Concerts, Movies and Preparing For School

We've got some back-to-school action and lots more outdoor fun to fill your weekend as August begins to wind down.

But there's lots more going on, and below is the combination of our weekly pick of weekend activities and our Grab & Go Kids Planner, offering both fun weekend activities and great family-friendly fun at the same time.

Here are this week's picks:

When/Where: From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at Raritan Valley Community College at Bridgewater in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Prospective students will learn about the admissions process, financial aid, career opportunities in technology and trades, and transfer opportunities after graduation from RVCC.
Pricing: Free.  

Friday Night Movie: The Conspirator
When/Where: At 7 p.m. on Friday at the  in Bridgewater. 
Why Go: To view a riveting thriller about a woman who would do anything to protect her family, and the man who risked everything to save her.
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: At 7 p.m. on Sunday at  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: To sing a long to "Cracklin Rosie" and "Sweet Caroline." It's the ultimate Neil Diamond Tribute.
Pricing: Free.   

When/Where: From 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday at  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because this craft makes back to school easier with name tags and labels for books and supplies.
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: From 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Lowes Promeande Shopping Center in Hillsborough.
Why Go: To visit one of the premier family fun events in Somerset County. The carnival will feature spectacular rides, games, food, nightly entertainment and more.
Pricing: Free admission. $25 wristbands for unlimited rides available on Friday.

When/Where: From 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday at the  in Basking Ridge. 
Why Go: Because children ages 4 to 6 will enjoy an expedition of the world of plants and animals with an exploration of fields, forests, and ponds. 
Pricing: $40 per person. Registration required.

When/Where: At 9 p.m. on Saturday at Maestro206 in Hillsborough. 
Why Go: Because everyone can use some comedy to erase the weekday stress and award winning Mike Newman from 94.5 WPST Morning Show will have you laughing out loud and stress free.
Pricing: $10 cover or $35 for a dinner-show combo.

When/Where: From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at  in Hillsborough.
Why Go: For children ages 3 to 5 to be introduced to the imaginative and educational world of dance. Choose from Nursery, Tiger, Kindercombo, or Mini-Broadway classes.
Pricing: Free. Registration required. 

Where: From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at  in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: To meet with a design specialist and leave with a great new idea to improve or create your own outdoor oasis. Don't forget to bring your pictures.
Pricing: Free. Register online.

When/Where: At 5 p.m. on Sunday at  in Basking Ridge. 
Why Go: Because it's a "treat" hunt for dogs and their human companions with prizes for all. 
Pricing: $10 per dog and handler. $2 per additional person. Registration required.

When/Where: From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday at  in Hillsborough.
Why Go: To help support the Cub Scouts and drive off shining.
Pricing: Donations appreciated.

When/Where: At 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Colorado Cafe in Watchung.  
Why Go: To meet singles in your age group and enjoy a night of free dance lessons, appetizers, games and raffle prizes. It's an evening of fun and a chance to meet that someone special. 
Pricing: $30 for tickets purchased via 8MinuteDating.com with promo code 8mdnynj5.

When/Where: From 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday at  in Hillsborough.
Why Go: To bring your camera and binoculars as you walk through acres of sunflowers in bloom and observe the beauty and wildlife.
Pricing: $5 per person with the maximum charge not to exceed $15 per family. Registration requested.