This Friday, be sure to prepare yourself for plenty of practical jokes and odd behavior, since it is, after all, April Fool's Day.  If you can survive the whoopie cushions and spoof emails you're bound to encounter, then you will be rewarded with an enjoyable weekend!

Opening Weekend of "Our Town" Presented by Holmdel Theater Company

When & where: Shows are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Holmdel Theater Company's Duncan Smith Theater

Why you should go: "Our Town" encourages audience members to realize that even the most ordinary moments of their daily lives are, in fact, extraordinary. While this classic play is set in the fictional town of Grover's Corners at the beginning of the 20th century, its simple style allows audiences to relate personally and engage in the lives of the characters. This thought-provoking classic should not be missed.

What it will cost: General Admission is $22, seniors pay $17 and students pay $12. To buy tickets, visit the ticket website.

Performance by the Virtuoso Duo Petrof at Monmouth Conservatory of Music

When & where: Saturday, 4 p.m. at the Monmouth Conservatory of Music in Red Bank

Why you should go: Mexican pianists of Russian descent, Anatoly Zatin and Vlada Vassilieva, make up The Duo Petrof. Formed to promote the repetoire of music for two pianos, they will be doing just that in this benefit performance at the Monmouth Conservatory of Music. They will be playing beautiful music on two grand pianos and the proceeds will go to benefit the conservatory.

What it will cost: Tickets are $35. Space is limited, so please reserve ASAP by calling 732-741-8880

Mumford's Spring Tasting Dinner

When & where: Friday and Saturday, seatings between 5 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. at Mumfords Culinary Center in Tinton Falls

Why you should go: This innovative culinary institute is offering some of its finest cuisine for its Spring Tasting Dinner. This five-course meal includes such dishes as Horseradish Crusted Free Range Chicken Breast, Three-Onion Fried Oysters and a mocha and chocolate Opera Torte, among many others. You can see the full menu here. This event is B.Y.O.B.

What it will cost: Tickets are $65 per person (not including tax or gratuity).  Reservations are required, so call 732-747-7646.

St. Rose of Lima Blood Drive

When & where: Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima School in Freehold

Why you should go: The Central Jersey Blood Center is always accepting life-saving donations. St. Rose of Lima Faith Community Nurses Ministry is sponsoring a blood drive with the Center. To schedule your donation appointment, or if you have any questions, you can contact Nelia Doropan at 732‐780‐2021.

What it will cost: It's free and you'll be helping the community--win-win!

Paint Your Own Ceramics at Thompson Park

When & where: Sunday. 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Thompson Park in Lincroft

Why you should go: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon, decorating your own ceramic art. Choose from a large selection of bisque-fired pieces and express yourself with a variety of glazes. Leave the pieces to be fired and pick them up in a week or so.  

What it will cost: $6 per hour spent decorating, plus the cost of the bisque-ware you choose.