Five Reasons to Leave the House This Weekend

Art in Bloom, at the Museum of Fine Arts, Photograph © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

EXHIBIT
Art in Bloom

Over 50 garden clubs were given an interesting assignment: Interpret a piece in the Museum of Fine Arts Boston as a floral arrangement. Now you can tour the MFA and see the fresh floral designs, go to flower arrangement demonstrations, or listen to a lecture about organic gardening. Jerry Parsons, Chair of Art in Bloom, says that the show reminds viewers that floral design is a form of art. Plus, after a long winter, some bright flowers may be just what you need. 

Free with museum entry, Saturday, April 30-Monday, May 2, Times vary, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, mfa.org. 

Erin Wall, as Hanna Glawari, dances with Roger Honeywell, Hanna’s love interest, Count Danilo, during rehearsal for BLO’s new production of The Merry Widow running April 29-May 8 at the Citi Shubert Theater. Photo by Melissa Blackall

THEATER
The Merry Widow

It’s 1913 in Paris, on the eve of World War I, when a wealthy woman is left a widow. Of course, everyone wants her to find the right husband—and no one is without ulterior motives. Boston Lyric Opera presents this operetta, composed by Franz Lehár. Esther Nelson, BLO’s Stanford Calderwood General & Artistic Director, said in a press release, “The sparkling music combined with the witty book, harnessing the Zeitgeist of the end of an era, makes this a timeless masterpiece.”

$25-$235, Friday, April 29, 7:30 p.m., Shubert Theatre, 265 Tremont St., Boston, citicenter.org.

FILM FESTIVAL
The Independent Film Festival Boston

The Independent Film Festival Boston is bringing what WBUR is calling an “impressively eclectic selection” of narratives, documentaries, and shorts to the city. Former Office star and Newton native John Krasinski directed and starred in the festival’s opening movie, The Hollars, a story about a man approaching fatherhood and confronting his parents’ mortality, which premiered last night. But you can also see The Eyes of My Mother, a Sundance hit horror film shot in black and white, or Who Is Lydia Loveless?, a documentary about the country singer. You can go to panels on a wide range of topics, like diversity in documentary films, and socialize at a few parties.

$12 (Regular screening box office ticket), $11 (Regular screening online ticket), Thursday April 27-Wednesday May 4, times and locations vary, iffboston.org. 

Boston Ballet in Mikko Nissinen’s Swan Lake; photo by Rosalie O’Connor, courtesy of Boston Ballet

DANCE
Swan Lake

Boston Ballet Company is performing the iconic Sawn Lake.  In this classic ballet, Princess Odetta is under a tragic curse that transforms her into a swan. Watch as dancers gracefully leap and twirl across the stage, spinning a romantic and dream-like tale. When Boston Ballet’s artistic director, Mikko Nissinen, premiered his take on Swan Lake in 2014, The Boston Globe called it “enchanting.”

$45-$220, Friday, April 29, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 30, 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday, May 1, 1:00 p.m., Boston Opera House, 39 Washington St., Boston, bostonballet.org.

South End Open Market image provided

FESTIVAL
Opening Day at South End Open Market

Bask in the sun and shop local at the South End Open Market’s first day of the season. Formerly the South End Open Markets at SoWa, the market has since moved to Ink Block. Browse the arts market for unique handmade pieces, or buy some local veggies at the farmers market. Come hungry, there will be 15 food trucks with endless options from tasty tacos to savory pizza.

Free, Sunday, May 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 375 Harrison Ave., Boston, newenglandopenmarkets.com.