7 terrific Bay Area things to do this weekend, Sept. 23-25

Fall weekends are the best, aren’t they? And we have great ideas for this particular one, from great music festivals and stage shows to a fun and informative jaunt along the Barbary Coast Trail.

If you’re going out to a show, festival or meal, be sure to check the venue or restaurant website for the latest COVID safety updates before you go.

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1 PLAY: Explore the Barbary Coast

You can find out a lot about San Francisco’s rough-and-tumble origins on a 4-mile jaunt in the city called the Barbary Coast Trail. It’s a fun and eye-opening way to spend a day. Here’s how to go about it.

2 WATCH: New look at Marilyn Monroe

“Blonde,” based on the book about Marilyn Monroe by Joyce Carol Oates, is dark, troubling and absolutely riveting. It tops our list of new movies you should know about.

3 SIP: Catch the Kölsch craze

The Bay Area is going gaga over Kölsch craft beer, which is light, clear and oh-so refreshing during these hot days and warm nights. Here’s some details about the brew and, more importantly, where to find it.

4 SEE & HEAR: Monterey Jazz Fest returns

One of Northern California’s most famous music festivals returns to the Monterey County Fairgrounds this weekend, and the lineup features two very different sides of this star vocalist, not to mention four of the most exciting new stars in jazz.

5 COOK AND SAVOR: The perfect fall recipe

Deliciousness just pours out of this skillet dish made of fresh corn, peaches and burrata. And it’s quick and easy. Here’s how it’s done.

6 SEE & HEAR: Great live shows abound in the Bay Area

From great plays to a grand old Berkeley music tradition, there are some excellent shows to see in the Bay Area this weekend and beyond. Here’s a look.

7 PLAY: A pretty close to perfect Nintendo game

Our usually quite picky video game critic just handed 4 stars (out of 4!) to Nintendo’s new “Slatoon 3.” Here’s why.