From a world-class comedy festival to the return of “Severance” to the mushrooming world of mocktails, there is a lot to see and do and savor this weekend, 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 SEE & HEAR: Sketchfest is back

What might be the biggest festival in the country devoted to just comedy, SF Sketchfest is back with a bunch of bust-a-gut shows and concerts. And here’s what Albert Brooks, one of the headliners, has to say about it all.

2 SIP: Make merry with mocktails

They’re more than just a New Year’s resolution. Non-alcoholic drinks are surging in popularity, and there are plenty of Bay Area bars and restaurants that offer really good ones.

Adam Scott stars in the bizarro series “Severance.” (Apple TV+) 

3 WATCH: ‘Severance’ returns

The one-of-a-kind Apple TV+ psycho-thriller about the most bizarre work/home experiment returns this week, and, yup, it’s as strange and compelling as ever.

4 DEVOUR: Sizing up the strips

When it comes to chicken tenders, those breaded and fried strips of heavenly deliciousness, there’s no clucking around. We want and deserve the best. So here’s a ranking of fast-food joints’ various offerings.

Saxophonist Grace Kelly will team with fellow sax player Tia Fuller in an SFJAZZ concert. Courtesy of Grace Kelly

5 SEE & HEAR: Great shows are all over

From a pair of frontline jazz saxophonists to a play about gaming in San Jose and a new John Adams work, there is a lot to see and do in the Bay Area this weekend.

6 COOK & DEVOUR: Heavenly hardy soup

Chorizo adds an amazing depth to this hearty paprika-pinto bean soup with collard greens, a dish that will warm up the chilliest of winter evenings.

7 SEE & HEAR: A courageous musician

Maryna Krut, a Ukrainian musician and master of the 56-string bandura, has been known to perform for her countrymen at the frontlines of the Russo-Ukrainian War. She’s bringing a new tour to the Bay Area this week.