Friday, May. 01, 2009

What's going on this weekend?

Springnation

I know you were planning on watching the six-hour version of “Pride and Prejudice” this weekend, but the weather’s just too good to stay indoors.

Instead, eke the most you can out of your mundane existence by following these three simple rules for the first weekend in May:

Rule No. 1 – The downtown concert series begins Friday night with Pipers Down in the 1100 block of Broadway. The show goes from 7-10 p.m. Be sure to request songs, often and loudly. Bands love that.

Rule No. 2 – Saturday, head over to Gay, Ga., for the Cotton Pickin’ Fair at 18830 Ga. 85. It’s a healthy drive, but where else are you going to get those sweet antiques for home and hearth? If nothing else, start your Christmas shopping early.

Rule No. 3 – The Celebrity Classic Bike Ride happens Sunday at Rotary Park. Get more info and register for the ride at columbusregional.com or by calling 706-660-6115. You may need to bring your own bike.

-Alan Riquelmy

Girls, girls, girls

It's time to honor the late Bea Arthur with a ladies-only weekend inspired by the sisterly love from "Golden Girls." You can thank me for being a friend later.

But first, iron your favorite sundress for Friday night's Garden Party at the Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road. The party's 8 p.m.-midnight. Show up at the door and you'll probably still be able to get a $20 ticket, which includes drinks, snacks and music from Whisky Bent.

You'll be amazed you're able to hang out with your female friends for four hours without resorting to hair-pulling or catty comments about your BFF's attempt to look cute in leopard print.

To celebrate, extend the party by hitting the First Friday Block Party on Broadway. One $10 cover gets you into the majority of downtown Columbus hot spots. Make sure to visit The Roadhouse, 1047 Broadway, where tribute band Motley Crude performs.

Wrap up the weekend Saturday by indulging in the chief emblem of girl power: fruity drinks. It's Little Black Dress Night at Belloo's, 900 Front Ave. Wear your favorite LBD and you'll get into the cigar and martini bar for free, and snag a gift card for the bar.

Sit down at a table, eye your friends, and then start a conversation: "Picture this: Sicily 1942..."

-Sonya Sorich