It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and this weekend event planner is no exception. We’ve got plenty here to ring in the holidays, plus a selection of non-holiday related events for those who aren’t quite ready for the ring-jing-jingling. The Story of Buddha in Dance When/Where: 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday at Robert E. Kauffman Theater in the Pascal Center for Performing Arts at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) Why go: Students from the Kalairani Natya Salai dance school will perform the story of Buddha, following his life from childhood to enlightenment. Cost: General admission is $10, …

Had enough turkey and shopping? Here are some other things to do this weekend. The Gingerbread Pirates When/Where: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis Why Go: The annual holiday show runs for one day only this year and will feature a visit from Santa after each show. Cost: $8 for adults, $5 for children (ages 2 to 12) and children younger than age 2 are free Lights on the Bay When/Where: 5 to 10 p.m. nightly through Jan. 1, 2012, at Sandy Point State Park Families go back year after year to see their favorite light displays and admire new additions. Cost: $14 per …

There's no denying that the holidays are upon us with Thanksgiving next week and a host of seasonal events this weekend in Broadneck and nearby areas. (Let us know if you think it's too early for holiday lights by taking our poll!) Editor's picks: Start shopping for gifts at St. Margaret's Holiday Bazaar and then head to Annapolis Towne Centre at Parole to see the tree lighting and carolers. St. Margaret's Holiday Bazaar When/Where: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, Annapolis Why Go: Don't miss opportunity to buy unique gifts, handmade items, crafts and baked …

Veterans Day weekend is fast approaching. We've put together a list of five things you and your family can take part in over this weekend, from a memorial event to a play, you're sure to find something exciting.   1. Witnesses to War: an Open Mic Reading of Prose and Poetry By and About Veterans When/Where: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Friday, Anne Arundel Community College, Humanities Building Room 112, 101 College Parkway, Arnold Why Go: Honor Veterans Day thorough poetry with AACC alumnus Cliff Lynn, who has co-hosted monthly poetry readings in Annapolis since 2005 and has published more than 40 poems …

This weekend is packed with opportunities to get out of the house and get involved with the community. Support local businesses and charities and even have some fun while doing it. Join your neighbors and take a hike or watch a tug-of-war contest. Here are some of our picks for the weekend. Parent Involvement Conference When/Where: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Anne Arundel Community College Why Go: Discuss issues relating to local schools with other parents in the county. Cost: Free 14th Annual Tug of War When/Where: Noon on Saturday. To watch the tugging from the Annapolis side go to …

Get some extra mileage out of your Halloween costume this weekend by donning your disguise and heading out to one of these events happening around the area. There are opportunities for runners, kids, adults and even pets to get into the spirit. Halloween 5K at Big Vanilla Where/When: 8 a.m., Sunday, Big Vanilla, Arnold Why Go: The race begins at Big Vanilla in Arnold with the course running through Anne Arundel Community College. Participants must be 13 and will be entered into a raffle for prizes from the event sponsors. The proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Kid-…

Wondering what to do this weekend? How about learning something new, donating to a good cause or catching a little Halloween thrill? Here are Patch’s picks for fun and inspiring ways to spend your free time. Haunted Holy Grounds When/Where: 7 p.m., Friday, at the Severna Park Community Center, 623 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., Severna Park Why Go: There will be a haunted house for all ages, plus new this year, is Creature Feature from 6:30 to 9 p.m. for younger or more timid children. Cost: Haunted House is $8 for adults, $5 for children. Creature Feature is $10 per child, free for kids younger …

The leaves are changing colors, the temperatures are cooling off and fall festivals are on the calendar. This weekend brings many opportunities for pumpkin picking, leaf peeping and cider drinking—as well as some fun indoor activities too. Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival Where/When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, at Cape St. Claire United Methodist Church, Cape St. Claire Why Go: Get your pumpkins and make scarecrows. Enjoy hayrides, games, food, hot apple cider and more. Cost: Free SPCC Spaghetti Dinner Where/When: 5 p.m., Saturday, St. Martin’s in-the-Field-Church, Severna Park Why Go: …

The week’s almost over and the weekend is nearly here. Make the most of it by checking out some of our picks for fun activities and interesting things to do around the region. Bands by the Bay Tournament When/Where: 6 p.m. Saturday at Broadneck High School Why Go: See local high school marching bands perform. Participating schools include Broadneck High, Severna Park High, Arundel High and Annapolis Area Christian School. Cost: $8 for general admission and $6 for students and senior citizens U.S. Sailboat Show When/Where: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, …

Now that it's officially autumn, it's time for fall festivals and getting out to do things in the community. Try something different this weekend—learn CPR and donate blood to help others.Fall Family Social When/Where: Friday, Sept. 30, at 4:30 p.m. at Creative Beginnings Preschool Why go? This is a great community event that is family friendly with moon bounces, face painting, a book fair, a lollipop tree, games, food and more. Price: Free Free CPR Class When/Where: Friday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m. at Arnold Volunteer Fire Department Why go? As a service to the community, the fire department is …

Get out this weekend to enjoy activities at Anne Arundel Community College, a recycle day and a fire station celebration in Arnold—plus, Hospice Cup XXX on Saturday. Local Musician Hosts Fundraiser When/Where: Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. at the Robert E. Kauffman Theater in the Pascal Center for Performing Arts of Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) Why go? David Tieff, a musician from Crofton, will tell his life story through word, song and digital images while playing acoustic guitar.  The title of the show is “An Addict’s Song,” and it is a fundraising event co-sponsored by the AACC Substance …

