Special Events listings cover from Aug. 28 through Sept. 11

Children's/family

Borders Storytime, every Fri., 10 a.m., Borders Books and Music, 1212 South Washington St., North Attleboro. Children have a story read to them and some days there are crafts. 508-699-7766 or www.borderstores.com.

Fiske Public Library Storytime, Fiske Public Library, 110 Randall Road, Wrentham. Toddler storytime, for ages 2 1/2 to 3 1/2. Preschool Storytime, for ages 3 1/2 to kindergarten. Join the group for stories, songs, poems and parachute play. Call 508-384-5440 x21 to register or stop by the children's dept.

Saturday Kids' Craft Workshops, every Sat., 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., The Fuller Craft Museum, 455 Oak St., Brockton. Parents may explore the museum while their children make art. $8/each child, $15/2 children. 508-588-6000 or www.fullercraft.org. Plainville Public Library, 56 East Main St., Plainville. 508-695-1784 or www.plainville.library.org. Storytime/craft programs, Tues., 1 p.m., Thurs. 10:15 a.m., Ages 3 to 5; Mother Goose on The Loose, every Tues., 10:15 a.m., Ages 0 to 2.

Woonsocket Harris Public Library, 303 Clinton St., Woonsocket, R.I. Hours as of Sept. 8: Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 401-769-9044 or www.woonsocketlibrary.org. 401-767-4122.

The Children's Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Avenue, North Easton. 508-230-3789 or www.childrensmuseumineaston.org. Museum is located in the Old Fire Station in North Easton Village. Admission is $6 per person; members and children under 1 are free. DROP-IN DAYS:

Providence Children's Museum, 100 South Street, Providence, 401-273-KIDS or www.childrenmuseum.org; Tues.-Sun. and Mon. school holidays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., selected Fridays until 8 p.m. Metlife Family Friday, free every Fri., 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Brooks Pharmacy Free Sundays, First Sun. of every month is free. FETCH LAB - STACK 'EM UP, Aug. 28, 1-3 p.m., Ages 5-11; NAME PLAY, Aug. 29, 10 a.m.-noon, Ages 3-5; DOMINO MADNESS, Aug. 30, 1-3 p.m., Ages 5-11; BLOCK PARTY, Aug. 31 ,1-3 p.m., Ages 3-11; FETCH LAB - STACK 'EM UP, Sept. 1, 1-3 p.m., Ages 5-11.

The Zoomzone, The Providence Children's Museum, 100 South St., Providence, 401-273-KIDS or www.childrenmuseum.org; Kids build different things to demonstrate a principal of science, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., $6.50/general, Free/members.

5w!ts, opens 10 a.m. everyday, 186 Brookline Ave., Boston. An interactive Egyptian adventure with 45-minute tours. Weekday prices: $16/adults, $14/children 12 and under; Weekend prices: $20/adults. $16/children 12 and under. 617-375-WITS or www.5-wits.com.

Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorn St., New Bedford. $6/adults, $4.50/seniors and teens, $3/children 3-12. 508-991-6178 or www.bpzoo.org. Toe Jam Puppet Band every Mon. 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., $5 above zoo admission; FROG-AID ROCK BENEFIT CONCERT, Aug. 29, 7-10 p.m., $10/adv., $15/dos. All proceeds go to Amphibian Ark. BOYS' NIGHT OUT, Aug. 30, 31, 6:30-9 pm., same deal as girls night out.

Capron Park Zoo, 201 County St., Attleboro, 508-222-6202, www.capronparkzoo.com. April to October, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (final ticket, 4 p.m.), Attleboro residents $2.75/adult, $2.75/child (age 3-12), $2.75/senior; ron-residents, $5.50/adult, $3.75/child (age 3-12), $3.75/senior; under 3 free.

Davis Animal Farm, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling. $14.95, children under 2 are free. 978-422-MOOO or www.davisfarmland.com. CLOWNS, Aug. 30, 31, with Flippo the Clown.

The Ecotarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Tues. through Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun., 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. $10/adults, $8/kids 3 to 18, students, seniors, Free/children under 3. 508-929-2700 or www.ecotarium.org. Franklin Park Zoo, weekdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends and holidays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 1 Franklin Park Rd., Boston. Special zoo locations are the Tropical Forest, Kalahari Kingdom and the Tiger Tales exhibit. All seen daily. 617-541-LION or www.zoonewengland.com. $11/adults, $9.50/seniors, $6/children 2-12; Children under 2, free.

Roger Williams Park Zoo, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. Featuring zoo animals, special exhibits, and presentations. $12/adults, $8/seniors, $6/children 3-12, Free/children under 3, members. 401-785-3510 or www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org. Toddler Time every Fri. through Feb., 10 a.m. to noon. FLUTTERBY - Butterflies in Bloom, through Sept. 1.

Winslow Farms Animal Sanctuary, 37 Eddy St., Norton. 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, closed Tuesdays. Petting farm for abused and abandoned animals. 508-285-6451 or www.winslowfarm.com.

