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Whoa! What happened to October? We could have sworn it was around here a second ago. No matter, November rolls in with another wonderful weekend yielding an abundance of things to see, hear, taste, smell and otherwise savor to the fullest — because we all could use a few of days of release, couldn’t we? So here are seven terrific ways to kick back in the San Francisco Bay Area, from exotic dances (no, not that kind) to tasty tacos, Tahoe views and a dazzling light show in Saratoga.
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OK, let’s dig in, shall we?
1 SEE: A light show that will dazzle your senses
World renowned artist Bruce Munro has erected his latest stagger-the-imagination installation right here in the Bay Area — at Montalvo Arts Center. The show, inspired by the magic he felt as a lad reading “The Chronicles of Narnia,” has everything from pink flamingos to glowing tulips, a cascading waterfall and much more, all created with his trademark use of light and, well, magic. But don’t take our word for it, here’s one reviewer’s, um, glowing take on the show. And here are more details on how it all came to be. And if you’re headed to Saratoga, why don’t you check out some of the new culinary offerings in the area, including Pasta Armellino, the fettuccine-centric eatery that the Michelin-adorned folks at Plumed Horse opened a few months ago?
2 WATCH: A classic movie — while an orchestra plays
If you haven’t witnessed a movie/orchestra double bill before, there is something magical about watching a classic flick on a HUGE, high-def screen accompanied by top-flight musicians performing the score. And this weekend, you have two options: The San Francisco Symphony will play along to “Jurassic Park” while Symphony Silicon Valley performs to “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.” Details are here.
3 EAT: Tacos y tequila!
Yes, we know sipping premium tequila and inhaling irresistible Puesto tacos is terribly hard work — and we haven’t even mentioned the live music and dancing yet. But you’d be doing it for the children! (We knew that would convince you!) This Saturday’s Taco & Tequila Tasting in San Jose raises funds for the Shop with a Cop Foundation’s programs for underserved kids. And it’s delicious. Deets are here, along with a roundup of other great wine, beer and cocktail events around these parts.
4 SEE: Two dance companies tackle soulful, spiritual themes
The Bay Area is blessed with an amazing dance scene — talented performers taking on subjects you just won’t find anywhere else. That’s definitely the case this weekend. Oakland Ballet is debuting a new work devoted to the life and artistry of Frida Kahlo. And in San Jose, the Abhinaya Dance Company presents a new series of works inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.
5 EAT: Ridiculously good chicken wings
This weekend brings an onslaught of football games and the chance to watch — from a fetal position — as our favorite teams once again snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. (Do not get us started on the Niners or Raiders!) We’re thinking some really spectacular fried chicken would make us feel better. The only question: Make those wings ourselves or check out this trio of fried chicken eateries around the Bay. You make the call.
6 SEE: A new movie about the fantabulous Freddie Mercury
Among the batch of intriguing new films landing in theaters this weekend is “Bohemian Rhapsody,” a biopic starring Rami Malek about the late, great, once-in-a-generation Queen vocalist. Other choices include “Boy Erased,” starring Lucas Hedges as a teen forced into gay conversion therapy by his devout parents (Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman) and Tiffany Haddish creating havoc in Tyler Perry’s “Nobody’s Fool.” A complete rundown of your options is here. And on the small screen, Julia Roberts stars in the much-buzzed-about thriller “Homecoming.”
7 PLAY & SIP: Tahoe hikes
Lake Tahoe’s best-kept secret is autumn. The summer crowds are gone, ski-season traffic is still weeks away and the weather is heavenly. Head up to the lake this weekend to hike the trails, see the gorgeous fall colors and hoist some brewskis on the Tahoe Ale Trail. Here’s where to go.
