7 amazing Bay Area things to do this weekend, Sept. 15-17

There’s just a gaggle of fun stuff to do this weekend, from seeing great shows to visiting quaff-worthy beer gardens. So let’s get to it, shall we?

As with everything these days, be sure to double check 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: Take in a play

With apologies to a certain world-famous miser who hogs the stage each winter, September might actually be the best time of year to catch a play. That’s when stage companies are kicking off their new seasons, and compelling shows like “Toxic” at City Lights, “Born with Teeth” in Berkeley and a slew of other intriguing shows are in the offing.

2 EAT, DRINK & GIVE: Some tasty Maui fundraisers

Several Bay Area restaurants, pubs and stores are hosting unique and delicious fundraising campaigns to assist victims of the Lahaina wildfire disaster. Here are seven to check out.

3 SIP: Have a blast in a beer garden

First off, we congratulate whoever coined the lovely phrase “beer garden” — two of our favorite words used to their maximum potential. But the point here is the Bay Area is stocked with a great number of terrific beer joints — including these seven new establishments you should totally try out.

4 WATCH: ‘Morning Show’ returns

Apple TV+’s excellent “The Morning Show,” the series that proves that behind every perky morning news program is a group of truly irritating people, is back for its third season this week. It tops our roundup of new shows and movies you should be watching.

5 DEVOUR: What’s new at Levi’s?

The San Francisco 49ers promising new season is off and running, and we know just what you’re asking yourself: What kinds of food and drink are they serving at Levi’s Stadium these days?

6 SEE & HEAR: Great shows are all over

From S.F. Opera’s new take on a classic to a free concert in San Francisco, there are some awesome shows to catch this weekend and beyond.

7 READ: A timely (as in really timely) thriller

Marin author Nina Schuyler didn’t intend for her new AI-themed novel to be so insanely of the moment. It just turned out that way.