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We know it’s tempting, but you simply MUST find better things to do this weekend than draw snarky doodles of Houston Rockets star James Harden whining about another “non-call.” We’re here to help: Here are seven ways to kick it in the S.F. Bay Area and beyond, from Cinco de Mayo fun to free festivals and a horsey excuse to quaff mint juleps.
1 PLAY: Quatro y Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is a two-day party this year with all sorts of colorful fun, from an artsy Frida Kahlo-themed scavenger hunt — complete with Frida-esque flower crown workshop — in San Jose to Lucha Libre wrestlers in Oakland. We have a roundup of all the festivities here.
2 SEE: One of the biggest pop stars in the universe
Her name is Ariana Grande, perhaps you’ve heard of her? Tiny singer with a HUGE voice and a string of hits too numerous to mention here. She’s in Northern California for two shows behind her latest album “Thank U, Next,” and she tops our run-down of the Bay Area’s biggest concerts this week.
3 PLAY & EAT: Books and bites
Head for downtown Berkeley this weekend for the big Bay Area Book Festival. Browse the book booths, grab a bite at the La Cocina food court and chat up the 250+ authors who’ll be on site for readings, signings and general schmoozings. Here’s what you need to know.
4 GET OUT: It’s festival season, doncha know
The weather might not always be hip to the scenario, but our calendars tell us the outdoor fair and festival season is underway. Woo-hoo! Celebrate by heading to Mountain View’s A La Carte and Art fair for fun, crafts, yummy eats and tasty adult beverages. If you’re musically inclined, the awesome and totally free Yerba Buena Gardens Festival opens with a tribute to salsa great Charlie Palmieri.
5 SEE: A memorable ‘Vanity Fair’ at ACT
Kate Hamill’s stage adaptation of the 1948 novel of manners “Vanity Fair” has everything — if by “everything” you mean puppets, cross-dressing, witty dialogue and a gentle message on the wisdom of empathy. It’s playing at American Conservatory Theater. Here’s our review and what you need to know.
6 EAT: Hot Browns and big hats
Whether you’re a Kentucky Derby fan, a flouncy hat devotee or a mint julep lover — or all three! — two Bay Area restaurants are pulling out all the stops for Saturday’s derby day. Chow down on Hot Browns at Pleasanton’s Sabio on Main, or party all day with fried chicken, mint juleps and hat contests at Los Gatos’ The Bywater. The deets are here.
7 EXPLORE: An eye-opening look at California’s LGBT movement
Oakland Museum of California, known for its thoughtful and thought-provoking exhibits on issues vital to the Bay Area and California, explores the gay, queer, and transgender community in a new show that will likely surprise you.
