Phew. After a couple of scorchers, the weather should be more manageable this weekend, just in time to head to the beach. If you're looking for something to do after you come off the sand, check out this weekend's best bets:

EVENTS

Metal giant Metallica will bring its Orion Music + More festival to Bader Field in Atlantic City this Saturday and Sunday. The legendary band will be joined by New Jersey's own Gaslight Anthem and Titus Andronicus, as well as Sepultura, Modest Mouse, Eric Church and more. The festival will run from 1 to 11 p.m. both days, with tickets $90 for a one-day pass and $150 for a two-day pass. Visit www.orionmusicandmore.com.

The premier skimboarders from around the region will compete Saturday and Sunday during SkimBash 2012, a pro/am contest in Sea Bright. Competition will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It's free to watch, although beach fees apply. Email info@­jersey­shoreskimcamp.­com for more information.

Television and stage star John Davidson will star as Don Quixote in the Ocean Professional Theatre Company's production of "Man of La Mancha" this Friday and Saturday. The performances will be staged in the Bengal Theatre on the campus of Barnegat High School, 180 Bengal Boulevard, Barnegat. Visit the Theatre Company's website for tickets, priced at $35 for adults and $20 for children 12 and younger.

Point Pleasant Beach will welcome the Rhythm at the Shore Music Festival from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Formerly the Jazz and Blues Festival, Rhythm at the Shore will feature music, food, wine tastings, crafters and more. Admission is free, and the festival will be held at Arnold Avenue and Route 35 South.

Heading to Long Branch this weekend? Start your beach day off peacefully with a free yoga session on West End Beach on Brighton Avenue from 7 to 8 a.m. Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Although anyone can join in for free, a suggestion donation of $10 is appreciated. Visit the group's Facebook page for more information.

The Belmar Friday Night Concert Series continues with a performance at 7 p.m. by Fred Lehotay & the Ragtimers. The show will take place at Pyanoe Plaza, 9th and Main Street. Call 732-681-3700 for more information.

Pop fans can hear Debby Boone perform in Ocean City this Sunday and meet the Grammy winner after the show when the Ocean City Pops opens its 84th season at 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets are $25 or $30 and available through the Ocean City Music Pier online box office. The public can meet Boone at a post-concert reception ($25 per person) at the Flanders Hotel, 11th Street and the Boardwalk.

NIGHTLIFE

Quelle, 2500 East Bay Ave., Manahawkin — This seasonal bar is part of the Dutchman's Brauhaus, a long-popular German and American restaurant on Cedar Bonnet Island, just off the causeway to Long Beach Island. Quelle opens at noon seven days a week and has a raw bar and platters. Call 609-494-6910 for more information.

Joe Pop’s, 2002 Long Beach Blvd., Ship Bottom — Joe Pop’s is one of the most popular shore bars and restaurants, often voted the #1 nightclub by shore residents. This Saturday there will be a Back to the 80s Party with a performance by The Ronald Reagans. Call 609-494-0558 for more information.

D’Jais, 1801 Ocean Ave, Belmar — You can’t avoid the reputation this ocean-side club has for fist-pumping parties and MTV’s Jersey stereotypes. But, D’Jais also is a must-do for many for its wild parties. This weekend DJ Carlos Melange joins DJ Kipples until 2 a.m. Friday, and DJ Chris Moody keeps the party going Saturday night. Call 732-681-5055 for more information.

Beachcomber, 100 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights — A popular spot among the late-night partiers, Beachcomber has nightly drink specials and great cover bands. Drama KO plays this Friday and Temporary Grace Saturday, both at 10 p.m. Call 732-793-0526 for more information.

Bar Anticipation, 703 16th Ave., Lake Como,: Bar A welcomes A True Story at 10 p.m. Friday, and DJ Kirk Lopez spins starting at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Call 732-681-7422 or visit www.bar-a.com. 

Manasquan Beach House, 390 E. Main St., Manasquan — This restaurant dates back more than a century as a boarding house. Today it serves as a casual restaurant and bar just a few blocks from Manasquan’s beaches. DJ Chris will spin the Saturday night dance party this weekend. Call 732-528-5666 for more information.

Doyle’s Pour House, 345 South Main St., Barnegat — Barnegat’s neighborhood watering hole is a perfect fit in this small, cozy town with its dark wood paneling and Irish inspired decor. They’ve got bar food, an outdoor patio, and plenty of cold beers on tap to close out those summer nights. Call 609-660-8300 for more information.