5 Things to do in St. Pete This Weekend

1. Grand Central Spring Fling

Beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, the merchants and retailers of the Grand Central District present the third annual Spring Fling featuring several antique shops and other participating businesses offering special deals, giveaways, and other fun. For starters, pick up your "Spring Fling Bingo" card at the Grand Central District Association on Central Avenue. Present it at select restaurants to receive "Spring Fling" specials.

2. 97X Backyard BBQ Bash

The daylong festival Saturday includes great BBQ and music by Civil Twilight, Foxy Shazam, Middle Class Rut, The Used, Falling in Reverse and Imagine Dragons. It will be a full day of bands, beer and BBQ. It’s free show, but you must have a ticket. Find the ticket outlet closest to you by using the map on the festival's website and get your tickets today. Gates open at 11 a.m. After the show is over stop by the pier for a free acoustic performance by Civil Twilight. 

3. Tampa Bay Rowdies

The Tampa Bay Rowdies are back in downtown St. Petersburg this weekend at Al Lang Field. The Rowdies play the Minnesota Stars FC at 7:30 Friday night. Tickets start at $14 and can be purchased online. The first 500 fans will receive a 2012 official team picture. Members of the Bay Area armed forces will be recognized during the team’s third Military Appreciation Night, along with area youth soccer players. Discounted tickets are available to members of the military through noon Friday at 813-287-1539. 

4. Van Wilson

Van Wilson, the local band featuring hometown Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony-nominated actor, Patrick Wilson, and brothers Paul and Mark Wilson, will be performing a benefit concert Saturday at State Theatre. Advance tickets are only $20 and they are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com or any Ticketmaster outlet with all proceeds benefitting Southeastern Guide Dogs’ Paws for Patriots. Tickets purchased on the day of the event, if they are still available, will be $25. The show starts at 8 p.m.

5. John Prine

Friday night at the , St. Pete welcomes legendary songwriter and guitarist John Prine, one of the few songwriters honored by the Library of Congress and a U.S. Poet Laureate. The show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $37.