GET OUT: Weekend Events Preview Oct. 26-28

It's Thursday, 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.

CRIMSON GUARD DANCE RECITAL

WHERE/WHEN: The Bloomingdale High School Crimson Guard will present a dance recital Friday, Oct. 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the school auditorium, 1700 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico.

WHY GO: The Crimson Guard will perform dances members choreographed to raise funds for traveling expenses to state and national competitions. The cost is $5.

PROJECT CURE BREAST CANCER WALK

WHERE/WHEN: St. Stephen Catholic Church invites the community to join its annual Project Cure Walk to raise funds for breast cancer research Friday through Sunday, Oct. 26-28, beginning at Bloomingdale East Park on Natures Way.

WHY GO: The walk is open to anyone in the community with the desire to stamp out breast cancer. In addition to the 60-mile, three-day walk, Project Cure is hosting two four-mile Family Fun Walks on Saturday, Oct. 27 and Sunday, Oct. 28 at 9 a.m. To walk, to volunteer or to donate to the cause, visit the Project Cure website.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN CRAFT FAIR

WHERE/WHEN: The United Methodist Women will host their 45th annual Craft Fair Saturday, Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, 3315 Bryan Rd., Brandon.

WHY GO: Spend your day checking out the 40-plus vendors' booths for those special gifts and one-of-a-kind treasures. Then satisfy your appetite at the cafe in the Family Life Center. The traditional homemade chicken sandwiches and grilled hot dogs with all the trimmings will be sold for a nominal charge. Top off your meal with a delicious dessert from the bake sale. Don't miss the many treasures available at Granny's Attic. Choose from an assortment of kitchenware, decorative items, toys and many other items.

FALL OPEN HOUSE AT CAMP BAYOU

WHERE/WHEN: Hillsborough County’s Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department invites everyone to enjoy a creeping, crawling morning while learning about nature's much-maligned critters at Camp Bayou’s Fall Open House. This event will be held Saturday, Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the camp, 315 S. Tamiami Trail, Ruskin.

WHY GO: This year’s theme, Out of the Dark, highlights a variety of creatures, dispelling myths about some while revealing the need to respect others. Throughout the morning, there will be several activity tables, some with live critters to handle, such as millipedes and ant lions. Games and crafts also will be available. And, for a small fee, several alternative treats to typical Halloween sweets will be available.

HALLOWEEN HORRIBLES PARADE

WHERE/WHEN: Little ghouls and goblins are invited to trick or treat around Center Place, 619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon, during the 15th annual Hallloween Horribles Parade Oct. 28 at 2:30 p.m.

WHY GO: In what's become a Brandon tradition, children ages 3 to 10, accompanied by an adult, will line up on the deck of Center Place, and then parade down a route lined with "treat stations" hosted by area clubs and businesses. There is no charge to attend but tickets are required. They are being handed out at Center Place.

WHERE/WHEN: Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation will host a Halloween Tricks Kicks and Bowl Bash Oct. 26 from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Brandon Skate Park, 5720 Providence Rd., Riverview.

WHY GO: The Halloween Tricks Kicks and Bowl Bash is an event to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Visitors are asked to donate a new toy to enter the skate park. The event will include food and drink and music. Skaters can participate in skate game contests including S.K.A.T.E, 1-Up, a Stacks and Cone Derby and a best costumed trick contest. Call 813-744 5319.

COUGAR CLASSIC 5K RACE

WHERE/WHEN: Kid's Community College's South Campus, 10030 Mathog Rd., Riverview, will host its annual Cougar Classic 5K Race Saturday, Oct. 27.

WHY GO: This year, Kid's Community College is combining its annual Cougar Classic 5K Race with a fall festival. The event will include a 5k run and 1-mile family fun walk, a 70-foot monster inflatable obstacle course, arts and crafts, a fall planting station where kids can plant their own seeds, a pumpkin-carving contest, a raffle, a corn hole-throwing contest, a cake walk, music, face painting and kids' tattoos, vendor booths and classic kids' games like a sack race and ring toss. Chick-fil-A will be on hand with food for the event. Registration opens at 7:15 a.m. and the race begins at 8 a.m. The cost is $30 for adults and $15 for students. Children 4 years and younger are free.

HALLOWEEN IN THE HALLS

WHERE/WHEN: The Village Family Foundation will present Halloween in the Halls Oct. 27 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at The Village Early Learning Center, 3741 Canoga Park Dr. in Brandon.

WHY GO: The admission fee is a $5 donation per family that will go toward future VFF initiatives. There will be a haunted room along with plenty of games, trick-or-treating and food.