Enrichment classes, Sept. 9 through Oct. 9, Second Stage Studio, 1 Angell Rd., Cumberland, R.I. WHO'S A VILLAIN, Tues. from 4-6 p.m., $35/week; EARTH SOUNDS, Nov. 4 through Jan. 28, 2009; Tues. from 4-6 p.m., $35/week; THE SECRET WORLD OF FAIRIES, Feb. 3 through April 14; Tues. from 4-6 p.m., $35/week. 401-334-4800 or www.secondstagestudio.com.

Special events

Aces Up Poker Tour - Texas Hold em, every Fri., 7 p.m., Corrine's, 1593 Newport Ave., Pawtucket. $10 includes hot and cold buffet. More info: acesuppokertour.com, 401-725-4260 or corinnesbanquets.com.

King Richard's Faire, Aug. 30 through Oct. 19, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Rte. 58, Carver. All the vendors, shows, knights, ladies and jesters will be there for your enjoyment along with special events. Renaissance Idol will take place on Sept. 6 and 20, The Cleavage Contest will also take place on Sept. 13; The Prince and Princess Contest takes place on Sept. 27 for the most authentically dressed duo under the age of 12. $25/adults, $14 for children aged 5-12, children under 5 are free. 508-866-5391 or myspace.com/kingrichardsfaire or kingrichardsfaire.net.

Mansfield Sports Card and Memorabilia Show, Sept. 1, 8:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m., Holiday Inn, Forbes Blvd. and Rte. 140, Mansfield. The show has now expanded and features 85 vendors. It is Patriots Fan Day, wear a Patriots jersey or hat and receive free admission. Also, receive a free autographed 8x10 photo of a Patriots legend for the first 50 people who ask for one at the admission table. Free pack of cards for every guest. $1. 508-369-2471 or cardboardpromotions.com.

Cirque du Soleil's Kooza, begins Sept. 5, Tues.-Wed. at 8 p.m., Thurs. and Sat. at 4 and 8 p.m., Sun. at 1 and 5 p.m., Bayside Expo Center, 200 Mount Vernon St., Boston. 800-678-5440 or www.cirquedusoleil.com.

9th Annual Dragon Boat Race, Sept. 6, Festival Pier/School Street Pier, Pawtucket River, Pawtucket. Teams will pilot a course and catch flags while racing other boats. Businesses and organizations are welcome to create teams for the event. 401-724-2200 or dragonboatri.com.

Franklin School for the Performing Arts, Sept. 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., FSPA, 38 Main St., Franklin. The community is invited to meet the faculty, tour the facility and view class demonstrations and enjoy performances. 508-528-8668 or fspaonline.com.

Matt Light Foundation Celebrity Shootout and Auction, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. registration and lunch, 1 p.m. shotgun start, 3 p.m. BBQ, awards, live music and auction, Addieville East Farm, 200 Pheasant Dr., Mapleville, R.I. Live auction will feature a fly rod cabinet that Matt Light helped build. Event is not for children. Teams of four for clay shooting can register for $4000 ($1000 per person). $400/guests for dinner only. 614-593-3167 or info@mattlight72.com.

Craft Fairs/Festivals

Sayonara to summer - End of the Summer Party Cruise, Aug. 28, Boarding at 7:15 p.m. and Departure at 8 p.m., The Provincetown II at Bay State Cruise Company is located at 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston. Three floors for for dancing and entertainment and featuring DJ Samuel L., also free airbursh tattoos and body painting. 2 tickets for $40 in advance, $30/dos. 781-444-7771 or bostoneventguide.com.

Saint Anthony's Feast, Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, Endicott, Thacher, and North Margin Streets in Boston's North End. Featuring a number of food and liquer and wine tastings. There will also be food, religious services, musc and live entertainment. 617-723-8669 or saintanthonysfeast.com.

11th Annual Newport Waterfront Irish Festival, Aug. 30, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Aug. 31, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sept. 1, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Newport Yachting Center, America's Cup Avenue, Newport, R.I. Pour your own Guinness, listen to traditional Irish music, buy handcrafted goods. $12/adv., $15/door, $12/seniors and students aged 12-17. 401-846-1600 or newportfestivals.com.

Pawtucket Arts Festival Gala, Sept. 5, 6-10:30 p.m., Slater Mill Historic Site, 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket. This is the official kick off for the 10th Annual Pawtucket Arts Festival. Buckwheat Zydeco will perform and there will be food samples from many Pawtucket restaurants. $10/adv., $15/dos. 401-621-6123 or arttixri.com.

5th Annual Bird Carvers' Show and Sale, Sept. 6, 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Green Briar Nature Center, 6 Discovery Hill Rd., East Sandwich. Featured carvers, decoy and carving appraisals and antique decoy displays. Special "Carving a Shore Bird" demonstration fro m11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sat. $5. 508-888-6870 or thorntonburgess.org.

Craft Fair and Yard Sale, Sept. 6, 8 a.m.-???, Hathaway Park, Water St., Assonet. Hot dogs and lemonade and items for sale. Rain or shine. 508-644-5374.

