Get Out: A (Free) Afternoon at the Oscars

It's Thursday and you have no idea what you're going to do this weekend.

Patch is coming to the rescue. We've got the best bets for your done-with-work-outta-here time. Check out our picks for the activities to hit and new places to explore.

1.

Where/When: ; 1 - 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 26.

Why Go?: Film expert and film instructor at Columbia College, Reid Schultz, will discuss the hits, misses and controversies of the 2011 Academy Awards.

Pricing: Free.

2.

Where/When: ; 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Feb. 24 and 25.

Why Go?: Be entertained by talented high school students on stage.

Pricing: Visit www.lhswildcats.org for more information.

3.

Where / When: ; Saturday, Feb. 26.

Why Go?: Enjoy listening to fine music performed by elementary students, junior and senior performers in the historic former home of architect David Adler during the 5th annual competition. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in the junior and senior divisions.

Pricing: Visit www.adlercenter.org for more information.

4.

Where/When: , Room A162, Anderson Lecture Hall; 7 - 10 p.m., Friday, Feb. 25.

Why Go?: See I Am Love (Italy, 2009) by Academy Award winner Tilda Swinton and Luca Gucagnino.

Pricing: Free

5.

Where/When: Rollins Savanna, Washington St., Grayslake; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Sunday, Feb 27.

Why Go?: Weather permitting, learn how to cross-country ski and explore the Rollins Savanna. Must be 12 years old or older and must bring your own ski equipment.

Pricing: $5 per person for Lake County residents; $7 for non-residents.

6.

Where/When: Robert T. Wright Gallery of Art at the , Grayslake Campus; 7 - 9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 25.

Why Go?: Free refreshments will be served to celebrate the kickoff of the exhibits of thirty-six different teapot interpretations from the country's finest contemporary ceramic artists and wood-turned vessels made by Vietnamese artist Bihn Pho. The items will be on display from February 25 to April 19. There will be musical entertainment during the reception.

Pricing: Free and open to the public.

7.

Where / When: Northwest Community Hospital Wellness Center, 900 W. Central Rd., Arlington Heights; 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday Feb. 26.

Why Go?:  Meet Super Bowl Champion Otis Wilson and get his autograph. Local vendors, giveaways, raffles, health screenings. Proceeds benefit the Otis Wilson Foundation. Visit http://www.nch.org/wellness-facilities/wellness-center/pdf/otis-wilson.pdf for more details.

Pricing: Donation

8.

Where/When: , 350 McHenry Rd., Buffalo Grove; 9 p.m. - 2 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 26.

Why Go?: Live musical tribute to the Beatles by American English-the band named number 1 by thousands of Beatles fans in a sound-alike contest three years in a row. The band has also won Illinois Entertainer of the Year and Best Tribute Band. Must be 21 years old or older.

Pricing: $8 in advance; $10 at the door.

9.

Where/When: McDonald Woods, on Grass Lake Rd, west of Route 45 and east of Route 83, Lake Villa; 4:30 - 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 26.

Why Go?: Learn about the special adaptations owls have as silent predators and why they are important members of the wildlife community. Take a hike and try to lure owls out with recorded calls. This event is for adults only.

Pricing: $6 for Lake County residents; $8 for non-residents.

10.

Where/When: , 45 S.Barrington Rd., South Barrington; 6 - 10 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 26.

Why Go?: Play blackjack, poker, craps and more. All chips will be traded in for raffle tickets and chances to win great prizes. This is a fundraiser for Mount S. Joseph.

Pricing: $50 in advance; $60 at the door. Includes betting chips, unlimited appetizers and a Miller Lite draft or a soft drink.

And you still want more? Check out our family-friendly that's refreshed every Wednesday.

We know you have your favorites that we may have missed. Please share the goodness in our comment box below.