7 terrific Bay Area things to do this weekend, Aug. 5-7

Whether you feel like taking in one of the best music festivals in the world or chilling out with your pooch at a cool taproom, we have all you need for a great weekend. So let’s get busy, shall we?

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

(Psst, if you want to get 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: Outside Lands roars back

The annual three-day blast of music in Golden Gate park, set for Aug. 5-7, is always a treat. One of the best parts is discovering a new favorite band or singer. Along those lines, here are a dozen lesser-known artists you should totally catch if you go.

2 SIP & PLAY: Grab a brewski with your pup

Yes, there’s nothing like enjoying a tasty beer with your pooch (especially when he’s buying). Not all breweries are pup-friendly, of course, but here are several in the East Bay that are.

3 WATCH: A feminist-ish ‘Predator’ movie

Yes, that nasty trophy-hunting alien is back in “Prey,” and this time it’s up against a kick-butt Comanche woman warrior. You know who our money’s on. “Prey” tops our roundup of new shows and movies to watch this weekend.

4 COOK & EAT: Great gazpacho

Cool, spicy and refreshing, gazpacho is the perfect “let’s empty the fridge” summer meal. Here’s how to whip up a tasty batch.

5: SEE & HEAR: Boy band bliss

No offense to Justin Timberlake or anything, but the Backstreet Boys were totally better than NSYNC (true ’90s boy band connoisseurs know we speak the truth). And the Backstreeters are in the Bay Area for three shows beginning this weekend. Here’s all you need to know, as well as a chat with crooner Brian Littrell.

6 SLURP: Frozen fudge deliciousness

We don’t think it’s exaggerating one bit to suggest that the right fudge ice bar can pretty much save the summer. So don’t mess around with second-rate versions, here are the best frozen fudge bars and where to buy them.

7 WATCH: Jo Koy is a funny guy

The Filipino American comedian stars in a new Bay Area-set movie, “Easter Sunday,” (pictured) about a seriously funny squabbling family. Here’s what he has to say about it.