"Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the five things in the comments section.

1. On Saturday is the Boston Charter Public School Showcase. Learn about Boston's best schools at the 12th Annual Charter Public School Showcase from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Boston University's Fitness and Recreation Center, 915 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. Charter schools are public schools. They are free of charge and open to all school children in grades K-12. 
2. The Boston Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the Boston Arts Commission, invites the public to a Winter Photography Workshop at Millennium Park. The workshop, open to people of all ages and skill-levels, work toward developing tricks and techniques for taking great photographs in Boston’s picturesque parks. Sun., Feb. 5, 10 a.m. to noon at Millennium Park canoe launch. To participate, please sign up by emailing lauren.patrick@cityofboston.gov or calling 617-961-3051.
3. On Saturday join Wicked Sharp Ski and Sport at Blue Hills in the Boston Open Ski and Snowboard Competition. A carnival will be from 1-4 p.m. and the competition from 4-7 p.m. with cash prizes. 
4. On Friday will be the "New England Grows" conference. Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St., Boston. All day.
5. On Sunday at 11 a.m., Boston pitbull puppy owners can get their canines spayed or neutered for free by calling the MSPCA-Angell at 617-541-5083. The Free Pit Bull Puppy Spay/Neuter Day surgeries will be performed at the MSPCA’s Shalit-Glazer Clinic in Jamaica Plain. Puppies must be between 3-6 months of age. The free event is open by appointment only to low-income Boston residents and includes: spay/neuter surgery, microchip ID, rabies vaccine, distemper vaccine, and flea treatment.