As we peak into July and leave June behind, it’s commonplace to feel nervous for the two months of summer vacation ahead. Are we accomplishing all our summer to-dos? Are we curbing FOMO? Are we carpe-ing the diem? What about that fitness goal — are you moving towards it?

Whatever your answer to those questions may be, A&E has selected a few events and activities — places to carpe the diem, if you will — to make the summer worthwhile. Hillside jazz with a view of the Sculpture Garden? Don’t mind if I do. Vegan fried chicken? Sure, why not?

Hillside Jazz at the Walker: This Friday, grab a friend, a picnic blanket and a DIY charcuterie board and listen to some jazz at the Walker. As part of their Hillside Jazz series, the Walker Art Center is putting on new jazz acts each month en plein air, free and open for all to enjoy. On Friday, catch a contemporary spin on classic American jazz with jaimie branch’s Fly or Die.

“Planet Her” by Doja Cat: Hot Girl Summer continues with a female rap album worth bumping to. “Planet Her,” Doja Cat’s third pop album, is just as creative and intergalactic as it is clever and empowering.

Herbie Butcher’s Fried Chicken: Itching for some chicken? Well, faux-chicken, that is. Try out the new walk-up vegan chicken joint from the founders of Herbivorous Butcher, the vegan butcher shop in northeast Minneapolis. Dip your toes into the vegan water with some fried chicken, a maple butter-slathered biscuit and some mac and cheese.

Fitness Classes at the RecWell: Sweat off the stress of your summer course load or internship with a class from the RecWell. Whether it’s a bright-and-early 6:45 a.m. HIIT Express or 5:15 p.m. Yoga Flow, get your body in motion instead of languishing on the couch watching TikToks. For $35, you can purchase a FitPass and have access to fitness classes all summer long. Register at shoprecwell.umn.edu