Get Out: Weekend Planner

It’s Thursday, and you’ve got no idea what you’ll do for the weekend.

Lakewood 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, and shops to explore.

• Where/When: 7 a.m. Saturday on April 9 in downtown Tacoma (15th Street and Pacific Ave)
• Why Go: Looking to test the level of your fitness this weekend? You may want to check out this 5k run/walk put on by the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties. It's all for a good cause and you'll even get a T-shirt out of the deal.
• Pricing: $35 on the day of the race or, $30 for pre-registration. Register on-line here. All proceeds benefit the YMCA's Teen Late Night Program and Scholarship Fund.

Sounders FC at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

• Where/When: Game starts at 1:00 p.m. Saturday on April 9 at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse.
• Why go: The Sounders take on the Chicago Fire this Saturday and BJ's may be best bet to catch the game and enjoy some great food and drinks at the same time. They have a eight big-screen TVs over the bar so even if you don't get a great seat, you'll still have a decent view. Game starts at 1 p.m. and happy hour starts at 3 p.m. just in time to save you some cash on a round of drinks to celebrate another Sounders win.
• Pricing: No cover.

• Where/When: 10:15 a.m. Saturday on April 9 at 11th St & Pacific Ave in Tacoma.
• Why Go: The Grand Floral Street Parade travels through the four cities of Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner and Orting and consists of approximately 40 floats and over 80 other entries, including bands, marching and mounted units.  Get your spot early and enjoy the parade and festivities.
• Pricing: Free.

Dive & Travel Expo 2011

• Where/When: Saturday and Sunday at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center (1500 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402).
• Why Go: This event is huge for any diving enthusiasts out there. It's the only Dive Expo in the Pacific Northwest and it's coming to Tacoma this weekend. There will be seminars, guest speakers, specialty vendors, a film festival, and even a treasure hunt where divers will actually plunge underwater for prizes near Owen Beach in Tacoma. 
• Pricing: Expo tickets are $15 for attendees. Treasure hunt registration is $35.

• Where/When: 5 p.m. Sunday on April 10 at  in Lakewood.
• Why Go: Wind down the weekend craziness with this Open Mic Night at Coffee Strong. Anything from spoken word to stand up comedy acts are welcome. They even have a piano at your disposal. And if public speaking isn't your thing, just sit back with some coffee and enjoy the show. 
• Pricing: Free.

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