March 25-27: The Beauty, the Ball, and the Blues

What, no weekend plans yet? Not a problem. Patch has lined up a few of the best bets to suit your fancy close to home.

Beauty and the Beast

• Where: , 80 High School Ln., Darien
• When: Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Why go: Support your local high school and take in the local student talent in this musical production with Belle, The Beast, Mrs. Potts and other memorable characters.
• Price: $15. Tickets for all shows are available at seatyourself.biz/theatre308 

The Red Carpet Ball

• Where:, 300 Mansfield Ave., Darien
• When: Saturday, 7 p.m. to midnight
• Why go: Held in support of the YWCA’s “eliminating racism, empowering women” effort, the YWCA of Darien/Norwalk will host this grand-style evening that includes an open bar and dinner along with dancing and both a live and silent auction. The public is invited.
• Price: Platinum $200, Gold $150, $Silver $135. For tickets and more information visit www.ywcadariennorwalk.org, call the YWCA Darien/Norwalk at 203-655-2535 or email amyk@ywcadariennorwalk.org

Friday Film: The Lost Valentine

• Where: Darien Library, 1441 Post Rd., Darien
• When: Friday, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Why go: Betty White, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Sean Faris star in this year’s “The Lost Valentine” (Rated PG; 100 minutes) about a woman who loses her husband in World War II on Valentine’s Day. She then makes an annual “pilgrimage to Union Station to salute the memory of the magical time they enjoyed together. Decades later, a television journalist investigates the circumstances of [her husband’s] death – and falls in love herself, with the couple’s grandson,” according to the library’s description.  Refreshments are served at this weekly event.
• Price:  Free and open to the public.

Final Weekend: Darien Players Present Almost, Maine

• Where: Darien Arts Center, 2 Renshaw Rd., Darien
• When: Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., through March 26;
• Why go: This performance of John Cariani’s romantic comedy directed by Carin Zakes includes new music by Broadway's Keith Levenson. Refreshments will be available for a donation during intermission.
• Price: $20/adults, $15/students and seniors. For tickets, click here or call 203-655-8683.

• Where: , Talmadge Hill Road at the corner of Lapham Rd., Darien
• When: Sunday, 4 p.m.
• Why go: Enjoy this musical performance including classical music and original compositions with Don  Wallace, clarinetist Vincent Oneppo and the Haven String Quartet. All proceeds from the concert will benefit KEYS, which provides free music instruction to under-served children in Bridgeport. For more event information visit http://www.keysmusic.org, call 203-761-0150 or email keys.bridgeport@gmail.com
• Price: $25 donation requested

Theatre: Without Passion or Prejudice

• Where: Crystal Theatre Benjamin Franklin Community Center, 12 June ave., Norwalk,
• When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
• Why go: The theatre’s high school students’ performance follows “a dramatic [murder] trial and a sequestered jury” in a “backwoods Southern precinct,” according to the theatre’s online description. Written and directed by David L. Jackins with music by Cheryl Kemeny, this suspenseful “musical dramedy” is sure to keep the audience riveted. See the parental discretion advisory
• Price: For pricing and tickets visit ticketleap.net or call the theatre at 203-847-4850.

Bumps, Babies and Beyond Expo

• Where: The Italian Center of Stamford, 1620 Newfield Ave., Stamford
• When: Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
• Why go: Approximately 30 vendors including key sponsor Frittabello, who’s founder Jennifer Covello originated the expo in 2010, will display their wares and services. Vendors will range from AuPairCare and Bliss Baby Planning to Mothers Embrace Yoga and Wrapeaze and everything in between.
• Price: Free with advance registration; $5 at the door. Register at www.bumpsbabiesandbeyondexpo.com/

8th Annual Fairfield County Home & Outdoor Living Expo

• Where: The Stamford Plaza Hotel and Conference Center (formerly the Sheraton), 2701 Summer St., Stamford
• When: Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Why go: This one-weekend-only home show includes more than 200 exhibits of “upscale displays of home products and services,” organizers say, representing businesses in Connecticut and New York. The expo includes grand prize giveaways, kids activities and more. Part of the proceeds will benefit American Red Cross and AmeriCares.
• Price: $10 at the door; ages 12 and under free

Connecticut Blues Society’s “Blues Blizzard”

• Where: West Hartford VFW Post 9929, 83 South St., West Hartford
• When: Saturday, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Why go: Blues it with Otis and the Hurricanes (one or more band members from New Canaan) at 6; Cobalt Rhythm Kings at 7; Washboard Slim and the Bluelights at 8; River City Slim and the Zydeco Hogs at 9; and Bad Rooster at 10. Food and drink will be available. No coolers permitted.
• Price: $10 per person, $15 for two