Mother’s Day Weekend at Fernwood

Friday through Sunday

Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve, Niles, Mich.

Treat Mom to one of several activities at Fernwood Botancial Garden this weekend. National Public Gardens Day as well as the opening of the Lea Goldman exhibit is Friday. Visit the popular railway garden on Saturday — National Train Day — or learn about geocaching at a drop-in workshop by the GeoCats. A Mother’s Day brunch will be prepared by Chef Tim Carrigan Sunday, and the Lake Effect Winds band will perform at 4 p.m. Ladies receive a free plant Sunday while supplies last. Visit www.fernwoodbotanical.org or call (269) 695-6491.

Mother’s Day International Wine Tasting

5:30 p.m. Saturday

Niles Elks Club, Niles, Mich.

Enjoy wines from around the world, hors d’oeuvres and live music at the Niles Elks’ Mother’s Day International Wine Tasting. Band begins at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 and available at the Elks, or call (269) 683-0133.

Get Out There!

1 to 4 p.m. May 19

St. Patrick’s County Park, South Bend, Ind.

Ever wanted to learn to paddle a kayak, fly fish, play disc golf, throw a boomerang, shoot archery or geocache? St. Patrick’s County Park is offering beginner’s lessons for the public as part of the National Wildlife Federation’s “Be Out There” campaign, which encourages families to enjoy the outdoors. Cost is $7 per vehicle.

Third Annual Arts and Crafts Show

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 26

St. John United Church of Christ, New Buffalo, Mich.

From watercolor paintings created on-site, to stained glass lamps, to local beach glass and driftwood, the Third Annual Arts and Crafts Show in New Buffalo has something for everyone. This event is perfect for finding a gift or decorating your home. Admission is free and raffle tickets can be purchased for more than 40 items donated by local artists and crafters.

Jazz on a Summer’s Day

4 p.m. May 27 and every last Sunday through October

The Lakeside Inn, Lakeside, Mich.

Jazz on a Summer’s Day offers a unique opportunity to hear world renowned jazz musicians in a small, intimate venue on the Lake Michigan shore. The series debuts with The Velvet Trio (Avreeyal Ra, James Sanders and Harrison Bankhead) along with Thomas Buckner and Robert Dick.  This trio project will play original music paying tribute to the rich Chicago legacy of improvised music. Tickets are $15; visit www.portoluz.org.