Happy Birthday Mr. President, Meatloaf Performs

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.

1. 

Where/When: New Bridge Landing, 1201-1209 Main Street River Edge, from 1 to 5pm on Sunday Feb.20
Why Go: A Country Ball will be held in honor of George Washington - under Denise Piccino's direction, the Tricorne Ensemble will demonstrate 18th-century dances in the parlor of the Steuben House. Ridley and Anne Enslow provide musical accompaniment on the fiddle and hammered dulcimer while General Washington (portrayed by Rodger Yaden) makes an appearance.
Pricing: $7 adults, $5 children suggested donation

2. Rock and Roll Tribute -- Autism Speaks Fundraiser

Where/When: Mexicali Live, 1409 Queen Anne Road, Teaneck  on Sunday Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. 
Why Go: Rock Kandy, Completely Unchained and more play at this fundraiser for a great cause
Pricing: $15 in advance, $20 at the door

3. DJ Dance Party and Irish Music -- Poitin Still
Where/When: Poitin Still, Hackensack, open 'til 2 a.m.
Why Go: Feel like dancing? Hit the Poitin Still Thursday, Friday or Saturday night; mellow out on Sunday with some live Irish music
Pricing: No cover charge, full menu and full bar

4. Brian Kirk and the Jirks
Where/When: Blend Bar, 17 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood, Saturday Feb. 19 at 10 p.m.
Why Go: Live music -- need we say more? Rock out with this cover band who play your favorite hits from rock to pop and beyond
Pricing: Call for more info or reservation

5. Meatloaf Rocks the bergenPAC
Where/When: bergenPAC, 30 N. Van Brunt, Englewood at 8 p.m. on Friday Feb. 18  
Why Go: From his classic album Bat Out of Hell to Rocky Horror Picture Show, Meatloaf sings his hits
Pricing: Prices range from $79 to $149

6. Hawthorne Symphony Orchestra Opera Concert Performance

Where/When:  Berrie Center Sharp Theater, Mahwah; Sunday Feb. 20,  3p.m.

Why Go: The Hawthorne Symphony Orchestra will be performing a concert production of Beethoven’s only opera, Fidelio, at Ramapo College's Berrie Center Sharp Theater. According to Alison Bolshoi, who will be singing the lead role, “This is a very real, relatable piece. It’s a great introduction to German opera, for newcomers, and those who are conesuers of opera will enjoy it too.”

Pricing: $15-$20 for adults; $12 for children under 17; Seniors and Ramapo Affiliates receive five percent discount off tickets.

7. Mitch Kahn Celebrates: The Songs that Won the Academy Award

Where/When: ; Sunday, Feb. 20, 2 p.m.

Why Go: There is no better way to get ready for the Oscars than to stop by the library for this performance. Kahn will perform Oscar-winning songs from the 1930’s through the 1980’s, and add in anecdotes about the singers and composers that made the songs famous. 

Pricing: Free. Seats on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

8. Beer and Cheese Tasting

Where/When: Whole Foods, Paramus; Thursday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m.

Why Go: This unique experience will add a kick to the end of your week. Registration is required for this tasting, and attendees must be 21 years of age, or older.

Pricing: $10 per person

9. A Tribute to Nina Simone

When/Where:  Ridgewood Public Library, 125 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood; Sunday, Feb. 20, 3pm

Why Go: Come to appreciate on of the greatest American jazz singers and songwriters in this tribute concert. The show, which features the music of Nina Simone, is organized by her brother, Sam Wymans.

Pricing: Free, but a suggested donation of $3 is appreciated

10. Meet Former NY Knick John Starks
Where/When: Saturday 12 pm; Sixth Avenue Electronics, 530 Route 17 N., Paramus
Why Go: The former NY Knicks star joins Sony and Sixth Avenue Electronics to help YCS send hundreds of children with special needs to camp in the country. Everyone entering the store will be given a raffle ticket.  Every 15 minutes, a ticket will be chosen to win a Sony electronics prize.  The grand prize will be a Sony flat-screen 3D TV. Ticket holders must be present to win.
Pricing: Free

11. Lunch at the Rolling Pin Cafe 
Where/When: Saturday 11 am to 4 pm; The Rolling Pin Café 341 Broadway, Westwood, NJ 07675 (201) 666-4660
Why Go: Grab a girlfriend and enjoy one of Westwoods best café’s where the best foods and desserts are made simply and with the freshest quality ingredients.
Pricing: -

12. Ed Gunderman and Friends Perform Live 
Where/When: Saturday 10pm; Doghouse Saloon 270 Pascack Rd, Township of Washington, NJ 07676. (201) 722-1820
Why Go: Stop in your neighborhood bar for an evening of live musical entertainment by one of North Jersey’s best rock bands.
Pricing: No cover.

13. (201) Bride Ultimate Wedding Event 
Where/When: Sunday 11 am to 2 pm; Trustees Pavilion, Ramapo College of New Jersey, 505 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah (201) 646-6954
Why Go: Celebrate your recent engagement and see the area's top wedding vendors showcase the latest in wedding products, services and trends. Take home a (201) Bride gift bag filled with wedding prep treats and enter to win prizes.
Pricing: Registration fee of $10 covers bride and one guest. Each additional guest is $5.

14. New Milford High School Flea Market & Collectible Show 
Where/When: Sunday 9 am to 4 pm; New Milford High School 330 River Rd. New Milford, NJ 07646
Why Go: You never know what you’ll find at a great flea market.  This one will feature 50+ exhibitors selling new items, crafts, antiques, collectibles and garage & tag sale items
Pricing: Free to enter

And still you want more? Check out our family-friendly Grab & Go Kids Planner that runs every Wednesday.