5 things to do this weekend, including the Arlington International Film Festival and ‘Tartuffe’

With fleeting daylight and a turbulent election season, it’s important to take time for self-care. I usually take a walk or grab a fun drink from a local coffee shop. For you, maybe that’s escaping into another world through a film or art exhibit. However you decide to spend your time, we have options, from an international film festival to a free Duke Ellington tribute concert.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston will celebrate Diwali on Thursday night. Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains recognize the holiday honoring light prevailing over darkness. At the MFA, there will be drop-in art making of floral drawings inspired by lotus paintings on view in gallery 183. Pallavi Eswara will demonstrate how to create rangoli, Indian artwork composed of dots, lines and curves. Rangoli is traditionally created on the ground with rice powder taking the shape of natural objects like flowers, but Eswara will draw on paper and a chalkboard. There will be 30-minute tours of three objects in the museum’s galleries connected to Diwali. The Triveni School of Dance will perform, and Boston area activists will discuss South Asian representation in cultural institutions and leadership, among other activities. Tickets are pay-what-you-wish after 5 p.m. with a $5 minimum.

The 14th annual Arlington International Film Festival will return to the Capitol Theatre with 13 screenings. The festival emphasizes compassion and humanity through diverse storytelling. “Call Me Dancer” follows a man in Mumbai who goes against his parents’ wishes and follows his dream of dancing after crossing paths with an Israeli ballet master. “Porcelain War” tells the story of three artists who stay behind when war breaks out in Ukraine. The film highlights the resilience of the human spirit among destruction and darkness. There are also shorts programs scheduled throughout the festival. Tickets are $12 per screening or $99 for the full festival lineup.

Duke Ellington left an impressive legacy, composing thousands of jazz scores over his 50-year career as a pianist and bandleader. The Boston Symphony Orchestra will honor his work in a tribute concert featuring conductor Thomas Wilkins, pianist Gerald Clayton, vocalist Renese King and The Duke Ellington Tribute Singers. The group will perform “Three Black Kings,” “Night Creature” and selections from “Sacred Concerts.” The concert will take place at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in association with the Greater Roxbury Arts & Cultural Center. “A Tribute to Duke Ellington” is free and begins at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to take public transportation to the basilica as there is no guest parking available.

Celebrate women in rock music at The Substation in Roslindale this Saturday. Sponsored by Boston’s Wake Up the Night initiative, this free event is family-friendly. The Lucky Duckies will play sweet age-appropriate songs for the little ones while they sing, dance and play with provided dancing ribbons and shaking toys. Then, local dance rock band The Lucky Bastids will play for the adults. The band members are close friends and bring high energy to their performances, encouraging audience members to get on their feet. Burgers, sandwiches and scoops of ice cream will be available for purchase from Midnight Morning and Sweeties Ice Cream.

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In the mood for a con man story comedically unraveling onstage? “Tartuffe” by 17th-century French playwright Molière follows a credulous man named Orgon who is duped by Tartuffe, a con artist who plans on stealing his life and fortune. “Thank goodness the women of the household are not so easily fooled,” the play description adds. They devise a plan to out-con Tartuffe in this satirical show. Directed by Bryn Boice, the production is two hours with one intermission at the Boston Center for the Arts’ Plaza Theatre. Tickets are pay-what-you-wish starting at $1.