Weekend Planner: The Best Events Around New York City

“Mr. Popper’s Penguins” at New Victory Theater

Starting this Friday, a waddle of penguins will take over the New Victory Theater during the Pins and Needles production of “Mr. Popper’s Penguins.” Based on the book by Richard and Florence Atwater, this new musical theater adaptation tells the tale of the Poppers, an ordinary couple who receive a penguin in the post and have their lives turned upside down. (Friday - Sunday) Photo: Pins and Needles Productions via Facebook

“Life’s a Real Dream” by LARD Dog and the Band of Shy at Symphony Space

Bring the whole family to Symphony Space on October 15th to enjoy “Life’s a Real Dream.” The show features a cartoon character who comes to life to take the audience on a journey. With music, comedy, and intrigue, you’re sure to love this catchy, audio-visual universe. The show is even interactive, so your little ones can partake in all the fun! (Saturday) Photo: symphonyspace.org

Madison Square Park's Kids Fest: Stages

Head to Madison Square Park for Kids Fest: Stages, a day of performing arts including music, dance, puppetry, theater, and magic for kids and their families. Three stages will feature performances by Sammie and Tudie’s Comedy Magic Circus, a comedy production by The Joshua Show, puppetry by Vít Horejš, Director of The Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre, and more. In addition to the entertainment, kids can enjoy face painting, lawn games, and instrument-making with the Little Orchestra Society. (Saturday) Photo: Jared T. Miller on Flickr

Día De Los Muertos at El Museo Del Barrio

Celebrate the Day of the Dead this year at El Museo Del Barrio! This annual Super Sábado event, which honors family members and friends who have passed away, includes art-making workshops, face painting for ages 12 and under, a musical procession beginning in Central Park, storytelling, and a dance performance by Mazarte Dance Company. (Saturday) Photo: elmuseo.org

“You're A Good Man Charlie Brown” at Calhoun School

Enjoy live performance of the popular 1967 Broadway musical comedy "You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown" by Out of the Box Theatrics. Learn about a day life of Charlie Brown and his friends. (Saturday) Photo: outoftheboxtheatrics5.com

Diwail Lights Up Asia Society! Family Day at Asia Society

Are you interested in Bollywood music and dance moves? Here’s a chance for you to experience and celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights and the New Year. Enjoy performances, arts and crafts, and henna tattoos! (Saturday) Photo: asiasociety.org

Open House New York Weekend

Open House New York Weekend is back! This annual two-day event allows visitors access to hundreds of cultural sites throughout the five boroughs—including historical, contemporary, residential, and industrial sites—for tours, talks, performances, and additional special events. Family-friendly sites this year include the Museum of the City of New York, the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, the Center for Architecture, the Museum at Eldridge Street, and the New York Hall of Science. Activities for kids include scavenger hunts, special tours, arts and crafts, and more. (Saturday-Sunday) Photo: ohny.org

8th Annual Kid Cinema Fest Film Festival at Alianza Dominicana Cultural Center

Bring your little ones to the 8th Annual Kid Cinema Fest this weekend! Continuing through the entire month of October, you and your family can view a variety of films including “A Cat in Paris”, “Approved For Adoption”, and “April and the Extraordinary World.” This year’s festival features films from 25 different countries around the world. (Saturday-Sunday) Photo: kidcinemafest.com

The Galli Theater's “Aladdin” at the Gloria Maddox Theater

Bring the entire family to Aladdin! Your kids will love watching the classic story of the magical genie lamp unfold. Aladdin has three wishes, but will he be able to save the kingdom? Find out at the Gloria Maddox Theater. (Saturday-Sunday) Photo: gallitheaternyc.com

Lin-Manuel Miranda Screens “Mary Poppins” at The United Palace

Meet actor Lin-Manuel Miranda this Sunday during a special screening of the 1964 Disney classic “Mary Poppins” at The United Palace theater. In recognition of Miranda’s generous contribution of a new DCP projection system to the Palace, and to say goodbye as he departs for London to begin shooting “Mary Poppins Returns” with Emily Blunt, audiences can enjoy a live intro to the Academy Award-winning film with the “Hamilton” creator. (Sunday) Photo: unitedpalace.org

10 Great Events For October

"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Asphalt Screams at Asphalt Green, the 23rd Annual Family Party at the American Museum of Natural History, and more!