Special events - Slavery in Rhode Island, through March 29, 6 p.m., Providence Public Library. Documents include runaway slave posters, newspaper advertisements, slave auctions, slave narratives, abolition pamphlets, indenture documents, bills of sale, state laws, and manumission papers. Open during regular library hours. www.provlib.org

Asylum Seekers, March 12, 9 to 11 p.m., Liquid Lounge, 165 Angell St., Providence. Audition live with a crazy dance, song, jingle, reading or performance at Asylum Seeker Party. Grand prize winner is next "Internet Sensation" and the "Sole Performer" in the video for the song from the film "Crazy Like This."

Blogs, Bews, and Belly Laughs, March 13, 6:30 p.m., Speed of Thought Playhouse, 39 North Washington St., North Attleboro. Begins with meet and greet in Speed of Thought Playhouse of bloggers. With Andrew Bennett. Free wi-fi, so bring wi-fi enabled device. STOP will perform at 8:30 p.m. $10 to stay for improv show. www.benspark.com/blogs-brews-and-belly-laughs.html.

Hearts and Hands for Hope Cabaret, March 13, 7 p.m., Shaw's Center, 1 Lexington Ave., Brockton. Benefit for victims services. GQ & The Lady, featuring Linda Calise, provides entertainment. Cocktail hour, piano music by Gerry Gottschalk, dancing, cash bar, hors d'oeuvres, silent and live auctions. Will also honor 23 community members. $50. 508-583-6498.

St. Patrick's Day at Patriot Place, March 14,15, 17, Patriot Place, Foxboro. LIFE IS GOOD, March 14, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., face painting, balloons, trivia, scavenger hunt, free food and drink at the store with Suzanne McNeil providing tunes from 2 to 5 p.m.; IRISH STEP DANCERS, March 15, 3 p.m., SELECTION PARTY, CBS Scene, 6 p.m., March 15; GREEN WINE TASTING, March 17, 6 to 8 p.m., Win Bar and Bistro; SAW DOCTORS, March 17, Showcase Live. www.Patriot-Place.com The Folk Brothers with Ron McLarty, March 14, 7 p.m., Stone Soup Coffeehouse, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 50 Park Place, Pawtucket, RI. The Folk Brothers, Jack Hardy and David Massengill, perform and author/actor and RI native Ron McLarty reads and discusses his books. Concert starts at 8 p.m. $15, available at door or through www.stonesoupcoffeehouse.com.

Smuckers on Ice's On the Edge, March 14, 3 p.m., Dunkin Donuts Center, Providence. Featuring Olympic silver medalist Sasha Cohen and bronze medalist Jeffrey Buttle. $25 and up, starsonice.com or 401-331-2211. Portion of each ticket benefits the Boys & Girls Club of America.

Prom Expo 2009, March 14, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Emerald Sq. Mall, Level 2, North Attleboro. Local men and women will model the latest fashion trends during two shows at noon and 3 p.m. Also features prize giveaways, tanning information, and hair style demonstration, and local businesses. New England Patriots Cheerleaders meet and greet from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Selection Sunday, March 15, 6 p.m., CBS Scene, Patriot Place, Foxboro. Fans can fill out their tournament brackets with the help of CBS Sports' College Basketball Studio Crew, Greg Gumbel, Greg Anthony, and Seth Davis. Interactive Q&A session with them live via satellite from CBS Sports' New York studio. They will make predictions on who will advance and answer questions from the crowd. Starts after the announcement of the NCAA field of 65 on the NCAA Basketball Championship Selection Show at 6 p.m. 508-203-2200 or visit www.CBSScene.com.

South Shore Model Railway Club Open House and Train Show, March 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Building 51, Bare Cove Park, 19 Fort Hill St., Hingham and also on the other side of the rail station, South Shore Country Club, 274 South St., Hingham. Rail movies, white elephant table, demonstration clinics and more. $5 adults, $2 seniors, children 5-12, free for children under 5. 781-740-2000 or ssmrc.org.

