7 amazing Bay Area things to do this weekend, March 25-27

From fun and gorgeous day trips to an unbelievable movie to the return of the Academy Awards, it would be almost impossible not to have a great weekend (not that we want anyone to try). Here are some cool ideas for making the most of it.

And if you’re headed out to a show or a meal, be sure to check the venue or restaurant 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 PLAY: Visit the wondrous Japanese Tea Garden

Located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, the garden is one of the Bay Area’s most beautiful spots, and its history is incredible. Read all about it here. By the way, the Tea Garden story was prompted by our Bucket List Project, where readers send us ideas for cool Bay Area places to write about. Here’s how you can take part.

2 WATCH: One unbelievable movie

“Everything Everywhere All at Once,” starring the always-terrific Michelle Yeoh, is one of the absolute craziest — and best — films you’ll see all year. It tops our list of new movies and shows you should know about.

3 PLAY: A Livermore day trip

From Wingen Bakery to Fantasy Books and Games to a host of cool outdoor hangouts and wineries, Livermore makes for a fun excursion. Here’s a good day trip game plan. And for a little historical perspective, check out the region’s rich legacy of great women winemakers.

4 SEE & HEAR: A homegrown star’s amazing concert

New York jazz pianist Taylor Eigsti has come a long way since he was a prodigy growing up in Menlo Park. But he frequently returns to the Bay Area, and he’ll be back this weekend to perform an intriguing show built around visions of the future from Bay Area youth.

5 EAT & SIP: A one-of-a-kind restaurant

The family behind the popular K&J Orchards has opened the Bay Area’s only farmer-owned restaurant, Pomet, in Oakland. Naturally, we had to check it out. Here are our early thoughts.

6 WATCH: The Oscars are back

Producers couldn’t get beleaguered Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to phone in for a guest appearance, but the Academy Awards should still serve up some surprises on Sunday night. Here are our predictions for how it will all shake out. And if you want to catch some of the nominated movies, here’s where you can find them.

7 SEE: A compassionate recital

Oakland Ballet artistic director Graham Lustig was disheartened over the rising tide of violence against Asian Americans. so he addressed the problem the best way he knows how — with a special night of dance.