7 incredible Bay Area things to do this weekend, Jan. 23-25

Whether you want to check out a great movie or concert, or devour some tasty ramen, we are here for you, 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: A striking look at religious history

“The Testament of Ann Lee,” starring Amanda Seyfried, is a compelling account of the leader of the Shakers religious movement. Here’s what Seyfried has to say about it, and why we gave it 4 stars.

2 WATCH: Sundance is back

The famed Sundance Film Festival returns this week for its final year in Park City, Utah. Many of the films are available to stream online (or will be soon). And yes, there is a Stephen Curry connection.

3 DINE: Check out a James Beard semi-finalist

The James Beard Foundation Awards, which are a huge deal in the restaurant biz, just announced their 2026 semi-finalists this week, and 24 NorCal eateries are in the swim.

4 DINE: Get your ramen fix

A recent Yelp roundup all but snubbed the Bay Area with its list of the best ramen shops in the country. But we know better: There are plenty of spots to get good ramen around here.

5 SEE & HEAR: Great shows are all over

From a Cajun music fest to SF Art Weekend offerings, there are a lot  cool concerts and shows to catch this weekend and beyond.

6 DINE: A new pizza shop with a pedigree

The Flour + Water Pizza Shop is opening in the East Bay this week. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because the shop is an offshoot of much ballyhooed San Francisco Italian restaurant.

7 SEE & HEAR: East Bay funk at its finest

The fab outfit Tower of Power is back at Yoshi’s — once the scene of a band tragedy — and it just feels right.