Get Out! Act Like a Pro Football Player

Sure, New York City is nice. Lots of lights and stuff. So is Philadelphia. Lots of cheese steaks and stuff.

But both cities are way too far. And, with gas prices that never seem to drop, maybe it's a good idea to stay local this weekend.

Enter "Get Out!," our weekly feature of awesome events happening around Hopatcong. And if they're not in Hopatcong, they're just a short drive away.

This weekend you could hit up a farmer's market in Morristown. Or enjoy a night out just for parents—that's right, no kids around. Or you could bring the kids to an NFL Punt, Pass and Kick event in Hillsborough. Read more below.

Where/When: From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at the .
Why Go: Because you can learn about African jewelry and make your own pieces to take home.
Pricing: $5.

Where/When: From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at the .
Why Go: Come by for this storytime with cooking for kids in grades 1 through 6.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: From 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday at  in Madison.
Why Go: To hear the discussion "Sustain Your Brain: Reducing the Risk of Alzheimer's Disease."
Pricing: Free.

 
Where/When: From 11 to 12:45 a.m. on Thursday at the  in Long Valley.
Why Go: Because the center will be offering two types of yoga classes, including “chair” yoga and “gentle” yoga, directed by instructor Charlene Gattuso.
Pricing: $10 per class, or $37 for six classes.

Where/When: From 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the .
Why Go: To enjoy a fun beginner group run. 
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: From 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Butler VFW, 69 Carey Avenue in Butler.
Why Go: Because you’d like to enjoy this Latin-inspired, easy-to-follow, calorie-burning, dance fitness class.
Pricing: $10

Where/When: At 12:30 p.m. on Thursday at the .
Why Go: To practice your poses at these free bi-weekly yoga sessions. Don’t forget to dress comfortably.
Pricing: Free.

 
Where/When: From 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. on Thursday at  in Hopatcong.
Why Go: To learn the ability to defend yourself in potentially life-threatening situations with the help of the Gen Lee Ju-Jitsu Club.
Pricing: $10 per class.

Where/When: At 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at the in Morris Township.
Why Go: Because Author Kathy West will present memorabilia, pictures, video and music about the Myddle Class, a mid-60s garage band of five suburban New Jersey teenagers. After the presentation, West will sign copies of her book, "A Song for You: The Quest of the Myddle Class."
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: From 9 to 11 p.m. on Thursday at in Hopatcong.
Why Go: It’s karaoke. What else do you need to know?
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: At 7 p.m. on Thursday at the .
Why Go: To enjoy Shobhan Bantwal’s "The Full Moon Bride," a compelling new novel that explores the fascinating subject of arranged marriage, as a young Indian-American woman navigates the gulf between desire and tradition.
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: At 7 p.m. on Thursday at the in Warren.
Why Go: To laugh along with the animals as they try to fly back to New York City, but crash-land on an African wildlife refuge. Kids will love it and parents will value the lesson of family, friendship, and communication. Bring your blankets and picnic dinners and enjoy the big screen.
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: At 7 p.m. on Thursday at the in Hillsborough.
Why Go: Because Rick Mikula, the Butterfly Guy, has been delighting audiences of all ages with his humorous and offbeat way of looking at butterflies for more than 20 years. Don't miss this entertaining, family program.
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: From noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 9 to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Bernardsville Middle School in Bernardsville.
Why Go: To sort through thousands of used books at great prices. In the words of Mary Schmich, “Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere.” Proceeds benefit the local library as well as the American Association of University Women.
Pricing: Free admission.

Where/When: From 4 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at in Butler.
Why Go: Because it’s a great way to get into, or stay in, shape.
Pricing: $65 for five weeks.

Where/When: All day on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the .
Why Go: Because you can win prizes for every book that you read this summer. Why should kids have all the fun?
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: From 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Sunday at in Morristown.
Why Go: Because the exhibit focuses on the three centers of American silver-making in the 18th century—featuring Boston, New York and Philadelphia silversmiths and exploring the master-apprentice relationships.
Price: Admission is $6 for adults; $5 for seniors and students; and free for those 12 and under.

Where/When: From 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday at  in Morristown.
Why Go: Because Morristown jazz vocalist Laura Hull and DIVA Jazz Orchestra pianist Tomoko Ohno will present a program of American popular songs, jazz standards and obscure gems.
Pricing: No cover.

 
Where/When: From 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday .
Why Go: To bring the whole family by and belt out some tunes with Kip.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: From 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the .
Why Go: Families can enjoy the benefits of yoga by learning a variety of classic poses, presented by Michelle Magnotti of Yoga Flows Inc.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: From 8 to 10 p.m. on Friday at the .
Why Go: Come by for the viewing of "Cats & Dogs," with all proceeds from refreshments going to Project Graduation.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: At 1 p.m. on Friday at the .
Why Go: Because adults need some time to relax too, and this is the perfect spot for fantastic concerts and performances, holiday crafts and informational seminars.
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: From 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Friday at the in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: Because children ages 7 to 9 will enjoy a nature hike, games, crafts and more. It will be a great day of adventure in the swamp.
Pricing: $25 per person. Registration required.

When/Where: At 2 p.m. on Friday at the in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: To yell "BINGO" and win a book. It's quality family time that's fun for everyone.
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: At 6:30 p.m. on Friday at in Warren.
Why Go: To learn to mix up delicious drink recipes utilizing the summer bounty of NJ. It's a great, refreshing way to meet new friends. "Cheers."
Pricing: $40 per person. Registration required.

When/Where: From 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the in Warren.
Why Go: To drop in between listed times and create a great craft with library friends.
Pricing: Free. Registration not required.

