Participate in Candidate Forum, Watch Sled Hockey, Take a Taste of Scandinavia

It's Thursday and you have no idea what you're going to do this weekend. Patch is coming to the rescue.

We've got the best bets for your done-with-work-outta-here time. Check out our picks for the activities to hit and new places to explore this weekend.

• Where: 19351 W Washington St, Grayslake

• When: Saturday, Feb. 11, 9:30 a.m.

• Why Go?: Join an 80-year tradition and immerse yourself in Norwegian culture at an annual Lutefisk & Meatball dinner in Wisconsin. Enjoy delicious traditional Scandinavian fare like fruit soup, sandbakkelse and krumkake and served by costumed waiters and waitresses.

• Pricing: $109/person

• Where: 1200 University Center Drive, Grayslake

• When:  Sunday, Feb. 12, 1:30 p.m.

• Why Go?: The League of Women Voters of Lake County will hold a public forum for candidates in contested races for Coroner, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Recorder of Deeds, and State's Attorney.

• Pricing: Free

• Where: 555 N Sheridan Rd, Lake Forest

• When: Sunday, Feb. 12, 4:30 p.m.

• Why Go?: The Lake Forest College Athletics Department, in conjunction with the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA), will host the event. Former Chicago Blackhawk and 1980 USA gold medalist Jack O’Callahan will make an appearance as a special guest.

• Pricing: Free

• Where: 25200 N Saint Marys Rd, Libertyville.

• When: Sunday, Feb. 12, 2 p.m.

• Why Go?: Local author M. Salahuddin Khan has written a multiple award-winning novel, Sikander. A work of historical fiction, it covers the origins of the war in Afghanistan and America's complex relationships with Pakistan, the Taliban, and other forces in the region. Come hear Khan discuss these events and read from his book which will also be available for purchase and signing. Coffee and conversation will follow in the historic home of Adlai E. Stevenson II.

• Pricing: $15
  

• Where: 1350 N Milwaukee Avenue, Vernon Hills

• When: Saturday, February 11, 6 p.m.

• Why Go?: The Boys and Girls Club of Lake County is having it's 12th annual benefit at the Cuneo Mansion and Gardens in Vernon Hills. The theme is Venetian Masquerade.

• Pricing: $175 per person

• Where: 300 S Waukegan Road, Lake Forest

• When: Friday, Feb. 10, 8 p.m.

• Why Go?: The romantic comedy tells about a husband and wife, and the hit love song he wrote for her whose proceeds they lived off for the next 25 years. But when Sam’s creative stagnation and memories of passionate youth drive him to Facebook to seek a new muse, Rose decides it’s time for the togetherness of an anniversary cruise in the Greek Islands.  Will the sublime music that Sam hears coming from Siren’s Island cause him to jump overboard on his marriage, or will it rekindle the flame?

• Pricing: $35 for Thursday or Sunday performances, $37.50 Friday or Saturday.