Performances
Paquita in the Park, this socially distanced, outdoor performance line-up will include Being Here with Other People, choreographed by Ballet Memphis Artistic Director, Steven McMahon set to the music of Beethoven, Water of the Flowery Mill by Matthew Neenan, and the grand Paquita, a classic work staged by Julie Marie Niekrasz and Steven McMahon. Food trucks will be on site. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, and enjoy an evening of dance under the stars. $15. Friday-Saturday, April 9-10, 7 p.m. Levitt Shell, 1928 Poplar. balletmemphis.org.
Neat, the story of an urban African-American girl bursting into adulthood, experiencing first love, and embracing both black pride and feminism. $150 for four seats. Opens Friday, April 16, 7:30 p.m., continues Saturdays, Sundays, 2 p.m., and Fridays, 7:30 p.m. through May 9. Hattiloo Theatre, 37 S. Cooper. 502-3486.
Working: A Musical. features an exciting, eclectic score that juxtaposes individual sang and spoken stories, showing us a glimpse at how Americans view work. Free with registration. Wednesday-Saturday, April 21-24, 7:30-9 p.m. 678-2576. memphis.edu/theatre.
30 Days of Opera, participate in the virtual version of this annual festival featuring virtual events, drive-thru arias, and more. Free. April 1- 30. Opera Memphis, 6745 Wolf River. operamemphis.org. 257-3100.
Music on the Square: "Caged," artist fellows will perform a live outdoor performance featuring a live premiere of “Caged.” Composer, Brian Nabors will attend and give an exclusive introduction to his work. Free with registration. Sunday, April 11, 3 p.m. Overton Square, 2101 Madison. memphissymphony.org.
Legally Blonde the Musical, Jr., follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. landerscenter.com. $15. Friday, April 9, 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 10, 2 & 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 11, 2 p.m. DeSoto Family Theatre at Landers Center, 4560 Venture, Southaven, MS. 662-280-6546.
Museum and Gallery Events
Artist reception for "Assessments," an exhibition of work by Maritza Davila and Carl E. Moore, an evaluation addressing the series of events that took place in the previous year 2020. Free. 2021 Projects, 55 S. Main. Saturday, April 10, 1-3 p.m. 2021projects.com.
Virtual reception for "Measured Making: The 150mm Challenge," exhibition of work by amateur and professional blacksmiths who each turned a 150mm steel rectangle into something spectacular. During this virtual reception, the Museum will provide live viewing of artworks exhibited. Free. Sunday, April 18, 2-3 p.m. Online from the Metal Museum, metalmuseum.org. 774-6380.
"Victorians & Dinosaurs," Steve Masler will talk about what the Victorians thought about dinosaurs and how it affected Victorian life in this enlightening talk. $10. Sat., April 17, 6 p.m. Mallory-Neely House Museum, 652 Adams. memphismuseums.org.
Family Friendly
Dinosaur Adventure Drive-Thru, travel back 60 million years to experience the prehistoric age and all of its dinosaurs. Encounter a massive, 40-foot T-rex, confront a pack of wild Velociraptors, and more from the safety of your vehicle. $49 per car. Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, 335 S. Hollywood. Friday, April 16, 1-8 p.m., Wednesday, April 21, 1-8 p.m., Thursday, April 22, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., and Friday, April 23, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sundays, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. through April 25. dinosauradventrue.com.
Chimes Square Family Movie Nights, enjoy family-friendly movies on an outdoor screen with state-of-the-art surround sound. Tipsy Tumbler will be onsite selling adult beverages. Free. Overton Square, 2101 Madison. Fridays, 8 p.m. through June 4. April 9: Mrs. Doubtfire; April 16: Forrest Gump; April 23: 12 Angry Men; April 30: Dirty Dancing; May 7: Back to the Future; May 14: To Kill a Mockingbird; May 21: Dumb & Dumber; May 28: Pride & Prejudice (2005); June 4: How to Train your Dragon. overtonsquare.com.
Glide Rides, attendees should be able to ride for about an hour at an easy pace. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Arrive early to borrow a bike, and air up the tires if needed. Free. South Memphis Farmers Market, corner of Mississippi Boulevard and South Parkway East. Saturdays, through April 24, 10:30 a.m. thworkscdc.org.
Family Learning at the Garden (FLAG), hands-on garden experience — discovery, exploration, family craft projects — will supplement distance learning and homeschool curriculum. $8 members, $10 nonmembers. Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon. Continues through May 28. Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry. 636-4100.
Rajun Cajun Crawfish To Go, Porter-Leath is celebrating 28 years of Rajun Cajun Crawfish with a two-day crawfish drive-thru. Enjoy awesome music from local talent, R2DJ, as you experience drive-thru crawfish to go. Saturday, April 17, noon-5 p.m. Minglewood Hall, 1555 Madison and Sunday, April 18. noon-5 p.m. Malco Cordova Cinema, 1080 N. Germantown Parkway. rajuncajunmemphis.org.
Saturday Hikes with the Biologist, discover the treasures of the forest. Meet at the lodge, wear hiking shoes or boots, and bring water and snacks or lunch depending on the hike. In the event of inclement weather, the event will reschedule. For more information or to RSVP, email charity@camppinecrest.org. $5 per person. Saturdays, April 10 and May 15, noon. Pinecrest Camp, 21430 Highway 57, Moscow, TN. 878-1247.
Spring Blooms at the Garden, explore what’s blooming at the Garden. Featuring activities for the whole family, horticultural features, and food trucks. Masks and social distancing are required. Free with admission. Saturdays, 11 a.m. April 10: Southern Delights; April 17: Irises. Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry. memphisbotanicgarden.com. 636-4100.
Camp Expo, meet area camp staff at Memphis Parent's 2021 Camp Expo - and learn more about your choices for summer, and fall camps, and extra-curricular activities. Free. Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. FedEx Event Center at Shelby Farms, 415 Great View. memphisparent.com.
For a full listing, check out our calendar of events. Also, check the Memphis Parent Facebook Page for information and giveaways. Be sure to tag your favorite family-fun Instagram photos with the #memphisparent hashtag. I hope you have a great week.