7 terrific Bay Area things to do this weekend, March 14-16

Got your weekend plans? We have some nifty ideas, from San Jose’s crazy-popular Cinequest festival to a visit to San Leandro’s Ale Trail to a near-perfect spy movie. 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 PLAY & WATCH: Cinequest is back

The wildly popular San Jose film festival is running through March 23, and do we ever have some recommendations.

2 MAKE & DEVOUR: St. Patrick’s Day feast

The beloved holiday is Monday, and if you’re looking for a menu, you have come to the right place. And, of course, don’t forget the Irish coffee.

3 WATCH: A superior spy movie

Steven Soderbergh’s latest film, “Black Bag,” stars Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett, and that’s just the beginning of what’s good about it.

4 SIP & PLAY: Visit the Ale Trail

OK, maybe it’s not an “official” trail, but this passageway in San Leandro links two of the best-loved breweries in the Bay Area.

SEE & HEAR: Great shows are all over

From one of the Bay Area’s favorite jazz/swing singers to a lively celebration for a mathematical constant, there are a lot of fun shows and concerts to catch in the Bay Area this weekend.

6 COOK & EAT: Hearty white bean soup

And we’re not kidding about the hearty part. This killer recipe yields a Greek-inspired white bean and vegetable soup that will leave you feeling warm, full and happy.

7 WATCH: 2 edge-of-your-seat new shows

“Adolescence” and “Dope Thief” are two very different new TV series — and there’s a good chance you’ll get hooked on both.