Get Out, Los Altos!

Not quite sure what to do now that the weekend is coming up? We've been doing some thinking for you and have five suggestions for you here. You can even get started Thursday night!

1. 

Where/When: , 12345 S. El Monte Rd., Los Altos Hills, (Lohman Theater); Friday, Saturday, 8 p.m.

Why Go: Based on the best-selling book of interviews by Studs Terkel, Working captures the reflections of 26 very different American workers—each eloquently expressing insecurities, dreams, struggles and a search for identify beyond their job titles. 

Pricing: $13

2. 

Where/When: AMC Cupertino, 10123 N. Wolfe Rd.; Thursday, for a one-night only, special premier showing at 8 p.m. at all theaters

Why Go: RISE celebrates American figure skating while commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1961 tragedy in which the entire U.S. figure skating team was killed. Peggy Fleming is one of the storytellers (along with Dorothy Hamill, Scott Hamilton, Michelle Kwan and Brian Boitano) for this inspirational movie about the power of the human spirit as it honors a group of individuals who, through their loss, inspired the hopes, dreams and success for generations of skaters to follow. For details about RISE and the accompanying live event in New York City to be hosted by Matt Lauer, go to rise1961.com.

Pricing: $15

3. FRIENDS OF THE LOS ALTOS LIBRARY SUPER SALE

The Friends of the Los Altos Library bills this as a great opportunity to buy used books, CD, DVDs, tapes, puzzles and games—"in gift-quality condition." Plus, it benefits our library. Bring the kids and get reading and entertainment that won't break the bank. All sales are in the Hillview Community Center at 97 Hillview Ave. behind the library (see #3 on map or use Patch's map to the right); Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Pricing: Admission is free (but not the books!)

4. 

, 12345 S. El Monte Rd., Los Altos Hills; Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 

Why Go: A one-day symposium on native plant gardening and design  at Foothill College Appreciation Hall. Talks by California’s leading horticulturists and designers: Bart O’Brien, Bernard Trainor, David Fross, Dr. Glenn Keator, Judith Lowry, Nevin Smith and Paul Kephart. Plus: plant sale, book sale, and more.

Pricing: $50-$125; details at the website of the Silicon Valley California Native Plants Society website  

5. VIETNAMESE SPRING FESTIVAL PARADE

Where/When: Downtown San Jose at Market Street; Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Why Go: Everyone loves a parade, and if Saturday night's Chinese New Year Parade was too cold to contemplate, the Vietnamese-American community is celebrating with a parade Sunday morning in San Jose. (See, we gave you a bonus idea for Saturday and Sunday!) For the Vietnamese, this is the Year of the Cat! The Lunar New Year event, known as "Tet," features arts and crafts, live music, cultural performances, martial arts, children’s games along with Vietnamese food and drinks. Don't let the weather deter you! There's an indoor pavilion of those activities for those who shrink in the rain.

Pricing:  Free