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!

[A young bald eagle in Mass., Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre, and the Project Cupid Date Auction]

WEEKEND

NEW ENGLAND BOAT SHOW: Before you know it, it will be time to hoist the sail and turn on the engine. More than 700 power and sail boats will be at the show, along with seminars, gear, and interactive activities including a remote control sailing pond. Feb. 11 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (Through Feb. 19). $14, free under 16. Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St., Boston. www.newenglandboatshow.com

FRIDAY

“YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN” The loveable, laughable gang of Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Sally, Schroeder, and Snoopy deal with baseball, sibling rivalry, unrequited love, and school. The musical is presented by Theatre with a Twist. Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 11 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. $12.50. Thoreau Elementary School, 29 Prairie St., Concord. 978-302-0985. www.theatrewithatwist.org

LOVE IS IN THE AIR: With the countdown underway for Feb. 14, how about holding hands at the ballet while dancers hold their balance. “Classical Lovers” by José Mateo Ballet Theatre is a program of three pieces about romantic intrigue choreographed by Mateo: the whimsical “Courtly Lovers” with music by Haydn, “Back to Bach,” and the passionate “Schubert Adagio.” Tonight at 8 (Through Feb. 26). $38. Sanctuary Theatre, 400 Harvard St., Harvard Sq., Cambridge. 617-354-7467. www.ballettheatre.org

SATURDAY

MERRIMACK RIVER EAGLE FESTIVAL: After being driven out by pollution, the bald eagle has returned to Massachusetts. Learn about our national symbol at indoor and outdoor events including guided sightings, raptor demonstrations, and family nature activities. Feb. 11 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Newburyport area including Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. 978-462-9998. www.massaudubon.org/eaglefestival

PRINCESS AND THE FROG SPEED DATING: Looking to meet Prince Charming but keep ending up with frogs? Or maybe you’re a Knight in Shining Armor who can’t seem to find his Princess? Swing by the Flat Iron Tapas Bar & Lounge for a speed dating mixer and networking event hosted by the Single Ladies Cafe. In addition to some encouraged socializing, there will also be music performances, champagne, and a buffet. Feb. 11, 5 p.m. Tickets: $35. 21+ Flat Iron Tapas Bar & Lounge. singleladiescafe.eventbrite.com

CHARITY DATE AUCTION: The Estate will play host to Project Cupid’s 3d annual Date Auction, where eligible men and women will be up for grabs all in the name of a good cause. Among those to be auctioned is former NESN reporter Heidi Watney. Proceeds from the event will benefit Pediatric Leukemia research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and The Jimmy Fund. Feb. 11, 6:30. 21+ $15 suggested donation. The Estate. 617-351-7000, www.project-cupid.org

THE DARKROOM LAB:Decades before Photoshop, Jerry Uelsmann experimented with masking, diffusing, burning, and dodging techniques to create imaginary images in the darkroom. The pioneer of contemporary photography is the subject of “The Mind’s Eye: 50 Years of Photography by Jerry Uelsmann.’’ Saturday’s opening activities include gallery tours, art-making, and a presentation by Uelsmann. Feb. 11 from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (through May 13). $15, $13 seniors, $11 students, free under 17. Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. 866-745-1876. www.pem.org

OCEAN BLUES: Get rid of the winter blues at the New England Winter Blues Festival where four bands will put you in a dancing mood. Try your moves to music by the Get Backs, Mr. Nick & the Dirty Tricks, the Lydia Warren Band, and Ten Foot Pole Cats. Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. $22.50. Blue Ocean Music Hall, 4 Oceanfront North, Salisbury Beach. 978-462-5888. www.blueoceanhall.com

SUNDAY

BOUNDLESS FRIENDSHIP: Addison White was an escaped slave from Kentucky who made his way north in 1851 on the Underground Railroad. The musical play, “Freedom Bound,” presented by Mad River Theater Works, tells this story about friendship and freedom. Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. (Feb. 13 performance at 10 a.m. geared to students in grades three and up). $20, $10 students and seniors. Hibernian Hall, 184 Dudley St., Roxbury. 617-541-3900. www.madison-park.org

SINGLE AND BITTER POLE DANCING CLASS: If the thought of seeing happy couples dining together by candlelight makes you cringe, then opt for the exact opposite of romance: pole dancing. During the 1 1/2 hour class at the Gypsy Rose Pole Dancing Studio, you'll learn a floor routine, dress up in costumes, and yes, even get airborne on that pole. Not for the faint of heart. But then again, neither is love. Feb. 12-14, $40. Gypsy Rose Pole Dancing Studio. 617-421-0000. www.gypsyrosedancing.com

Celebrating Valentine's Day with your sweetie a couple days early? Hunting down Cupid and giving him a piece of your mind? Whether you love Valentine's Day or loathe it, there are plenty of fun events happening this weekend that are just right for you. Join the chat at 11 a.m. and I'll tell you all about them.

