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This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Timothee Chalamet, left, and Rebecca Ferguson in a scene from “Dune.” (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)
This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Timothee Chalamet, left, and Rebecca Ferguson in a scene from “Dune.” (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)
Randy McMullen, Arts and entertainment editor for the Bay Area News Group is photographed for a Wordpress profile in Walnut Creek, Calif., on Thursday, July 28, 2016. (Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group)
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Whether it rains or not (and we can’t believe we’re even discussing that possibility) we have a bunch of cool ways to pass the time this weekend, from a 4-star movie to a beloved county fair and a fun-filled trip to a part of S.F. a lot of people take for granted.

And if you are headed to a live performance or exhibit, please check the venue or production’s website for the latest COVID safety precautions before you go.

(Psst, if you want to get 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: Can ‘Dune’ abide?

The last time someone tried to turn Frank Hebert’s classic sci-fi epic “Dune” into a movie, a very talented director (David Lynch) and an A-List cast delivered … space barf. This time, a very talented director (Denis Villeneuve) and a A-List cast have delivered a 4-star winner. It tops our list of new movies you should know about.

The popular pig races are back at the Alameda County Fair. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group) 

2 PLAY: Have fun at the Fair

The Alameda County Fair, normally held in the middle of summer, got delayed by you know what until this weekend, and we frankly we can’t think of a better time to lose ourselves in a fruit-and-whipped-cream-smothered funnel cake, cheer on racing Alaskan pigs, and rock out to Night Ranger (Everybody: “Sister Christian, Oh the time has come …”). Here’s what you need to know. Oh, and here’s why there was a noticeable change in the concert lineup.

3 READ: If you can’t beat Bobby Flay … .

… Check out his new cookbook instead. Yes, the celebrity chef and Food Network institution has just published a tome full of killer recipes that even includes tips on how he can be beaten on TV’s “Beat Bobby Flay.” Here are the deets.

4 PLAY: Check out S.F.’s Embarcadero

If the only Embarcadero attraction you can think is Red’s Java Hut, it’s time to get re-acquainted with the Fog City’s picturesque waterfront promenade, which is chock-full of cool places to nosh and have fun. Here’s a guide.

5 EAT: Visit Jim Stump’s latest hotspot

The popular South Bay restaurateur has a new spot, Shepherd & Sims (name-dropping his wife) that’s kind of a love letter to Los Gatos. And it looks divine.

Wanda Sykes performs Oct. 22 in San Francisco. (Chris Pizzello/Associated Press archives) 

6 PLAY: Laugh it up

Is it just us or have people been saying “we could use a good laugh” nonstop for like the last five years? Well, this weekend, you have lots of choices if you want to go for the guffaw, as there are a ton of great comedy shows going on. Here’s a rundown.

7 SEE & HEAR: Arts from around the world

The acts you’ll find at the San Francisco International Arts Festival, which runs through the weekend, are so cool and unusual that the annual event will remind you just how lucky we are to live in the Bay Area (which you’ll promptly forget Monday when you’re stuck in traffic). Here’s what you need to know.