Happy Friday everyone! Water is definitely a good thing to have with you if you venture out this time of year. Being NEAR water can be even better...

It will be busy near the banks of the St. Johns River this weekend as the Blue Crab Festival gets underway in Palatka. The activities actually start this evening....with things getting underway at 10 am Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings. Reconstruction of the riverfront has shifted things around a bit. The entertainment tent will be near the corner of St. Johns Avenue and Memorial Drive. All together there will be 7 city blocks of music, arts and crafts and great food. Check out the seafood cookoff Saturday at 10 am, with a parade Monday at 10.  Website

Another popular event this time of year is the Florida Folk Festival. This is the 60th year for the festival celebrating Florida's music, dance, crafts and food. There will be over 300 performers on 15 stages this year....including headliners John Anderson, Billy Dean and Arlo Guthrie. You can expect a little of everything musically....from blues and country to Caribbean and Latin. Mix in tons of activities and you have a great family outing. Opening ceremonies are tonight at 6 at the Stephen Foster State Park in White Springs. Gates open at 10 am Saturday and Sunday.  Website

Music will be in the air at the Bo Diddley Community Plaza in downtown Gainesville tonight. The city's "Free Fridays" Concert Series features performances every Friday evening through October. The series will showcase local and regional bands. Tonight you can hear the folk and bluegrass sounds of Patchwork. The event runs from 8 to 10 tonight on the plaza at the corner of SE First Street and East University Avenue.  Website

The Hippodrome, along with the High School/High Tech program, is hosting the Perspectives Art Show and Fundraiser Saturday. Florida High School/High Tech serves high school students with disabilities....helping them to transition from high school and explore other school and career options. The event Saturday goes from 6 to 8 pm at the Hipp. Proceeds go directly to serve the students.  Website

Enjoy your weekend!