Spring Fashion Show, March 22, 5 p.m., The Chateau Restaurant, 48 Bay Road, Norton. Fashions by Posh of Easton, beauty by makovers salon and spa. Raffles, goods for sale, and other surprises. $26. 508-297-1439 or 508-230-2666.

Pumpernickle Puppets, March 23, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Plainville Senior center, School St., Plainville. Seniors can bring their grandchildren and great-grandchildren for a fun filled morning. Supported by grant from the Plainville Cultural Council, which is supported by the Mass. Cultural Council.

Chuck Klosterman, March 25, 7 p.m. doors, The Cavern Club at Hard Rock Cafe, 22 Clinton St., Boston. Spoken word, music and Q&A. rockonconcerts.com or 1-866-468-7619.

The Home Show, March 26 through 19, R.I. Convention Center, Providence. Celebrating 60 years with 300 exhibitors and children's events. Rejuvenation Night Thurs. through Sat., 6 to 9 p.m., relax free spa treatments, wine, cheese, and chocolate. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $3 children 6-12, children 5 and under free. For special events during show, go to ribahomeshow.com.

Globetrotters, March 26, The Ryan Center, One Lincoln Almond Plaza, Kingston, RI. $102, $46, $32, $24. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com Network/Netplay Cafe, March 26, 9 p.m., McGovern's on the Water, 310 Shove St., Fall River. A way for women to connect, have fun, and make a difference. Tara Crawford Roth, certified intuitive Business and Life Coach, is the speaker. Includes fruit, cheese, cracker reception, soup, dinner, dessert, coffee, tax, tip, and presentation. Open to women 21+ from in around Rhode Island. $20 members, $30 nonmembers. www.wcswans.com or 401-694-1284.

Globetrotters, March 28, Dunkin Donuts Center, Providence. $118, $52, $35, $28, $23. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com

Flower Power, April 2 through 5, Attleboro Art Museum, Attleboro. 508-222-2644 or attleboroartsmuseum.org.

Big Apple Circus: Play On!, April 4 through May 3, City Hall Plaza, Boston. One ring circus. $20 to $65. 888-541-3750 or bigapplecircus.org.

An Evening with David Sedaris, April 6, 8 p.m., Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence. Book signing before performance at 6:30 p.m. $33, $43, $50.50, $60.50. ppacri.org or 401-421-ARTS.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Poetry

Poetry in the Village, 3rd Wednesday of every month, 6 to 8 p.m., Blanding Library, Goff Memorial Hall, 124 Bay State Road, Rehoboth. Open Mic sign ups starts at 5:30, feature poets, refreshments. For more information email nlmboucher@comcast.net. CLAUDIA GRACE, March 18.

Poetry at Main St. Cafe, last Wednesday of each month, 6 to 8:30 p.m., 122 Main St., Easton. poetryman@comcast.net

Brockton Poetry Series, third Saturday of each month, noon to 4 p.m., Brockton Public Library, 304 Main St., Brockton. Open mic, free poetry workshop.

Lectures

The Reconstruction of Lisbon: Severa's Legacy and the Fado's Rewriting of Urban History, March 12, 5 p.m., Liberal Arts Building, UMass Dartmouth. By Professor Michael Colvin. 508-999-8255 or email greis@umassd.edu or www.portstudies.umassd.edu.

The Alien in Me, March 14, 2 p.m., Border's Book Store, 1212 S. Washington St., North Attleboro. Author book signing and jewelry display. Poetry by a person with Asperger's Syndrome. By Michal Maoz.

Irish Titan, Irish Toilers, March 15, 1:30 p.m., Museum of Work and Culture, Market Sq., Woonsocket, RI. URI Professor Scott Molloy speaking on his new book Irish Titan, irish Toilers: Joseph Banigan and 19th Century New England Labor. Banigan is Rhode Island's first Irish millionaire and founder of US Rubber. Free. 401-769-9675 or rihs.org

Marguerite Davol, March 19, 4 to 5 p.m., Bridgewater State College, Moakley Center Auditorium. Will discuss experiences as a teacher and a children's book author. Books available for purchase and she will be signing books. $3.

