Chicago Bears Book Signing, Golden Retriever Rescue, High School Musical Jr. and More

It’s Thursday, and you’ve got 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 bars/restaurants/shops to explore.

1. 

Where/When: BCAC Gallery at the Ice House Mall, 200 Applebee St., Barrington, 6:30 - 9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 18.

Why Go?: Jokes, poetry reading, singing; open to anyone in high school or older. Come to entertain or be entertained. Coffee and treats will be served. Sponsored by TesserAct Theatre of Palatine and Barrington Cultural Arts Center.

Pricing: Unavailable.

2.  Chicago Bears Patrick McCaskey at Christian Shop Ltd.

Where/When: Christian Shop Ltd., 325 E. Dundee Rd., Palatine; 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 19.

Why Go?: Chicago Bears Senior Director Patrick McCaskey will sign copies of his new book, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout.

Pricing: Free. (Must purchase the book.)

3.

Where/When: James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County - Grayslake Campus, 19351 W Washington Street; 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 18; 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 19 and 20.

Why Go?: Experience the talents of the Christian Youth Theater students, ages 4 - 18, as they bring to life the popular Disney Channel show. Fun songs, incredible dance moves, amazing entertainment for the whole family.

Pricing: $12 for adults, $9 for children 2 - 17 and seniors if purchased in advance. $14 for adults, $11 for children 2 - 17 and seniors if purchased at the door. Special pricing is available for groups.

4.

Where/When: , 1 Stevenson Dr., Lincolnshire; 2 - 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 20.

Why Go?: Amazing athletes perform acrobatic feats that defy gravity, jugglers, contortionists and knife throwers display breathtaking human abilities, over 2,000 years of Chinese circus traditions come together.  

Pricing: $15

5.

Where/When: Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine; 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 19 and 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 20.

Why Go?: LZP Production of the musical lost gem, High Spirits.

Pricing: $17 in advance, all ages; $19 at the door, all ages.

6. Coyote Howl

Where/When: Wright Woods, Mettawa; 4:30 - 6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 20.

Why Go?: Learn all about coyotes and how they communicate under the twilight sky. Must be 18 years old or older to participate in this event.

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

7. Golden Retriever Rescue Meet and Greet

Where/When: , 787 Main St.; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 19.

Why Go?: As Good As Gold, Golden Retriever Rescue of Northern Illinois invites everyone to come meet the volunteers and their rescued goldens and learn about adoption, responsible pet ownership and humane care.

Pricing: Free.

8. Let's Wine About Winter

Where/When: MainStreet Libertyville, 160 E. Cook Ave., 1 p.m.- 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 19.

Why Go?: Stroll through historic downtown Libertyville, enjoy a different refreshment at each store. Buy a wine tasting glass for $10 and taste a new wine at each store that's participating.

Pricing: $10 for  wine tasting glass. Wine samples are free.

And you still want more? Check out our family-friendly , which is refreshed every Wednesday.

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