7 awesome Bay Area things to do over Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4-7

Got your looong weekend plans yet? We have some cool from ideas awesome day trips to killer barbecue to virtual Burning Man.

We know, a long weekend during times like this can seem too long if it just drifts by. So here are seven ways to get the most of your extra time, from day trips to great barbecue to reveling in the creative bizarreness that is Burning Man (at home, of course)

(And if you want to get the Weekender newsletter delivered directly to your inbox every Thursday morning, just sign up here.)

1 PLAY: Feel the Burning, Man

Whether you’re a Burning Man junkie or one who would rather appreciate it from afar, you can still enjoy the gonzo arts and cultural event this year — from home. Yes, the real event is canceled but you knew they would resurrect it online, didn’t you? They did, and here is what you need to know.

2. EAT: Brisket, baby

Labor Day lies just ahead — and we know exactly what you’re craving. Barbecue, of course. Here’s a sampling of Bay Area restaurants offering barbecue to-go (or to enjoy on the patio) this weekend.

3. WATCH: One of the Bay Area’s best storytellers

Bay Area comedian and monologist Brian Copeland is reviving one of his top shows, “The Waiting Period,” at a time when it seems more relevant than ever. Here’s what you need to know about that show and other online theater options this weekend.

4. PLAY: Day trip, anyone?

We may still be sheltering near home, but on the upside, we live in one of the world’s hottest tourist destinations — and right now, we’ve got it all to ourselves. If you’re ready to do a little day tripping, we’ve got suggestions for fun things to do in three Bay Area towns close to home.

5: SEE: The docs of the Bay

The annual San Francisco Documentary Festival (better known as DocFest) never fails to amaze with its collection of films telling bizarre, inspiring and mind-blowing stories. The event returns this week — online, of course — and many of the works have strong Bay Area ties. Here’s what you need to know.

6: PLAY: What’s SUP, pussycat?

Sunshine and water play are a perfect mix. And if you mix them in Sausalito, you can add stand-up paddleboarding and seafood to that perfect combo. Here’s how.

7 SEE: Amazing art (sans redwoods)

For more than half a century, one of the staples of the Bay Area’s Labor Day weekend has been the Kings Mountain Art Fair, a blend of dazzling creativity and swoon-worthy surroundings. The coronavirus pandemic has put the kibosh on the outdoors aspect, but the fair has reinvented itself as a virtual event with lots of cool stuff to see. And it’s still a fundraiser for vital Kings Mountain services. Here’s what you need to know.