Get Out: Ideas for the Weekend

There's lots of opportunities to have fun this weekend, but with Martin Luther King, Jr. day approaching Monday, there's also plenty of ways to volunteer, give back, and serve the community. Our picks:

1. Afghan Benefit Dinner

Where/When: 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13 at , 9601 Cedar Lane in Bethesda

Why go: The International Concerns Coalition of the Social Justice Council is hosting a dinner and silent auction fundraiser to benefit Afghan couples literacy classes and orphanages. Check out our before you go.

Pricing: $50 per person. Reservations required.

2.

Where/When: Art Walk will take place from 6-9p.m. Friday, Jan 13 at downtown Bethesda art galleries, and the January exhibit opening reception will be held in conjunction with the event at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E.

Why go: It’s the second Friday of the month, so that means downtown Bethesda art galleries will keep their doors open late to showcase the best in local, regional and national artwork. Also during Art Walk, check out the opening reception for Gallery B’s January exhibit, featuring the artwork of county artists Frank Cappello, Emily Lane, Donna K. McGee and Andy Unger.

Pricing: Free

3. The Puppet Co. presents Peter and the Wolf

Where/When: 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 and Sunday, Jan. 15 at , 7300 Macarthur Boulevard in Glen Echo

Why go: The Puppet Co. presents its production of Sergei Prokofiev's musical score Peter and The Wolf. This adaptation was written by puppeteers Christopher Piper and Len Piper.

Pricing: $10

4. BSO: Itzhak Perlman at the Strathmore

Where/When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 at the 10701 Rockville Pike in North Bethesda

Why go: Violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman will perform music including Vivaldi’s famous Four Seasons, Mozart’s 25th Symphony, and Brahms’ 4th Symphony. You can also register for a free pre-concert lecture.

Pricing: Check Strathmore’s website for pricing details.

5.

Where/when: Until 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

Why go: Because you have the day off! Volunteer opportunities are available across the county this MLK day, but the Marriott will serve as the “home base” of Montgomery County Volunteer Center’s MLK Day of Service 2012. Projects include decorating cards for veterans, assembling PB&J sandwiches with Whole Foods for local shelters, constructing fleece blankets for Montgomery Hospice, packing Snow Day boxes for Meals on Wheels, and much more.

At 4 p.m., the 2012 MLK Day of Service culminates with a tribute concert at the Music Center at Strathmore. Check the Music Center at Strathmore's website for ticket availability and more information.

Pricing: free