7 terrific Bay Area things to do this weekend, May 6-8

Poor May. It only has three letters and never seems to get its due as the “almost summer” month. So we owe it to the month and ourselves to make this May as fun as possible, beginning with this weekend. And we have some great ideas along those lines, including fun outings with pooches, some terrific music and seriously creepy, streaming TV series.

And while COVID protocols are loosening, the situation remains fluid from venue to venue; if you’re headed out to a show or a meal, be sure to check the venue or restaurant website for the latest updates before you go.

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1 SEE & HEAR: Feist’s utterly unique concert

Fans of singer-songwriter Feist (we’ve loved her ever since she jammed with Muppets on “Sesame Street”) can catch her this weekend at Stanford University, as she basically re-invents the relationship between performer and audience.

2 PLAY: Hanging with your pup

The Bay Area has a reputation of being tail-waggingly dog-friendly. We boldly explored that theory, and came up with 10 totally fun outings you can share with your pooch. We’re talking beer, wine, kayaks and more.

3 WATCH: Exploring an infamous murder

Jon Krakauer’s 2003 book, “Under the Banner of Heaven,” brilliantly deconstructed a shocking 1984 slaying in a Mormon community. Now comes the TV series adaptation of the tome, starring Andrew Garfield. It tops our roundup of new shows and movies you need to know about.

4 PLAY: Pack on the fun in Palo Alto

No one’s going to mistake it for Fisherman’s Wharf, but there is plenty to see and do (and eat and drink) in Palo Alto. Here’s a day trip itinerary.

5 SEE & HEAR: Music and more in Mill Valley

The Mill Valley Music Festival this weekend looks to be a blast, and not just because of the killer headliner, Ben Harper. Here’s what you need to know. And here are three other concerts you should know about.

6 COOK & EAT: The artichoke is our friend

Artichoke season is upon us, but a lot of folks avoid the delicious but otherwordly vegetable because of all those leaves and thistles and hairy stuff in the middle. Relax, enjoying an artichoke is easier than it looks.

7 SEE & HEAR: Great shows and recitals

Live shows are back in a big way in the Bay Area. Here are some great shows to see this weekend, including revered local pianist Jon Nakamatsu and a tribute to an influential Black composer.