Get Out: Weekend Picks in Potomac

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: 10101 Glenolden Dr., Potomac, MD 20854; Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Why Go: Now that fall is here and our days will begin to cool, it's a perfect time to curl up with a book. Support Friends of the Library and buy some cheap romances, comedies and thrillers.

Pricing: Most hardbacks will cost around $1 and paperbacks will cost $.50.

2.

Where/When: Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike; Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Why Go: The Chinese American community of the Greater Washington Area sponsors this concert to celebrate the founding of the Republic of China in 1911. The Mousou band and100+ member chorus will be performing.

Pricing: Contact Jeffrey Chen by phone for ticket information.

3.

Where/When: Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church, 9601 Cedar Ln., Bethesda; Saturday, Oct. 8, 7 p.m.

Why Go: If you've ever wanted to take a tour of the night sky and learn how to use that telescope that's been stored away for years, Cedar Lane UUC is the place to go to begin your journey. Tom Bryant will lead this weekly discussion of the stars and how to navigate them. Participants will need binoculars and a red flashlight. It is recommended that you also have a copy of the Backyard Astronomer's Guide. Dress warmly!

Pricing: $20. Register in-person at the church or by mail: Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church, 9601 Cedar Ln., Bethesda, MD 20814.

4. Cabin John "Eye Spy" Halloween Train

Where/When: The Cabin John mini-train at Cabin John Regional Park, 7400 Tuckerman Lane in Bethesda. Saturday, Oct. 8, and Sunday, Oct. 9, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Why Go: Grab the kids for this not-so-haunted train ride through Cabin John Park, perfect for the little ones.

Pricing: $6; $5 with canned food donation.

5. Ice Cream Social at Bethesda's new fountain

Where/When: The new fountain in front of Bethesda's Barnes and Noble, 4801 Bethesda Avenue in Bethesda. Saturday, Oct. 8, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Why Go: Celebrate the grand re-opening of Bethesda's new fountain with free ice cream samples from Haagen-Dazs, and free sunglasses for kids and discounts from My Eye Dr.

Pricing: Free

6. Beer tasting

Where/When: Fenwick Beer and Wine located on 1327 Fenwick Ln. in downtown Silver Spring. Friday, Oct. 7, at 4:30 p.m.

Why Go: Fall is here and so are the wonderful flavors including pumpkin and apple spice. You can stop by for a taste test of Lagunitas, one of their newest beer brands, and check out their wide variety of international wines.

Pricing: Free

7. Live music

Where/When: McGinty's Public House located on 911 Ellsworth Dr. in Silver Spring. The band is set to play at Friday, Oct. 7, at 10 p.m.

Why Go: Kick off your weekend with the sounds of Grateful Dead. This Irish pub brings together music, sports and fine dining. Meet up with friends for happy-hour appetizers and drinks from 4 p.m. to about 7 p.m. and then listen to free music.

Pricing: Free