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!

FRIDAY

THERE WILL BE FUN: Before Friday’s premiere of Hasty Pudding Theatricals’ production of "There Will Be Flood," Jason Segel will be roasted as Man of the Year. The "Muppets" and "How I Met Your Mother" star precedes a story about futuristic time travelers who put it in reverse to stop that flood prophecy. Feb. 3 at 8 p.m. (premiere at 8:40 p.m.; through March 4). $120 roast and premiere; $28 (Wed, Thurs), $38 (Fri-Sun). Hasty Pudding Theatre, 12 Holyoke St., Cambridge. 617-495-5205. www.hastypudding.org

SATURDAY

DJ CARLOS MELANGE: The New York-based deejay spins a blend of house, electro, and progressive beats with vocal overlays and a bit of tribal and Spanish influences. Feb. 4, 10:30, $20. 21+. The Estate. 617-351-7000. www.theestateboston.com

DJ FUNKAGENDA: The explosive UK deejay has entertained crowds of clubgoers around the world with his creative, pulsing house beats. In April, he spun at the massive dance party phenomenon Sensation for the “Ocean of White” event in Norway’s Telanor Arena, which drew nearly 25,000 people. Now, he’s coming to Boston. Feb. 4, 10 p.m. $20. 21+ Gypsy Bar. 617-482-7799. www.gypsybarboston.com

DJ RICHARD GREY: The internationally-known, French-born DJ has produced tracks for artists like Shakira, and house music deejays Junior Jack and Robbie Rivera. Now living in Ibizia, he’ll bring that European party flair with him when he comes to Boston to spin at Rumor. Boston’s own DJ Roger-M and DJJC will open. Feb. 4, 11 p.m.. $20-$25. 21+ Rumor. 617-422-0045. www.rumorboston.com

BURRITO BOWL II: Boston chefs will create their signature burritos to evoke the city of their favorite NFL team. You rate them (we hope the Boston burrito has an edge the day before you know what). Chefs include reigning champ Jose Duarte of Taranta (Pittsburgh). Feb. 4 from 1-4 p.m. $15 (Reservations recommended). Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake, 384 Boylston St., Boston. 617-859-7222. www.poesburritobowl.eventbrite.com

SILENT NO MORE: If you are a fan of this year’s silent noisemaker, “The Artist,’’ take in the Alloy Orchestra and its newest composition for short silent movies, “Wild and Weird.’’ The Boston trio with its state-of-the-art electronics and found percussion will accompany some unusual examples of early filmmaking. Included are “The Cameraman’s Revenge,’’ a 1912 soap opera of animated insects, and the 1906 “Dream of a Rarebit Fiend,’’ about the hallucinations of a man who ate too much rich food. Feb. 4 at 8 p.m. $25. Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville. 617-876-4275. www.worldmusic.org

SUNDAY

FONDUE SUNDAYS: If you prefer fondue to football, dine on hot French fondue served with small potatoes, cornichon pickled vegetables, rustic bread from Iggy’s Bread of the World, and the Bistro’s own Saucisses de Campagne (house-made sausage). Feb. 5 from 5:30-10 p.m. (Sundays through spring; reservations recommended). $26 per pot. The Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro, 25 Charles St., Boston. 617-723-7575. www.beaconhillhotel.com

BRADY BREW: Brooklyn Brown Ale (Brooklyn), Ommegang Witte (Cooperstown), and Southern Tier Porter (Lakewood) will be available at Ducali Pizzeria & Bar, but will folks purchase anything from New York on Super Bowl Sunday? The North End eatery will serve suds from Massachusetts and New York along with Stecca Di Salsicca (Italian pigs in a blanket), Italian nachos, and Italian style wings. Yes, the game will be shown on a large screen. Feb. 5 from 11:30 a.m.-midnight. Ducali, 289 Causeway St., Boston. 617-742-4144. www.ducalipizza.com

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Valentine's Cabaret event at Upstairs on the Square has been canceled.

THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT:
All eyes will be on Ms. G when the groundhog tells us if we can get our flip-flops ready. After the prognostication at Groundhog Day, kids warm up with hot chocolate, a story, crafts, and snacks. Starting at 11:30 a.m., activities include learning how animals stay warm in winter.
Feb. 2 at 9:30 a.m. Free (9:30 a.m. forecast and 10 a.m. ‘‘Critters and Crafts’’); activities starting at 11:30 a.m. are $7, $5 ages 2-12. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln. 781-259-2200. www.massaudubon.org [JUNE WULFF]

Nobody puts baby in a corner. Let's talk about what you're doing this weekend.

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!

THURSDAY

MINTED: Catch DJ Spinderella (of Salt-N-Pepa fame) spinning alongside DJ Frank White at Julep Bar. It also happens to be local man about town and 6one7 Productions co-founder Frank Stavrianopoulos's birthday party. Happy Birthday, Frankie. Jan. 26, 10 p.m. Tickets: $16.50. 21+ Julep Bar. 617-858-4841, www.julepbar.com

GET REAL: Tom Stoppard's "The Real Thing" is a good play about a bad play. The Tony winner includes elements of romantic idealism, worthy causes, and an acting career are all thrown in for laughs. Presented by the Salem Theatre Company. Jan. 26 at 7:30 (Through Feb. 18). $22, $18 seniors, $12 students (name-your-own-price tickets for Jan. 26 and 27 previews). Salem Theatre Company Theater, 90 Lafayette St., Salem. 978-790-8546. www.salemtheatre.com

FRIDAY

THE HOOD INTERNET: Chicago-based DJ/producer duo The Hood Internet returns to Boston for a night of dance-inducing rhythms and clever mash-ups at the Middle East. Glowkids (of Glow Boston fame) will open. Jan. 27, 8 p.m. Tickets: $15. 18+ The Middle East Downstairs. 617-864-3278, www.mideastclub.com

WINTER WONDERLAND LIGHTS OUT DJ SKATE: Who says you can't dance in skates? Glide along the ice (rhythmically, of course) to the tunes of a rinkside deejay. Jan. 27, 8 p.m. Tickets: $5, $4 for skate rentals. Jim Roche Community Ice Arena. West Roxbury. 617-323-9512, www.fmcicesports.com

PAULA DEAN, ARE YOU LISTENING?Emerson College professor, Robbie McCauley, wrote and performs in her one-woman show, "Sugar" presented by ArtsEmerson: The World On Stage. The theater artist takes you on her life's journey from Southern comfort foods to New York's 60s and 70s avant-garde theater, and explores the pains and triumphs of living with diabetes. Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. (Through Jan. 29). $25-$49. The Jackie Liebergott Black Box at the Paramount Center, 559 Washington St., Boston. 617-824-8400. www.artsemerson.org

COME TOGETHER: When it rains it pours, and it pours Friday at RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles when the tribute band performs the Beatles' discography including complex songs the Fab Four recorded in the studio but never performed for an audience. 8 p.m. $33-$63. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence, R.I. 401-421-2787. www.ppacri.org

SATURDAY

HEROES: Saturday nights at T.T. the Bear's means DJ Chris Ewen will be weaving together a sonic tapestry of retro, electro, '80s new wave, and punk alongside some old school goth. Jan. 28, 10 p.m. $7, 18+ T.T. The Bears Place. 617-492-0082. www.ttthebears.com

DJ DEKA: Boston's own DJ Deka will claim his spot behind the decks at Underbar, where he'll also be celebrating his 30th birthday. Joining him will be the likes of DJ Mark Doyle to warm up the crowd and Daniel Costa in the side room. Jan. 28, 10:30 p.m. (doors at 10 p.m.) Tickets: $20. 21+ Underbar. 617-292-0080, www.underbaronline.com

CHURCH'S CHILI COOKOFF: On a cold winter day, warm up with some hot chili when chefs from the Fenway area (including Fenway Park, Jerry Remy's, Tasty Burger, Sweet Cheeks, and Sweet Caroline's) compete for the title of Chili Champion. Jan. 28 from 1-4 p.m. $8-$10. All ages. Church of Boston, 69 Kilmarnock St., Boston. 617-236-7600. www.ticketfly.com

