You’ve earned it: a weekend’s worth of fun in the City With Soul. What are you waiting for? I might have a few suggestions…

Dixie National Rodeo – MS Coliseum – through Wednesday
Saddle up the kiddos (well, don’t put a saddle on your ki… you get it): the rodeo gets underway Thursday with a concert from Tracy Byrd plus roping, riding, bulls, live entertainment and more); livestock shows run through the 16th and the Dixie National Parade is this Saturday. Tickets for rodeo/concert events are available.

Amanda Shires – Duling Hall – Friday, 8 p.m.
This Texas-born road warrior and new mom doesn’t need introduction to her loyal fan base. But if you’ve never had the pleasure, listen to her critically-hailed “My Piece of Land” for education. Despite constant touring with her band and as a member of husband Jason Isbell’s 400 Unit, she managed to make time to finish her MFA and win the Americana Association’s 2017 Emerging Artist award. Damn: pull up a front seat for a helluva show this weekend. Tickets

After Concert: Kerry Thomas, Stephanie Luckett, & 5th Child – Urban Foxes – Friday, 8 p.m.
Soul… and PIE? I can’t think of a sweeter combination, especially when these Jackson-based musicians pull up counter- side to Cody Cox and Molly West’s Belhaven Heights shop. Tickets are $12 or, buy a season pass for this and future after hours shows – Andrew Bryant, Skipp Coon, Questions in Dialect among them – for $60 (and it’s buy one, get one!)

Volunteer Landscape Day – Jackson Zoo – Saturday, 8 a.m.
Yes, the zoo is temporarily closed to the pubic. But that doesn’t mean the animals and the grounds are going uncared for. To the contrary, zoo staff are busy cleaning, weeding, rebuilding and readying the West Jackson property for a spring (fingers crossed) reopening. Pitch in Saturday. It’s a great family activity or qualifying hours for school community service. And, you get a free admission voucher to use on a future zoo visit.

Ignite the Night – Mississippi Children’s Museum – Saturday, 7 p.m.
We’ve been to this party a half a dozen times or so and it gets better each year. The adults-only fundraiser features food and creative cocktails, music and plenty of Insta-worthy moments in a colorful and lively atmosphere. The dress is “snappy casual,” so… snap to it. Get tickets