7 amazing Bay Area things to do this weekend, Jan. 2-4
Happy 2026, everyone. Whether you’re kicking off the new year with a great show or with 2025’s best movies, music and video games, 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.
1 SEE & HEAR: Great shows are all over
From a Neil Diamond musical to Cirque du Soleil’s latest show, there are a lot of great things to see and do this weekend and beyond.
2 WATCH: The best movies of 2025
It was anything but a normal year in Hollywood — but some awfully good movies came out.
3 SIP: Great local seasonal beers
Northern California breweries are not Scrooges when it comes to releasing winter and holiday beers and ales. Here are some of our favorites.
4 DINE & PLAY: Another reason to visit Napa
If you’re thinking of a post-holiday trek to the wine country, know that January is Napa Valley Restaurant month and there are deals aplenty.
5 HEAR: The best albums of the year
An intriguing mix of new artists and old favorites make up our roundup of the best albums of 2025.
6 MAKE & SCARF: Tasty, party-friendly dips
The holiday meals and get-togethers are coming to a close, but these delicious dips are good for gatherings all year round.
7 PLAY: The best video games of 2025
In a year dominated by AI releases, smaller indie games served up the most fun.