After a long weekend and a brutally hot week, we have to confess that we haven’t exactly set any productivity records the past few days. Are you with us? So let’s make up for it this weekend by having more than our fair share of fun. And do we have some great ideas, from amazing operas (Cleopatra?!) to a killer horror flick and mouthwatering bruschetta.

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.

(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: A huuuge weekend for opera fans

Two hotly anticipated new productions have just opened. One is a sizzling new take on the classic “Marriage of Figaro,” only set in colonial India. The other is a world premiere from legendary Berkeley composer John Adams about ancient Egypt’s ultimate power couple.

2 SAVOR: It’s Hatch chile season in the Bay Area

What? You’re not familiar with Hatch chiles, the extraordinary New Mexican delicacy? You simply have to remedy that. Here’s how.

Cayman Ilika (as Patsy Cline) and Kate Jaeger star Always…Patsy Cline.” (Alexandra Myer/Center Repertory Company) 

3 SEE & HEAR: Great shows are bursting out all over

From indie band Pavement’s reunion tour to a South Bay poetry slam and a Patsy Cline musical, there are a lot of great live and streaming shows to catch this weekend and beyond.

4 SIP: Take a brewery day trip to Morgan Hill

Beer writer Jay Brooks has been doggedly circling the Bay Area checking out the best breweries we have to offer. His latest stop is Morgan Hill where beer (and cider) fans have plenty to cheer about.

5 WATCH: The best horror film of the year?

“Barbarian,” opening this weekend, is a lot more than just a haunted Airbnb movie. It might be the best fright-flick you see all year.

Try a bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, corn and cilantro. (Courtesy of Lynda Balslev)
Try a bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, corn and cilantro. (Courtesy of Lynda Balslev) 

6 MAKE AND EAT: A bruschetta bonanza

We’ve got three takes on the traditional open-faced toast, perfect for warm-weather lunches or dinners. And some of our versions will surprise you.

7 HEAR: The best of Roxy Music

The beloved influential pop/rock band is finally returning to the Bay Area in a few weeks. So we came up with a playlist of the band’s best 25 songs to get you ready (yeah, we’re a little obsessive like that).

Source: www.mercurynews.com