Skip the Shore

So far this summer we've given you fun local and Shore weekend events.

This week, there are so many great things to do close to home, we're giving you permission not to take the drive to the Shore. Give your car a rest and save that gas money.

So as not to disappoint those of you who are tied to a beach-bound weekend commitment, we still included a couple of Shore picks.

Check out our list of the best weekend events.

Polish American String Band

• Where/When: Cooper River Park, North Park Drive and McClellan Boulevard, Pennsauken; tonight at 8 p.m. 
• What's Going On: For those of you who thought you could only see the Mummers during their New Year's Day parade—think again. Tonight, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the award-winning Polish American String Band under the stars. The group is bringing its Mummers parade entertainment to Cooper River Park.
• Pricing: Free

Annie Jr.

• Where/When: , Dennis Flyer Theater, College Drive and Little Gloucester Road, Blackwood; today and Friday at 10:30 a.m.
• What's Going On: The Mainstage Center for the Arts presents Annie Jr. This family-friendly show will feature classic hits from the Broadway musical like "Tomorrow" and "It's a Hard Knock Life." Watch as little orphan Annie finds love and friendship with the wealthy father figure Daddy Warbucks. Today's show will feature sign language interpretation.
• Pricing: $9 for students and seniors, $10 for general admission

The Fabulous Fable Factory

• Where/When: , Dennis Flyer Theater, College Drive and Little Gloucester Road, Blackwood; Sunday at 3 and 7 p.m.
• What's Going On: This musical tells the tale of Monroe, a youth who comes across what appears to be an abandoned factory. Once a lever accidentally slips, the factory "machinery," an assembly line of seven actors who create fabulous fables, then comes to life. Watch as the Mainstage Players present this whimsical production for all ages to enjoy.
• Pricing: $11 for students and seniors, $12 general admission

Hairspray 

• Where/When: , Dennis Flyer Theater, College Drive and Little Gloucester Road, Blackwood; Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

• What's Going On: Yes, this event was listed last weekend. We wanted to include it again in case you missed the Mainstage Players' amazing production of this hit musical. This weekend marks the show's closing. Watch plus-size Tracy Turnblad, a 1960s teen dancing her way to local TV fame and fighting for integration. The Mainstage Center for the Arts is performing this show with a live orchestra.

• Pricing: $15 for students and seniors, $18 and $21 for adults

Winslow Family Day

• Where/When: New Brooklyn Park, 100 Erial Rd., Sicklerville; Saturday, 2 to 7 p.m.
• What's Going On: This annual outdoor event is one the entire family will enjoy. There will be giveaways, food vendors and a moon bounce for the kids. Come out and enjoy the best of Winslow Township during this fun-filled day.
• Pricing: Free to attend

Bounce U Presents Paws Farm on Wheels

• Where/When: , 1271 Little Gloucester Rd., Blackwood; today, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
• What's Going On: How cool is this event?! Not only will your little ones get a chance to bounce their hearts out on indoor inflatables, today they also get a farm on wheels. Paws Farm will stop by Blackwood's Bounce U to offer kids a preview of the animals featured on the farm. This two-hour event will feature an animal presentation during the first hour and open bounce during the second hour.

• Pricing: $10.95 per child, plus any applicable fees

Blackwood Farmers Market & Chat with Gloucester Township Mayor

• Where/When: , 15 S. Black Horse Pike, Blackwood; Saturday, 10 a.m.
• What's Going On: This Saturday, the Blackwood Farmers Market opens at 8:30 a.m. The market will offer more than just locally grown produce and homemade goods. Let the kids enjoy storytime with Councilwoman Michelle Gentek at 10 a.m. Stop by Mayor David Mayer's "Ask the Mayor" chat session from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Mayer will be on hand to personally answer any questions you've been itching to ask him. Another bonus about attending this event—it's flea market day at the Farmers Market. You can shop for home treasures, toys and more.
• Pricing: Free to attend

Cooper River Fine Arts Festival

• Where/When: Cooper River Park, North Park Drive and McClellan Boulevard, Pennsauken; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• What's Going On: Join more than 50 exhibitors this Saturday and Sunday at Cooper River Park. Everything from fine art to jewelry to ceramics and more will be on display.
• Pricing: Free to attend, item prices vary

Breast Friends Forever Fundraiser

• Where/When: Tru Salon Spa & Boutique, 19 Cross Keys Rd., Berlin; Saturday, 6 to 10 p.m.
• What's Going On: This benefit event will pamper you. You can choose between several beauty services—a manicure, a hairstyling or a hand treatment. While you treat yourself, your contribution will benefit breast cancer patients of Kennedy Health System who are having financial difficulties. The event will include food, cocktails and a Chinese auction.
• Pricing: $35

Movies in the Park 

• Where/When: Lindenwold Park, 1000 United States Ave., Lindenwold; Friday, 8:45 p.m.

• What's Going On: Bring your blankets and/or chairs out to this movie-under-the-stars event. The animated film Shrek Forever After will be shown. The film is rated PG. Watch Shrek as he goes from tired parent to a single ogre with lots of time for fun and freedom. He quickly realizes the single life in an alternate timeline isn't all it's cracked up to be. Will he be able to defeat Rumpelstiltskin and return to his family? Come find out at Lindenwold Park. (There is a pre-movie puppet show at 7 p.m. if you want to arrive early.)

• Pricing: Free to attend

SHORE-

New Kids on the Block & Backstreet Boys

• Where/When: Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City; Friday, 7:30 p.m.
• What's Going On: I'm not sure if this newly merged supergroup has any new (young) fans, but I know a lot of women my age would love to see NKOTBSB in their first-ever joint tour. New Kids on the Block is known for their hit "You Got It (The Right Stuff)" and the Backstreet Boys became popular with their son "I Want It That Way".
• Pricing: Tickets are $30.50, $50.50, $71.50 and $91.50, plus any applicable fees

Harlem Globetrotters Night at the Library

• Where/When: , 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City; Friday, 7 to 8 p.m.
• What's Going On: The Ocean City Free Library will not have a full-fledged Harlem Globetrotters basketball game take place there, but it will have Buckets Blakes, a Harlem Globetrotter and author. Blakes will host a book-reading, discussion and autograph session.
• Pricing: Free to attend