Get Out: Five Ideas for Your Weekend

This weekend could be a weekend of real firsts. Have you ever watched your kid catch a fish? Ever followed a master Chinese calligrapher in action? Seen comic strip characters grow up and question life's greatest quandries? Maybe this weekend, you will. 

Our goal is to make the Get Out planner as reliable as possible, but keep in mind, some events change at the last minute. We advise calling ahead just in case.

When/Where: 8 p.m. this Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, at the Long Beach Playhouse Studio Theater, 5021 East Anaheim Street in Long Beach

Why Go: Watch familiar childhood characters confront serious life issues outside the frames of the comic strip. 

Pricing: $14-$24

When/Where: 7 a.m.-11 a.m. this Saturday at

Why Go: This fun fishing derby is open to boys and girls ages 5 to 15. Fishers can fuel up with a  7 a.m. pancake breakfast and then cast away. Each child will get a free T-shirt and be able to compete for a variety of prizes in multiple categories. Little fishers should bring their own poles and equipment as there will be a limited number of poles to loan.

Pricing: Please call 562-924-6144 for details

When/Where: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. this Saturday at the

Why Go: This special event features  a community art exhibition of Chinese calligraphy, painting, photography and paper folding. Four master teachers will demonstrate the various Chinese calligraphy and painting techniques, answer questions and also donate some of their art work as raffle prizes. The special festivity buffet lunch will feature bamboo-leaf-wrapped sticky rice called Tzong Zi, performances, and raffle drawings. The association will also recognize 19 local mothers elected by their families.

Pricing: Free admission to all events, $7 optional lunch, raffle tickets available for purchase

When/Where: 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. this Saturday at the

Why Go: "Popotillo" art involves pressing thin, painted straws onto a beeswax surface in order to create a picture. Kids will love to learn how to make art with this unique medium. This class is led by artist Francisco J. Fraide.

Pricing: Free

When/Where: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. this Sunday at the

Why Go: The free Friends of Art Education Family Arts Festival  features a staggering amount of music, dancing, performing arts workshops, educational crafts, and interactive theatre, plus a musical zoo, an enchanting reading tent and more. This event is a wonderful experience for the whole family.

Pricing: Free

Is taking in a beautiful sunset on your agenda this weekend? Go one step further and Then you can really impress your sunset-watching partner.  

Did we miss anything? If so, please share your best weekend ideas in the comment box below.