The best the Bay Area has to offer, from the writers and editors of KQED Arts & Culture.

Critics' PicksCritics' Picks

A middle-aged man wearing a casual blue shirt and round glasses stands in a wood-paneled room watching something proudly. A frowning man stands near him, looking more cynical.

‘The Studio’ on Apple TV+ Explains How Good Artists Make Bad Movies

Two people dressed in costumes pose for a photo.

A New Oakland Party Celebrates Black Gamers and Cosplayers

Five book covers lay flat in a staggered line.

Best New Books This Week: Yoko, Elphaba, Amanda Knox and Lost Connections

A red and yellow book cover featuring Eddie Vedder, Courtney Love and Perry Farrell performing separately.

‘Lollapalooza’ Is an Entertaining Look at a Festival That Helped Define the ’90s

A man in glasses and a greyish puffed vest looks into the camera, smiling, against a backdrop of trees

What Does Sundance’s Former Director Have Planned for This Small Bay Area Town?

A Black woman wearing a tweed suit peers through a door suspiciously, as seven men and women gather behind her, wearing similar expressions.

‘The Residence’ Is a Well-Done Whodunit Set at the White House

A black book cover with title in white block text.

‘There Is No Place For Us’ Shines Lights on a Homeless Population Often Ignored

Low Light Darkroom Wants to Be San Francisco’s Hub for DIY Photography

paintings and paper artworks on white walls of gallery

Susan Weil Graces SF With Seven Decades of Dazzling Art

Fried pork, rice, plantains and pikliz (pickled cabbage and carrots) on a dark blue plate.

The Best Deals of Oakland and Berkeley Restaurant Weeks