Weekend Planner: 5 Things to Do in St. Pete -- but Who's Counting?

1.) Dick Dale at the State:  Dale is the founding father of “surf” guitar, the father of heavy metal,  and a major influence to everyone from the Beach Boys to Hendrix to Stevie Ray Vaughan. Dale plays the State Theatre Saturday at 7 p.m. That’s an early start, but, hey, the guy’s well over 70. He can still wail on his Strat and anyone who goes can expect to see and hear a guitar clinic on songs like “Misirlou” and “Let’s Go Tripping.” Admission is $20. Grayhairs are welcome.

2.) Williams Park Summer Market:  The Downtown Saturday Morning Market isn’t gone for summer. It’s just moved –  from the Al Lang parking lot a few blocks over to Williams Park. There’s plenty of shade and many of the market veterans and favorites are still on hand to sell both fruits and vegetables and prepared foods. Get there early before it gets too hot. The Williams Park Market runs from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

3.) Downtown Artwalk: Most of downtown St. Petersburg’s galleries will be open Saturday night as part of the monthly Downtown Artwalk, which begins at 5:30 p.m. There are usually guest artists, musicians and plenty of food and drink on hand. Find out more at www.stpetearts.org.

4.) Madama Butterfly: Puccini’s classic opera is being presented at a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday at the Palladium Theatre. Tickets are $21.50-$61.50. The final presentation of the opera, by the St Pete Opera, will be Tuesday night.

5.) FC Tampa Bay vs. Atlanta:  The area’s best pro sports bargain, the FC Tampa Bay soccer team, will host Atlanta on Sunday night. Tickets start at a bargain $10. The games are played at Al Lang Field in downtown St. Pete. Go to www.fctampabay.com for tickets or more information.