Special events

Big Apple Circus: Play On!, through May 3, City Hall Plaza, Boston. One ring circus. $20 to $65. 888-541-3750 or bigapplecircus.org.

Bellator Fighting Championships, April 10, 8 p.m., Mohegan Sun Arena, Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville, Conn. Mixed Martial Arts championships. $60, $30. mohegansun.com or 888-226-7711.

Fun Easter Activities, April 10, 3 to 7 p.m., April 11, 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bass Pro Shops, One Bass Drive, Patriot Place, Foxboro. Includes scavenger hunt, Geocaching classes, and Easter Egg Hunt. Crafts for kids and free photo with the Easter Bunny. www.basspro.com

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year at Patriot Place, April 11, 2:30 to 4 p.m., GameStop, Patriot Place, Foxboro. Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo. 6th Annual Luv n' Paws, April 11, 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., Ward 5 Club, 29 Winter St., Taunton. Dinner and dance fundraiser. Items for sale, raffle items, information about the shelter and pets. Profits benefit the Taunton Animal Shelter. Featuring country band The Goat Ropers. $15. Available at the Taunton Animal Shelter or Leahy's Liquors.

Imus in the Morning, April 17, 6 a.m., Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville, Conn. Radio Talk Show. Free, must be 21+. mohegansun.com or 888-226-7711.

6th Annual Earth Day Sustainable Living Festival, April 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., DCR Mary Jeanette bathouse, 204 Nantasket Ave., Hull. Wind 1 tours every 15 minutes at Pemberton Point. Sea Side Kite Festival at the DCR North parking lot. www.sustainablesouthshore.org

Evening of Hope, Love, and Laughter, April 18, Crowne Plaza, Warwick, RI. Aspire Magazine and women entrepreneurs hosts benefit for Gloria Gamma Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Beings with Mistress of Ceremonies Patricia Raskin of Positive Living Radiotm, followed by Andrea Willets with her one-woman show "Sorry, No More!" $40 to $100. lovelightlaughter.net

Ladies High Tea, April 19, 2 to 4 p.m., The Whitman House, 1147 Great Rd., Lincoln, RI. House is from 1694. Costumes guides will greet and put on a Victorian Tea Show. Gloves and colorful hats encouraged but not required. After tour view vintage Victorian dresses and unmentionables. Gentlemen welcome. $10. All proceeds benefit upkeep of hour. 401-334-2182.

7th Annual Healing Through the Arts, April 19, 1 to 4 p.m., Community VNA, 10 Emory St., Attleboro. Provides meaningful examples and practical ideas for coping and reducing the stress using a connection with plants. People coping with the loss of a loved one, job, income, relationship, or health welcome. Presented by horticultural therapist Mary Beth Miller. Registration is required. Free. 774-203-1311 or email register@communityvna.com

Gillette Stadium Field Visit, April 20, 1 to 5 p.m., Gillette Stadium, Foxboro. Visitors tour the field. Cost is $15 of same-day receipt from a purchase from any Patriot Place store, restaurant, or entertainment option or an on-site donation of $15 or more to the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation. There is a limit of five persons per receipt or donation.

9th Annual Celebrity and Scholarship Dinner, April 23, Venus de Milo, 75 Grand Army Highway, Swansea. Guest speaker Carlton Fisk. Hosted by UMass Dartmouth. $75 VIP reception, starts at 5 p.m.; $75 dinner tickets starts at 6 p.m. Silent auction of signed items. 508-910-6435 or umassd.edu/cmr.

This American Life - Live!, April 23, 8 p.m., Showcase Cinemas Patriot Place, Foxboro. Live simulcast performance of the hit radio show, originating at the Center for Performing Arts at New York University. Special events include a cartoon by Chris Ware, visuals by Arthur Jones, and musical performance by Joss Whedon, creator of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer.' Theme of the show is 'Return to the Scene of the Crime.' www.FathomEvents.com.