ZACH TUCKER MEMORIAL RACE

WHERE/WHEN: Runners of all ages and abilities are encouraged to don their most outrageous Halloween costumes and participate in the third annual Make Them Smile...Give Them Hope Zach Tucker Memorial 5K Run Saturday, Oct. 27, starting at 8 a.m.

WHY GO: The events, which will include a 5K run and a 1-mile fun run, will begin at Lithia Springs Elementary School, 4332 Lynx Paw Trail in Valrico, and take runners through the River Hills community. The race is open all levels of participants from the serious runner to casual walkers. Entry fees for the memorial run are $30 the day of the event. Visit the Giving Hope Through Faith Foundation's website.

TRUNK OR TREAT AT ST. ANDREW'S

WHERE/WHEN: St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, 3315 Bryan Rd., Brandon, will host a Trunk or Treat safe Halloween alternative Sunday, Oct. 28 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

WHY GO: Church members will decorate their car trunks and hand out candy in the parking lot. Throughout the night there will be music, fun and games for all ages.

TRUNK OR TREAT AT ST. STEPHEN

WHERE/WHEN: St. Stephen Catholic School, 10424 Saint Stephen Circle, Riverview, off Boyette Road, will host a Trunk or Treat event Friday, Oct. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the school parking lot.

WHY GO: The free event is a safe Halloween alternative for children. Children are invited to wear costumes but no monsters, weapons or scary masks.

SOUTH SHORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO PERFORM

WHERE/WHEN: The South Shore Symphony Orchestra will perform Sunday, Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. at The Regent, 6437 Watson Rd., Riverview.

WHY GO: A symphonic array of ghosts, goblins, dancing skeletons, murderous trolls, wild witches and other nightmarish creations will appear when the South Shore Symphony Orchestra presents “Images of Fright.” Conducted by Dr. Susan Bailey Robinson, the program includes Charles Gounod’s "Funeral March of a Marionette," which Alfred Hitchcock liked well enough to borrow for his TV theme music; "March to the Scaffold" and "Witches Sabbath" from Hector Berlioz’ "Sinfonie Fantastique;" Paul Dukas’ "Sorcerer's Apprentice," which Disney put to use in "Fantasia;" "Masquerade Suite" by Khachaturian, a dance once banned in England for being decadent; "Danse Macabre" from the pen of Saint-Saens; and Mussorgsky’s "Night on Bald Mountain." Tickets are $10.

FALL FESTIVAL AT HAWTHORNE

WHERE/WHEN: Hawthorne Village Retirement Community, 851 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon, will host a Fall Festival Friday, Oct. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m.

WHY GO: The free event will feature treats, face painting, pictures in the pumpkin patch, a pumpkin-carving contest and hot dogs.

FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL

WHERE/WHEN: South Bay Church, 13498 U.S. 301 S., Riverview, will host a Family Fall Festival Oct. 27 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

WHY GO: The event will include free games, activities and candy, food vendors and a pumpkin patch. Children are invited to wear non-scary costumes and pick up treats from booths at the festival. There will be a free outdoor showing of "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" at 8 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs.

FALL FESTIVAL AT R&R RANCH

WHERE/WHEN: R&R Ranch, 9805 Bryant Rd., Lithia, will host its annual Fall Festival Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHY GO: There will be pony rides, hay rides, cart rides, games, a bouncy house, face painting and more. The cost is $10 for kids and $2 for adults, with a portion of proceeds going to a scholarship fund.

SIMMONS PARK AFTER-DARK PARTY

WHERE/WHEN: E.G. Simmons Regional Park, 2401 19th Ave. N.W., in Ruskin, will host an After-Dark Party Saturday, Oct. 27, from 5 to 11 p.m.

WHY GO: It costs $2 per vehicle to enter the park. A kids' hayride costs $1 and a tour of the haunted trail is $5. There also will be games, a costume contest for kids and pets.

TRUNK OR TREAT AT SOUTH SHORE UMC

WHERE/WHEN: South Shore United Methodist, 11525 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview, will host its second annual Trunk or Treat event Oct. 28 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

WHY GO: The event will feature car trunks full of Halloween scenes, the chance for little ones to get in some early trick-or-treating, movies on the lawn and a even a haunted trail that the whole family. Car enthusiasts will also have the chance to indulge in some eye candy by checking out the professionally detailed cars that will be a part of the Trunk or Treat car show. The movies on the lawn will kick off with "Scared Shrekless" at 6:20 p.m. and "The Goonies" at 6:45 p.m. Those who plan on attending are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

HOWL-O-WEEN YAPPY HOUR

WHERE/WHEN: Brandon Lakes Animal Hospital, 6151 Delancey Station St., Riverview, will host a Howl-O-Ween Yappy Hour at the Winthrop Town Centre courtyard Oct. 26 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

WHY GO: Pets and owners are invited to play and mingle. There will be treats for pets in costumes  The event is free but donations will be accepted for Southeastern Guide Dogs.

