Get Out: Weekend Planner Sept. 23-25

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

Enumclaw Patch is coming to the rescue. We’ve got the best bets for your done-with-work-get-me-outta-here time for your little ones as well as for the grown ups in the family. Check our picks for the activities to hit and new establishments to explore.

• Where/When: 23220 Maple Valley Black Diamond Rd SE, Maple Valley; Saturday, Sept. 24 beginning at 7 p.m.
• Why Go: The Maple Valley Creative Arts Council Open Mic is held every 2nd and 4th Saturday. Sign ups for performers start at 6:30 p.m. Each night starts with a 45 minute set by a guest band, after which the nominally 15 minute performance slots start. Show off your own creative streak or simply come and check out the various "family friendly" art forms with the whole family.
• Cost: Free, though donation suggested at the door.

Puyallup Fair

• Where/When: Puyallup Fairgrounds through Sunday, September 25
• Why Go: Why not go? This is the last weekend of the fair so if you haven't yet had your taste of deep fried foods, legendary scones and thrill rides galore, make sure you stop by! Oh, the animals are pretty awesome too.
• Cost: See site for details.

Children's Museum of Tacoma 

• Where/When: Children's Museum of Tacoma on Sunday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Why Go: The Children's Museum of Tacoma is celebrating its 25th birthday with a special party on the 25th day of every month! Activities include birthday-themed crafts and activities, bubble parades, and playdough cupcake decorating.
• Cost: FREE; As the museum's website explains: "Because our birthday shares its special day this month with Market Play Days, Museum admission is FREE all day."

What You Got? Festival 2011

• Where/When: The Olympia Film Society at The Capitol Theater; Saturday, Sept. 24 and Sunday, Sept. 25
• Why Go: The What You Got? Festival is all about youth and self-expression. This festival is a two-day celebration of youth-teen culture, showcasing movies, bands, artwork and free workshops organized by youth around the South Sound. Bring your teen along and check it out! 
• Cost: $5 per day or $8 for a full pass (both days). Tickets are available at the box office day of or at www.brownpapertickets.com

Fremont Oktoberfest

• Where/When: Seattle's Fremont Neighborhood; Friday, Sept. 23 through Sunday, Sept. 25
• Why Go: Sure it's not really October yet but the Bavarian festivities have already begun in earnest here in the Puget Sound area. The beer will be flowing but don't let that stop you from bringing the kids as this festivity features the Oktoberfest Village for kids as well as a 5K run.
• Cost: See website for details.