Weekend Planner: IMS Ski & Snowboard Swap, Fall Fashion Festival, Holiday Helpers Bazaar and More

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

Mercer Island Patch is coming to the rescue. We’ve got the best bets for your done-with-work, get-me-outta-here time. Check our picks for the activities to hit and new establishments to explore.

• Where/When: 6:30 p.m. on Fri, Nov. 4 at .
• Why Go: Island Books is hosting evening book fairs to raise money for our local schools this Fall. Stop by this Friday and get some of your holiday shopping done, meet other parents and friends, and enjoy a glass of wine and an appetizer while you help support the Learning Lab Cooperative. 
• Pricing: Admission is free. A portion of every purchase will be donated to the Learning Lab Cooperative.

• Where/When: 7:30 p.m. on Fri, Nov. 4 at .
• Why Go: The Mercer Island Sister City Association and the Mercer Island Arts Council are teaming up together to bring you a French film night at the Aljoya this Friday night. The evening will feature an introduction and post commentary by Lance Rhodes, an instructor of cinema studies at the University of Washington. The Gleaners & I is an acclaimed non-fiction film, and self-described as a "wandering-road documentary." Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be available in the lobby prior to the showing.
• Pricing: Free.
  

• Where/When: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sat, Nov. 5 at .
• Why Go: Join the for their second annual bazaar of gifts and holiday foods. The event will feature vendors selling home made items, a wide array of delicacies with samples of spirited apple pie, New Orleans bean soup, and pepper jelly. There will also be a re-gifting green room with bargains on seasonal items, wrapping paper, cookbooks, and more.
• Pricing: Admission is free.

• Where/When: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Sat, Nov 5 at .
  
• Why Go: Islander Middle School and Sturtevants will be hosting their annual Ski n Snowboard SWAP fundraising event this Saturday. Sell some of your old gear or pick up something new. Consignment check in runs on Thursday from 3-6 p.m. and on Friday from 3-7:30 p.m. Sturtevants will also be offering a wider selection of ski and snowboard gear and seasonal ski packages.
• Pricing: Prices vary. All proceeds are donated to IMS for educational and after-school programming.

• Where/When: 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. on Sunday at the .
• Why Go: This weekend is your last chance to catch the Recnt Civic Theatre's latest production,  The Mystery of Irma Vep. The play is a classic gothic/mystery spoof that will have you guessing and laughing at every turn. Go see it before it's too late! 
• Cost: All tickets are $22(Adults), or $17 (Student/Senior).

Fall Fashion Festival

• Where/When: Daily through Sat, Nov. 5 at Shoes 'n' Feet in Bellevue.
• Why Go: Join Shoes ‘n’ Feet of Bellevue this weekend for their Fall Fashion Festival. The festival will feature food and drinks, free gifts with purchase, drawings for free shoes, shoe donations (bring in gently used shoes and receive $10 off a new pair of shoes), free waterproofing, and more. Check out our event listing for a complete list of the festival’s activities.
• Pricing: Admission is free.

Sea Gals Autograph Signings

• Where/When: 1-3 p.m. on Sun, Nov. 6 at the Seattle Team Shop in Bellevue Square.
• Why Go: Come pick up the 2012 Sea Gals calendar this Sunday at the Seattle Team Shop in Bellevue Square. You’ll get to meet the Sea Gals and have your calendar signed. Go Seahawks!
• Pricing: Free.

Want more? Check out our family friendly column refreshed every Wednesday.