The Naked Quaker: True Comes and Controversies from the Courts of Colonial New England, March 19, 7:30 p.m., Carpenter Museum, 4 Locust St., Rehoboth. Diane Rapaport speaks about her new book. Tales from pre-Revolutionary court records. www.carpentermuseum.org

Adventure in Botanical History, March 21, 1:30 p.m., Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum, Boston. Anna Pavord, author leads. $15 general, $12 seniors, $5 members, free for college students. Tickets include admission to the galleries and special exhibition gallery. 617-278-5156 or gardnermuseum.org.

The Social Archaeology of Bronze Age China, March 27, 7 to 8 p.m., Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. Based on the book "Chinese Society in the Age of Confucious" by Lother con Falkenhausen. www.worcesterart.org.

Al Gore, March 30, 8 p.m., Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre, Boston. 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.

Design as Social Agent, April 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., . Brings together speakers from the fields of design, street art, music, and politics. Frames Shephard Fairey's work. $25, $25 for ICA, AIGA members, and students and seniors. icaboston.org or 617-478-3103.

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.

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.

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

Antique and Collectible Sale, March 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. John Neumann Parish Hall, Rte. 18, Middleboro Rd., East Freetown. Hosted by St. John Neumann Womens Guild. Continental breakfast and lunch will be served. Snow date is March 21. Free.

43 Annual Auction, March 21, 8:30 a.m., Central Congregational Church, 115 Commonwealth Ave., North Attleboro. Browse books, toys, kitchenware, dish sets, glassware, seasonal decorative items and more. Dave Nicholson begins auction at 9:30 a.m. showcasing paintings, furniture, excerise equipment, antiques, and collectibles. Seating provided, food and beverages can be purchased. 508-699-7700.

CraftBoston Spring 2009, March 27-29, The World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston. Featuring 175 contemporary craft artists. 617-266-1810 or craftboston.org.

Rummage Sale, March 27, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., March 28, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bradford Lewis Hall, The United Church, 30 Common St., Walpole Center. Features used clothing, jewelry, shoes, linens, and accessories. On Saturday fill a brwon grocery bag for $5. 508-668-0551.

Outdoor/gardens

Maple Days at Sturbridge Village, through March 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Old Sturbridge Village. Saturdays and Sundays only. See maple surgaring as it was done in the early 19th century New England. Experience the entire sugar-making process, from tapping the trees to sugaring off in a household. osv.org or 800-733-1830.

Maple Sugaring Festival, March 15, 21, 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Moose Hill Reservation, 293 Moose Hill St., Sharon. Ninety minute outdoor guided tour. Visit Native American and colonial sites. Folks portray characters from the pastas they go about their daily chores including making maple syrup. Taste authentic maple syrup. Walking tours leave every 15 minutes. $7 advance, $8 day of. Pre-registration is recommended. Children under three free. 781-784-5691.

Spring Ahead at Elm Bank, March 29, 1 p.m., 900 Washington St., Rte. 16, Wellesly. Easy stroll looking for skunk cabbage, mourning cloak butterflies, and other signs of springs. Ages 6 and up. Gather at parking lot C. Free. 617-698-1802 or mass.gov/dcr

Bird Fest 2009, April 4, 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Coastal Institute, University of Rhode Island Bay Campus, Narragansett, RI. A day of walks, talks, exhibits, and demonstrations. Activities range from live bird and optics demonstrations to guided walks in search early migrants. Speakers include Marshall Illiff from Cornell, and Scott Comings of The Nature Conservancy. Lunch is included, pre-registration is required. $30 member, $35 nonmember for adults; $20 member, $25 nonmember for children ages 12 through 17. For ages 12 and up. 401-949-5454 x 3041 or email emarks@asri.org or jlewis@asri.org.

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.

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.