Five Things to Do This Weekend

It’s Thursday, the weekend is right around the corner. Patch has your back with a few fun things to do. Check our picks for the activities to hit and some places to explore. Here's what's happening in and around your city.

OPEN MIC

Where/When: Mansfield Music and Arts Society Black Box Theatre & Morini Gallery, 377 N. Main St, Mansfield/Friday, April 15, 7 to 10 p.m.

What is it? April’s open mic theme is ‘Tax Man,’ a tribute to the Beatles. Performing to the theme is optional. Music, poetry and comedy suitable for a general audience are welcome. For advanced sign-up contact Rudy at openmic@mmas.org.

Price: $10 for the audience, $5 for performers.

GET OUTDOORS DAY

Where/When: , 290 W. Main St., Norton/Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

What is it? The free event is part of the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day™ – the nation’s largest health day for families. Activities will include family relay races, family exercise programs, games, crafts and more. Staff from the Massachusetts Audubon Oak Knoll and Attleboro Springs sanctuaries will lead guided nature hikes through the fields and woodlands of the Y’s 80-acre recreational facility. The Norton Fire Department will provide information about summer safety while offering kids a chance to explore one of the department trucks. Trinity Bar & Restaurant will present a seminar and recipes about healthy snacks, while Norton Kayak Company will be on site with dry-land activities about boating safety. For more information, call 508-226-7700 or visit attleboroymca.org.

SPRING CRAFT FAIR

Where/When: Walpole VFW, 108 Robbins Road/Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

What is it? This fair will include local artisans with unique crafts including handcrafted jewelry, paper crafts, doll clothes, handbags, homemade soaps and candles, children's items, dried floral arrangements, calligraphy, portrait artist and more. There will be free door prize tickets with admission, and lunch available in the pub. For more information visit http://www.creativecraftshows.webs.com or email creativecraftshows@gmail.com.

Price: Adults, $1; seniors, .50; kids, free.

BEST BUDS CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL

Where/When: , 26 E. Main St., Norton/Saturday, April 16, noon to 3 p.m.

What is it? The Best Buds Children's Carnival invites children ages 3 through 7 to celebrate the month of the child. It is the 80th birthday of the Elisabeth Amen Nursery School and Norton's  300th anniversary. Booths will be hosted by Wheaton College students including dancing, crafts, face painting, music, carnival food, finger painting and more. For more information visit call 508-285-8220 or email mwerner@wheatonma.edu.

SPRING EGG HUNT

Where/When: Town Forest on Plain Street/Saturday, April 16, 1 p.m.

What is it? Kids ages 2 through 8 should bring their baskets to collect some treats the Easter Bunny leaves behind. For more information visit http://www.nortonparksandrec.com/.