Five Reasons to Leave the House This Weekend

Via YouTube/Comedy Central

Stand-Up
Demetri Martin at the Wilbur

Though this comedian had a quiet start in New York, his fame has grown to new levels thanks to his starring role in Taking Woodstock, among other work. Characterized by his many different talents, Martin’s shows are cleverly unpredictable, branching out into new areas of comedy. A mix of linguistic and cultural smarts, combined with his uniquely intellectual bits, Martin’s jokes spark more than just dumbed down laughter. Give in to the quirkier side of indie culture this weekend with Martin, whose new book Point Your Face at This just came out this week.

$43.70, Friday, March 22, 7:30 & 10 p.m., The Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St., 617-248-9700, thewilburtheatre.com

Comedy
Women in Comedy Festival

With Tina Fey and Amy Poehler hosting one of the most-watched events of the season, the Golden Globes, the prowess of female comics is steadily growing. At the Fifth Annual Women in Comedy Festival, local and national comedians will come together to bridge the gender gap in comedy. Among performers will be Massachusetts native turned national star, Rachel Dratch. With performances of all types from stand-up to musical comedy, and workshops and panels to discuss the finer details of the business, this event is an in-depth look into the different components that bring on your roaring laughter. Spend the day laughing, learn about the business, or try your hand at comedic skill with one of the workshops offered. See the event website for more details on specific show times and locations.

Various prices, Thursday-Sunday, March 21-24, various locations, womenincomedyfestival.com

Dance
The Sleeping Beauty at Boston Ballet

Let yourself drift into the fantasy of a beauty’s slumber, and enter the dream that is this production by the Boston Ballet. Telling an internationally known storyline, the Boston Ballet’s unique performance of The Sleeping Beauty has made the piece a trademark for the company. Though American versions of the story tend to stay grounded, this particular performance soars to senstational levels with excellent costumes and sets designed by David Walker from the Royal Ballet. The Boston Opera House elevates the extravagance of the production as the Ballet’s new home matches creative beauty with regal surroundings. See this season’s adaptations at the opening of the rendition this weekend.

Starts Friday, March 22-April 7, Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., 617-259-3400, bostonballet.org

Culture
Nowruz: The Persian New Year Festival at the MFA

This weekend at the MFA, admission to the museum brings more than the regular art experience. With each New Year’s comes a New Day, which is the meaning of Nowruz, the Persian New Year celebration. Help welcome this fresh start in the Iranian calendar with a musical performance by the Amir Vahab Ensemble, a screening of the film No Men Allowed, a performance by the Iranian Dance Artists, and more. Your children can learn about the Persian alphabet with seven items starting with the letter seen at the “Haft-Seen” table. With multiple gallery talks and tours, this one-time experience will give an in-depth look into a cultural tradition.

Free with admission, Sunday, March 24, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., 617-267-9300, mfa.org

Music
James Galway Legacy Tour

Sir James Galway will bring his flute sensations to Symphony Hall for a lovely Sunday afternoon performance with Mozart, Debussey’s “Claire de Lune,” Irish folk songs, and more. Galway is known worldwide for his divisive treatment of beautiful classics, earning him more than 30 million albums sold throughout his career. An installation of the Celebrity Series of Boston, Galway comes to Boston for a stop on his Legacy Tour. Including overwhelming pieces from great visionaries to folk performances on the penny whistle, this event highlights the mastery of the famous artist as well as his versatility. Galway will also be accompanied by friends, making the performance all the more spectacular.

$30+, Sunday, March 24, 2:30 p.m., Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., 617-266-1200, bso.org