Cherry blossoms, murder mysteries and barefoot drumming await you this weekend

Cherry Blossom Festival – 100 E. Northwestern AvenueThe Japanese call them sakura – the delicate pink and white cherry blossom pedals whose appearance marks the vibrant renewal of spring. The blossoms will be in full bloom this weekend for the second week of Morris Aboretum’s Cherry Blossom Festival in Chestnut Hill on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Practitioners from the River of Life Martial Arts and Wellness Center will lead a Japanese samurai sword demonstration at 11 a.m., followed by a zen archery demonstration at noon. Japanese cultural ambassador Fumiyo Batta will conclude the day with a speech detailing the history and background of the kimono, one of Japan’s most enduring formal attires for men and women, and might even invite some audience members to try some on from her collection.

A Study in Scarlett at the Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion –  200 West Tulpehocken StreetSherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson resurface in Germantown’s Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion for several performances of the murder mystery A Study in Scarlet on April 20 through April 22. The Victorian ambience of the Maxwell mansion will be complimented by authentic medical instruments used during that time period, compliments of the Mutter Museum. Performances are scheduled at 7 and 9 p.m. on Friday, 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 2 and 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $30. Starring Josh Hitchens as Sherlock Holmes and Jason Graboski as Dr. Watson.

Nature in the Necropolis at Laurel Hill Cemetery  While Earth Day first happened in 1970, Laurel Hill’s history goes back to 1836 as the first garden cemetery in the United States. Laurel Hill Cemetery celebrates Earth Day with a walking tour on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. led by its guides Bob Berghaier and Steve Maurer. Tickets are $8 for non-members and $5 for members.Tree Planting at Awbury Aboretum – 1 Awbury RoadFor those who want to venture further North this weekend, Germantown Tree Tenders welcomes volunteers to join them for a street tree planting at the Awbury Arboretum on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Call 215-844-8100 for more information on volunteering. Gift Basket Fundraiser at the Little Apple – 4353 Main Sreet The Little Apple in Manayunk will host a gift basket raffle on Saturday. Ten percent of the proceeds benefit local philanthropies: A Woman’s Place, Family Support Services and Baker Industries. The store will feature vendors Stella & Dot, Family Jewels and Peace Valley Lavender, who will also be donating 10 percent of their proceeds. Community Barefoot Boogie & Drum at Philadelphia Dance Theatre – 7500 Germantown AvenueGet your rhythm on with live DJs and drummers for an evening of beats and bonding, with shoes optional. This event is held on the third Friday of each month. Participants can expect to hear African, Brazilian, reggae, disco and more. Guests are welcome to bring a drum of their own. From 8 to 10 p.m.