Weekend Best Bets: Oct. 3-4

Saturday is jam packed with things to do. So, this feels more like a long rundown than a few highlighted best bets. That said, if you want to have a busy weekend, you've got lots to choose from, particularly in the Silver Spring area.:

Becca's Run: Start your family's day at 8 a.m. with a charity walk or run. Becca's Run at St. Bernadette School in the Four Corners area of Silver Spring partially benefits Special Love, an organization that gives children with cancer some normalcy.

South Silver Spring Block Party: The neighborhood's third annual event on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 1-6 p.m. features food, music, vendors and a beer garden.

Want something more academic? Try All the Right Moves' Chess Tournament for All Ages at the fountain in downtown Silver Spring on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Anyone young and old are welcome to play along with Senator Jamie Raskin, school counselor Fernando Moreno, Blair High school chess team members, parents and community leaders. Plus, if you're interested in starting a chess club at your school, there will be one-hour training sessions for adults at Pyramid Atlantic Art Cetner, 8230 Georgia Ave. Sessions are at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. All the Right Moves reports that donations now allow them to supply chess sets and instructional materials for these clubs.

Launch Rockets: On the first Sunday of every month (yes, that's this Sunday), kids can launch their own model rockets. The event is one of the best low-key events and about as kid-friendly as they come. Where: Goddard Space Center in Greenbelt. Time: 1 to 2 p.m.

Takoma Park Street Festival: Much like South Silver Spring, there will be crafts, music, food and kids' activities. It's from 10 to 5 on Sunday in downtown Old Takoma.

None of that work for you? If not, the apple farms are still open and, now that it's October, Pumpkin Patch season has hit. I'll have more next week on area pumpkin patches -- feel free to e-mail me about your favorite spots at mocomoms@gmail.com