The first week of the new year is a time for fresh starts, bright shiny new promises… and exhaustion. Jesus, is it Friday yet? It is? Awesome. Now, go home, change into something more suitable, and let's get to this business we call the weekend. Here's what we would do if we were as awesome as you:
Friday night double header: Start at Brews & Bites at the Sail Pavilion. The craft beer/food truck extravaganza starts at 6 p.m., so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the waterfront before you head to Lebensraum, which means "living room" in German and is also not a word you can legally say in Germany. The play opens tonight at Jobsite Theater, who couldn't have known how relevant the issue of refugees in Europe (a main theme in the show) would be when they set their season. Head there tonight and meet the playwright, Israel Horowitz, get a cookie, and celebrate after the show at Fodder & Shine. (Our coverage here). $28 online or at the door.
Saturday Join St. Pete Preservation for a guided walking tour of St. Petersburg's waterfront. St. Pete has all the things, including a substantial amount of public waterfront. Learn why. $5.
Saturday afternoon The annual Dunedin Arts Festival always has cool things on offer. Stroll through the downtown, check out the arts, and feel good about getting that "exercise" resolution checked off your Saturday box. Learn more. Too far north? From 10 a.m.-5 p.m. you can check out the St. Pete Beach Corey Area Craft Festival, which traditionally includes crafts made by artisans from across the country.
Saturday night Fun fact: the dry winter air ups your chances of seeing the Green Flash. Provided Saturday stays dry, what better way to end a lazy Saturday than St. Pete Beach's sunset celebration on Upham? The celebration starts with an art walk at 1 p.m., has live music from 3 p.m.-9 p.m., and a bonfire after the much-awaited sunset.
Sunday morning Sure, you could have a lie-in, but why not have brunch at the Hollander? Fresh fruit, an omelet station, and a make-your-own Bloody Mary bar. $12 before the Bloodies.
Sunday afternoon Don't rush home yet! The Palladium Theater has Sounds of the Civil Rights Movement, the kickoff for St. Pete's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. The event features a powerful ensemble of performers, from singers to storytellers. Free.
Sunday night Spend your night relaxing on the lawn of St. Petersburg's MFA watching Night at the Museum. Free. Not ready to unwind just yet? Head to CJ's on the Island (Treasure Island, that is) to listen to Ogee Wawa with SOFLOW, a reggae-meets-hip-hop experience.
And back to Monday it is. Fear not, we'll be right here next week.
This article appears in Jan 7-13, 2016.