Weekends spell relief.
COMPETE
A Spelling Bee for Cheaters
What: The more money your team raises, the more chances you’ll have to cheat during this bee featuring local literary celebs (Lemony Snicket, Michael Chabon, Lisa Brown).
Why: All of the d-o-u-g-h raised goes to student programming at 826 Valencia.
When: Thurs., 7:30-10 p.m.
Where: City Arts & Lectures, Herbst Theater, 401 Van Ness Ave., at McAllister St. (415-563-2463). Tickets ($25-$200) online at cityboxoffice.com.
LEARN
From Produce to Production: New Traditions in Bay Area Food Culture
What: Listen to local food experts Novella Carpenter, Bryant Terry, and Leif Hedendal discuss the way the Bay Area eats and how it impacts politics, health, and the environment in a free round table.
Why: Be a smarter consumer.
When: Sat., 1-4 p.m.
Where: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., at 3rd St. (415-978-2787).
DRINK
One Bourbon, One Scotch, and One Beer
What: Fifteen whiskeys (Scotch, rye, bourbon, and more) will be paired with fifteen brews (IPA, stout, pilsner) in this unusual SF Beer Week tasting party.
Why: Takes a beer and a shot to a whole new level.
When: Sat., 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Boothby Center for the Beverage Arts, 1161 Mission St., b/t 7th & 8th Sts., ste. 120. Tickets ($45) online at eventbrite.com.
 | Stock your bar — we found the best bottles of whiskey, rum, cognac, and wine. |
LAUGH
Avenue Q
What: SHN brings Broadway’s Tony Award-winning, hilarious puppeteered production about scraping by in NYC to the Orpheum Theatre.
Why: Puppet sex. Enough said.
When: Thru Feb. 27
Where: 1192 Market St., at Hyde St. (888-746-1799). Tickets ($30-$99) online at shnsf.com.
GRUB
Dirt Dinners at eVe
What: The restaurant partners with and gives back a portion of the proceeds to local gardens in a series of family-style dinners sourced from Berkeley’s soil. First up? The Berkeley Youth Alternative Garden.
Why: Dishes like pappardelle with nettle pesto, and Meyer lemon and sage roasted chicken.
When: Sun., 6-10 p.m.
Where: 1960 University Ave., at Bonita Ave., Berkeley. Reservations (required) to 510-868-0735. Cost is $40 per person.
Photo: Hill Street Studios / Getty Images