25th Annual Stiftungsfest, April 25, 5:30 to 12 p.m., German American Cultural Society, 78 Carter Ave., Pawtucket, RI. Commemorating the founding of SGTV Alpenblumen Bavarian Schuhplattler Dance Group. Includes dances are 1000 years old. Dinner before the dance will be served from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. $5 dance, $12 dinner. 508-336-6674 or 401-246-0381 for dance, 401-723-3549 for dinner. Strike the Match Fundraiser, April 25, 7 to 11 p.m., Waterplace Restaurant, 1 Finance Way, Providence. $50. waterfite.org./strike. Contact rosa@waterfire.org to buy tickets.

Run of the Charles, April 27. Mark Kish and Matt Shute of Attleboro among early entries. Benefits the Charles River Watershed Association and their efforts to protect health, beauty, and accessibility of the river. Canoe and Kayak race. Finish Line Festival is at DCR's Artesani Park on Soldiers' Field Road in Brighton. Includes Dixieland-style music. 508-698-6810 or visit www.charlesriver.org.

Veterans Dial-A-Lawyer, April 30, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sponsored through Massachusetts Bar Association. Call 617-338-0610, if a veteran, with questions concerning benefits, divorce, child support, employment, landlord/tenant and other legal issues. if busy, hang up and try again. Free, but normal telephone charges apply.

Laughalot, May 2, 7 p.m., Buckley Performing Arts Center, Massasoit Community College, Rte. 27, Brockton. Evening of classic radio and TV recreations, including Ethel and Albert, Fibber McGee and Molly, Our Miss Brooks, and Duffy's Tavern. $17 general, $15 seniors. 508-427-1234

SoWa Antiques Market, May 16, 17, through Oct. 25, every Sun., 540 Harrison Ave., Boston. Held rain or shine. Free. 781-862-4039 or sowaantiques.com

Ice Cream to raise funds for Children's Cancer Research, May 2, Stop and Shop stores. Donate $1 and receive free Edy's Dibs Bite Sizes Snack Bag and Triple Winner scratch-off tickets. Donate $3 and receive free snack bag, limited edition Triple Winner keepsake, and three scratch tickets. 100 percent of money donated will benefit the Jimmy Fund.

World's Strongest Man Qualifier: Giants Live!, May 17, 4 p.m., Mohegan Sun Arena, Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville, Conn. Strength competition. $30. mohegansun.com or 888-226-7711.

US Air Guitar Championships, May 27, 6 p.m., Paradise Rock Club, Boston. Must be 21 + to enter competition. If entering, bring a 60-second song on CD, with name on it and the desired track and start time clearly labeled. Participants get in free but audience pays fee. Win regional get cash voucher to compete in US Finals Aug. 7 (city to be announced). $20.99. www.usairguitar.com

Professional Bull Riders, June 6, 7 p.m., June 7, 2 p.m., Dunkin' Donuts Center, Providence. $12.50, $25.50, and $35.50. livenation.com or 401-331-2627.

Block Island Race Week, XXIII, June 21-26, Block Island, Rhode Island. Over 180 boarts and 1500 sailors are expected. Running for its 23rd year. Features five days of racing in both handicap and one-design classes. Register by June 1.

WWE World Wrestling Entertainment, Aug. 1, 8 p.m., South Shore Music Circus, 130 Sohier St., Cohasset. $49.25 and $33.25. 781-383-9850 or www.themusiccircus.org.

Lectures

Don Giovanni, April 14, 7 to 8 p.m., Rabb Auditorium, Boston Public Library, Copely Sq., Boston. Thomas Connolly explores the character and the legend of Don Juan, who is the inspiration for Don Giovanni. Find out of there really was a Don Juan. Part of the Night at the Opera series. 617-542-4912 x 242.

Justice: The 150th Anniversary of the Superior Court in Bristol County, April 16, 7 p.m., 66 Church Green, Taunton. Talk is by William F. Hanna on history of the court system in Taunton. $4 adults, $2 sweniors and students, free for children under 12. 508-822-1622 or www.oldcolonyhistoricalsociety.org.

