This weekend has it all, from stirring sports movies to amazing empanadas to a star-studded benefit concert, 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 WATCH: The story of a unique champion
The improbable tale of a one-legged wrestler who willed his way into becoming an NCAA champion is at the heart of one incredibly inspirational movie. And you can see it now. And while we’re on the subject of powerful underdog sports movies, here are some of our favorites (and you can see them all).
A traditional Peruvian beef empanada is offered at Best Artisan Empanadas in Campbell. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
2 DEVOUR: Empanada heaven
It should not surprise anyone that there are approximately 1.5 gazillion joints in the Bay Area where you can get a good empanada. But these 9 places are a cut above.
3 WATCH: Sundance films (yes, Sundance!)
The annual Sundance Film Festival has long been affiliated with Park City, but you don’t have to go to Utah to see some of its best 2025 movies.
4 COOK & SAVOR: One-pot wonders
These terrific 4 recipes will help you shake off a cold winter night without a lot of fuss.
Bay Area singer Fantastic Negrito is part of a star-studded lineup that will perform a concert benefitting Los Angeles fire victims on Jan. 26. (Amy Harris/Associated Press archives)
5 SEE & HEAR: Great shows are all over
From a star-studded concert benefitting L.A. wildfire relief efforts to a top-flight trumpeter and a legendary classical work coming to San Jose, there is a lot to see and hear in the Bay Area this weekend.
6 PLAY & SIP: Sudsy Fremont excursion
The Alameda County cities of Fremont and Hayward both have a lot of character — and some topnotch breweries to check out as well.
7 PLAY: Look for ‘Lok’
The popular and critically acclaimed puzzle-book is getting a new life as a video game, and we just had to check it out.
