1 Artwalk

Actually, it’s the last First Friday – May marks the end of this season’s Artwalk events. More than 25 local artists open their studios and galleries to the public for t his self-guided tour, with works on display and for sale. Free. 4-8pm in Centro Historico. Maps available at participating artists or at www.artwalkmazatlan.com.

7 National Ballet of Russia

The majesty and tradition of the award-winning National Ballet of Russia comes to town for a special evening. A dozen classic dances are on the bill. Don’t delay – this will sell out! 7pm and 9:30pm at Angela Peralta Theater, Plaza Machado. Tickets: $300-$500. Info: 982-4446.

5 Aladdin on Ice

How will they do it? Quien sabe! Part of Cultura’s 2009 Spring Festival, the Broadway-style ice skating show includes fantastic choreography and music by the Prague Symphony. At the Angela Peralta Theater, Plaza Machado. Shows at 4pm, 6pm, and 8pm. Tickets: $120-$300 at box office. Info: 982-4446.

Ongoing Sinaloa Photography Contest

Think you’ve got a great photo of Mazatlán? Sinaloa Interactivo’s annual Photography Contest is open to everyone, professional or amateur, and features cash prizes and the chance to have your photo displayed in a prestigious public exhibition. Deadline: June 30. Info: 669-1260, www.mazatlaninteractivo.com, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or stop in at the magazine’s office, in front of the Siesta Hotel in Olas Altas.

9 Mother’s Day Dance

The holiday is celebrated in myriad ways, including this special “Danzon para Mama.” Come to watch or have a try yourself at this lovely Cuban ballroom-style dance. Space is limited; free tickets available at Zaragoza Park Thursday evenings before the event. 8pm. Cost: Donation of canned or packaged food to be given to families less fortunate. In the patio of the Mazatlán Art Museum, Olas Altas.

Thursdays “Noche Cubana”

Here’s a chance to enjoy everything Cuban: music, dance and drinks, all with the tempestuous passion of a night in Havana. Cubano Ritmo Son takes the literal stage and wastes no time getting folks up on the dance floor that’s set up in the street. Order a mojito and bailamos! Free. 8 p.m., in front of Ta Café & Restaurante Las Brasas in the Plaza Machado.

Ongoing Yuri Zatarain

(See cover art) Mazatleco artist Yuri Zatarain works in paint, sculpture, bronze and mixed media, and a little bit of each is part of this special exhibit. Known internationally, it’s no wonder locals are justifiably proud of him. Titled “Cierra tus Ojos” (“Close Your Eyes”) you’ll want to do just the opposite. Free. Till May 17. Peninsula Gallery, Avenida Sabalo Cerritos #3342, Nuevo Mazatlán.

Ongoing Malamecha Jazz Ensemble

Playing swing, bossa nova, samba and more, this quartet of young musicians can be seen all over town, quietly (or not) doing their very-expert Latin jazz thing. With wunderkind Jason Leos on piano/keyboards, Luis Guillermo Morales on sax, Samuel Chiquete on bass and Omar Rios or Sergio Mendoza on drums and percussion. Free. 7:30pm, Wednesdays at Lorna, corner of Ninos Heroes & Constitucion; Friday & Saturday at Pedro & Lola, Tuesdays at Altazor Café, in the Plaza Machado, Thursdays at the Seafarer in the Marina.