Get Out: Earth Day Celebrations, a Carnival and a Jazz Festival

It's Friday, and you've got no idea what you'll do for the weekend. University City Patch is coming to the rescue. Check our picks for the activities to hit and places to explore.

THURTENE CARNIVAL AT WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

When/Where: Friday, April 15, Saturday April 16 and Sunday April 17; on the east side of the Washington University campus at the intersection of Skinker Blvd. and Forest Park Parkway. Why Go: Thurtene is the oldest and largest student-run carnival in the US. The event features amusement rides, food and student performances. Hours are 4-8 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Pricing: Entrance to the carnival is free but food, drinks and tickets for rides must be paid with cash only.

VINTAGE VINYL: RECORD STORE DAY

When/Where: Saturday, April 16 starting at 10am at . Why Go: Free Schlafly beer, exclusive releases, live music and guest DJs. Pricing: Free.

22ND ANNUAL ST. LOUIS EARTH DAY FESTIVAL

When/Where: Sunday, April 17 from 11am to 6pm on the Muny Grounds of Forest Park. Why Go: You are invited to “Be the Change” in honor of this year’s Earth Day celebration. Over 200 artist, educational exhibitors, food vendors, businesses and organizations. Plus, live music, cultural performances and hands-on activities for the whole family. Pricing: Free and open to the public.

ST. LOUIS ZOO EARTH DAY FESTIVITIES PARTY FOR THE PLANET

When/Where: Sunday, April 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Louis Zoo. Why Go: Learn how to compost and pack a trash-free lunch. Write a wish for the planet on a candle to put on a giant birthday cake in celebration of Party for the Planet. The Bob Case band will perform its fun and interactive environment- and animal-related songs to celebrate Party for the Planet. Pricing: Free.

QFEST 2011

 Cinema St. Louis presents the 4th Annual Stella Artois QFest this weekend. QFest celebrates the innovation and creativity of contemporary gay cinema. This year’s expanded lineup includes seven feature narrative films and four documentaries. There also will be ten short films screened. A complete Q Fest lineup of films and special events can be found online at www.cinemastlouis.org/qfest. Pricing: You'll have to buy a movie ticket.

When/Where: April 15-16 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL, 1 University Blvd. in St. Louis. Why Go: Some of the most recognizable talent in jazz celebrate the genre's fundamental components at the Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival. Special guests include The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Ron Carter and the UMSL Jazz Ensemble. Pricing: Package pricing for evening events on Friday and Saturday begin at $25.

When/Where: Saturday, April 16 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Saint Louis Galleria. Why Go: Protect yourself from identity theft by shredding confidential documents or financial statements. St. Louis Galleria is offering free shredding of up to three boxes of paper on Saturday, April 16th from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event is being co-sponsored by The Better Business Bureau, Missouri Attorney General, Federal Trade Commission and the US Postal Inspection Service. Pricing: Free