What rain? All I see are events

The weather forecast shows chances of rain this weekend, but all I see are lots of things to keep you busy -- inside and outside -- so there's no reason to worry.

My whole life seems to revolve around food, which I'm totally OK with, so I am more than ready for Food Truck Friday in downtown Cape Girardeau this afternoon as a way to kickstart the weekend -- you'll find the list of food vendors below. Right after, hop across the street to check out First Presbyterian Church and the sculpture reveal of its new communitywide Peace Park.

The first Friday of the month means First Friday with the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri. Businesses and galleries participating are listed below. And there's something special this month: The Glenn House in Cape Girardeau is welcoming several members of the Glenn family Saturday, with events through Sunday.

Also, take some time to check out the bicentennial celebration for the Old McKendree Chapel in Jackson.

On Saturday, check out the inaugural communitywide Cape Pride Festival at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau. More than 30 vendors are set to make this event one for the record books, offering activities and food for the entire family.

Rain or shine, you've got plans -- and lots of them -- thanks to your TGIF.

Live

Jason Ringenberg is featured at this month's Underberg House Concerts -- and so are you. Expect to hear "cowpunk" music. Not sure what that is? Come find out!

When: 7 p.m. today

Where: Underberg House Concerts at 1122 Patricia St. in Cape Girardeau

More info: Call (573) 270-1009 or (573) 587-2266 for details and reservations

First things first

You're invited to check out First Friday with the Arts in downtown Cape Girardeau for a night of celebrating the arts. Many galleries and businesses will be hosting opening receptions for new exhibits and activities for the whole family.

When: 4 to 9 p.m. today

Where: dowtown Cape Girardeau

More info: Galleries part of First Friday include Arts Council of Southeast Missouri, Cape River Heritage Museum, Caroline Thompson Studio and Gallery, Catapult Creative House, Free Spirit Studio at The Indie House, Gallery of Inspiration, The Glenn House, Heritage Hall, Jeanie Eddleman Art Studio, Painted Wren Art Gallery, River Campus Art Gallery and Crisp Museum.

Businesses part of First Friday include Annie Laurie's, Atelier, Baristas Coffee Bar, Eden Health Spa & Salon, First Presbyterian Church of Cape Girardeau, The Library Downtown Cape Girardeau, Minglewood Brewery, Mississippi Mutts and Sugar Chic Creamery.

#throwback

It's the bicentennial celebration for the Old McKendree Chapel in Jackson, so come take a look at what made history.

More than 80 antique and vintage quilts from the Southeast Missouri area will be on display, some dating to 1805 and many with unique stories.

Organizers say Old McKendree is the oldest Protestant church still in use west of the Mississippi. The exhibit is free to the public.

When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Centenary Church Family Life Center at 324 N. Ellis St. in Cape Girardeau

I'm just here for the food

Take a break and grab some grub as the food trucks roll back into downtown Cape Girardeau.

Food trucks participating include: Caribbeana Creole Taqueria, 2 Sides Grillin' BBQ, Easy Street So Co Food and Andy's Sweet Tooth.

When: 5 p.m. today

Where: Rust Center for Media parking lots at 325 Broadway in Cape Girardeau

Show your colors

This weekend, not-for-profit LGBTQ advocacy group Cape Pride hosts its inaugural Pride Festival community event with more than 30 organizations participating.

Local food vendors, drag performers and musicians will be on-site playing along with family activities for all ages -- giant Jenga, giant Twister, Angry Birds, washers, cornhole sets and face painting.

When: noon to 8 p.m. Saturday

Where: Capaha Park

More info: Details and schedule at facebook.com/CapePridePage

Horsies!

Join other horse lovers to celebrate the accomplishments of riders at the Mississippi Valley Therapeutic Horsemanship 11th annual Horse Show.

This year's theme is "Derby Day."

Concessions and T-shirts will be on sale, and all proceeds will benefit the program.

When: 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Mississippi Valley Therapeutic Horsemanship at 192 Hope Hill Road in Oak Ridge

More info: ridemvth.org

jhartwig@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3632