This weekend on Cape Ann: dahlias, a blessing for pets, three art openings and a cake swap

The weather looks sunny and cool for the weekend, and Cape Ann has plenty going on. Here is what is new on our calendar. For Cape Ann Plein Air, the Cape Ann Symphony's season opener, Sunday's Tails on the Trails dog walk and the Rockport farmers market, see our week-ahead picks.

Saturday, Oct. 3

• Dahlia sale, Gloucester, 10 a.m. Generous Gardeners sells bouquets of the Stacy Boulevard dahlias, cut that morning, near the tennis courts. It ends at noon or when the flowers run out, and the volunteers expect a line. Read our story.
• Blessing of the Animals, Gloucester, 11 a.m. The Catholic Community of Gloucester and Rockport blesses pets in the rectory parking lot at Our Lady of Good Voyage, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day is Sunday. Family friendly pets are welcome on a leash or in a carrier.
• Three new shows, Rockport, 1 to 3 p.m. The Rockport Art Association and Museum holds a reception for its Fall Exhibition of juried artist members, a solo show by Bethany Peck and "Riding the Waves," juried members' work inspired by the schooner Adventure. The Peck show runs through Oct. 15 and the other two through Nov. 8.

Sunday, Oct. 4

• Opera on the big screen, Rockport, 1 p.m. The Shalin Liu Performance Center shows the Metropolitan Opera's live HD broadcast of Mozart's comedy "Così fan tutte." Tickets are $30 and $27, plus fees.
• Cake Fest, Rockport, 2 to 4 p.m. Bring a homemade cake at least 8 inches across, then swap slices with everyone else at the Windhover Center for the Performing Arts, 247 Granite St. Advance registration is $50. Most of the money goes to The Open Door and the rest to Windhover. Bring a server, a plate or stand, a fork and a list of ingredients.
• Manhattan Short Film Festival, Rockport, 7 p.m. The festival's last showing at the Shalin Liu. Ten finalist short films screen, and the audience votes for a winner. Tickets are $10, or $7 for seniors and students, plus fees.

Know of something we missed? Add your event to the Cape Ann Current calendar.