GET OUT: Weekend Events Preview Oct. 7-9

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 and new bars/restaurants/shops to explore.

WHERE/WHEN: Resurrection Catholic Church, 6819 Krycul Ave., Riverview, will host a Multicultural Festival Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHY GO: There will be food from many countries, dance presentations, folklore, games, displays and music. Call 813-677-2175.

WHERE/WHEN: Village Inn Restaurant, 10293 Big Bend Rd., Riverview, will celebrate its fifth anniversary Oct. 8 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHY GO: There will be a celebration featuring the Village Inn mascot, Bucky the Bear.

WHERE/WHEN: Music Showcase, 402 Oakfield Drive, Brandon, will has a Sock Hop and Parents Night Out Oct. 8 from 7 to 11 p.m.

WHY GO: The donation is $10 for music, dancing and food, with all proceeds to be given to a cancer patient undergoing treatment. Call 813-685-5998.

WHERE/WHEN: The annual Florida Inspirational Writers Retreat will take place Oct. 8 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Cedarkirk Retreat and Conference Center, 1920 Streetman Drive, Lithia.

WHY GO: The retreat will offer workshops for beginning, intermediate and advanced writers. The cost is $115 and includes snacks and lunch. Visit the Brandon Christian Writers website.

WHERE/WHEN: The Newsome High School Athletic Boosters will host a Casino Night Friday, Oct. 7 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Winthrop Barn Theatre, 11349 Bloomingdale Ave., Riverview.

WHY GO: Each sport at Newsome will provide a silent auction item valued at a minimum of $250. Dress is sports themed. The cost is $50 per person and includes two drink tickets, $50 in casino bucks and hors d'oeuvres. For information, visit www.newsomeathleticbooster.com.

WHERE/WHEN: Center Place and the Community Roundtable will host its fourth annual Holiday Cards for Troops Saturday, Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Center Place 619 Vonderburg Drive, brandon.

WHY GO: Ages 16 and up are invited to stamp cards for the troops. All supplies will be provided. No experience is necessary. Refreshments will be service. The goal is to make 2,500 handmade cards that will be sent to deployed service members. The soldiers will be able to write a sentiment to their loved ones inside each card. Call Center Place at 813-685-8888.

WHERE/WHEN: Lamb of God Lutheran Church and Open Arms Early Childhood Center, 10560 Browning Road, Lithia, will host Godtoberfest Oct. 8-15.

WHY GO: The event kicks off Saturday, Oct. 8, with a children's carnival and arts and crafts fair with a hayride, bounce castles and a petting zoo. Also featured will be a Taste of Lithia, with foods provided by local restaurants. On Sunday, Oct. 9, there will be a golf tournament at Bloomingdale Golfers Club. Contact ministry coordinator Val Parrish at 813-653-2345 or email her at godtoberfest@lambofgodlithia.org.

WHERE/WHEN: Local Girl Scout troops will host their annual Fall festival Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St Stephen Catholic Church, 5049 Bell Shoals Road, Valrico.

WHY GO: The festival is organized and put on by the Girl Scouts and is one the the troops' few fundraisers. It includes games and refreshments.

WHERE/WHEN: St. Stephen Catholic Church, 5049 Bell Shoals Road, Valrico, will host its annual craft fair after the 4 and 6 p.m. Masses Oct. 8 and after the 8, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Masses Oct. 9.

WHY GO: There will be a variety of fall and Christmas crafts created by member of the St. Stephen Craft Group. Proceeds will go to the church building fund.

WHERE/WHEN: The Brandon Lions Club will host its second annual Wine and Cheese Party to benefit Brandon Lions Charities Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Winthrop Barn Theatre on Bloomingdale Avenue.

WHY GO: Troy Allen Corman, Brighthouse Senior Idol 2011, and Jeannie Ross, Ms. Senior Florida 2006 and Brandon Idol 2006, will perform. In addition, there will be door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. The donation is $12.50. For information, visit the Lions website.

WHERE/WHEN: FishHawk Ranch residents will empty their garages and closets and set up shop on their driveways for the annual FishHawk Fall Garage Sale Oct. 8 from 8 a.m. to noon.

WHY GO: There will be plenty of bargains to be found at homes throughout the community.