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Tax Day is approaching, so our advice is to go crazy this weekend and spend every nickel and bitcoin you’ve got on fun, fine food and tasty adult beverages. Which is pretty much our advice for every weekend. So here are seven ways to enjoy this weekend in the S.F. Bay Area and beyond, from the beginning of the end for “Game of Thrones” to spring frolicking to a blues legend and a bunch of other great concerts.
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And now on to the fun stuff.
1 WATCH: The end is coming for “Game of Thrones”
We’re not even going to pretend that there’s anything that people will be talking about more than the final season of this HBO blockbuster series full of bloodshed, rape, incest, weird icy zombies and all manner of annoying, nonsensical mythology. What’s not to love? So just settle in and enjoy. Here is what you need to know and which episodes you should start binging right now. Want to dig deeper? Here’s a “GOT” by the numbers. And while we’re at it, we’ve got tips on some delish White Walker cocktails.
2 FROLIC: At spring festivals
The trees and flowers are blooming, and Earth Day is nearly upon us. But the South Bay gets a jump on the holiday and serves up some good opportunities to have fun with nature this weekend. Details are here. And here’s a roundup of Earth Day activities around the Bay Area, including a big bash this weekend at the Oakland Zoo.
3 SIP: Cider by the pint, beer (with bacon!)
Cider fans will be in heaven Saturday at the annual Cider Summit SF, which brings more than 50 cider makers to the Presidio in San Francisco for some delicious fun. Meanwhile, San Jose serves up a marriage of two of the world’s most wonderful resources: Bacon. And. Beer. Details on those events and other boozy options are here.
4: EXPLORE: San Francisco’s beloved film festival
The S.F. International Film Fest has the well-earned reputation of being the film festival for people who really love film (as opposed to glitzy red carpet events). And this year’s lineup bears that out, with scores on intriguing offers from around the globe. Here are our picks for the films to see, as well as a roundup of the strong contingent of Bay Area films, including one exec-produced by the Dubs’ own Kevin Durant.
5 HEAR: A blues icon deliver some sizzling guitar licks
There aren’t many first-generation blues legends left, but Buddy Guy is one of them and he can still bring it on guitar. An architect of the electric-guitar-driven “West Side sound,” Guy comes to San Francisco this weekend and tops our list of great weekend concerts. And if you are a lover of choral music, there are several intriguing shows to choose from this weekend, including a concert dedicated to Matthew Shepard.
6 WATCH: A dance/theater work about what war does to you
Acclaimed British choreographer Rosie Kay spent weeks embedded with an army battalion going through war exercises and visiting soldier rehab centers to develop her work “5 Soldiers: The Body is the Frontline.” The award-winning dance/theater work comes to San Francisco this weekend, and details are here.
7 PLAY: Family fun in Carson City
Just a stone’s throw from Reno and Tahoe, Carson City is usually the forgotten, bypassed speck on the highway. But there’s all kinds of fun to be had there, from great kids’ activities, and cool hikes to a haven for railroad buffs. And some great stick-to-your-ribs pub grub, too. Here’s a primer.
