Weekend Planner: Boat Show, Diabetes Brunch and More

It's Thursday and if 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: , 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake; 12 - 9 p.m. on Friday, March 4; 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 5; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 6.

Why Go?: Best pricing on new and used powerboats, fishing boats, pontoons, cruisers, ski boats and bow riders; huge selection of boat accessories, trailers and parts from over 30 exhibitors. Try to win a new boat, truck and trailer valued at $50,000.

Pricing: Free admission for children under 12; $6 for adults; $4 for seniors and veterans; free parking.

2.

Where / When: Soldier Field United Club, 1410 S. Museum Campus, Chicago; 11 a.m.; Sunday, March 6.

Why Go?: Bears Coach Lovie Smith and his wife MaryAnne will welcome guests to a seated brunch that will feature music, a silent auction and raffle, VIP ticketholder reception with behind the scenes tour of Soldier Field. Proceeds will benefit diabetes research, programs, summer camp scholarships and advocacy.

Pricing: $150 per person.

3. 

Where / When: , 160 E. Cook Ave., Libertyville; 6 - 9 p.m.; Friday, March 4.

Why Go?: There is a party going on in downtown Libertyville on the first Friday of every month. Jazz bands, classical guitarists, art exhibits, balloon artists will entertain you while you shop in the stores in downtown Libertyville. Hor d'oeuvres too!

Pricing: Free

4. 

Where/When: Brae Loch Golf Course, 33600 N. US Highway 45, Grayslake; 3 p.m.- 7 p.m., Friday, March 4 and 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday, March 5.

Why Go?: Get ready for the 2011 golf season with a free 5 minute tune-up with a golf pro, practice putting and enter the putting competition, learn about leagues. Prizes and refreshments.

Pricing: Free

5.  

Where / When: House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago; 7 - 11 p.m., Friday, March 4.

Why Go?: Zacharia's Sexual Abuse Center's annual "Out of the Blues" benefit concert features performances by Blues Hall of Famer Lonnie Brooks and Living Blues Magazine's "Female Artist of the Year" Shemekia Copeland. Good food, live auctions, decadent desserts and four hours of open bar too. All proceeds benefit Zacharia's Sexual Abuse Center in Gurnee which provides 24 hour crisis response, programs and advocacy for survivors and families confronting sexual assault and abuse.

Pricing: $175 per person; all but $50 is tax-deductible.

 6.

Where / When: ; Saturday, March 5.

Why Go?: See many talented students compete in the Illinois High School Association Solo and Ensemble Contest.

Pricing: Visit www.lz95.org for more information.

7.

Where / When: , 579 N. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich; 2 - 4 p.m., Sunday, March 6.

Why Go?: James Baur, classical guitarist, will perform selections that span 500 years of Spanish compositions. Stay for a reception following the performance and meet the artist. 

Pricing: $10

8.

Where / When: Makray Memorial Golf Club, 1010 S. Northwest Highway, Barrington; 7 p.m., Saturday, March 5.

Why Go?: Casino games, incredible prizes, live and silent auctions, performances by student musicians, "royale cuisine", cash bar. Premier fundraiser for DFEF programs that enhance and supplement the educational experience for all District 15 students.

Pricing: $125 per person includes 100 charitable gaming chips, food and a great time.

9.

Where / When: , 350 McHenry Rd., Buffalo Grove; 9 p.m. - 2 a.m., Saturday, March 5.

Why Go?: Live music, dinner and drinks. Southbound 61 performs favorites from Eric Clapton, The Allman Brothers, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tom Petty, Grateful Dead, ZZ Top and many others.

Pricing: $6 cover, $3 well mixers.

10.

Where / When: , 900 S. Elmhurst Rd., Wheeling; 5 p.m.; Sunday, March 6.

Why Go?: Benefit performance for The Dance for Life Fund and The Children's Place Association featuring more than 150 dancers directed by some of Chicago's most prominent choreographers.

Pricing: $12

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.