WEEKEND PLANNER: George's 35th Celebration; Studio East Cabaret Night

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

Kirkland Patch is coming to the rescue. We have the best bets for your done-with-work, outta-here time. Check our picks for the activities to hit and new bars, restaurants and shops to explore.

• Where/When: 7-11 p.m. Sat, Aug. 27 at .
• Why Go: The downtown Kirkland dining institution known as George’s is celebrating its 35th anniversary by inviting family and friends to enjoy a night reflecting on all those years. The night will feature Greek music -- the late George Mangouras came from the island of Ikaria -- speeches and door prizes. The event will also recognize the customers who have been a part of the George’s “family” since the beginning. So if you're a regular at George's, or just an occasional customer, be sure to stop by this Saturday night.
• Cost: Admission is free, drink specials available.
  

• Where/When: 7 p.m. Sat, Aug 27 at .
• Why Go: Join Studio East for an evening of musical entertainment provided by the advanced students of Justin Beal, Sharon Buck, Nedra Gaskill, and Laura Shepherd. After the performances, a Dessert Raffle will round out the evening. All proceeds benefit the Studio East Scholarship Fund.
• Cost: $10

• Where/When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sun, Aug 28 at .
• Why Go: Volunteers of all ages are needed to help with groundskeeping, building nature trail features, and spreading wood chips throughout the  that will be used for recess during school construction this year at . Bring your own work gloves and water -- and, if you have them, extra tools (pruning shears, rakes, shovels, and especially wheelbarrows) to share. Stay for as long or short a time as you are available. There will be a potluck lunch break at noon.
• Cost: Free.

• Where/When: 4-7 p.m. Fri, Aug 26 at . Parking is available at the , just around the corner from 21 Acres.
• Why Go: Come see how 21 Acres is "Building the Future Beyond Green" at this Open House on Friday. You'll enjoy tours of the LEED building, special remarks by Graham Kerr, along with local food and refreshments provided by Trellis Restaurant's Executive Chef, Brian Scheehser. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and to dress for the weather, it's gonna be a hot one!
• Cost: Free.

• Where/When: 12 p.m. Sat, Aug 27 at .
• Why Go: Fire department benevolent funds from Woodinville, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Bothell, Eastside, and Mercer Island are hosting a Battle of the Bands at Redhook Brewery this Saturday. The competing bands include Eclectric Approach, Velcro Mindset, Bald Mountain Blue Grass, Austin Jenckes, The Maltby Crew, and Three Trick Pony. 
• Cost: $10 donation for entry, cash only. Proceeds benefit local charities including Muscle Dystrophy Association, Ryan's Solution, benevolent funds, and the Bellevue Honor Guard.

Seahawks Pre-Season Football

• Where/When: 6 p.m. Sat, Aug 27 at .
  
• Why Go: It's not a regular season game, but it'll be the best look at the Seahawk's new squad you've seen all year. Most of the starting players are expected to play a full three quarters if not more. Don't worry about getting there early to grab a good seat, the Juanita Pub has huge flat screen TV's lining the walls so regardless of where you sit, you should have a decent view. Go Seahawks!
  
• Pricing: No cover.
  

UFC RIO

• Where/When: 6 p.m. Sat, Aug 27 at various locations, use the UFC Bar Finder to view a list of bars or restaurants showing the fights.
• Why Go: The World Middleweight Championship is on the line this Saturday as Anderson "Spider" Silva aims to avenge is last loss (disqualification in 06') against Yushin Okami. Also on the card this Saturday is the highly anticipated rematch of Forrest Griffin and Shogun Rua. Need a little more back story to get into these fights? This promo should do the trick.
  
• Pricing: Usually no cover.

• Where/When: 6 p.m. on Friday and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at .
• Why Go: It's a big weekend for music at Marymoor Park. Sublime with Rome and 311 play on Friday. Both bands could sell out Marymoor by themselves so this concert is an almost two-for-one deal. Haven't heard Sublime since the addition of Rome? Check out this youtube clip to see Rome in action. Then on Saturday, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Ben Harper takes the stage with what's sure to be an unforgettable performance. Check out this youtube clip of Ben Harper doing what he does best.
• Cost: Tickets for Sublime and 311 are available through Ticket Master for $45 (pre-fee). Tickets for Ben Harper are available through Ticket Master for $39.50 (pre-fee.) Get your tickets asap as both shows are likely to sell out.