We have now entered the dog days of summer, a time of year and a phrase frequently used in day-to-day conversation but rarely understood.

From July 3 to August 11, the sun is chilling in the sky near Sirius, also known as the Dog Star. During this period of time, the sun rises and sets with Sirius. According to Farmer’s Almanac, the ancient Romans believed that the star contributed to the sun’s warmth, making this slice of the season hotter. That’s where the phrase “dog days of summer” came to be.

While there’s still another month until we make our annual Target school supplies trip and usher in another year of education, these little calendrical milestones — the Fourth of July, the dog days of summer — remind us that summer is moving along with or without us.

Enjoy the dog days of summer with new concerts, zippy margaritas and some local tunes that spotlight our beloved city while also encouraging some post-vax debauchery. What could be better?

“I Already Like You” by Dessa: In her recently released song, “I Already Like You,” the University of Minnesota alum and local celebrity sings “This city can feel like a little town,” and if that doesn’t sum up the vibe of the Twin Cities, what does? The song blends techno rhythm with bubblegum pop lyrics. “I Already Like You” speaks to the pandemic-induced FOMO and subsequent horny post-vax rage we’ve experienced the past year. Dessa sings “Already missed too much to take this thing too slow.” Like the rest of us who’ve been hibernating indoors for a year, Dessa proclaims that it’s prime time to go out on our “little town,” ride the horny, vaccinated wave and fall in summer love — or summer lust, whichever floats your boat.

Concerts galore!: It’s a big week for local venues. Jump back into the Twin Cities music scene with a wide array of performances coming at you hot this week. The Turf Club, St. Paul’s local venue reopens today, celebrating its return to the music scene with hot tunes, hot food (their kitchen will be up and running) and a cocktail or two. And after the reopening party, there will be a slew of performances — did I mention Dessa will be in attendance on July 8 and 9 for a performance? Check out Electric Six on July 7, Night Moves on July 8 and plenty of local openers to accompany their acts.

Centro: It is a truth universally acknowledged that a good taco turns a mediocre week into a fantastic one. For spicy tacos, tangy margs and speedy service, make your way over to Centro in northeast Minneapolis. The restaurant was bustling on a Thursday night, but the service and the flavors didn’t falter. While perusing the drink menu, the Electric Bunny and its hot pink hue might catch your eye, but you’re better off ordering the Quincy Margarita. For your melty cheese fix, order the Queso Fundido and revel in the ooey gooey Oaxacan cheese with poblanos and pickled onion. One word: yum.