May 6-8: Flowers, Dance, and Sand Crafts

Whether your mom wants some alone time or family fun this Mother's Day weekend, we've got you covered. Here are a few of the most compelling events in and around Darien this weekend:

• Where: , 274 Middlesex Rd., Darien
• When: Friday, May 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Why go: Not sure what to get for mom yet? Pick up a lovely plant or two at the DCA's annual sale. Gardeners will also be on hand to offer some advice.
• Price: Free

Astronomy Nights

• Where: Stamford Museum
• When: Friday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m.
• Why go: Want to know more about life on planets far, far away? Here's your chance. A speaker will offer insights into the planet Venus and then take attendees up to the museum's observatory for a peek into the telescope.
• Price: $3 for adults, $2 for children under 12 years old; museum members can attend for free

• Where: Ballet Etudes, 104 Wall St., Norwalk
• When: Saturday, May 7 at 1:00 p.m.
• Why go: Hear former ballerina and dance critic Jennifer Homans discuss her book Apollo's Angels, which traces the cultural history of ballet. If you're passionate about dance, this shouldn't be missed.
• Price: Free 

Make Your Own Sand Madela

• Where: Stepping Stones Museum
• When: Saturday, May 7 at 2:00 p.m.
• Why go: Learn about this fascinating Tibetan tradition of creating art with colored sand. Children will also have the opportunity to make their own mandela to take home.
• Price: Free with museum admission ($12 per adult, $10 for seniors over 62. Children under 1 are free)

• Where: Clover Hill Waldorf School, 2 Emerson St., Norwalk
• When: Saturday, May 7 at 2:00 p.m.
• Why go: A mom-turned-filmaker turns her camera on the culture of achievement in America's schools. Along the way, she meets burnt-out kids, teachers and experts who argue that the high pressure education environment is destroying children's love of learning. Afterwards, a panel of educators (including Middlesex Middle School counselor Anthony Pavia) will be on hand to answer questions.
• Price: $10 per person. Buy your tickets in advance here. 

Twelve Dancing Princesses

• Where: Benjamin Franklin Community Center, 165 Flax Hill Rd., Norwalk
• When: Saturday, May 7 at 2:30 p.m.; Sunday, May 8 at 11:00 a.m.
• Why go: Clock some mother-daughter time this weekend at this fairy tale show about a widowed king in search of a suitor for his oldest daughter. The king and his 12 daughters put potential matches through a dizzying array of tests and riddles. 
• Price: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $7 for students