The National Dog Show, trotting into the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center this weekend, provides a tried-and-true cure for a stressful workweek. Feel the love of nearly 2,000 dogs, representing 180 breeds. They're all onsite all day Saturday and Sunday, ready for pets and pats.

Octonauts - Keswick Theatre

November 18

Explore the deep blue with the whole family this friday

EXPLORE THE DEEP BLUE WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY THIS FRIDAY

Calling all Octo-Cadets! For the first time ever, The Octonauts are bringing their live stage show to the Keswick Theatre. "The Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure" features brand new and fan-favorite songs from the entire crew of beloved underwater explorers, led by the intrepid Captain Barnacles. Join them as they embark on an exciting new quest through an aquatic world full of adventure, interactive opportunity, and "must-sea" surprises.

Carlos Mencia - Valley Forge Casino Resort

November 18

don't let that shy smile fool you - carlos mencia is a top entertainer

DON'T LET THAT SHY SMILE FOOL YOU - CARLOS MENCIA IS A TOP ENTERTAINER

Valley Forge Music Fair at Valley Forge Casino Resort presents the star of Comedy Central's hit show Mind of Mencia, funny man Carlos Mencia. This one-night-only appearance is a must-attend for fans who have followed Mencia on Opie and Anthony, Howard Stern and the "Laughin and Livin" podcast.

Cello Concert - Wissahickon High School

November 18

The renowned Ambler Symphony welcomes cellist Jesús Morales, who has performed across the globe, including high-profile appearances in Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, Bulgaria and the Virgin Islands. His recordings have received rave reviews, with critics calling his technique "...miraculous." The program features composers Schumann, Morales-Matos and Shostakovich.

Al Stewart: Year of the Cat - The Colonial Theatre

November 18

dog people can appreciate this performance too, we promise

DOG PEOPLE CAN APPRECIATE THIS PERFORMANCE TOO, WE PROMISE

Al Stewart and his acoustic trio performs Year of the Cat in its entirety - every track, every hit - in a rare and not-to-be-missed appearance at The Colonial TheatreYear of the Cat, released in 1976, spun off two top 20 hits (the title song and "On the Border") on its way to becoming a million seller album.

2016 National Dog Show - Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

November 19-20

excuse us while our hearts melt into puddles

EXCUSE US WHILE OUR HEARTS MELT INTO PUDDLES

Three new canine breeds join the 2,000 dogs vying for Best in Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. All competing animals will be onsite for the duration of the show, meaning plenty of wagging tails, slurpy kisses and ears to ruffle. A large pet-themed expo - plus demonstrations and therapy dog appearances - are all part of Montgomery County's furriest weekend of the year.

Dog Show Discount - Lucky Dog Saloon and Grill

November 19-20

now that's a doggone good deal

NOW THAT'S A DOGGONE GOOD DEAL

Attending all the programming associated with the National Dog Show can leave an attendee's stomach growling. The Lucky Dog Saloon has a delicious solution. Fetch your ticket and bring it along for 10 percent off your food bill. Weather permitting, the picturesque porch is also puppy- and pooch-friendly.

Family Concert Series - Metropolitan Ballet Company

November 19-20

here's a sneak peek of the colorful tale

HERE'S A SNEAK PEEK OF THE COLORFUL TALE

The Metropolitan Ballet Company will take to the stage at the Abington Friends School for a family-friendly set of shows. The dancers will tell the tale of "The Rainbow Fish," plus present a portion of the Tchaikovsky ballet, Sleeping Beauty. A tea party aimed at little dancers is being held in the school library on November 20.

Thanksgiving Centerpieces - Norristown Farm Park

November 20

norristown farm park is the perfect setting for some autumn inspiration

NORRISTOWN FARM PARK IS THE PERFECT SETTING FOR SOME AUTUMN INSPIRATION

Just in time for turkey-day, this activity at Norristown Farm Park leads artsy decorators through all the steps to arrive at a beautiful table decoration. Materials supplied include dried and fresh flowers, acorns, leaves, grasses, nuts and dried berries. You bring clippers, your own container and a dash of creativity.

Tom Chapin - Ardmore Music Hall

November 20

~an award-winning artist in ardmore~ yay alliteration, yay tom chapin!

~AN AWARD-WINNING ARTIST IN ARDMORE~ YAY ALLITERATION, YAY TOM CHAPIN!

Tom Chapin's music DNA runs deep; he began performing in the 1960s with his brother Harry, of "Cats in the Cradle" fame. In the ensuing five decades, Tom's own singing/songwriting talents - in the storytelling mode of his brother - have netted him 23 albums and three Grammys. His resume also includes work as a 1970s children's television show host (Make a Wish) and a run in a Broadway musical.

Germantown Academy Holiday Marketplace

November 20

a head start on the holidays? count us in!

A HEAD START ON THE HOLIDAYS? COUNT US IN!

Get a jump on holiday shopping in Fort Washington, where 60+ vendors display all most sparkly, festive merchandise. Admission is free, which makes this event easy on the budget. There are also raffle baskets to be won.