Outside Lands
The three-day festival has grown into the premier West Coast musical gathering, and this year’s lineup is in keeping with the typically excellent mix of emerging, established and legacy artists. Hot Chip, Ben Harper, The Black Keys, Wilco, St. Vincent, Amon Tobin and Sir Elton John are the acts I have circled. Friday – Sunday, 8/7-9, noon-10pm, Golden Gate Park.

Shakespeare in the Park
Shakespeare season is upon us, and you won’t find a lovelier setting for enjoying Antony and Cleopatra than Sanborn County Park just outside of Saratoga. The Silicon Valley Shakespeare company performs the classic play, as well as the contemporary Shakespeare in Hollywood, every Thursday – Sunday now until Aug. 29. 7pm each night.

Peace Lantern Ceremony
This weekend marks the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima (Aug. 6) and Nagasaki (Aug 9). And to commemorate the event, a Japanese-style peace ceremony will offer peace lantern decorating to be lit and launched into the water at sunset. A message will be read from the mayors of the two cities, along with a musical performance. Saturday, 8/8, 6:30-9pm, Aquatic Park, Berkeley.

Stern Grove Concert
Has it really been 30 years since Purple Rain introduced the world to Morris Day and the Time? The legendary and exquisitely dapper funkmeister brings his party to Stern Grove for a day of (free) musical fun and dancing in the park. Sunday, 8/9, 2pm.

Cabrillo Music Festival
New and contemporary classical music fans have long celebrated the Cabrillo Music fest in Santa Cruz. Featured acts this weekend include percussion virtuoso Colin Currie performing works by Scottish composer James MacMillan on Friday, and San Francisco’s famed Kronos Quartet on Sunday. Friday – Sunday, 8/7-9, 8pm, Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium.