Get Out: Chocolate, Charity, Cigars, Jazz

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 and shops to explore.

1. Chocolate Carnival sponsored by New Morning
Where/When: The Heritage Hotel, Southbury, Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Why Go: Bring your mask and celebrate Mardi Gras with a menu featuring Creole cuisine with chocolate. Check out the menu. This event benefits the Audubon Center in Southbury.
Pricing: $75 per person

2. Big Buddha Cigar Lounge
Where/When: 27 Hawleyville Road, Newtown, Feb. 25 - 27, noon to 10 p.m.
Why Go:  Big Buddha Cigar Lounge celebrates its grand opening. The lounge offers comfortable public and private smoking rooms with flat-screen TVs, as well as a retail shop.
Pricing: Cigar prices vary.

3. Two Schools One Song
Where/When:  The Fox Hill Inn, Brookfield, Feb. 25, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Why Go:  Support this group's efforts to build a school, dig wells and fund education in Cambodia by attending this event with food, live music and a silent auction.
Pricing: $75 per person

4. Gomez & Sadlon Smooth Jazz Duo
Where/When: The Twisted Vine, Derby, Feb. 26, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Why Go: Thom Gomez, guitarist, and Rick Sadlon, saxophone and flutist, will perform three sets of smooth jazz.
Pricing: No cover charge, reservations recommended

5. Kiva Dance Collective
Where/When:  Westover School, Middlebury, Feb. 26 at 8 p.m., Feb. 27 at 2 p.m.
Why Go: This annual performance includes a variety of dance styles and is open to the public.
Pricing: Suggested donation is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and children