7 amazing Bay Area things to do this weekend, July 19-21

Got your weekend plans? We have some nifty ideas, from an international dance festival to awesome farmers markets to fun in Santa Rosa.

From fab farmers markets and awesome day trips to a wild new tube series about ancient Rome, there is a lot to see and do this weekend, 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. Also, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the weather report this weekend and please remember to stay hydrated.

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 revered blues legend to an international dance festival, there are a ton of great shows and concerts to catch this weekend.

2 EAT & PLAY: Head to a farmers market

The Bay Area is blessed with an awesome farmers market scene — the food is formidable and the fun is off the charts. It’s tough to keep track of them all, but we try — and here are 8 we are mighty high on right now.

3 PLAY, SIP & EAT: There’s something about Santa Rosa

Don’t look now, but Sonoma County’s largest city has evolved into one cool place to visit. We have your day trip itinerary right here.

4 PLAY: Luigi vs. the ghosts

Reborn classic video games are all the rage now — as player favorites take advantage of new and better technology. “Luigi’s Mansion” is one of the games getting a new life. We checked it out and here’s what we think.

5 WATCH: A toga-tastic new series

Roland Emmerich (“Independence Day”) is not one of those directors who favors “cerebral” (read: boring) fare. So you can bet his new series — a sword-and-sandals epic set in ancient Rome — won’t be putting you to sleep anytime soon.

6 SIP: Silicon Valley beer run

San Jose isn’t exactly known as a beer lover’s paradise, but check out these joints if you want to tip a glass or two in the land of the pocket protectors.

7 PLAY & SIP: A bookish bar

Booze and literature have had a special bond ever since ancient civilizations that drank discovered to their amazement they could also read. This trendy South of Market bar in San Francisco celebrates that bond in delicious ways.