Weekender: One of the classics

The Moscow Ballet of Classical Choreography - La Classique - on a tour of The Nutcracker ballet.

Our top picks for your next weekend getaway.

The Moscow Ballet La Classique company follows up last year's successful season of Swan Lake with a nationwide tour of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece The Nutcracker.

Beginning in Tauranga tomorrow, for the next three weeks, the Russian company will take the tale of Clara, her nutcracker doll and the magician Drosselmeyer to 12 New Zealand centres, finishing the run at Dunedin's Regent Theatre on Friday, May 18. From Wednesday, May 2 to Friday, May 18.

Barnestormin' into town

Jimmy Barnes, the Aussie rocker with the legendary set of pipes, plays five dates around New Zealand next week in support of his new memoir Working Class Man. Working Class Man: An Evening of Stories and Songs will see the Aussie legend share his life story amidst stripped-back versions of key songs from his lengthy career. There'll be an emphasis on addiction and mental-health issues, and support for the good work of Lifeline, $65. From Monday, May7to Saturday, May 12, Christchurch (x2), Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton.

Singer Jimmy Barnes.

To market, to market

One of the best markets in the country, in our humble opinion, is this Sunday's General Collective Lifestyle & Design Market at Auckland's ASB Showgrounds. You'll find a massive lineup of clever creatives selling everything from clothing and homewares to handmade toys and art. Keep the kids entertained with face-painting, colouring-in and Lego stations; onsite will also be street-food vendors, coffee carts and a wine bar. Pavilion 3/4, 217 Greenlane Rd West, Epsom, Auckland, Sunday, May 6, 9am-3pm. Entry $3, kids under 15 free.

Matters of the heart

Spend some quality time with the important women in your life this Mother's Day while at the same time supporting a worthy cause.The annual 5km

Jennian Homes Mother's Day Fun Run/Walk

takes place at 30 locations throughout the country on Sunday, May 13. It raises money and awareness of the single biggest killer of New Zealand women, heart disease, in partnership with the Heart Foundation. Each entrant receives a souvenir T-shirt as part of their entry fee, designed by iconic Kiwi artist Dick Frizzell. Various locations, Sunday, May 13, 10am -12.30pm. Tickets $15-$25.

Women enjoying the Jennian Homes Mother's Day Fun Run/Walk.