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Learn How to Fish for Smelt, View a Topical Movie, Shake Your 'Footloose'

Let Patch help you make plans for something fun to do this weekend.

Posted Tue, Apr 26, 2011 at 10:44 pm CT|Updated Thu, Apr 28, 2011 at 2:32 pm CT

Looking for something to do this weekend? We've got the best bets for your done-with-work-outta-here time.

Check out our picks for activities to hit and new places to explore this weekend.

Where/When: , Boating Pavilion, Lake Forest Recreation Department; 7 p.m. - 12 a.m. Saturday, April 30.
Why Go?: Learn how to catch, clean and cook smelt, the Great Lakes delicacy. Try your hand at dip netting after a demonstration by seasoned anglers. Taste a sample of smelt prepared right at the beach. Enjoy live entertainment.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: Thorndale Manor, Lake Forest; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday (April 29-30 and May 1).
Why Go?: Visit Thorndale Manor and view the work of over 43 interior and landscape designers. The manor has 25 rooms, including six bedrooms and five and 1/2 bathrooms. All of the original architecture has been maintained. The boutique, garden shop and cafe will be open. Continuous shuttle bus service from Laurel and North Western Avenue in Lake Forest will be running all day. Proceeds benefit the Infant Welfare Society Clinic.
Pricing: $30 per person in advance; $35 per person at the event.

Where/When:Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel, 933 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook; 7 - 11 p.m. Saturday (April 30).
Why Go?: Live music and dancing, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, silent auction and Las Vegas-style gaming tables. Largest fundraising event for YouthBuild which helps young adults set and reach positive life goals.
Pricing: $125 per person.

Where/When: ; 7-9 p.m., Saturday (April 29).
Why Go?: Watch Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth and enjoy free Cracker Jack popcorn (for the first 100 people to arrive).
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: Rosalind Franklin University, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago; 8 a.m. Sunday (May 1).
Why Go?: Run a 10-kilometer (6.2 miles), 5K (3.10 miles) or walk a 5K to raise money for the Kids' Equipment Network, a non-profit organization that provides medical equipment to children and their families who cannot afford the equipment they need.
Pricing: $15 for students; $20 for faculty and community in advance; $25 for students, faculty and community on race day.

Where/When: , Raymond Moore Auditorium, 1285 N. McKinley Road; 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday (April 29-30).
Why Go: See the performance of 100 students in the cast, crew and orchestra in this fun and exciting musical production based on the 1984 hit movie.
Pricing: $10 and $15 per person.

Where/When: , Expo Center, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake; 6 - 11 p.m., Friday (April 29).
Why Go?: Music, dinner and dancing, cash bar, 50/50 raffle, silent auction and prizes. Sponsored by the Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce.
Pricing: $50 per adult; $25 per child, 14 and under.

Where/When: Viper Alley, 275 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire; 8-11 p.m., Friday (April 29).
Why Go?: Platinum-selling rock band performs their hits including "Runaway Train" and "Black Gold" live.
Pricing: $25 - $40.

And if you still want more, check out our family-friendly Grab & Go Kids Planner that's refreshed every Wednesday.

If we have missed any of your favorites, please share them with us in the comment box below.

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