7 incredible Bay Area things to do this weekend, Aug. 9-11

Got your weekend plans? We have some nifty ideas, from major music festivals to killer croissants, and much more.

Whether you plan on taking in one of the two huge music festivals going on in the Bay Area or are eyeing a much more low-key weekend, we are here for you with some cool ideas to add to the fun. 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.

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: Summer Fest is back

The annual shindig brought to you by San Jose Jazz offers an awesome mix of performers ranging from iconic singer Lisa Fischer to the young lions who are the stars of tomorrow. Here are 10 shows you shouldn’t miss.

2 COOK & DEVOUR: It’s tomato time

Yes, tomato season is here, which means it’s time to try some new recipes that make maximum use of the fresh, plump lovelies. This skirt steak with homemade chimichurri and blistered tomatoes might just change your world. Or how about a loaded taco sweet potato?

3 SEE & HEAR: Inside scoop on Outside Lands

The massive annual music festival returns to Golden Gate Park this weekend with a San Jose native as one of the major acts (and is he stoked to play in front of a homecoming crowd!). Meanwhile, here are 6 other acts you should not miss at the festival.

4 EAT: More heavenly croissants

When we published a list of 12 great croissant spots  recently, we asked you readers for your own favorite bakeries. And, wow, you folks had some amazing responses.

5 WATCH: Anatomy of a scandal

The infamous Milli Vanilli story is revisited in this compelling and insightful movie.

6 PLAY & EAT: Good eatin’ at Lake Tahoe

Headed to Lake Tahoe’s South Shore  this summer? Here’s the latest on the ever-improving dining scene there.

7 SEE & HEAR: Great shows and events are all over

From a new-plays festival to a Sonoma shindig devoted to apple worship (the fruit, not the computer), there are a lot of cool things to see and do in the Bay Area this weekend.