Patch Weekend Planner

Are you wondering what to do for this weekend? Patch has planned it out for you and the best part…some of the events are FREE.  Here are 11 things to do that are either located right here in Syosset, or a town or so away: 

Brush Up

Ladies, get your Van Gogh on and go to in Syosset for a FREE Do-it-herself workshop: Interior Painting Made Easy.  On Saturday at 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. there will be a hands-on demonstration to teach you the basics in faux-painting techniques and choosing the right caulks, brushes and accessories to prep and finish the job.  You can register for the class or just show up.

Link: http://www.homeimproverclub.com/workshops.aspx?Type=3

Broadway Bound?

If you are going to the Broadway Mall in Hicksville this weekend make sure to stop by the Little Shelter kiosk anytime, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., located at the bottom of the escalator and meet all the wonderful future furry family members waiting to be loved and cuddled.  Folks are on hand to discuss volunteer opportunities as well as the rewarding work they do.

Link: http://www.littleshelter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=201

Afterwards, head over to Ikea for a FREE meal. Dine at their restaurant and they will deduct the price of your entire restaurant bill from any home furnishings purchase over $100 made on the same day (not valid on their gift card purchases).

Wild in Westbury

Distinguished wildlife expert Jack Hanna will take the stage on Saturday starting at 1 p.m. at the NYCB Theater in Westbury for his Into the Wild tour.  If you enjoy learning about exotic animals, conservation, and the environment this show is for you.  Go to http://livenation.com for ticket pricing and seating selections.  There is an additional cost for a meet and greet with Mr. Hanna after the show.  Address:  960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury, 800-745-3000.

Ski Long Island

Get out your cross-country ski equipment and head over to Bethpage State Park this weekend and enjoy the new snowfall from sunrise to sunset (when weather conditions permit, naturally). Address:  99 Quaker Meetinghouse Rd., Farmingdale, 516-249-0701.

A Show in Winter

This weekend Broadway Bound Productions presents The Lion in Winter, a James Goldman play, set during Christmas in 12th century England about the complexities of a royal family. Some cast members are from nearby towns such as Muttontown, Hicksville, and Westbury, so you may recognize a neighbor on stage.  The performance on Saturday starts at 8 p.m. and on Sunday it will begin at 2 p.m.  Cost:  $15 per ticket.  Address:  813 Carman Ave., Westbury.  For tickets call: 516-833-5110 or email: bwaybp@aol.com

Choo-Choo for Children

Join members of the Railroad Museum of Long Island as they transform Museum Cove, located by the children’s program room at the Northport Public Library, into a railway station with model trains.  Bring a conductor’s hat to get into the spirit; it should be a “rail” good time.  This FREE event will be going on the whole weekend:  Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.  Address:  151 Laurel Avenue, Northport.

Grown on Long Island

On Saturday at 8 p.m, the Town of Oyster Bay is offering a FREE concert from their Distinguished Artists Series.  Known as a postmodern, neo-Traditional, old-time band, The Home Grown String Band from Suffolk County will have you knee slapping and feet tapping.  So come on down, ya hear, and enjoy their acoustic country music and Appalachian flatfoot dancing.  Address:  999 Old Country Rd., Plainview.

Honoring MLK

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site will be waiving its admission fees and offering FREE tours of Theodore Roosevelt's home on Saturday and Sunday, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. day. They will be closed on Monday.  Address:  20 Sagamore Hill Road, Cove Neck. 

Dance Until They Nap

The Sid Jacobson JCC is having a Kiddie Rock Concert.  Come by on Sunday at 11am for this one hour concert to hear Princess Katie & Racer Steve, live.  Kids are encouraged to dress in costumes to be part of this lively and interactive show. $15 at the door and children under one, free.  Address:  300 Forest Drive, East Hills.  Call: 516-484-1545.

Sundays After Seven

As the sun sets the lights go low and the black lights go on at our local bowling alley, . Everything glows and a party atmosphere starts.  So head over on Sundays at 7 p.m. for "Dollarmania".  A $5 cover gets you $1 games and $1 mugs of Anheuser-Busch Natural Light all night long plus $1 shoe rentals.  Address:  111 Eileen Way, Syosset. Call:  516-921-7575 for more information.