Get Out: Patch's Pick-and-Choose Weekend Planner

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

Patch is coming to the rescue. We’ve got the best bets for your done-work-outta-here time. Check our picks for the activities to hit around D.C. and Arlington and new bars/restaurants/shops to explore.

1. Linkin Park at the Verizon Center

Where/When: Verizon Center, 601 F St., NW, Washington. Thursday, 7 p.m.

Why Go: This band is on its 2011 "A Thousand Suns" World Tour, and will be in our region for one-night-only. If you've been achin' to get your mosh-pit on, then this is a must-see one for you.

Pricing: Tickets range from $42.50-$72.50.

2.

Where/When: , 1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Washington. Friday, 8 p.m.

Why Go: Maybe Linkin Park's not your thing. Or maybe it is, and you have such a headache the morning after, you're looking forward to a low-key Friday night. Either way, this poetry reading at Baked and Wired, won't disappoint.

Pricing: Menu items vary.

3.

Where/When: , 627 N Glebe Rd., Arlington; on Saturday 12:15 p.m to 1:45 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m, on Sunday 2:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Why Go: We're one week closer to warmer weather, but it's still frigid out there. So why not bundle up and head over to the skating rink? You keep practicing on that triple-axel, or at least trying to skate in a straight line without falling down.

Pricing:  Adults over 13 skate for $8, children under 13 skate for $7 and seniors over 55 skate for $6. Skate rentals are $4.

4. Valentine's Day Dinner at The Melting Pot

Where/When: , 1110 N Glebe Rd., Arlington. Monday, 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Why Go: She tells you she doesn't need chocolate, or a card, or flowers, or expensive jewelry, or even a night out at a nice restaurant. De-coded, this means she'd actually love all of that. Make it easy on yourself and make a reservation. The Melting Pot is featuring a prix fixe menu that will include a cheese fondue option, a salad, an entree (with lobster!), and, to top it off, a white chocolate creme brulee fondue course.

Pricing: $70 per person.

5.

Where/When: , 1220 N Fillmore St, Arlington. Monday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Why Go: The listing for this events says "No Valetine's Day date?!  No problem!  Don't sit at home alone with your pint of Ben & Jerry's, watching bad romantic comedies. This Valentine's Day, YOU have a sweaty, hot date with Gold's Gym Clarendon!  (And you won't hate yourself in the morning...)." There are several specially-designed classes to get your mind off this sappy holiday.

Pricing: Open to all. To R.S.V.P., email, LQuillen@goldsgym.com

We know you have your favorites that we missed. So share the goodness in our comment box below.