SUNDAY

YEAR OF THE DRAGON CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: Celebrate with a dim sum buffet, kung fu and lion dance demonstrations, music, and children's crafts. Proceeds benefit the ACCE non-profit community group dedicated to promoting Chinese culture. Jan. 29 from 4-7 p.m. $25, $20 seniors, $15 under 11, $9 under 5 (Reservations recommended). China Blossom, 946 Osgood St., North Andover. 978-470-2293. www.chinablossom.com

PLANES, POWER TOOLS, AND POETRY: It's easy to picture carpenters tossing back a few beers after work. Not so easy to picture is a group of carpenters sharing poetry at a pub. The Carpenter Poets of Jamaica Plain formed about 10 years ago at a local pub to explore the connection between carpentry and writing. Inspired by Boston Poet Laureate Sam Cornish, the Poetic Convergence Series showcases Boston poetry groups. Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. (the series continues the last Sunday of Feb., March, and May). $5. Forsyth Chapel at Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave., Jamaica Plain. 617-524-3150. www.foresthillstrust.org

Nicole Cammorata, Boston.com Staff

Nicole Cammorata, Boston.com Staff

The great thing about snowshoeing is that you can really do it anywhere -- as long as there's snow, of course. Lucky for me (and anyone else into winter sports), we got a bit of the white stuff over the weekend.

We ventured outside on Sunday to hit the Colby Philips trail in Hanover, Mass. -- a woodland path nearly a mile long (one way) that winds through pine, birch, and hemlock trees and takes you over a couple small brooks. A short offshoot of the main trail will lead you to an overlook of a beautiful marsh (above).

Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band are coming to Boston on March 26 for a show at the TD Garden as part of their "Wrecking Ball" world tour. (The band's 17th studio album, "Wrecking Ball," will be released on March 6.) Tickets range in price from $67.50 and $100.50 and go on sale Saturday, Jan. 28 at 10:00 a.m.

Also worth noting: Springsteen tribute act Bruce in the USA plays the Paradise Rock Club on Jan. 28 -- the same day tickets go on sale for the real deal. So if you miss out on tickets, or if they sell out too fast, it might just be the next best thing.

A night at the museum? Well, maybe an evening. There was live music from Jay Leonard as well as cocktails and an Italian-style buffet during the Science Social at the Museum of Science on Jan. 19, an after-hours party within the exhibit "A Day in Pompeii."

To see all the pictures, visit boston.com/spotted.

All photos shot by Erik Jacobs for Boston.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!

[Skeeball, "Singin' in the Rain," and Monica Bill Barnes]

THURSDAY

SCIENCE SOCIAL: A night at the museum? Well, maybe an evening. There will be live music from Jay Leonard as well as cocktails and an Italian-style buffet as part of the Science Social at the Museum of Science, an after-hours party within the exhibit “A Day in Pompeii.”Jan. 19, 6 p.m. Tickets: $25. Museum of Science. 617-723-2500, www.mos.org.

SKEESON II KICK-OFF PARTY: Flex those arcade muscles at The Greatest Bar, where the Boston Skeeball League will celebrate the start of their skeeball season. The tunes will be blasting as teams of two compete against each other for a pair of Celtics tickets in this single elimination bracket-style tournament. Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m. Free. 21+ The Greatest Bar. www.thegreatestbar.com.

FRIDAY

H2 SUMMER IN WINTER: After catching violinist Aisslinn Nosky make her solo debut in the Handel and Haydn Society’s performance of Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” at Symphony Hall, head to Lucca Back Bay to meet other classical music enthusiasts. It’s part of H&H’s ongoing H2 Young Professionals nights, held a few times a year as a way to engage a younger audience in classical music. Jan. 20, show at 8 p.m., after party at 10 p.m. Free admission to party with $25 concert ticket. Lucca Back Bay. www.handelandhaydn.org.

DANCE YOUR CARES AWAY: The American film musical was a great escape during the Great Depression. So, if you need help surviving our economic mess, take in “Gotta Dance’’ presented by ArtsEmerson: The World on Stage. “The Broadway Melody’’ from 1929 is followed at 8:30 p.m. by “Singin’ in the Rain.’’ Jan. 20 at 6 and 8:30 p.m. (through May). $10, $7.50 seniors, $5 students and under 18. Special pricing Jan. 20 of $15 for both films. Emerson College’s Paramount Center, 559 Washington St., Boston. 617-824-8400. www.artsemerson.org

