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Another long work week is coming to a close and all we can say is, Carpe Weekendum, people! Here are seven fab ways to party and play around the San Francisco Bay, from a Burning Man-inspired art tour to the delightful new rom-com “Crazy Rich Asians” to a heaping helping of rock icon David Byrne and DIY stroopwafel ice cream sandwiches.
1 SEE: A groundbreaking (but really funny) romantic comedy
You’d have to go back 25 years to find the last mainstream Hollywood movie sporting a predominantly Asian cast. In 1993 it was the bittersweet “Joy Luck Club.” Now it’s the clever, high-energy rom-com “Crazy Rich Asians,” which, yes, is making history but more importantly is a total hoot to watch, says our reviewer. And — Bay Area represent! — director Jon Chu is a Palo Alto native who credits his family and the iconic Silicon Valley restaurant they run for helping “Crazy Rich Asians” get made.
2 PLAY: Bay Area burner fun
In two weeks, Burning Man’s temporary city of massive sculptures, tents and glowing bikes and art cars will rise from Nevada’s Black Rock Desert once more. But you can get in the mood right now — and you won’t even have to camp. The Bay Area is home to a crazy-fun array of Burner art installations to explore, from a Mother Goose-inspired giant boot in Santa Rosa to an enormous illuminated Buckyball in San Francisco. (And if you’re headed to the desert later this month, check out our Burning Man survival guide now, along with our costume sourcing tips. Those bedazzled steampunk goggles won’t just make themselves.)
3 SEE & HEAR: A whole lotta David Byrne
If you are a fan of David Byrne, this weekend is a “Once in a Lifetime” opportunity (c’mon, you knew we’d sneak a Talking Heads reference in here, and “Psycho Killer” didn’t seem appropriate). The Heads frontman and art rock pioneer has three consecutive Bay Area shows beginning tonight and five — count ’em, five — in these parts through next Wednesday. Here’s a rundown.
4 EAT: 4 fab food fests
Kebabs, curry, zucchini and, ahem, testicles??? Whether you prefer bourak, curry or squash — or Rocky Mountain Oysters, which absolutely 100 percent do not taste like chicken — here’s where you and your adventurous palate need to be this weekend.
5 HEAR: Guitar gods, country crooners and pop stars (oh my)
It’s another jam-packed weekend for concerts in the Bay Area. Steve Miller and Peter Frampton, a pair of classic rockers who know their way around a searing guitar solo, will be in Concord Saturday; country stars Lady Antebellum and Darius “Hootie” Rucker hit the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View tonight (no harm in getting the weekend off to an early start, now, is there?) and pop sensations Charlie Puth and Hailee Steinfeld team up at the Shoreline on Friday. Details for these and more are here.
6 EAT: Stroopwaf-what?
Why has no one thought of waffle-ice cream sandwiches before? Maybe we’re just the last to the party. But Sausalito chef Joanne Weir’s new PBS foodie-travel series includes an episode where she takes the concept of Amsterdam’s stroopwafel, the classic caramel-filled waffle cookies, and turns it into ridiculously delicious burnt-caramel ice cream sandwiches. And we hear it’s supposed to hit 95 this weekend, so … obviously. You’ll find the how tos here.
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7 PLAY: Hike the Headlands
Head north over the Golden Gate Bridge and motor through the Marin Headlands for stunning vistas, splendid hiking trails and tours of the historic Point Bonita Lighthouse, which is open from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. this Sunday. It’s a cheap (but totally awesome) date idea with swoon-worthy views and a little heart-pounding adventure. The final approach takes you across a wind-whipped (but totally safe) suspension footbridge that spans a craggy chasm, as waves crash below. (An excellent excuse to hold each other tight!)
