Cirque du Soleil's Dralion

May 6: Cirque du Soleil returns to Halifax with Dralion, a spectacular showcase of “Eastern and Western acrobatic prowess.” High-trained performers from around the world put on a stunning display of athleticism, magic and whimsy, as the Metro Centre on Duke Street hosts an eight-show run. The production is limited to an eight-show run in Halifax. Halifax Metro Centre, 5284 Duke St. 451-1221.  www.ticketatlantic.com

May 3: The 2.5-kilometre, 11-turn road circuit at Atlantic Motorsport Park opens for another season of racing action. Events: May 3, 6, 10 to 13, 18 to 21, 26, 27, 29, 31. Exit 10 off Highway 102, Creighton Road, Shubenacadie. 758-2237.  www.atlanticmotorsportpark.com

May 5: A showcase for the artistry and versatility of Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada, Ghosts of Violence is an emotionally charged work inspired by women who have lost their lives at the hands of an intimate partner. Through evocative lighting, theatre, music and multi-media, the ballet captures the memory of these silent victims. One show only at the Dalhousie Arts Centre on University Avenue. Due to its mature subject matter, this show isn’t recommended for people under age 14. Dalhousie Arts Centre, 6101 University Ave. 494-2403.  atlanticballet.ca

May 11: In its final show of the season, the Dartmouth Community Concert Association features fiddler/violinist David Greenberg and multi-instrumentalist Chris Norman. They’ll perform renaissance, baroque, traditional and original music at Woodlawn United Church. 54 Woodlawn Rd., Dartmouth. www.dartmouthcommunityconcert.ca

May 12: The pop-country star Juice Newton (“Queen of Hearts,” “Angel of the Morning”) plays an intimate concert at Casino Nova Scotia. Must be 19 or older with government-issued photo ID. 1983 Upper Water St. 423-0143.  www.casinonovascotia.com

May 16: The world’s first, and probably only, Scottish-Canadian country-music star Johnny Reid returns to the East Coast. Halifax Metro Centre, 5284 Duke St. 451-1221. www.ticketatlantic.com

May 19: An Evening with Pierrot features two pianists, a mime (Olga Primajk), a reader (Larry Bent) and soprano Allison Bent Angelo at the Maritime Conservatory of Music. 6199 Chebucto Rd. 492-4523.  www.stcecilia.ca

Editor’s Choice: May 18 to 20: This weekend is jammed with Blue Nose Marathon events, including a youth run and 5K and 10K competitions. The full marathon kicks off at the Old Town Clock at 8am on May 20, wending its way through the city past Halifax Citadel and along the shores of Point Pleasant Park, crisscrossing the harbour on the Macdonald Bridge and ending back at the Clock on Sackville Street. Find a detailed route map at www.bluenosemarathon.com.

May 20: The province’s most popular motor-sports venue, Scotia Speedworld, returns with races in the Pro Stock and Legends tours. Events: May 20, 27. Exit 6 off Highway 102, Enfield. www.scotiaspeedworld.ca

May 27: It’s the final day for La Cage aux Folles at Neptune Theatre, a hilarious and touching musical. 1593 Argyle St. 429-7070 or 1-800-565-7345. www.neptunetheatre.com

May 28: The Scotia Festival of Music kicks off with a performance by violinist Giora Schmidt, cellist Joshua Roman and pianist John Novacek. 429-9467.  www.scotiafestival.ns.ca