Today
Give it a whirl: You’ve heard the term “whirling dervish,” but did you know it referred to an ancient Islamic dance? See it performed live at Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s Arts from Islamic Lands Festival, where kids can also learn calligraphy, design mosaics and hear classical Kurdish songs. Today and tomorrow, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free with admission ($10 per person). 212 W. 83rd St., between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue; 212-721-1223.
Summer sampler: Get a sense of what TADA! Youth Theater’s Summer Camp will be like at a free open house, where kids can demo a variety of musical performance classes. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free. 15 W. 28th St., between Broadway and Fifth Avenue; 212-252-1619.
Tomorrow
Mama said: It’s time for the eighth annual Mamapalooza fest, where performers include mom- and kid-powered bands such as Moey of Moey’s Music Party, Housewives on Prozac and the Anna Banana Band. Events start at 11 a.m. and admission and activities are free (bring cash for food). Riverside Park South, Pier 1, at 70th Street; 212-408-0219.
Beatie benefit: We dare you to think of a cooler way to spend a Sunday than at a benefit for the Children’s Museum of the Arts hosted and deejayed by Ad-Rock of the Beastie Boys (otherwise known as Adam Horovitz). Those scheduled to jam include Dan Zanes, Elizabeth Mitchell, Oran Etkin’s Timbalooloo and more. Ticket prices are steep, but the cash goes to a good cause, and food and drink are included. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., $25 for kids, $100 for adults. Webster Hall, 125 E. 11th St., between Third and Fourth avenues; 212-274-0986.
Dance machine: Catch a repeat screening of the grand-prize winner at this year’s New York International Children’s Film Festival: “Aurelie Laflamme’s Diary,” the story of a young Canadian girl who worries that she might be an alien but finds solace playing Dance Dance Revolution and drinking slushies with her BFF. 11:15 a.m., $13 for adults, $9 for kids. IFC Center, 323 Sixth Ave., at Third Street; 212-349-0330.
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