GET OUT: Weekend Events Preview Oct. 12-14

It's Friday, and you’ve got no idea what you’ll do for the weekend.

Patch is coming to the rescue. We’ve got the best bets for your done-work-outta-here time. Check our picks for the activities to hit.

FALL CONCERTS AT PARK SQUARE

WHERE/WHEN: Come out to Park Square Saturday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. for a free concert sponsored by Park Square Pizza, 16132 Churchview Dr, Lithia.

WHY GO: Bring your lawn chairs and be entertained by "Quintessence," a Tampa area band that features smooth jazz, funk, R&B and gospel music.

NEWSOME BOOSTER CLUB 5K RACE

WHERE/WHEN: The Newsome High School Booster Club will host its first 5K run to raise funds for Newsome athletics Saturday, Oct. 13 starting at 8 a.m. at the Newsome High School student parking lot, 16550 FishHawk Blvd., Lithia.

WHY GO: The nonprofit booster club supports and provides scholarships for qualifying athletes in all 22 sports played at Newsome. Preregistration is $20 in advance or $25 on raqce day. Visit www.nhsboosters.com.

INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL

WHERE/WHEN: The GFWC Brandon Junior Woman's Club will host its third annual International Food Festival on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the club's historic clubhouse at 129 N. Moon Ave. in Brandon.  

WHY GO: Residents are invited to sample foods from England, India, the Caribbean, Spain and the Hawaiian islands. The event also will include raffle prizes. Tickets are available now for $15 per person or $25 per couple. Email Leslie Garcia, International Affairs chairwoman, at lhgarcia1@verizon.net or visit www.thebjwc.com. This fundraiser will benefit the club's International Affairs Department providing support to many organizations such as Save The Children, Heifer Foundation, Smile Train, Everyday Blessings and others.

FISHHAWK COMMUNITY YARD SALE

WHERE/WHEN: Residents throughout FishHawk Ranch will empty garages, closets and drawers and sell their unwanted items during the annual FishHawk Ranch Communitywide Yard Sale Saturday, Oct. 13 from 8 a.m. to noon. 

WHY GO: Bargain hunters will find everything from clothing to furniture, and possibly a few treasures.

MEET THE CANDIDATES

WHERE/WHEN: Congregation Beth Shalom's Adult Education Committee will host a Meet the Candidates Forum Sunday, Oct. 14 at 4 p.m. at the temple, 706 S. Bryan Rd., Brandon.

WHY GO: The forum is free and open to the public. Candidates for the Hillsborough County Commission, Supervisor of Elections, Florida Senate, Florida House and county property appraiser have been invited to speak. Time will be reserved for questions. For information, call Janice Perelman at 813-748-8042.

MUSIC MAKERS

WHERE/WHEN: Children ages 2-10 can attend a free workshop on the second Saturday of every month from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Music Showcase at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.

WHY GO: This fun and interactive free workshop allows children to hear and see band and orchestral instruments like the flute, trumpet, tuba or violin and they get to try them out themselves. Kids will also make an instrument that they get to take home along with a goody bag.

OPERATIONKIDNEY BOWL-ATHON

WHERE/WHEN: OperationKidney will host a charity bowl-athon Sunday, Oct. 14 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at The Alley at South Shore, 10221 Big Bend Rd., Riverview.

WHY GO: The event will include bowling, food, a 50/50 raffle and more than 40 baskets to win in the silent auction. Proceeds will benefit FishHawk Ranch resident Devon Carver and other residents in need of kidney transplants.

FISHHAWK BENEFIT SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

WHERE/WHEN: The FishHawk Softball League will host a "One Strike" softball tournament to benefit OperationKidney and FishHawk resident Devon Carver beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13.

WHY GO: Every batter in the tournament must come to the plate with $5 in his or her pocket each time at bat. If the batter is caught "looking" at a strike, he or she pays up at the plate. The tournament will include food, raffles and prizes. Those interested in playing should email fishhawksoftball@yahoo.com.

GOLF TOURNAMENT TO BENEFIT TODDLER

WHERE/WHEN: Friends are hoping to offset the costs of kidney transplant surgery for Riverview toddler Evan Ranieri with a fundraising golf tournament Oct. 14 at the Bloomingdale Golfers Club, 4113 Great Golfers Place, Valrico, starting with an 8:15 a.m. shotgun scramble. Registration begins at 7 a.m.

WHY GO: The cost is $80 per player and includes a continental breakfast, lunch sponsored by Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill, prizes, raffles, contests and a live auction. To register, visit the tournament's website or contact EvansOrganizers@yahoo.com or call 727-460-4734.

'DEATHTRAP' ON STAGE

WHERE/WHEN: The Riverview High School Theater Department will present "Deathtrap," Friday, Oct. 12, and Saturday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the high school, 11311 Boyette Rd., Riverview.

WHY GO: Performed by students, this two-act thriller blends mystery and humor. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students, seniors and active military. Reservations are recommended. Call 813-671-5011, ext. 259.

ALL ABOUT HER

WHERE/WHEN: Area businesses have come together to offer the first "All About Her: A Girls' Night Out for Moms and Moms-to-Be." The event will be held Saturday, Oct. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Blue Salon & Spa, 3472 Lithia-Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia Crossings.

WHY GO: The evening includes spa services, cocktails and mocktails, one free 5 by 7-inch maternity or head shot, maternity belly casting by Heather Spooner of My Belly Bliss, discounts on children’s clothing and merchandise and thousands of dollars in giveaways. The cost is $30 in advance or $35 at the door. All proceeds will benefit the residential group home, A Kid’s Place in Brandon.