This appears to be one of those weekends one should approach with maximum flexibility, depending on whether the air is clear, sweet and awesome, or whether you need a NASA telescope just to see the end of your arm. Fortunately, we arrive bearing all kinds of great ideas for your Bay Area Weekend, from awe-inspiring day trips to amazing TV shows to getting an early start on Octoberfest and a late look at St. Patrick’s Day.
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1 WATCH: Evil nurse makes great TV
We are BEYOND STOKED for the debut of “Ratched” this weekend. Yes, the sadistic nurse who helped make “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” so memorable is getting her own show. It’s one of our top 10 new shows this fall. And speaking of great TV, the Emmy Awards are this weekend, and the only thing that’s certain is that it will be unlike any Emmys show we’ve ever seen before, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Here are our fearless predictions on how it will all shake out.
2 EAT & PLAY: Oktoberfest at home
OK, so we won’t be donning our lederhosen or dirndl this weekend. Oktoberfest has been canceled everywhere. But here’s how to capture that gemutlichkeit spirit from home, from Oktoberfest takeout and outdoor dining, to DIY pretzels and brats, as well as awesome beer options, and even some virtual fun, including Sierra Nevada Brewing’s Prost Like a Pro party on Saturday.
3 SEE: The amazing Frameline film fest
Frameline is considered one of the country’s top LGBTQ film festivals, with scores of top-flight movie options, Q&As and more. It’s not happening live this year, but the virtual edition, running Sept. 17-27, is pretty darned impressive. Here’s a rundown. Meanwhile, here are some of your other streaming options, including Robert Pattinson as a twisted preacher and a charming teen rom-com that you can watch at home or at the drive-in.
4 EAT: Pure comfort food
Comfort food has made a major comeback during the last months of pandemic and, you know, apocalyptic wildfires. So the Barefoot Contessa’s new cookbook — “Modern Comfort Food,” which drops Oct. 6 — has perfect timing. And we’ve got a sneak peek at Ina Garten’s how-tos for Chicken Pot Pie Soup with divine croutons. Here you go.
5 HEAR: A St. Patrick’s Day music festival
We know what you are thinking, you clever rascals: Wasn’t St. Patrick’s Day, like, six months ago? Why, yes, it was — it came just as the pandemic was shutting down music shows like nobody’s business. So AmeriCeltic, the South Bay Celtic cultural society, is giving a bunch of musicians another chance to celebrate the grand holiday this weekend with an all-day virtual festival cleverly titled “St. Patrick’s Day, Take 2.” Here’s what you need to know.
6 PLAY: Angel Island by bike
Got a mountain bike? Or a yen to go hiking? Hop the ferry to Angel Island for a little exercise and the Best. Bay. Views. Here’s how to go and what to see.
7 WATCH: A blues legend, or a scary podcast play
The indescribably amazing blues guitarist Roy Rogers is giving a online streaming performance this weekend to benefit struggling musicians. And he’ll even show off some of his prized guitar collection. It’s one of our top streaming options for this weekend, including a classic dystopian story coming to a new podcast.
