Memorial Day Weekend Kicks Off the Summer

Memorial Day weekend.

Just those three words evoke the smells of barbeque, the sweet taste of watermelon, the image of bright beach days against a clear blue sky.

While we're blessed in Venice with having pretty amazing weather all year round, it's impossible not to get caught up in the three-day weekend our nation has come to associate with the start of summer.

This weekend, get out and enjoy all the things Venice has to offer. After all:

"It's summertime, and the livin' is easy."

Of course, if the mere thought of summer's approach makes you nervous— or you just have an eye for a good deal—you can check out these weekend specials. Venice Paparazzi is reporting that Get Waxed is offering major discounts on (you guessed it) waxing services through May 28. Meanwhile, a new yoga studio, Bumbulah at 38 Washington Blvd., is offering free classes through the weekend.

Friday, as always, you should stop by the Venice Farmers Market between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. This weekend, the key is to stock up on fresh produce for the grill.

Friday night, stop by The G2 Gallery to check out the Murphy Family Band, which goes on at 7:30. Enjoy bluegrass music from 14-year-old Sara on fiddle, 18-year-old Kyle on mandolin and fiddle, dad Jim on guitar, Doug Davis on bass, Paula Lane on resonator guitar, and Bill Knopf on banjo.  

Have you been thinking that this is the year to turn your garden around? On Saturday, head back to G2 and check out . The class, from the Theodore Payne Foundation, is $20 for members, $30 general admission.

Saturday night, Beyond Baroque is putting on . The local group was accepted into the Glastonbury Music Festival later this year, but it needs the funds to get there! Admission is $10, and the show goes from 5 p.m. to midnight with music and readings.

is blowing up for the weekend, offering a whole host of exhibitions, from sumo wrestling to bodybuilding to amateur boxing. The whole schedule is here, and events run Saturday through Monday.

On Sunday, stop by James' Beach for a Ketel One tasting from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. All three of the Danny-and-James restaurants (Danny's, James' Beach and Canal Club) are promising Memorial Day celebrations, so stop by any day and see what's on tap or on the grill.