Happy New Year’s Eve weekend, campers! Maybe you’re determined to welcome 2022 on something other than the same couch on which you welcomed 2021. Or maybe the latest COVID surge has you in a cocooning mood. Either way, we’re here to help you get the most out of the weekend with some cool ideas, including great movies to stream, fun live concerts and comedy shows to see and the low-down on some killer cocktails to make at home.
And If you’re headed to a live performance or exhibit, please check the venue or production’s website for the latest COVID updates and safety precautions 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 WATCH: Streaming gems
In a year in which so many new movies were served up for home viewing, there is no shortage of great stuff to stream this weekend. Here are some of the year’s best yet overlooked films, all available right now on streaming platforms.
2 COOK & EAT: Cioppino of champions
We looove cioppino, even if we’re still not sure how to pronounce it. And with Dungeness crab season underway, it’s easy to make a killer version of sumptuous seafood stew. Here’s how.
3 SEE & HEAR: It’s New Year’s Eve!
Yes, the omicron surge is cause for concern, but some of us still want to greet 2022 with a fun live show or concert. And there are some great shows going on out there, from classic R&B to great comedians to the sassy Bay Area band Dirty Cello. Here’s a look at some of your best options.
4 PLAY & SIP: A grand brewery day trip
Beer lovers, this one’s for you. Especially if you’re in the mood for sumptuous suds awaiting you in Sonoma County.
5 PLAY: The year’s best video games
For the last weekend of 2021, gamers deserve the very best. So here are video games writer Gieson Cacho’s top 10 games of the year.
6 MAKE & SIP: Killer cocktails
If you’re hosting an intimate New Year’s gathering, impress your friends with these dazzling cocktails that you can totally make at home.
7 HEAR: Great tunes from Bay Area artists
The region is blessed with truly wonderful jazz/roots/world music musicians, and some of them released terrific albums in 2021. Here are some of the best.