BARNES AND NOBLE: Call her an optimist with titles like “Suddenly Summer Somewhere,” “Mostly Fanfare,” and “Everything Is Getting Better All the Time.” New York City-based choreographer and performer, Monica Bill Barnes, combines imagination, intellect, and humor when Monica Bill Barnes & Company invades the ICA. 7:30 p.m. (Jan. 21 at 8 p.m.; free Q&A with the company Jan. 20; free talks 30 minutes before each performance). $40. Institute of Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Ave., Boston. 617-876-4275. www.worldmusic.org

SATURDAY

A VALHALLA OF A TIME: The Vikings believed that when they died in battle they would be carried up the rainbow bridge to Valhalla where they would fight all day and party at night. You can do some of this at “Once in Valhalla,’’ a night of locavore Viking feasting and mythological high jinks. Jan. 21 from 7-11 p.m. $75 (includes a 10-course Nordic feast). The Center for Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. 617-718-2191. www.brownpapertickets.com

LET'S HARP ON IT: Students from the Boston Conservatory, Berklee College of Music, and other area colleges run their talented hands back and forth at the biennial Boston Harp Gala. Solos, chamber music, and harp ensembles include works by Bach and Scott Joplin -- ever hear ragtime music played on a harp? 8 p.m. Free. Boston Conservatory’s Seully Hall, 8 the Fenway, Boston. 617-912-9222. www.bostonconservatory.edu

SUNDAY

DECORDOVA BIENNIAL: The 23 artists and collaboratives involved with the unthemed deCordova Biennial exhibition spread their artistic wings beyond the Lincoln venue. In addition to almost filling the museum, works are in Boston and nearby communities. Jan. 22 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Through April 22). Museum admission is $14, $12 seniors, $10 students, free under 13. DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln. 781-259-8355. www.decordova.org

SIBLINGS AND FRIENDS: A rhythm section with a tap dancer, eccentric attire, and unconventional cello playing are just a taste of He’s My Brother She’s My Sister. Described as “psych-acoustic” and “vaudeville-y,” you’re in for an interesting evening of modern and not-so-modern music. Jan. 22 at 9:45 p.m. $10. T.T. the Bear’s Place, 10 Brookline St., Central Sq., Cambridge. 866-468-7619. www.ttthebears.com

[REUTERS/Nic Lehoux/Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum/Handout]

CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION: Word is, one of Boston’s great museums has a new wing. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum unveils a new building designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano. Check out new galleries, conservation labs, Calderwood Hall for performances, Cafe G, greenhouses, and the exhibits "New Work by Victoria Morton" and "Points of View: 20 Years of Artists-in-Residence at the Gardner" later this week. Jan. 19-21 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (9 a.m. ribbon cutting). Free (online timed ticket required). Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 280 the Fenway, Boston. 617-566-1401. www.gardnermuseum.org/visit JUNE WULFF

[Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe]

The Boston Wine Expo has given itself a bit of a makeover this year, paring down the event to create a more intimate foodie experience while also expanding its selection of wines from North America. As in past years, the Grand Tastings weekend (Jan. 21-22) will feature nearly 1,000 wines hailing from more than 200 wineries around the world. In addition to the old swish, spit, and sip routine, there will also be bites from local restaurants like Petit Robert Bistro, Taranta, Strega Waterfront, Lucca, and more.

For those looking for a quieter, more intimate experience, there is also the Grand Cru Wine Lodge, a separate loungey area with couches, live music, and a selection of fine wines. Tickets to the lodge are $175 and also include admission into the main hall.

"It gives people an opportunity to experience it on a different level," says Boston Wine Expo show director Ed Hurley.

Also new this year is a series of "Vintner Dinners" throughout the city, where wineries participating in the expo have paired up with 10 local eateries -- like Upstairs on the Square (tonight), Smith & Wollensky, and Aura Restaurant -- to create special menus for the occasion. The prix fixe menus range in cost form $60 - $125 per person (depending on the restaurant) and include wine pairings. (See full list of Vintner Dinners here.)

Boston Wine Expo. Jan. 21-22. 21+ Tickets to the grand tasting weekend are $95 for Saturday and $85 for Sunday. $145 for both days. $175 for Grand Cru Wine Lodge. Seaport World Trade Center and Seaport Hotel. 877-946-3976. www.wine-expos.com

[Photo courtesy of Boston Ski and Sports Club]

BSSC SKI DATING: Looking for love? Single skiers and snowboarders searching for other winter-minded folk can head to Mt. Snow for the day to hit the slopes and mingle during this ski dating event hosted by Boston Ski and Sports Club. Apres ski fun will include drinks, icebreakers, and games. Jan. 22, $87 for BSSC members, $92 for nonmembers. Bus to the mountain leaves from various Boston locations, 5 a.m. - 6 a.m. www.bssc.com.

