Get Out: New Orleans Bash, Main Street Bandits and More

Looking for something to do this weekend?

Here are Patch's top five Tri-Valley picks to help you transition from work week to weekend.

You don’t have to cross a bridge for your weekend entertainment. From a New Orleans bash in Livermore to a used book fair in Dublin, we’ve got you covered.

1. 
Where/When: The Bothwells Art Center in Livermore at 5 p.m. Friday
Why Go: Celebrate Mardi Gras locally with Louisiana cuisine, music by Big Money in Gumbo, hurricanes, beer and local wine, street artists and fortune telling. You'll feel like you're in New Orleans with the festive atmosphere created by local artists and decorators.
Price: $15 advance/$20 at the door for party admission or $30 for tribute and party

2.
Where/When: Pleasanton Library at 2 p.m. Sunday
Why Go: Find out why Pleasanton was called "the most desperate town in the West" in the 1850s during this entertaining talk about the brothels, gambling halls and bandits who once called Main Street home.
Price: Free

3.
Where/When: Dublin Library, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday;  1 - 5 p.m. Sunday; noon - 3 p.m. Monday 
Why Go: Get great deals on used books, music and movies at the Dublin Library's Spring Used Book Sale. Most books are 50 cents to $1 and CDs and DVDs are $2. Or wait until Monday and fill a bag for $4.
Price: Entry is free. Prices vary.

4. Mardi Gras: Two Nights of Revelry
Where/When: ShBoom Nightclub in San Ramon on Friday and Saturday nights
Why Go: Put on your fanciest mask and head to ShBoom for its annual Mardi Gras party, when the nightclub turns into Bourbon Street and passes out Mardi Gras beads and drink specials all weekend.
Price: $20 for the party and a full-course dinner

5.
Where/When: The Museum of the San Ramon Valley in Danville through Saturday
Why Go: See the "Honoring Valley Veterans: Heroes in Defense of Freedom" exhibit before it closes Saturday. The exhibit highlights veterans from the San Ramon Valley and provides perspective on 20th century military history.
Price:  $3 adults, $1 for children or $5 for a family

Out of Town Picks:

Need a change of scenery? Ignore the rain and pretend it's spring by surrounding yourself with flowers at the 59th Annual Pacific Orchid Exposition. The largest orchid show in the United States takes place all weekend at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. See more than 150,000 orchids with general admission ($12/$14) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday or enjoy food, wine and music during the gala event Thursday ($35/$40). Click the link for more details and to order tickets.

Want more? Check out our family-friendly  every Wednesday. You also can browse Patch’s event calendar, which we’re constantly updating with community events ranging from family-friendly fairs to adult-only comedy nights.

We know you have your own favorites. Share your ideas in our comment box below. Or add an event by clicking on the "add your own event" link on your city's Patch site.