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Weekend Planner: Art, Music and Back to School

Here is what's happening around Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township.

Posted Thu, Sep 8, 2011 at 2:15 am ET|Updated Fri, Sep 9, 2011 at 1:28 am ET

The weekend is here! Give a sigh of relief; it's party time. Here is a recap of what we told you about this week.

Where/When: . Friday, 4-7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Why go: The 46th Annual Art & Apples festival will feature more than 285 artists, live entertainment, a Kids Art Zone, an activity zone and three food courts. This family-friendly festival draws in more than 125,000 visitors every year.

Where/When: The Village of Rochester Hills, Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. There is also a Battle of the Bands from 3-5 p.m.
Cost: Please bring new, unopened school supplies or non-perishable food items for donation.
Why go: The Village of Rochester Hills is hosting a Back 2 School Bash which will benefit families in need with a generous donation of new school supplies and nonperishable food. There will be prize drawings for Village gift cards every half hour with the grand prize drawing at 5 p.m. for a $100 Village of Rochester Hills gift card. All donations will benefit The Holiday Helpers of Rochester Hills.

Where/When: Fourth Street and Walnut Boulevard. Friday, 4-7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Why go: This fundraiser for Meadow Brook Theatre coincides with downtown's Art & Apples festival; it will include juried art, crafts and a boutique show. There will be more than 125 artists from across the country at the show.

Where/When: , Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m
Tickets: You can purchase tickets at www.avonplayers.org
Cost: $16 for 2 p.m. matinees and $18 for 8 p.m. evening performances
Why go: This beloved musical, created by musical masters Rogers and Hammerstein, is a classic story of loss, love, music and an inspirational ex-nun nanny who changes a family during the dark days of World War II. You know that you will be singing along. A great family event, the kids always love the Von Trapp kids and their singing.

And because we know you planners like your options, here are a few bonus suggestions:

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