When/Where: From 7:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday at in Hillsborough.
Why Go: To explore the marvelous mysteries of nature from the light of the sun to the light of the full moon and "hoot-ever" is encountered along the way.
Pricing: $8 per person. Registration required.

When/Where: From 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday at Jump!Zone in Hillsborough.
Why Go: For parents to enjoy a quiet night out while kids get loud with pizza, movies and friends.
Pricing: $25 per person. Registration required.

When/Where: At 7:30 p.m. on Friday at The Planetarium at RVCC in Branchburg.
Why Go: To learn what stars and constellations you can see in the summer sky as well as hear about some current events in astronomy. The timing is just right to try to see Saturn. It's a fun night of science and wonder.
Pricing: $6 per show. Reservations recommended. 

Where/When: From 7 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at 214 West Mill Road in Long Valley.
Why Go: The Fuzzbox is a place for students in grades seven through 12 can hang out in a fun, supervised atmosphere where they can go to be involved in sports, games, music, art, and more, while being provided with free food and drinks. Fridays are for high school students and Saturdays are for middle school students.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: From 8 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at in Madison.
Why Go: Because enjoying Dario Fo’s brilliantly funny, scathing political farce is a terrific way to spend your weekend.
Pricing: $32 to $55.

When/Where: At 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Villagers Theatre in Somerset.
Why Go: Because it's the last weekend to pay homage to the pop songs of the 1980s with this song-and-dance extravaganza.
Pricing: $16 per ticket.

When/Where: From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at in Bridgewater.
Why Go: To enjoy the largest event in Somerset County recognizing the accomplishments of the 4-H members. It offers a variety of live animals, performances, demonstrations, contests and entertainment for all. Free shuttle buses will be available. It's free family fun. 
Pricing: Free admission.

Where/When: From 3 to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the  in Morristown.
Why Go: Because this historic Morristown walking tour covers nearly a mile within Morristown’s historic district, including more than 300 years of Morristown history.
Pricing: $10.

Where/When: From 3 to 4 p.m. on Saturday at in Morristown.
Why Go: Because you can get a chance to see the inner workings for a honeybee colony.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: Starts at , makes its way through Harding and Chatham, then back to Morristown, beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturdays.
Why Go: The pace will be moderate for this 20-mile ride. So if you’re looking to get back into tip-top shape for the summer, this weekly bike road might be a good way to start.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: 9 a.m. on Saturday at the .
Why Go: To start off your Saturday with a 5-mile group run and finish it off with a free bagel.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Merchant Block of Morris Plains.
Why Go: You can pick up some homemade mozzarella and ravioli, freshly baked bread and some of New Jersey's best cheesecakes.
Pricing: Bring your wallet.

Where/When: From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the .
Why Go: Because it’s a great way to start keeping track of what you eat and the amount of physical activity you participate in each week.
Pricing: Free.

 
Where/When: From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at Railroad Plaza and Fairmont Avenue in Chatham.
Why Go: To get some of the best Jersey Fresh produce, Jersey Shore seafood, pasture-raised meat, poultry and eggs, honey, baked goods, fresh mozzarella, specialty prepared foods of all kinds and more. The market will also have cooking demonstrations.
Pricing: Bring your wallet.

Where/When: From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at 201 Howard Blvd, Mount Arlington.
Why Go: Because you can pick up some great stuff at fair prices.
Pricing: Bring your wallet.

Where/When: From 7 to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Amphitheatre, 81 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong.
Why Go: To enjoy this tribute to the '80s rock band Journey.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: From 3 to 10 p.m. on Saturday at East Lake Shore Trail in Sparta.
Why Go: To enjoy music by Christian Morelli, Something About January, Goodbye Friday and Trapt in Jersey.
Pricing: The cover charge is $10, or the family charge is $25.

When/Where: From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the in Hillsborough.
Why Go: Because it's a national skills competition for boys and girls between ages 6 and 15 to compete separately against their peers in a fun and engaging forum.
Pricing: Free. 

When/Where: At 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Lowes in Hillsborough.
Why Go: The Build and Grow series helps get kids ready for the start of school, creating their own school photo holders.
Pricing: Free. Registration required.

Where/When: From 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday at Spring and Morris streets, in parking lot behind in Morristown.
Why Go: Because you can pick up fresh produce and fruits (including organic), flowers, herbs, eggs, cheese, baked goods, pickled products, honey, fish, poultry, pork, and grass-fed beef. 
Pricing: Bring your wallet.

 
Where/When: At 8:30 a.m. on Sunday at .
Why Go: You’re interested in a 30-to-50-mile, hilly bike ride.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: From 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at in Hopatcong.
Why Go: Come by and enjoy a free concert, along with ice cream and face painting among other things, on Sunday night with all proceeds going to families in need.
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: From 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday at the in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: To take a leisurely walk through the new butterfly garden and learn about butterfly-friendly native plants and what's fluttering about.
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: At 7 p.m. on Sunday at in Bridgewater.
Why Go: To spread your blanket and enjoy a live performance of classic R&B hits. Listen to You Belong To Me and My Own True Love with your "special someone" under the summer sky.
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: At 11 a.m. to noon or 1 to 2 p.m. on Sunday at in Bridgewater. 
Why Go: The Kids in the Kitchen cooking series continues with a ballpark menu of sandwich on a stick and baseball cupcakes. It's a home-run with no clean up required.
Pricing: $10 per child and parent. $5 per child & parent with Shoppers Club Card. Registration required.

When/Where: From 3 to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the in Bridgewater. Games begins at 5:05 p.m.
Why Go: To show off your own vehicle or just interact with other car lovers as the Patriots host their Car Show Night in the parking lot prior to the game. A night parade of cars will take place on the warning track and free t-shirts to the first 2,000 fans, giveaways and promotions will add to the fun.
Pricing: $7 to $13.50 per ticket.