Fourth Massachusetts Poetry Festival

When/Where: 4 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday. 161 Essex Street, Salem.
Why: Poetry slams, literary magazine fairs, and programming from the Peabody Essex Museum are just a handful of the things you can expect at the three day poetry festival. Not to mention, of course, readings from nationally-known and local, emerging poets. Can't drive there? There will be a poetry train from Boston to Salem, providing both transport and another poetry venue.
Pricing: Free

La Traviata from the Royal Opera House, London

When/Where: Coolidge Corner Theatre, Saturday, 10 a.m.
Why: The ostentatious glitz and mortality of this play collide in the Richard Eyre production of this classic. As well as incredible performances, you can expect to see great shots of the French countryside, as well as getting to know the classic, famous story.
Pricing: $20

Party for the Planet at Franklin Park Zoo

When/Where: 10 a.m. at 1 Franklin Park Road, Sunday morning.
Why: Meet the creatures at Franklin Park Zoo, and learn a little about the history of the Girl Scouts while you're at it. This joint event is aimed at raising awareness of the planet's bounty, a new appreciation for the zoo's animals, and some info about the Scouts. 
Pricing: $16. 

The Chestnut Hill Pumping Engines

When/Where: Noon on Sunday, at the Metropolitan Waterworks Museum
Why: Marcis Kempe, MWRA engineer retells the past of the giant machines that make up the Waterworks Museum's exhibits. Here at the Museum are two of the best preserved and most impressive steam pumping engines in the country. Hear some stories of the past. 
Pricing: Free

Inside the College Admissions Office - Free Workshop

When/Where: Brookline High School, Sunday, 3 p.m. 
Why: College admission season is coming fast for more than a few kids out there. Want to get a leg up? A few words with Stephen Friedfeld, former admissions officer at Cornell and Princeton and Mark Greenstein, Founder of Ivy Bound just might help. The workshop is recommended for families with kids in 9th, 10th or 11th grade. 
Pricing: Free