7 ways to pre-game tonight’s Second Saturday Art Walk in St. Peterbsurg

Who doesn't love Second Saturday ArtWalk? We know, right?  But what would you say if, like Jimmy Buffett concerts and football games, you were missing out on the full Second Saturday experience in St. Petersburg if you didn't pre-game a little? Here are some tips to pre-game your ArtWalk — sans the weird-ass guy in a coconut bra and the bros one space over bumping chests and trying not to admit each day is better than the one that follows.

1. Start with brunch. Because, seriously, you can't pre-game on a en empty stomach. Might we suggest The Oyster Bar? We have it on good authority — um, it's from them, y'all — that they have bottomless bloodies and bubbles. 
2. Get in the mood with an Art Journaling meetup. You're no artist, you say? Who gives a rat's ass if you are or not — art journaling's fun, and no one has to see what you draw. 
3. Take advantage of $5 Chihuly admission. This weekend only.
4. Head to the PAVA show at the Coliseum.
5. Check out Ry McCullough's new drive-or-walk-by art exhibit at Roundhouse.
6. Check out exiting artist-in-residence Tucker Claxton's show at the Morean Center for Clay.
7. Salute the end of the day and welcome Second Saturday ArtWalk with Summertime Shandies at the Independent. Yes, years ago I did almost get my ass kicked for asking for a Corona Light at the Independent. That doesn't mean I don't realize a lot of you love you some shandy. So get to it.

This article appears in Jul 12-19, 2018.