7 fantastic Bay Area things to do this weekend, May 19-21

Got your weekend all planned? We have some cool ideas, from great shows and movies to yummy chowder and a South Bay brewery excursion.

As with everything these days, be sure to double check websites for any last-minute changes in health guidelines. Meanwhile, if you’d like to have this Weekender lineup delivered to your inbox every Thursday morning for free, just sign up at www.mercurynews.com/newsletters or www.eastbaytimes.com/newsletters.

1 SEE & HEAR: Great shows are all over

From the sensational pianist Hiromi to the beloved Scottish Fiddlers, there are all kinds of fun and exciting shows to catch in the Bay Area this weekend.

2 PLAY & SIP: A Silicon Valley beer run

OK, campers, check your pocket protector jokes at the door, and join us a Silicon Valley day trip that includes some terrific breweries.

3 SEE: Stunning nature photos

A new exhibit in San Francisco includes most of Ansel Adams’ most breathtaking  photos of Yosemite and other natural wonders — and there are a few surprises, too.

4 COOK & EAT: Fantastic fried chicken

Hawaiian-born celebrity chef Sheldon Simeon has a new book out, “Cook Real Hawaii,” which means you can learn the secret to making his irresistible Mochiko Fried Chicken.

 5 WATCH: Great new shows and movies

From the intensely gripping “Master Gardener” to a couple of compelling new celebrity documentaries, there’s enough fun stuff to see this weekend to take your mind off the fact that a certain beloved basketball team isn’t in the playoffs anymore.

6 COOK & SLURP: Championship chowder

Creamy, savory New England clam chowder is a satisfying meal all year around; and this tasty version is a little on the lighter side.

7 SEE: A new-look ‘1776’

A new version of the hit musical comedy about America’s Founding Fathers and the Declaration of Independence has a twist: all the actors are non-male.