Best Bets: 9 can't miss things to do this weekend, include music, Mother's Day events

May has arrived this week and that means that all manner of pre-summer activities are starting to kick into high gear.

If you are a fan of thoroughbred racing, Saturday's Kentucky Derby is bound to be on your calendar. For ideas on where to watch the race, check out our feature "Can't make it to Churchill Downs?

It's also Mother's Day this weekend, so if you are looking for a way to celebrate, we have a couple of suggestions for you as well.

And there are ample more ways to make the most of the weekend. Read on!

To get these ideas in your inbox every week, sign up for the Life in the 614 newsletter.

'Finding Harmony' at Lower.com Field

Want to be part of what's billed as the largest pop-up chorus in Columbus history? Get free tickets for “Finding Harmony,” which will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Lower.com Field, 96 Columbus Crew Way. David Brown, the founder and director of Columbus' Harmony Project, will work with 20,000 guests to form a musical chorus as part of a pilot for a music-based reality-TV show produced by ABC, Disney and John Legend's Get Lifted film company. No musical experience is required, and those who would prefer not to sing can just come along for the ride. Volunteers to help with the event are also welcome. (visit harmonyproject.com)

‘Doctor Strange’ movie opens

Before anyone had heard of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Sam Raimi was making movies with Marvel superheroes at their center: From 2002 to 2007, Raimi directed the original “Spider-Man” trilogy with Tobey Maguire. Now, with the MCU in full swing, Raimi brings his unique cinematic vision to tell the story of another noted Marvel character. In “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Dr. Stephen Strange. The supporting cast includes Elizabeth Olsen as the Scarlet Witch, Chiwetel Elijofor as Karl Mordo and Benedict Wong as Wong. The PG-13-rated movie opened Thursday in theaters throughout Greater Columbus.

'Spring Awakening' coming to Short North Stage

Adolescent angst, sexuality, morality and alternative rock ‘n’ roll combine passionately and poignantly in “Spring Awakening,” composer Duncan Sheik and author-lyricist Steven Sater’s hit musical about the struggles of young love in repressive 1891 Germany. Short North Stage announced late Wednesday evening that the Thursday and Friday performances originally scheduled have been canceled due to COVID-related concerns. The remaining performances this weekend — Saturday and Sunday — and the May 12 performance will go on as scheduled at the Garden Theater’s Mainstage, 1187 N. High St., but will now be considered previews. The official opening of the Tony-winning Broadway musical will now take place May 13 and the play will run through May 29. Tickets cost $39 to $54 at CBUSArts Ticket Center (614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com)

A Marcon sci-fi weekend full of fun

Marcon, Ohio’s oldest science fiction and fantasy convention, will conduct its 57th annual gathering of fans, authors, artists and scientists for a weekend of panel discussions, author signings, videos, karaoke, an art show and dealer’s room. Among the guest speakers: Nebula-Award-winning author Mary Turzillo (“Mars is No Place for Children”), Hugo- and Nebula-winning author Geoffrey A. Landis (“Mars Crossing, “Ripples in the Dirac Sea”). The convention will run 9 a.m. to midnight Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Crowne Plaza Columbus North, 6500 Doubletree Avenue. Masks are required. Admission at the door costs $70, $35 for children 12 and younger or $40 on Friday, $50 Saturday and $25 Sunday. For more information, email marchair2022@gmail.com or search Marcon’s Facebook page.

Marquee awards presentation happening Tuesday

Check out performances from some of the leading high school theater productions at the CAPA Marquee Awards at 7:30 p.m. May 10 at the Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St. Awards will be given in 11 categories, including outstanding direction, best musical production, backstage excellence and outstanding student orchestra, with nominees from 18 participating high schools. Performances will include some by nominees for best actor and actress in leading roles, as well as opening and closing numbers featuring nominees from all 18 schools participating in the program. Tickets: $25, or $15 for students. (614-469-0939, capa.com)

Central Ohio Folk Festival full of fun, music

Experience the range of folk music in Greater Columbus at the Central Ohio Folk Festival, held from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Highbanks Metro Park, 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center. Enjoy three stages of music, more than 30 music workshops, drum circles, Metro Parks displays, a beer garden and concession tent and more. Headlining the Saturday night performance will be the Way Down Wanderers. Admission is free; donations are welcome. (www.columbusfolkmusicsociety.org)

Herb Day features plant sale, food and more

Get a head start on the summer planting season at Herb Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Veterans Memorial Park, 73 W. Johnstown Road, Gahanna. The event, which recognizes the 50th anniversary of Gahanna's designation as the Herb Capital of Ohio, includes a plant sale, entertainment, talks by experts on herbs and kids' gardening, craft tables, food trucks and more. This year, it will be paired with the Herb n' Art Fair, showcasing work by the students of Gahanna Lincoln High School. Admission: free. (www.ohioherbcenter.org)

Modern dance for Mother’s Day

In something of an annual tradition in the Columbus arts scene, the Columbus Modern Dance Company (CoMo) will offer its 10th Mother’s Day performance at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Topiary Park, 480 E. Town St. In a performance tailored to the location, the troupe will weave through the topiaries meant to evoke Georges Seurat’s painting “Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.” During intermission, tea and cookies will be offered. The event is free, but those who wish to attend must register via Eventbrite. (www.comodance.org)

Celebrate Mother's Day with a special tea

Desserts and history are on the menu at the Mother's Day Tea to be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Adena Mansion, 847 Adena Road, Chillicothe. Enjoy tea and sweets while listening to local historian Mary Anne Brown discuss the Worthington women who used to occupy the mansion, which was built for senator and sixth Ohio governor Thomas Worthington. Mansion executive director Kathy Styer will also give a brief history of tea parties. Tickets cost $15 for members and $20 for non-members, and reservations are required. (adenamansion.com)

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Best Bets: 10 things to do this weekend in Greater Columbus