Spencer Quinn, April 16, 7:30 p.m., Barnes and Noble, The Walpole Mall, 82 Providence Highway, Walpole. Discussing and signing his new book 'Dog Gone It.' 508-668-6033. Free.

Jack Canfield, April 17, 7 p.m., Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Sq., Woonsocket, RI. Presents "The Success Principles - How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to be." Participants get motivated and learn the methods, strategies, activities, and excercises to achieve what they want. Book signing follows event. $51 to $99. stadiumtheatre.com or 401-762-4545.

Using Diaries and Letters for Genealogical Research, April 18, 9:15 a.m., 99 Newbury St., Boston. New England Historic Genealogical Society hosts. Free.

Book signing with Gil Santons and Gino Cappelletti, April 20, 2 to 4 p.m., Patriots Pro Shop, Patriot Place, Foxboro. Radio voices will sign copies of "A View from the Booth: Gil Santos and Gino Cappelletti - 25 Years of Broadcasting the New England Patriots."

Dalai Lama, May 2, 9:30 a.m., Gillette Stadium, Foxboro. Spiritual leader of Tibet and Nobel Peace Laureate will have two talks, starting at 9:30 with an introduction to Tibetan Buddhism and an afternoon session at 2 p.m. entitled "A Path to Peace and Happiness." Free parking. Funds raised benefit the construction of Heritage Center for the Tibetan Association of Boston. Tickets are for both sessions. $37.50, $75.50, $117.50. Tickets go on sale March 6, 10 a.m. ticktemaster.com or 866-448-7849.

New Visitor Welcome and Library Orientation, 10 a.m., May 2, 99 Newbury St., Boston. New England Historic Genealogical Society introduces members and nonmembers to their research library. You will have the opportunity to describe your research interests to one of the expert genealogists on staff. Free.

Working Without Limits: An Employment Summit, May 5, 8 to 11 a.m., Boston Newton Marriot Hotel, 2345 Commonwealth Ave., Newton. Business leaders share best practices, latest resources, and masureable benefits of employing people with disabilities. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. www.MAemployersummit.org.

Using NewEnglandAncestors.org, May 13, 10 a.m., 99 Newbury St., Boston. Lecture offers an overviews of the Web site and online databases. Free.

Crucial Waters, May 14, 7 p.m., Audubon Society of Rhode Island, Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope St., Bristol, RI. Presented by National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry. Showcases work from stories published in that months National Geographic magazine, the world's most endangered sea turtles. For ages 16 +. $10 members, $12 nonmembers. asri.org or 401-949-5454.

Former deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove and James Carville, May 27, 8 p.m., Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre, Boston. With Charlie Rose interviewing. Question and answer period follows. Part of the Speaker Series: The Minds that Move the World. $38 to $200. speakerseries2009.com or 866-348-9738.

Al Sharpton, June 9, 8 p.m., Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre, Boston. Question and answer period follows. With Lisa Ling and John Quinones; Soledad O'Brien interviewing. Part of the Speaker Series: The Minds that Move the World. $38 to $200. speakerseries2009.com or 866-348-9738.

Craft fairs/festivals

Indoor Yard Sale, April 24, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., April 25, 9 a.m. to noon, Bradford Lewis Hall, The United Church, 30 Common St., Walpole. Sale features collectibles, books, DVDs, videos, dishes, glassware, and mroe. No clothing or jewelry. Proceeds go to Church building maintenance programs. Free. 508-668-0551.

Annual Giant Flea Market/Crafts, April 25, Parish Center, St. Joseph Church, 1303 Mendon Rd., Cumberland, RI. Refreshments available. Free.

Outdoor/gardens

Woodcock Walk and Night Hike, April 9, 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk. Observe the aerial displays of the American Woodcock. Walk the trail just before dusk, listening for the unmistakable "peent" call coming from the male Woodcocks. After the woodcock show, participants take to the trails in a guided search for owls. Bring a flashlight. $8 member, $12 nonmember adults; $4 member and $6 nonmembers for children. Ages 6 and up. 401-949-5454 x 3041 or email programs@asri.org.

