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Father’s Day weekend is upon us — and of course, you’re going to do something fun with Pops. But if you need a little weekend frolic inspiration, we’re here to help with seven crazy-fun options, including some guaranteed Dad-pleasers. Is he into Janelle Monae? Brunch cruises? Hilariously adorable superheroes? Big Sur hikes with Aperol Spritzes? Let’s go!
1 PLAY: County fairs and festapaloozas
There are county fairs— and then there are OMG County Fairs! Alameda’s kicks off on Friday with a cattle drive down Pleasanton’s Main Street, an awe-inspiring sight if ever there was one. Then prepare yourself for brew fests, wine tasting, horse racing, pig racing, funnel cakes and deep-fried everything, plus Blue Oyster Cult, Sir Mix-a-Lot, LeAnn Rimes and so much more. Check out our insider’s guide to the fair, including what’s new and unexpected — and wait a sec, discount tickets don’t include what now?
2 HEAR: Scads of great music
It’s a mind-blowing weekend for live music in the Bay Area, with a slew of shows that spotlight all-world talent Janelle Monae, Kesha and Macklemore, an electronic music double bill of Flying Lotus and Little Dragon and local favorite Fantastic Negrito.
3 SEE: The first family of superheroes
Pixar this weekend delivers the keenly awaited “The Incredibles 2,” the sequel that reunites us the lovable animated crime-fighting family. And those tights. Craig T. Nelson and the awesome Holly Hunter are back as ma and pa Incredible. We are stoked. (And if you’re not into totes adorbs superheroes, here’s what else is screening this weekend, plus the blockbusters of summer.)
4 EAT & PLAY: Picnic with Pops (or brunch on the bay)
The only thing better than a brunch cruise? A Father’s Day Beer Brunch Cruise on San Francisco Bay, amiright? Or you could head to a Father’s Day Presidio Picnic in San Francisco, catch a car show and brunch at Danville’s swanky Blackhawk Museum, head for a vineyard barbecue or — surely one of these nine awesome possibilities will appeal.
5 EAT & PLAY: Hike Big Sur
We’re on an “activities that involve eating, too” roll here! If Dad enjoys hikes with spectacular ocean views, followed by shrimp sammies, deviled eggs and tasty cocktails (also with ocean views), how about a jaunt to Big Sur and Garrapata State Park plus bites and sips at the Ventana Big Sur? Think of it as an awesome trail mix — details are here, including where to park, where to hike and how to score that Aperol Spritz. (Psst, this one’s fun to do on your own, too. And as a date, with Big Sur as your wingman.)
6 WATCH: The Red Scare in the South Bay
TheatreWorks Silicon Valley is staging “Finks,” a highly personal look at the toll the House Un-American Activities Committee’s hunt for communists — and the resulting Hollywood blacklist — took on the entertainment industry. Here’s what our theater critic thought of the production. Or head to Orinda, where Cal Shakes is mixing it up this season with some Shakespeare and some intriguingly, decidedly not Romeo-related fare. Right now they’re staging a Texas-inspired version of Don Quixote. Check out the deets on “Quixote Nuevo” here.
7 HEAR: A classical music surprise
Musician and producer Patricia Kopatchinskaja has been making waves and earning raves for her ground-shaking approach to classical music. Now you can see and hear what she’s all about as she heads the Ojai Berkeley festival this weekend at Cal.