Get Out for Books, Coffee and Mushrooms

MAPLEWOOD'S COFFEE CRAWL in Historic Downtown Maplewood
Where: The crawl will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Why go: This self-guided tour offers delicious coffee tastings, demonstrations made by regional coffee roasters. Maplewood coffeehouses and shops will offer delectable edibles. Some of the hosts for this event will be Schlafly Bottleworks, Kakao Chocolate, Foundation Grounds, Vom Fass, Stone Spiral Coffee and Curios, Arthouse Coffees and Cheryl's Herbs (for tea lovers).
Pricing: This event is free, but please RSVP to rsvp@cityofmaplewood.com.

GREATER ST. LOUIS BOOK FAIR in Chesterfield
Where: The fair will start Thursday evening and continue through Sunday evening at Macy's at West County Center on the lower level of Macy's east parking garage. Please check the website for the complete schedule of events.
Why go: Book lovers and collectors can get great deals on a huge selection of  new, gently used and rare books. The proceeds of this charity fair benefit local nonprofit education and literacy programs.
Pricing: This event is FREE, with the exception of Thursday evening (opening night and auction), which is $10.

ANNUAL BABY KID EXPO in St. Charles
Where: The expo is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the St. Charles Convention Center.
Why go: The Baby Kid Expo is a fun event for the whole family. There are many events, raffles, shows and contests. There will also be face painting and goodies to take home--all for free. The expo is an opportunity for local children’s retail, health care, recreational and educational providers show off their products and services. There is even a pamper me mom's zone, where you can relax your worries away.
Pricing: Admission is free.

PIASA WINERY-ANNUAL MUSHROOM FESTIVAL in Grafton, IL
Where: The festival is from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Why go: Sample the mushroom creations  of 12 local chefs and a complementary glass of wine. There will be 20 beers on tap and a free wine tasting. Then, you'll vote for your favorite dish and the top three will be awarded prizes. There will also be contests and live music featuring Tim Buck Two. Check the website for details.
Pricing: The cost of entry into the tasting tent is $10.

AWAKE AND SING!  BY CLIFFORD ODETS in Creve Coeur
Where: This theatrical production will be at the New Jewish Theatre at the Marvin and Harlene Wool Studio located in the Jewish Community Center's Staenberg Family Complex. The performances this week of Awake and Sing! will be on at 8  p.m. Saturday (sold out) and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
Why go: See a great play, which is set in a Bronx tenement during the Great Depression. The play focuses on the financial hardships of one family hoping for more, with themes and emotions relevant today  It is a great opportunity to understand universal themes and experience from a Jewish perspective.
Pricing: The cost of the tickets ranges from $32 to $36.

FAST AND THE FURRIEST 5K RUN AND 1 MILE WALK in Tower Grove
Where: This event will take place on Sunday in Tower Grove Park at the Sons of Rest Pavilion. The start time is 9 a.m. and the registration center opens at 7:45 a.m. on race day.
Why go: Enjoy a walk through Tower Grove Park with or without your dog to benefit the Animal Protective Association of Missouri. All proceeds raised from the event will help care for the pets at the APA. The first 400 registered participants receive an event T-shirt and other goodies. Lots of awards will be given in different weight categories to the first, second, and third place, male and female finishers in the 5 kilometer run.
Pricing: Participants can preregister online or print the registration form before 5 p.m Thursday, and the cost will be $25. Registration after this time is $30.  Registration form and payment must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday to avoid fee increase. Kids under 5 years of age and dogs are free.

FRENCH FLEA MARKET
Where: This event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at The Map Room.
Why go: Treat yourself to a day of French food, wine, shopping, and music. Think of it as "April in Paris". There will be  food  and wine from Queen's Cuisine, Rue Lafayette and the Map Room. Vendors and artisans will offer portrait sketches, beauty items, jewelry and vintage clothing.
Pricing: Entry to this event is free.