Harbor Seal Walk, April 11, 1 to 3 p.m., John Chafee Wildlife Sanctuary, North Kingstown, RI. Harbor seals are the most common marine mammals in Rhode Island waters. Join Fisherville naturalist Laura Carberry for a visit to the largest haul-out site in the state off Rome Point. Our walk is timed to the low tide, and we could see a hundred seals or more. It's about a one-mile walk each way between the parking lot and the end of Rome Point. Good walking shoes, warm clothes, and binoculars or spotting scopes will be helpful. No dogs. $8 member, $12 nonmember adults; $4 members, $6 nonmembers for children. Ages 8 and up. 401-949-5454 x 3041 or email programs@asri.org.

Ponkapoag Mud Stomp, April 11, 1 p.m., Ponkapoag Golf Course, 2167 Washington St., Canton. Stomp through mud and puddles along the pond edge and woodlandson 4 mile trek. Lasts two hours. Ages 8 and up. 617-698-1802 or mass.gov/dcr

Warblers of Southern New England, April 30, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk. Join an Audubon expert and learn about many aspects of our most colorful group of birds. Identification tips will be covered as well as details of their life history such as preferred habitat, behavior and voice. Meet on the second floor of the Nature Center at Caratunk. $8 members, $12 nonmembers. Ages 16 and up only. 401-949-5454 x 3041 or email programs@asri.org.

Blue Hills Skyline Hike, May 3, 9 a.m. Rugged 8 mile trek along Skyline Trail. Must be an experienced hiker. Sturdy hiking boots required. Bring lunch and water bottle. Ages 15 and up, lasts 5 to 6 hours. Free. Registration required. 617-698-1802 or mass.gov/dcr

Spring Wildflower Wander, May 9, 1 p.m., Ponkapoag Golf Course, 2467 Washington St., Canton. Search for woodland flowers as you hike the trails of Blue Hill.s Ages 12 and up, lasts 2 and half hours. Free. 617-698-1802.

Kite Festival, May 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., part of the Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center open house. Amazing view, history, and fun activities at the oldest continually operating weather observatory in the country. Free. 617-698-0562 or bluehill.org.

Mountain Bike Discovery Day, May 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Houghton's Pond Picnic Site #5, Blue Hills River Road, Milton. Guided rides for all ages and abilities. Skill clinics throughout the day. Bring own bike and helmets are required. Free. 617-698-1802 x 310.

17th Annual Against the Tide, June 20, Hopkinton State Park, Hopkinton. One-mile swim, two-mile kayak, three-mile fitness walk to benefit Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition. Participants should raise minimum of $150. Will also be held on Aug. 15 at the Nickerson State Park in Brewster.www.againstthetidembcc.org

Tuesday Morning Bird Walk, 8 to 10:30 a.m., every Tues. Meet at the Charlestown Mini-Super on Route 1-A. Led by Phil Budlong. Free.

Blue Hills Adult Walking Club, 1 p.m., alternating Saturday and Sunday weekly. Walks 2 to 5 miles, and for 16+. Location changes every week. Meeting at: Houghton's Pond, March 15; Donovan School in Randolph March 22; Trailside Museum in Milton, March 28; Shea Rink in Quincy, April 4; Trailside Museum, April 12; Houghton's Pond in Milton, April 18; Ponkapoag Golf Course in Canton, April 26; Houghton's Pond in Milton, May 2; Little Blue Hill in Canton, May 10; Wilson Mountain Reservation on Rte. 135; May 17; Shea Rink in Quincy, May 23; Houghton's Pond in Milton, May 30.

New Dawn Earth Center, 75 Wrentham Rd., Cumberland, RI. 270 acre of wooded open space, wetlands, ponds. 401-333-1341 or newdawnearthcenter.org.

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

Arts & crafts

Rag and Bone Bindery Studio Open House, 1088 Main St., Pawtucket. 401-728-0762 or ragandbone.com.

Community Quilting, every Thurs., 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., New England Quilt Museum, 18 Shattuck St., Lowell. 978-452-4207 x19.