One might be tempted to take it easy the weekend after the Super Bowl, but look at it this way you didn't build up all that socializing stamina just to let it wither away after one stupid football game, did you? We think not! 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.)
If the thought of sharing room temperature guacamole dip with a bunch of friends of friends on Super Bowl Sunday isn't exactly exactly your idea of pigskin paradise then, well, you're going to want to keep reading. Sure, it seems like everybody on the planet is focused in the NFL's big game, which returns to Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on Sunday after a 10-year absence.
Dip into New York's Shinji's at True Laurel, a new concept from Square Pie Guys at Mago, and a Michelin-powered dinner at Songbird Parlour. For fans of blends and bubbles, check out the Festival of Undiscovered Grapes in San Jose, a celebration of oysters and bubbly wine in Mendo, or an afternoon of sparkling wine and wellness in Napa. Save some calendar space to close out SF Sketchfest. Jump ahead to this week's top events.
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Whether you want to check out a great movie or concert, or devour some tasty ramen, we are here for you, 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 www.eastbaytimes.com/newsletters.
Super Bowl 60 arrives at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on February 8, 2026, drawing attention to the region's blend of innovation and culture. The Bay Area Host Committee unveiled a series of activations designed to highlight the area's strengths as a host for global gatherings. With the game just months away, preparations ramp up to create memorable experiences for fans and locals alike.
Veterans Day is celebrated on the same date every year Nov. 11, in honor of the World War I armistice that took effect at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918. This year, the date falls on a Tuesday, and that's when the official federal and California closures will take place. (In years when Nov. 11 is a Saturday, the closures are on Friday; when it's a Sunday, the closures are on Monday.)
Garbage, Starcrawler: We just love this doubleheader, which, of course, is topped by iconic alt-rock vocalist Shirley Manson and her pals in Garbage. These headliners, known for such smash hits as "Stupid Girl" and "Only Happy When It Rains," are out on the road in support of their recently released eighth album, "Let All That We Imagine Be the Light." Joining Garbage on Oct. 23 at the Mountain Winery is none other than Starcrawler, an awesome L.A. glam-rock outfit
The Marin Center Exhibit Hall transforms November 7-9 into a festive marketplace filled with art, handcraft, and creativity. The Marin Arts & Crafts Show brings together over 200 artisans, designers, and makers offering beautifully handcrafted goods-just in time for the holidays. A Celebration of Art & Handcraft Inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement, the show highlights the beauty of handcraft in all its forms, from timeless traditions to modern design.
Baycahta Festival 2025: Experience the rhythm at the Baycahta Festival 2025, a three-day premier international bachata sensual-fusion event on the West Coast. Join top bachata artists and dancers worldwide as they converge in the Bay Area for a celebration of dance and culture. Experience exhilarating performances, workshops, master classes and bootcamps, among others, during the festival. 9 a.m., DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Jose, 2050 Gateway Place San Jose. bit.ly/3IfIKG7
