It’s Thursday, and even though Hurricane Irene is looming, there's still time to enjoy the last weekend before school starts. There are fun and interesting events happening in East Greenwich and beyond to put on your calendar. Check out the Patch picks for the best activities to hit and places to explore in your free time.

1. SHOPPING FOR HOUSE OF HOPE CDC

If you need to shop (new school clothes come to mind), why not help others at the same time? The focus of this year’s Macy’s Shop for a Cause is the House of Hope CDC, a resource agency for Rhode Islanders in need of temporary and permanent housing and other critical, lifesaving supports.

To participate, shoppers buy a $5 shopping pass from House of Hope CDC for exclusive savings to be used in store or online on Saturday, Aug. 27. Ticket buyers also receive a chance to win a $500 Macy’s Gift card. All proceeds from the sales of the shopping passes will go directly to the organization, which strives to prevent and end homelessness by coupling housing with client-centered services.

Where/When: Macy’s, 400 Bald Hill Road, Warwick, RI; Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Why Go: It's a great excuse to shop!

Pricing:  $5 for the shopping pass

2. LIVE MUSIC ON THE DECK

Where/When: Twenty Water Street; Friday – Triad, and Saturday – Rockin’ Soul Horns, 8 p.m.to 12 a.m.; Sunday, 6 to 10 p.m. – Rockin’ Soul Horns

Why Go: Make sure you take advantage of the last days of summer on EG’s picturesque waterfront. What better way to enjoy the view than by adding music and friends.

Pricing: Free

3. LIVE MUSIC AT HARBOURSIDE

Where/When: Harbourside Lobstermania; Friday, 5 p.m. – Alger, 8:30 p.m. – Something Else; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. – Lazy Dog; Sunday, 4 p.m. – Heavy Rescue

Why Go: We have not one, but two great establishments on the water to choose from for food, fun and music performed live.

Pricing: Free

4. LIVE MUSIC AT THE GREENWICH HOTEL

Where/When: Greenwich Hotel Lounge; Friday, 9 p.m.

Why Go: An Evening with Fall & Bounce is in store for
Friday.

Pricing: No Cover, 21 and over

5. TEEN CENTER FRIDAY NIGHTS

Where/When: James H. Eldredge Elementary School; Friday, 6 to 8 p.m.

Why Go: It’s a great place for local teens to gather and blow off some
steam on the last free weekend of the summer before school starts. The good news is that the event continues throughout the school year, as well.

Pricing: Free

We know you have your favorites that we missed. So please share
the goodness in our comment box below, add your events to the EG Patch calendar, or e-mail them to eg.calendareditor@gmail.com.