The University of Arizona's football team takes Friday's season opener on the road to the University of Toledo's Glass Bowl stadium.

Here are a few reasons to spend some time at the UA before the Wildcats host The Citadel on Sept.11.

• What: First Thursday Art Walk, which includes works by 30 local artists, chalk art, a public participation mural and live music. September's art walk features the dog-inspired works of Courtney Kelly, with live music by One Heart Beat and Drama Club.

• When: 5-8 p.m. today and the first Thursday of every month.

• Where: Main Gate Square, on University Boulevard between Park and Euclid avenues.

• More: A $5 wine tasting at Vila Thai. And a beer tasting at The Auld Dubliner Pub & Restaurant.

• What: Bear Down Fridays, an event started five years ago to create community spirit and to cheer on the UA football team. Plenty of family-friendly music, games and giveaways add to the traditional pep rally that features the Pride of Arizona Marching Band, Wilbur and Wilma, UA cheerleaders, the pom squad, twirlers and flags. Different UA coaches usually stop in each week.

• When: 5-7 p.m. Sept. 10, 17, 24, Oct. 18, 22 and Nov. 12. Pep rally starts at 6.

• Where: Main Gate Square on University between Park and Euclid.

• Parking: Free after 4 p.m. in the Tyndall Garage at East Fourth Street and North Euclid Avenue with merchant validation.

• New this year: Red Army Tailgate Zone with drink and happy hour specials along with giveaways next to the pep rally. Also, the Junior Cats Activity Zone with an inflatable from Desert Jumps, a giant sandbox, chalk art, balloon artist, face painting, hair painting, Be Kind Tattoos and more.

Save the date

Sept. 17 - Muscle Milk Social Studies Tour concert, featuring Shwayze and Kelley James, follows pep rally.

Sept. 24 - First Round of National Anthem tryouts (sign up at go.azstarnet.com/ nationalanthem). Winner will perform at a UA athletic event.

Oct. 8 - Family Weekend and National Anthem Finals.

Oct. 22 - Homecoming.

Nov. 12 - UA vs. USC.

• What: School of Music Faculty Artist series. The School of Music's faculty and staff get a stage to show off the talent they are passing along to students. It's part of the school's vibrant performance program that involves students in solo and ensembles - including the Arizona Symphony and UA Philharmonic - and guest artists.

• When: A couple of times a month throughout the school year. The first one, Jazz Fusion with Sylvan Street, is at 7:30 p.m. next Thursday.

• Where: Crowder Hall on the UA campus, North Park Avenue and East Speedway.

• Cost: $2 to $5.

• Details: www.music.arizona.edu