Weekend Planner: Kindler at Laughs, Benefit at Simplicity Decor, Pipe Band at KPC

It's been a monster work week, you've earned your pay and your weekend play. But what to do? Never fear my fellow Kirkland friend, Patch has you covered. Check out these choices.

1. Where/When: 4-8 p.m. on Friday, March 9, at  in Kirkland.
2. Why Go: Join Simplicity Decor this Friday to get a sneak peak at the arrival of new Simplicity spring treasures. Come sip and snack while 20 percent of the proceeds from your purchases will be donated toward uncompensated care. Plan to have happy hour,  dinner, or enjoy an art walk  in downtown Kirkland and then  swing by Simplicity to pick out a few gifts or spring  items for your home.
3. Cost: Admission is free.

1. Where/When: 7:30-11 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, at the .
2. Why Go: Get ready for a fun evening of contra dances (social dance originally from New England) including a few circle and square dances. Live traditional folk music and dance caller. Walk-through provided for every dance. Attending with a partner is not necessary. Beginner instruction at 7:30 p.m., dance at 8 p.m. Free ice cream provided during the break!
3. Cost: $8 at the door; $4 for students. First time is free.

1. Where/When: 6-8 p.m. on Friday, March 9, at  in Kirkland.
2. Why Go: The Howard Mandville Gallery is hosting an artist reception this Friday for the opening of Canadian artist Renato Muccillo’s one-man show of new works in the US. Muccillo is renowned throughout Canada for his luminous, ethereal paintings of the lowland marshes and rural landscapes of British Columbia.
3. Cost: Admission is free.

1. Where/When: 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 9-11, at the .
2. Why Go: Join the Keith Highlanders and their special guest performers for a unique celebration of Celtic music and culture this weekend at the KPC. The show features world renowned and champion solo piper Jori Chisholm, who brings new energy and spectacular skill. Check out this YouTube clip of the Keith Highlanders Pipe Band performing live at the Skagit Valley Highland Games in 2011 to see if this show is for you.
3. Cost: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and youths.

1. Where/When: 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 11, at the .
2. Why Go: Join Master Chorus Eastside this Sunday at the KPC for a sometimes touching, sometimes vigorous celebration of all things Celtic. The concert will feature performances by Loch Lomond, Londonderry Air, Star of the County Down and more.
3. Cost: Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and youths.

1. Where/When: 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, March 9-10, at  in Kirkland.
2. Why Go: In the mood to laugh this weekend? Laughs in Kirkland has you covered. Comedic troublemaker Andy Kindler will have audiences laughing all night long with performances on Friday and Saturday night. Never heard of him? Check out this clip of Kindler’s stand-up routine.
3. Cost: Tickets are $15.

1. Where/When: 7 p.m. on Friday, March 9, at .
2. Why Go: If you haven’t caught the Redmond High School Theatre Arts production of Little Shop of Horrors yet, this Friday will be your last chance. The musical features the lyrics of Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, and is the comedic story of a man-eating plant named Audrey and her keeper, Seymour. Enjoy the show!
3. Cost: Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children.

1. Where/When: 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, held on the Sammamish River Trail.
2. Why Go: Join J.J. Mahoney’s this Saturday for their St. Patrick’s Day Run. It’s a 5k run/walk along the Sammamish River Trail. Various prizes will be awarded throughout the day, including a prize for best costume.
3. Cost: $25 for adults and $20 for kids. Your entry fee gets you a shirt, drinks and a donation toward Multiple Sclerosis.