Fall weather has arrived a little early this weekend but don't let that stop you from getting out in Broadneck and checking out the county fair in Crownsville. Anne Arundel County Fair When/Where: All weekend (see schedule of fair events online) on Sept. 16 from 4 to 11 p.m., Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds located at 1450 Generals Highway in Crownsville Why go? The county fair features live animals, contests, performances, games and much more. Pricing: $6 for ages 16 and older, $4 for ages 8 to 15 and free for ages 7 …

Enjoy what is left of the summer by getting out in Broadneck this weekend. Broadneck High Football When/Where: Friday, Sept. 9, at 4 p.m. (JV) and 6:30 p.m. (varsity) at Broadneck High School Why go? Support the Bruins in their second game of the season as they face the Cougars from Chesapeake High School. Pricing: $5 per person Mermaid’s Kiss Oyster Fest When/Where: Friday, Sept. 9, at 5 p.m. at Sandy Point State Park Why go? Sponsored by the Oyster Recovery Partnership, this event serves as a "pre-party” for the Maryland Seafood Festival. It is a fundraiser to plant more oysters in the …

It's a three-day celebration of the end of the summer season, and there is plenty to do this Labor Day weekend. Here are just a few options to consider. 1) First Friday Movies Under The Stars When/Where:  Fri., Sept. 2, 9 p.m., 550 Ritchie Hwy., Severna Park (Park Plaza Shopping Center). Why Go?:  See the family-friendly movie "Up." Bring blanket or lawn chairs for seating. Pricing:  Free. 2)  The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra at Quiet Waters Park When/Where:  Sun., Sept. 4, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 600 Quiet Waters Park Rd., Annapolis. Why Go:  The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra will perform a …

1)  Grease at AACC When/Where: Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., Anne Arundel Community College, Pascal Center for the Performing Arts in Arnold. Why Go:  Catonsville Youth Theatre’s (CYT) will present the favorite musical "Grease.” Price:  $12 for general admission; $8 for children 7 and under. Call 410-544-8426 for more information. 2)  Hairspray at the Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre When/Where: Friday, Saturday, 8:30 p.m., Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, 143 Compromise St. in Annapolis. Why Go: Come and enjoy the Baltimore-based musical set in 1962 featuring Tracy Turnblad as a young …

1) Crazy Pajama Party at Griffin’s Grill When/Where:  Tonight, Fri., 8 p.m. to midnight, Griffin’s Grill in Arnold.   Why Go:  It promises to be a "crazy" night, with Karoke with DJ Wild Bill and prizes for the craziest pajamas of the evening while watching the Washington Redskins preseason game. Price:  No Cover. 2)  Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company Crab Feast Where/When:  Sat., 1 p.m., Earleigh Heights Fire Station, 161 Ritchie Hwy., Severna Park. Why Go:  Support the local Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company by attending this crab feast. Unlimited steamed crabs will be steamed …

1)  Talent Machine presents Can-Can  When/Where:  Fri. and Sat., 7:30 p.m., and Sun. at 2 p.m., Key Auditorium on St. John’s campus in Annapolis.  Why Go:  Come and enjoy this favorite Cole Porter musical, which includes Broadneck teen Layne Seaman in the cast. Price: General Admission - $12; Children 7 and under $10. 2)  Infinity Theatre presents Little Shop of Horrors When/Where: Fri. and Sat. night at 8 p.m., Sat. and Sun. matinee at 2 p.m., at the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA) theater on Bay Head Road now through Aug. 7. Why Go: The show has received excellent reviews of its all-…

1)  Stand up Paddle Annapolis Race When/Where:  Sat., 9:30am, start in the back of Deep Creek by the marina and goes out to the Magothy River, registration begins by 8 a.m.  Lunch served at Deep Creek Restaurant afterwards. Why Go: Whether a participant or spectator, this race is more about having fun with a group of people who all love the sport of Stand Up. Price:  $30 to participate 2)  Tropical Night at Broadneck Grill  When/Where:  Sun., 7:30 to 11 p.m., Broadneck Grill in the Cape St. Claire shopping center. Why Go:  Enjoy the live music of locals Pilgrim and Trout while enjoying …

1)   Bumper Bash 2011 When/Where: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, Dobbins Island on the Magothy River. Why Go: Boaters enjoy festivities out on the water with fellow boaters. Proceeds from T-shirt sales go to the Maryland Special Olympics. Price: No fee. 2)  Infinity Theatre presents Little Shop of Horrors When/Where: Friday, Saturday night at 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday matinee at 2 p.m., at the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA) theater on Bay Head Road now through Aug. 7. Why Go: The show has received excellent reviews of its all-star cast and production design. A portion of the proceeds …

1)  Infinity Theatre presents Little Shop of Horrors When/Where:  Friday, and Saturday night at 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday matinee at 2 p.m., at the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis Theater on Bay Head Road now through August 7. Why Go: New York professionals have come to Annapolis to share their incredible talents with local residents. The show’s story centers around two star-crossed, down-and-out Skid Row lovers, Seymour and Audrey, who try to make sense of a trashy world of greedy florists, sadistic dentists, sassy street urchins, and a man-eating potted plant from outer space.  Note: …