Italian Festivla of the Healing Saints Cosmas and Damian, Sept. 6, 7, East Cambridge. Festivities include parades, candlelight processions, food and rides. 800-862-5678 or cambridge-usa.org or cosmas-and-damian.com.

Saint Mark's Parish Annual Fair, Sept. 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Mark's Parish, 105 Stanley St., North Attleboro. Features DJ Nate Adams, food, game booths, moon walk, train ride, arts and crafts, children's room, book room and raffles. 508-699-7566 or stmarks-attleborofalls.org.

Outdoor/gardens

Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave., Easton/Sharon line. 508-238-6566 or www.mass.gov/dcr/events.htm.

The Ecotarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues. through Sat. and 12 to 5 p.m. on Sun. $10/adults, $8/children 3-18. $5/Planetarium admission. $2.50/Explorer Express Train. $9/Tree Canopy Walkway (Seasonal only) 508-929-2700 or www.ecotarium.org. Preschool Mornings, every Wed., 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Garden in the Woods - New England Flower Society, through Labor Day, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sept. 2-Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; 180 Hemenway Rd., Framingham. One of New England's famous private gardens. $8/adults, $4/kids3-18; $6/seniors and students. 508-877-7630 or newenglandwild.org.

Big Bugs Exhibit, through Oct. 31, New England Wild Flower Society, Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Rd., Framingham. Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. until Labor Day; Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. from Sept. 2 through Oct. 31. Sculpture exhibition features 1,500 kinds of native plants, 200 rare and endangered species on 45 acres of land. Guided walks at 10 a.m. on weekdays, 2 p.m. on weekends. $8/adults, $4/youths 3-18; $6/seniors, $6/students. 508-877-6553 or newenglandwild.org. PRAYING MANTIS WEEKEND, Sept. 6-7; DADDY LONGLEGS WEEKEND, Sept. 13-14; MONARCH MIGRATION WEEKEND, Sept. 20-21; GRASSHOPPER WEEKEND, Sept. 27-28; ASSASSIN BUG WEEKEND, Oct. 4-5; STUDENT ART SHOW, Oct. 5; SPIDER WEEKEND, Oct. 18-19; BYE BYE BUGS WEEKEND, Oct. 25-26.

Blackstone Valley Explorer - Thundermist Tour, through Oct. 26, 45 minute tours depart hourly at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. from Woonsocket Landing, Market Square, near Museum of Work and Culture, Woonsocket, R.I. The 49-passenger riverboat will tour the Woonsocket river. Advanced registration suggested. $10/adults, $8/children and seniors. 401-724-2200 or rivertourblackstone.com.

Ghosts and Gravestones Tour, through October, 6, 7, 8, 9 p.m., Old Town Trolley Ticket Center, Atlantic Ave., Boston. Each half-hour tour leaves on the hour and tours some of Boston's gravest moments with costumed characters and hosted by the 17th Century Gravedigger. $23/children, $36/adults. 617-269-3626.

Lectures

Ms. Judith Gordoon, Sept. 8, 6 p.m., Attleboro Public Library, South Main St., Attleboro. Gordon, an expert on hospice care will lecture at the next meeting of the Attleboro-NAMI. businessmeeting will be held from 5:30-6 p.m. 508-838-0779.

Transformational Presidents, Sept. 8, 5-6:30 p.m., The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston. Martha Raddatz, ABC News Chief White House Correspondent; Joseph Nye, Harvard professor and author; Robert Kuttner, columnist, author and co-founder of "The American Prospect Magazine;" and Professor Cass Sunstein of Harvard Law School will discuss what leadership qualities define presidents who transform history and th kind of presidential leadership our country needs now. Free. Reservations recommended. 617-514-1643 or jfklibrary.org.

The Internet - Blogs - Youtube and Presidential Campaigns, Sept. 11, 5:30-7 p.m., The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston. Joe Trippi, campaign adviser to John Edwards (2008) and Howard Dean (2004); Garret Graff, who covers media and politics for "Washingtonian Magazine" and the first blogger to get a White House press pass and Matt Bai, political reporter for the New York Times will examine how the Internet has revolutionized politics. Tom Ashbrook, host of WBUR's On Point will moderate the discussion. Free. Reservations recommended. 617-514-1643 or jfklibrary.org.

Arts & crafts

Community Quilting, every Thurs., 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., New England Quilt Museum, 18 Shattuck St., Lowell. Work on community quilting projects and learn about quilting. 978-452-4207 x19.

Fiber Art Basketry, Tues. and Thurs. 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Narrows Center for the Arts, 16 Anawan St., Fall River. $100/4 to 5 week session or 2 baskets. 508-678-0039 or www.ncfta.org.

Teen and Adult Drawing Classes, Tues. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Narrows Center for the Arts, 16 Anawan St., Fall River. Learn how to see like an artist. $50/includes some materials. 508-678-0039 or www.ncfta.org.

Children's Drawing Classes, Sat. 10-noon, Narrows Center for the Arts, 16 Anawan St., Fall River. For ages 7- 12.508-678-0039 or www.ncfta.org.