THIS WEEKEND: Cupcakes, Parks Appreciation & Earth Day

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 and new bars/restaurants/shops to explore.

• When/Where: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, April 20, at Sweet Melissa’s.
• Why Go: Sweet Melissa's, Gig Harbor’s first gourmet cupcake shop, is celebrating its grand opening. Come in and sample all the delicious varieties of baked goods and take advantage of the grand opening specials. Be sure to pick up a Cupcake Club Card and drop a business card of your own into the weekly drawing.
• Pricing: Free.

• When/Where: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, at local parks.
• Why Go: Grab a shovel and gloves and head to your local park. The , and are working together for the annual event where local residents are invited to help beautify parks in the community. Volunteers should wear appropriate clothes and shoes. Bring gloves, shears, loppers, pruners, mattocks/polaskis, rakes, shovels—and be sure to label them. There will be a hotdog lunch at noon for workers at or Key Peninsula LDS Church.
• Pricing: Free. No registration required. Just show up at one of the participating parks. Click on the link above for more information.

• When/Where: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at or local marinas
• Why Go: With boaters gearing up for the upcoming boating season, do you have the proper safety equipment for your vessel? The Gig Harbor Police Marine Patrol will be available this Saturday for free boat safety inspections. Starting this year if you are 40 years or younger, you are required to have a boater education card. Things that you will need: Identification, boat documents and all safety equipment that you would need if you were going out on the water. 
• Pricing: Free.

• When/Where: 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at .
• Why Go: Are you a music student or performer looking for an audience? You may want to consider performing at Peninsula Retirement’s Open Mic Coffee House. They have a beautiful piano, a sound system and most importantly, an appreciative audience! Prizes will be awarded to audience favorites.
• Pricing: Free.

• When/Where: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 21, in the Proctor District of North Tacoma.
• Why Go: Come out for the 51st annual Junior Daffodil Parade in the historic Proctor District in the north end of Tacoma. Over 75 youth groups representing the Greater Puget Sound Area will proudly march before a crowd of thousands, rain or shine!
• Pricing: Free.

• When/Where: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, April 20-22, at the Puyallup Fair Grounds.
• Why Go: Celebrate spring this weekend by visiting the 23rd annual Spring Fair in Puyallup. This is the biggest celebration of spring around, and offers family fun and great values for all ages.
• Pricing: $9 for adults, $7 for students (6-18) and kids 5 and under get in free.

• When/Where: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at the .
• Why Go: Join the Chapel on Echo Bay for a night to remember with concert pianist Amy Grinsteiner. You'll also enjoy tastings of six great wines presented by The Wine Studio. Stick around after the event for a chance to meet Grinsteiner at an artist reception following the event.
• Pricing: Tickets are $40 and include tastings, concert and reception. Seating is limited.

• When/Where: 3-5 p.m. Sunday, April 22, at .
• Why Go: The Fox Island United Church of Christ is hosting a "Peace on Earth Day” interfaith community music festival in celebration of Earth Day. Nearly a dozen groups and performers from local churches will offer songs focused on peace and environmental concerns. There will be Earth Day activities, a puppet show for children of all ages, and refreshments following the concert.
• Pricing: Admission is free, with food or free-will donations accepted at the door.