It’s Thursday, and the weekend is right around the corner. Patch has your back with a few fun things to do. Check our picks for the activities to hit and some places to explore. Here's what's happening in and around your town.

1. Historical Society Pansy Festival

• Where/when: Needham Historical Society, 1147 Central Ave., Needham; Saturday, April 14, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Why go: Pansies are Needham’s official flower, and April is Pansy Month. The Needham Historical Society will be selling pansies all month long, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit society's programs and activities. A the Historical Society’s Pansy Festival on Saturday, April 14, visitors can shop from a selection of pansies, enjoy planting workshops and shop from herbs and perennials, gifts and books and a bake sale. For kids there will be a coloring contest and a scavenger hunt.
• Pricing: Free admission; pansies cost $3.50 for a six-plant flat

2. Pansy Days Deals

• Where/when: Participating stores around Needham; Saturday, April 14
• Why go: In honor of the 30th annual Pansy Festival on April 14, several Needham businesses will be running special deals this weekend, indicated by the display of a pansy. Shoppers who see a pansy in or at a store while shopping in Needham should expect to see some kind of promotion—for example, Perennial Designs will offer a “buy one, get one 30 percent off” sale on silk flowers, and Taylor’s Stationery will offer 10 percent off all purchases on in-stock regular priced items. 
• Pricing: Special deals

3. Needham Art Association Opening Reception

• Where/when: Prudential Advantage Real Estate, 1089 Great Plain Ave., Needham; Saturday, April 14, 1-4 p.m.
• Why go: The members of the Needham Art Association will be exhibiting their original artwork in the lower level of Prudential Realty in Needham. Their paintings will be on display from April 2-30. Viewing hours will on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no admission fee for this first spring show at this location. There will be an opening reception with light refreshments on Saturday, April 14 from 1-4 p.m. where awards will be given out to winning artists. The public is invited to attend. Learn more at www.needarts.org.  
• Pricing: Free

4. “The Fantasticks”

• Where/when: The Fiddlehead Theatre, 619 High St., Dedham; Friday, April 13 at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 14 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 15 at 2 p.m.
• Why go: Catch a very rare performance of one of the most successful and longest running Broadway musical right in your backyard. This show features the classic elements of a great show—and one that you don't want to miss.
• Pricing: $25 for adults and $22 for seniors; purchase online

5. Take a Hike/Have a Picnic

• Where/when: DeFazio Park, Ridge Hill Reservation Cutler Park, Horsford Pond Recreation Area, Hemlock Gorge Reservation, Mills Field, Riverside Park; open daily dawn to dusk
• Why go: You don’t have to go far to enjoy the great outdoors. Needham is full of beautiful places perfect for playing, picnicking, walking or just relaxing with a good book under a warm spring sun. Saturday is looking like the best day to spend outdoors, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 71 degrees. Sunday may bring showers, with cloudy skies, but a high near 72. Check out the park listings in the Patch Directory to find more information about parking, location and amenities.
• Pricing: Free; some areas have metered parking