Weekend's almost here: What to do on Thursday, Oct. 9

Still got your dog's costume from last week's Hogs and Dogs festival? Bring it out tonight for Yappy Hour. [Photo by Lara Cerri/Times]

Yappy Hour: Got a poodle who loves Picasso? Your retriever favors Rembrandt? Bring 'em out to Yappy Hour (on a leash) for a raffle and silent auction to benefit the Humane Society of Pinellas. Free refreshments, but don’t expect champagne for your Chihuahua. 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Nature of Art Gallery, 1100 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. Free. (727) 821-6700.

Kamelot: Tampa Bay’s own Kamelot, right, launches its latest nationwide tour tonight on home turf. It’s amazing these guys don’t have a larger following considering they’ve produced eight studio albums, two live albums and a live DVD. Their progressive, moody metal sound might not be taking them to the top of the charts but it sounds like the perfect soundtrack to the next Matrix movie. 7 p.m. State Theatre, 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. $22.

Blues Traveler: Who could forget the late '90s when overweight lead singer John Popper was honkin’ on that harmonica so hard you thought he was going to blow a gasket right there on stage? He’s lost quite a bit of weight since, but the band hasn’t lost any of its mojo, blasting out Southern-rock blues jams until someone shuts off the power. 8 p.m. Jannus Landing, 16 Second St. N, St. Petersburg. $24.

The Kite Runner: Want to kill some time in the air conditioning this afternoon? Nothing fills the hours like being absorbed in a great movie. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, the film tells the story of Amir and Hassan, two young Afghan boys coming of age during the nation’s tumultuous recent history. Uplifting? Sorta. Dramatic? Absolutely. Best part: It’s free. Call ahead though, reservations are required. And the leave the kids at home. This one is for grownups only. 1 p.m. Tarpon Springs Public Library, 138 E Lemon St., Tarpon Springs.

Jeff Garcia's Pass It On Charity Bowling: It's likely that Jeff Garcia will be the Bucs' starting quarterback on Sunday, so he may be busy throwing touchdown passes instead of strikes. But you can still roll for a reason tonight in support of the Garcia Pass It On Foundation. Now, the bowling isn't cheap, but all proceeds go to the Moffitt Cancer Research Center. There will be general admission tickets available as well, so you can have a good time for a good cause. And if you don't go, you won't have a chance at winning two Super Bowl tickets. SUPER BOWL TICKETS! That's cooler than nailing a 7-10 split. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Splitsville at Channelside. 615 Channelside Drive. Tampa. General admission, $75; 6-bowler team, $1,000.