WINTER WHITE PARTY

The annual Winter White Party at Foxwoods nightclub Shrine will be hosted by Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas, who will even spend some time behind the turntables.

Jan. 17., 9 p.m., free for ladies in white, on the guest list, or with a bracelet redeemed at Shrine. $10-$20 for men. $30 for anyone not in white. 21+ Shrine at MGM Grand at Foxwoods. 860-204-6366. For complete admission info and to RSVP visit www.thewinterwhiteparty.com

[AP Photo/Reed Saxon]

Here's a snapshot of a recent meal at the new Jody Adams restaurant Trade, which Globe critic Devra First awarded 3 stars in her review. The bar and restaurant was packed, so we grabbed some drinks and light fare at a low table by the door. Seemed like it should have been the waiting area but it turned out to be a great table for an informal meal and some decent people watching!

Flatbread with mushrooms, figs, gorgonzola, sage pesto, and walnuts ($16)

Cockney Mule (left) and a Man with No Name (right) -- essentially a margarita (both $10)

Whole artichoke with cilantro and lemon aioli ($9)

Avocado with green mango-tamarind-peanut chutney ($8)

[Suzane Kreiter / Globe Staff / File]

KNOW YOUR FISH: These days, being an educated consumer is important if you want to eat seafood. Jeremy Sewall of Island Creek Oyster Bar teaches a seminar on identifying types of fish, buying and storing fish, and deciphering seafood menus. Jan. 14, 1 p.m. $50 includes fish tastings and wine, optional four-course dinner $50, $80 with paired wines. Island Creek Oyster Bar, 500 Comm. Ave., Boston. 617-532-5300, www.islandcreekoysterbar.com MILVA DIDOMIZIO

We need to talk... About fun things to do, silly! What did you think I meant?

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

FRIDAY

IMPROV YOURSELF: At Filmprov, found objects dance on screen in filmmaker Kate Matson’s work while musicians including Mark Harvey, Peter Bloom, and Tim Ray interpret what they see with free improvisation. Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m. Free. Killian Hall, 160 Memorial Drive, Cambridge. filmprov.tripod.com

ROCKIN' THE ROSEBUD: is a quadruple bill with Lowman, Yankee Power, JVD & the Backporch Smokers, and the Scatter Gang. Jan. 13, 8:30 p.m. $5-$7. The Rosebud, 381 Summer St., Somerville. unregularradio.com/local-music-tickets

SMARTY PANTS: In some parts of the world, comedic productions called pantomimes are presented during the winter season. Imaginary Beasts has brought the tradition to Boston, and this year they present “The Half-Baked and Hard-to-Swallow History of Humpty Dumpty, or One Egg is Enough.” Jan. 13-14, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 14-15, 2 p.m. Through Feb. 4. $10-$20. Boston Center for the Arts, Plaza Black Box, 539 Tremont St., Boston. www.imaginarybeasts.org

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

LOSING THE PLOT: Sixties buffs, take note of Gob Squad’s Kitchen (You’ve Never Had It So Good). The Boston premiere by the collective of actors from England and Germany uses film, live performance, and improvisation to reconstruct Andy Warhol films. No storyline, just artsy, spontaneous fun. Jan. 13-14, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15, 2 p.m. $25, $22 students. Institute of Contemporary Art, Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater, 100 Northern Ave., Boston. 617-478-3103, www.icaboston.org

SATURDAY

DAVID BOWIE’S 65TH BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE SHOW: Ziggy Stardust is a senior citizen. David Bowie celebrated his 65th birthday on Jan. 8, so the Middle East is throwing him a party. Those paying tribute include Preacher Roe, The Daily Pravda, and Niki Luparelli and the Gold Diggers, plus Bowie-themed burlesque by Machete and Thru the Keyhole Burlesque. Jan. 14, 9 p.m. Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 at the door. 18+ Middle East Upstairs. 617-864-3278, www.mideastclub.com

WINTER TRACKING: Search for signs of life with Northern Naturalists’s Charley Eiseman. The educational program covers mammals, winter plant identification, insects, and birdsong. Jan. 14, noon-3 p.m. $20, $5 children, registration required. Rocky Woods, Medfield. 508-785-0339.