COSTUME CONTEST FOR DOGS

WHERE/WHEN: The Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department will host a Halloween Costume Contest for dogs Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Mango Dog Park, 11717 Clay Pit Road in Seffner.

WHY GO: A pee-wee contest for dogs 10 pounds and under begins at 4 p.m. A small dog contest begins at 4:30 p.m. And a big dog contest takes place at 5:15 p.m. Ribbons will be given for the best costumes in cutest, funniest, most original and scariest categories. A special treat bag will be available for all dogs in costume.

HAY RIDES

WHERE/WHEN: Wolfe's Produce Market, 6005 U.S. 301 S., at the southeast corner of Bloomingdale Avenue and U.S. 301 in Riverview, will offer hay rides Friday, Oct. 26 from 7 to 9 p.m.

WHY GO: Kids are invited to dress in costume and get free candy while parents explore the market's pumpkin patch and harvest decorations. The cost is $4 per person or $7 for two.

HALLOWEEN BASH

WHERE/WHEN: The Beer Shed, 11222 Casa Loma Dr., Riverview, will host a Halloween Bash and Jam Oct. 27 starting at 2 p.m.

WHY GO: There will be costume contests and music by Shamus, Josh Lamkin and Automatic Heat wth Nalani Rothrock, Port to Starboard, 3 Cats and a Hat, Ultra-Cool and Stoic.

HALLOWEEN PARTY

WHERE/WHEN: The Mulligans Pub, 11375 Big Bend Rd., Riverview,will host a Halloween Party and Pong Tournament Friday, Oct. 26 at 9 p.m.

WHY GO: In addition to the pong tournament (your drink of choice), there will be a Halloween costume contest at 11:30 p.m. The winning team of the pong tournament will receive two $50 gift cards to TMP. The winner of the costume contest will receive a 10-day/nine-night trip to Mexico with companion airfare. The pub also will offer $2 jello shots and $2.50 Don Q Rum.

PALLBEARERS BALL

WHERE/WHEN: The Sun City Center Funeral Home, 1851 Rickenbacker Dr., Sun City Center, along with Mike and Yvonne Langjahr, will host the annual Pallbearers Ball and Halloween Costume Party Friday, Oct. 26 from 7 to 10 p.m.

WHY GO: Enjoy food, drinks, beer, spooky festivities and creepy company, all for just $10 and one canned food item for Lord's Lighthouse Ministry Food Pantry. Prizes will be awarded for Most Original Costume, Most Creative, Scariest Costume and Best Couple's Costume.

BENEFIT HALLOWEEN PARTY

WHERE/WHEN: S & S Tacos/Pizzas & Stuff, 10664 U.S. 301 S., Riverview, will host its first Halloween Party to raise funds for Hand to Hope.

WHY GO: Adults and children are invited to come in costume. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids and includes and an adult beverage. There will be a 50/50 drawing, raffle and a costume contest with prizes.

HALLOWEEN NINJANIGHT

WHERE/WHEN: Sidekicks Family Martial Arts Centers, 16633 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia, will host a Halloween NinjaNight FishHawk this Friday, Oct. 26 from 7 to 11 p.m.

WHY GO: This spooktacular event will include trick or treating safety tips, games and prizes, a costume contest, and pizza and drinks. There will be plenty of organized games, arts and crafts, food and snacks, along with an exciting kids movie. The event is for children age 4 to 13. Register at http://www.NinjaNightFishHawk.com/.

FALL FESTIVAL AT BRANDON UMC

WHERE/WHEN: First United Methodist Church of Brandon, 121 N. Knights Ave., Brandon, will host its fourth annual Fall Festival Sunday, Oct. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the church courtyard.

WHY GO: Church members will host Trunk-N-Treat, a wholesome Halloween alternative featuring decorated car trunks filled with candy and other treats. Costumes are encouraged, except for those that may be scary, evil or offensive to others. Also on tap for the younger set are crafts and games of all kinds as well as inflatables, music, face painting and hayrides. In addition, children and adults alike are welcome to enjoy complimentary grilled hot dogs and hamburgers.

POKER RUN

WHEN/WHERE: The sixth annual Poker Run for Haley House organized by the Riverview Marine Corps League Detachment #1226 and American Legion Riders Post #148 will take place Oct. 27 starting at American Legion Post #148, 7240 U.S. 301 S., Riverview.

WHY GO: The ride fee is $15. Extra hands are $10 or three for $20. The event also will include a 50/50 raffle. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and kickstands go up at 10:30 a.m. The first 100 registered will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Riders can preregister at www.mclriverview.com.