7 incredible Bay Area things to do this weekend, Aug. 8-10

This is one of those weekends when there is more going on in the Bay Area than in most states, countries even. But while some will be stoked for such big-ticket events as Outside Lands and San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, others may just want to chill with a good movie or TV show.

Bay Area arts, 9 shows and festivals to catch this weekend

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Outside Lands: 14 cool music acts to catch at the 2025 festival

We hope to help in either account. So let’s get to it, shall we?

(As always, be sure to double check event and venue websites for any last-minute changes in health guidelines or other details.)

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 ww w.eastbaytimes.com/newsletters.

1 SEE & HEAR: Sizzling Summer Fest returns

San Jose Jazz’s Summer Fest, running Friday through Sunday, will have a new look this year, with the installation of the Mexican folk art alebrijes in Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park. But the festival will have the same old insanely rich lineup of musical artists to choose from. Here are our recommendations for 10 acts not to miss.

2 SEE & HEAR: Outside Lands’ hidden gems

The Outside Lands music festival, running Friday through Sunday in Golden Gate park, has killer headliners this year with the likes of Doja Cat, Hozier and Tyler, The Creator. But the key to any multi-day music fest is the kind of supporting acts organizers can book. Here are 14 acts that show the organizers got it right.

Danville native D’arcy Carden and Tony Hale star in the fantastical and riveting new film “Sketch.” (Angel Studios)

3 WATCH: The best family movie of 2025?

“Sketch,” a movie about a child’s fantasy monsters coming to life (and you know they aren’t going to behave themselves), is sad, funny and thrilling. It is well worth bringing your kids to.

4 PLAY: Why Tilden totally matters

The next time you take a hike through Tilden Park in Berkeley, check out the crevice garden and learn about its role in fighting climate change.

Jamie Roy and Harriet Slater star in the swoon-worthy “Outlander: Blood of My Blood.” (Starz)

5 WATCH: A racy “Outlander” prequel, and more

From “Outlander: Blood of My Blood” to an intense look at the history of Hawaii starring Jason Momoa, there is a lot of intriguing shows and movies to catch on the tube and in theaters this week.

6 MAKE & DEVOUR: The salsa to end all salsas

This game-changing salsa recipe adds poached shrimp and other surprises to the mix. Prepare to be wowed.

7 SEE & HEAR: Great shows are all over

From post-Outside Lands special concerts to the groundbreaking opera “Wozzek” to the always-fun Aloha Festival, there are a lot of great shows and festivals to catch this weekend.