From Noise Pop to cool shows and movies and delicious dinners, we’ve got some great ideas for stuff to do and eat this weekend. So let’s get to it, shall we?
As always, be sure to double check event and venue websites for any last-minute changes in health guidelines. Meanwhile, if you’d like to have this Weekender lineup delivered to your inbox every Thursday morning for free, just sign up at www.mercurynews.com/newsletters or www.eastbaytimes.com/newsletters.
1 SEE & HEAR: Great shows are all over
There are a ton of great shows to catch in the Bay Area, from a new AI-themed play to “Swan Lake” to an opera about Jerry Springer (no, seriously).
2 PLAY & SIP: The science of cider
Hard cider fans, head to this Sebastopol cidery where you can taste some delicious grog and learn a lot about the cider-making process.
3 DINE: Let’s do brunch
We’re always keeping an eye out for hot new brunch spots (yeah, it’s a brutal job, but someone’s got to do it). Here are seven that totally won us over. We’re talking Southern-meets-Thai fried chicken and waffles, slow-smoked Burnt Ends Hash and pineapple-kissed brunch cocktails, mmm.
4 COOK & DEVOUR: Enchanting enchilada bake
This enchilada bake with sweet potatoes chard, corn and black beans is yummy and easy to make — but will make you look like a culinary genius (don’t worry, your secret is safe with us).
5 MAKE & DEVOUR: Easy chocolate heaven
After some hearty enchilada bake, these no-bake, chocolatey dessert bars will cap off a perfect meal. (They’re pretty good for munching during the day, too.)
Hilary Swank, left, and Tamala Jones star in “Ordinary Angels.” (Lionsgate)
6 WATCH: A genuinely inspirational movie
“Ordinary Angels” starring Hilary Swank is one of those feel-good movies that doesn’t make you feel guilty for feeling good. It tops our roundup of what to watch this weekend.
7 SEE & HEAR: Noise Pop is back
The vast annual festival of pop, rock and hip-hop returns to San Francisco this week, and we’re saluting the local artists who performing. Go here and here to see who we’re talking about.
