7 Entertaining Reasons To Get (Safely) Out Of The House

HUDSON VALLEY, NY —Pandemic-related restrictions are being eased across the region, allowing small audiences to once again attend films, stage performances, exhibits and concerts. Here are a few of the best reasons to venture out of the house to enjoy a show. Safety remains the top priority, so we also added a few virtual ways to enjoy a night out without leaving home.

IN-PERSON FEATHERED FUN: Birdhouse Building Workshop — Untermyer gardener Liz Dreeben will help participants build birdhouses suitable for native cavity nesting birds. This workshop is designed for adults and supervised children over age five. Organizers say bird populations in North America have dropped almost 30 percent since 1970 and providing a birdhouse to a local bird could help stem this decline. April 10, 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $40. Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, 914-613-4502.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER: Birding at Marshlands — A guided spring bird watching tour of the Marshlands sanctuary in Rye. Experts from Westchester County Parks will be on hand to make the experience as enjoyable for novices as it is for longtime birding enthusiasts. The event is free, but advance reservations are required. Marshlands Conservancy, 914-835-4466.

BABIES LIVE ON THE FARM: Guided farm tour — The buildings at Muscoot Farm are still closed due to coronavirus, but the hiking trails are open and there are plenty of new farm babies to greet. Guided tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays. The grounds are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Muscoot Farm, 914-864-7286.

PANDEMIC PLAYERS: Schoolhouse Theater — Zoom reading of Edgerton Prize Drama - Grant and Twain. The production will be performed live on April 10 at 3 p.m. Schoolhouse Theater, 914-473-7111.

VIRTUAL FILM FESTIVAL: The 10th Annual SUNYWide Film Festival — The event hosted by Purchase College will take place virtually on April 9 and 10 when the films become available virtually to attendees. Nearly 100 films were named selections by pre-screening committees at SUNY Oswego, SUNY Broome, Fredonia and Purchase College. Selections will be judged for placement during the festival. Pre-registration is required. SWFF10 sunywidefilmfestival@gmail.com.

TIPTOE THROUGH THE DAFFODILS: The Great Daffodil Bloom Out — Enjoy the hundreds of daffodils planted by volunteers last year and have a chance to see and learn about the historic Percy Grainger home. April 11, with interpretive tours offered at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Percy Grainger Society, 914-281-1610.

VIRTUAL POETRY FESTIVAL: 2021 Sarah Lawrence College Poetry Festival with Tishani Doshi and Dana Levin — The SLC Poetry Festival is the largest open, student-run poetry festival in New York. The fest will include readings, panel discussions and audience participation events. The festival will take place virtually from April 8 to 11. Most events are free, but pre-registration is required. SLC Poetry Festival.