial Revolution, and Lowell history; open daily, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fees for some activities and programs. nps.gov/lowe, 978-970-5000; TDD 978-970-5002.
EXTRA
Arlington: The film "Prison Pups" will be shown May 22, 7:30 p.m., at Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St. Proceeds benefit A-DOG, the Arlington Dog Owners Group. $8-$10. 781-646-4849.
Bedford: Marais Platais will present a painting demonstration May 22, 7:30 p.m., at Bedford Public Library. Free. Sponsored by the Bedford Arts and Crafts Society. 781-275-9440.
Belmont: Freedom to Marry ice cream social May 16, 5-7 p.m., on the town green, 404 Concord Ave. Free. 617-489-5082.
Concord: "America's Revolution, Renaissance, and Renewal," two-hour walking tour led by Concord Guides, Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 1. $12-$19; 5 and younger free. Family maximum of $45. Reservations required. 978-287-0897.
Lowell: Doors Open Lowell, preservation, architecture and design tours and programs featuring more than 30 historic buildings: May 16, 6-9 p.m., reception at Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, May 17 tours and events 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. Schedule at doorsopenlowell.org.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Derry: Kids Coop Theatre will perform "Willy Wonka Jr." May 16 at 7 p.m., May 17 at 1 and 7 p.m. at Adams Memorial Opera House, 29 West Broadway. kids-coop-theatre.org, 603-437-0505.
Hollis: Beaver Brook at Maple Hill Farm, 117 Ridge Road. The farm offers nature hikes, workshops, and classes. beaverbrook.org, 603-465-7787.
Milford: Exhibits at the New Hampshire Antique Co-Op, 323 Elm St. Through June 30: "Antique Bridal Collection" and works by Prism Painters. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 603-673-8499.
Nashua: At Nashua Public Library, 2 Court St. May 22, 7 p.m., transplant surgeon Pauline W. Chen will discuss her book "Final Exam: A Surgeon's Reflections on Mortality." May 29, 7 p.m., Jose Manuel Lezcano, "The Guitar and the Devil: Music, Magic, and Ritual Among Ecuadorian Indians." Free. nashualibrary.org, 603-589-4610.
Nashua: The Peacock Players will perform "Peter Pan" through May 18, Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. at Court Street Theater, 14 Court St. $10-$17. peacockplayers.org, 603-886-7000.
Items may be sent, three weeks in advance, to Libbie Payne, Globe NorthWest, Box 55819, The Boston Globe, 135 Morrissey Blvd., Boston MA 02205-5819, or to epayne@globe.com. Photographs and high-resolution jpegs are welcome.
