GET OUT: Weekend Events Preview Sept. 16-18

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: The Village Players community theater troup will present "Assassins" at The James McCabe Theater, 506 Fifth St., Valrico, Sept. 16 and 17. The show starts at 7:30 and runs to 10:30 p.m.

WHY GO: With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by John Weidman, “Assassins” uses the premise of a murderous carnival game to produce a revue-style portrayal of men and women who attempted (successfully or otherwise) to assassinate United States presidents. The music varies to reflect the popular music of the eras depicted. The musical first opened Off-Broadway in 1990; the 2004 Broadway production won five Tony Awards.

WHERE/WHEN: The South Brandon Rotary Club will host its first Lobstah' Fest this Saturday, Sept. 17, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Winthrop Pole Barn, 11349 Bloomingdale Ave., Riverview.

WHY GO: The cost is $25 per person or $45 for two dinners, and includes a boiled Maine lobster and potato salad, cole slaw, corn on the cob, a roll, dessert and drinks.The first glass of beer or wine will be available with a meal ticket. After that, drinks will be available for a suggested donation of $2. Kids' tickets are $5 and include a hamburger or hot dog, chips, drinks and dessert.

In addition to the lobster meal, there will be live entertainment by Otis Velt and the Old School Band. The popular Tampa Bay party band performs hits from the '50s to the '80s. There also will be children's activities including face painting, balloon creations and a bounce house. Local crafters have been invited to display their fall creations during a craft festival that will take place during the event.

WHERE/WHEN: Both experienced and novice runners are invited to take part the Bulls 5K Sept. 17 at 7:30 a.m. Organized by Bloomingdale football head coach John Booth, the 3.1-mile run/walk will begin at Cimino Elementary School, 4329 Culbreath Road, Valrico.

WHY GO: Registration fees include a runner's T-shirt, post-race snack and water  during the race. Fees are $25 in advance, $30 on race day for adults. Fees are $15 for ages 9 to 12 and $5 for a  quarter-mile run for children under 9.

Fans are invited to show their support for the runners by making a $20 donation.

Ninety percent of the proceeds will go to the football team, and  the other 10 percent will go to Cimino for hosting the event.

The top three finishers in each age bracket and the top three overall will  receive prizes.

Register online at http://www.active.com/ at Running with the  Bulls 2011 or in person at the front office of Bloomingdale High School, 1700  E. Bloomingdale Ave., or Cimino Elementary School.

WHERE/WHEN: There will be a Middle School Mash indoor party on Friday, Sept. 16 from 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. at the Aquatic Club.

WHY GO: Grab your friends and put on your dancing shoes as the  Aquatic Club is transformed into a Middle School Night Club! A DJ will provide hip tunes throughout the night. Light refreshments will be provided. Tickets are available at the Opsrey Club. The cost is $5 for tweens and teens in grades six, seven and eight.

WHERE/WHEN: The Women's Resource Center will host its first coffee fundraiser Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bell Shoals Baptist Church, 2102 Bell Shoals Road, Brandon.

WHY GO: Change lives, restore hope, have fun and find out what the Women's Resource Center is doing to make these things happen in women's lives. The cost is $25.