SCARY STORIES: Horror genius Edgar Allan Poe was born in 1809 Boston, and while he isn’t around anymore, his spirit remains. In “Edgar A. Poe: Master of the Macabre,’’ Rob Velella relates some of Poe’s spookiest tales. Jan. 14, 4 and 5:30 p.m. $12. Recommended for ages 16 and up, reservations suggested. Gore Place, 52 Gore St., Waltham. 781-894-2798, www.goreplace.org

SUNDAY

MAKE NOISE TO SAVE A LIFE: DJ Joe Bermudez will be joined by Davis Ballard for a teen dance night to benefit Samaritans, a Boston-based organization that aims to prevent suicide and provide support by those who have been affected by it. Jan. 15, 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.), Tickets: $10-$15, 16+. House of Blues. 888-693-2583. www.samaritanshope.org/index.php/make-noise.html

RESCUE NITE 3 YEAR ANNIVERSARY EDITION: Newbury Street consignment shop Rescue is celebrating three years of their biweekly dance party, held every other Sunday at the Model Cafe. Rescue owners (and siblings) Jeralyn and Paul Mason will spin post-punk and New Wave tunes, plus “a lot of Morrissey and the Smiths.” Jan. 15, 10 p.m. Free. 21+. The Model Cafe. 617-254-9365, www.rescuebuyselltrade.com

RETRO BRUNCH: Dine on throwback cuisine like steak and eggs, house-made Twinkies, and decadent French toast, listen to classic music from the fifties and sixties, and down a Leave it to Beaver cocktail. If you’re suffering from an over-indulgent Saturday night, maybe the Father Knows Best Headache Powder will help (the secret ingredient is Ovaltine). Sundays 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., reservations recommended. Tryst, 689 Mass. Ave., Arlington. 781-641-2227, www.trystrestaurant.com

Remember visiting the Museum of Science as a kid during a field trip? The highlight (besides eating space ice cream) was always catching a show at the larger than life Mugar Omni Theater. Luckily, the specialness of that childhood experience still holds up.

After the customary vertigo subsides (which for me usually lasts until about 10 minutes into any given show), a magical thing happens: transportation into another world, another landscape, or another moment in time. The dome-shaped IMAX screen, reaching nearly five stories high, envelopes the audience in images that stretch beyond our peripheral vision. In simpler terms: it feels like you're there! Sure, this isn't breaking news to anyone who has lived close to this city within the last 20 years, but it's fun all the same.

I caught a showing recently of "Alaska: Spirit of the Wild," which documents the animals, people, and sweeping landscape of our nation's most northern state. (Watch the trailer here.) It's the land of breaching humpback whales and dogsled racing. Glaciers and the northern lights. The best parts of the film though are those featuring the state's bear population. The industrious brown bears dig for clams in the sand along the coastline, joined by a single red fox hoping to get in on the action. Later, the bears are at it again, fishing for salmon in the streams only to pass out (snoring) when they've sufficiently gorged themselves. In another scene, the presence of a black bear seems ominous as animals further down on the food chain flee the area. Fearsome predator he may be, how delightful it is to see him splash around in the water, playfully jumping about having a good time.

"Alaska: Spirit of the Wild" plays at the Museum of Science through Feb. 9. $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $8 for children. Visit www.mos.org for showtimes and complete visitor information.

[Essdras M Suarez / Globe Staff]

There must be something in the air these days, as everyone seems to be buzzing about bees. There's the long-running Museum of Science exhibit, featuring a glassed-in beehive, plus the recent podcast with museum beekeeper Bill Coleman.

For those looking to get in on the apiary adventures themselves, the Massachusetts chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association will be holding a two-class series of workshops teaching aspiring beekeepers some basic techniques. The classes, which cost $125 for members and $145 non-members, will be held Jan. 29 and Feb. 19. Local beekeeper Jean-Claude Bourrut will lead the class, covering things like pest and disease control, hive structure, season management, and more. For more info and to register, visit www.nofamass.org.

Don't want to get stung? If it's the fruits of the bees' labor you're after, there's the sweet Harvard Square shop Follow the Honey, which opened in August on Mass. Ave. Owner Mary Canning carries local honey as well as varieties from around the world and also offers a rotating selection of honey on tap. In addition to the sticky stuff, the shop also sells bee-themed jewelry and beginner beekeeping equipment.