Swing dance, Japanese cuisine shine for Saigon weekend

Taste of Saigon

"Taste of Saigon" by artLIVE features a diverse range of weekend activities, including art, music, and culinary experiences. The event centers around creativity. This year's theme, "Set the Vibes," combines cuisine and art in a unique and artistic green space at the Independence Palace.

"Taste of Saigon" event poster. Photo courtesy of ArtLive

The event offers free admission to 25,000 - 30,000 attendees, along with engaging mini-games and chances to win prizes like food and beverage vouchers and resort stays. Activities include digital art experiences, sketching, painting exhibitions, workshops, live music performances, and premium dining options at artLIVE's Cuisine Collection area, featuring top restaurants and bars.

"Taste of Saigon" is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on October 6 to 8, 2023, at Ho Chi Minh City's Independence Palace, 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1. Admission is free.

Saigon Japanese Festival 2023

The Saigon Japanese Festival 2023 offers visitors the opportunity to partake in a diverse selection of street food offerings, representing the essence of Japanese culinary traditions. From savory dishes like Japanese ramen noodles, the ball-shaped snack takoyaki and sushi, to sweet treats like taiyaki (fish-shaped pastry), the festival presents a wide range of flavors to satisfy all palates. Throughout the event, attendees can also enjoy live band music, enhancing the overall experience.

"Saigon Japanese Festival 2023" poster. Photo courtesy of Saigon Outcast

The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 7, and will run from noon to 10 p.m. The venue for the event is Saigon Outcast, at 188/1 Nguyen Van Huong Street, Thao Dien Ward, District 2. The entry fee will be VND50,000 ($2). Entry for kids is complimentary.

Celebrate Oktoberfest

The Long @ Times Square offers visitors a chance to celebrate Oktoberfest this Friday and Saturday with live music and Germany's signature dishes, accompanied by free-flowing imported beer.

"Celebrate Oktoberfest" event poster. Photo courtesy of The Long Times Square

Special drink packages are available for VND888,000 ($36) per person, featuring German beers and local options. The festive menu offers culinary delights such as sizzling sausage, pork knuckle, and chicken schnitzel.

The event takes place on October 6 and 7, starting at 6 p.m., at The Long @ Times Square, at 36 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1.

Social swing dance

Quay Studio introduces a dance event, "Weekend social swing dance Saigon," happening this Saturday and inviting everyone to boogie down with good old-fashioned swing dancing.

Swing dance is a vibrant and energetic dance style that originated in the early 20th century, characterized by its infectious rhythm and upbeat tempo. It's a social dance form that encourages spontaneity and connection between dancers, making it a perfect choice for those looking to have fun and share some lighthearted moments on the dance floor.

The event is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on October 7. Tickets are priced at VND100,000 ($8) with one complimentary soft drink if reserved in advance, or VND120,000 ($5) at the door with the same drink offer. The event takes place at The Joi Factory at Christina's, at 212/2B Nguyen Trai Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1.

French movie "Himalaya: L'Enfance d'un chef" (Himalaya Caravan)

French movie screening is a weekly event introducing the richness and diversity of French cinema. Screenings are held by French Cinema Rendez-vous and Institut français de HCMV.

"Himalaya Caravan" poster. Photo courtesy of French Cinema Rendez-vous

"Himalaya Caravan" is a cinematic journey set against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayan mountains. The film tells the story of Tinle, the chief of a remote village in the Himalayas, who must confront his own beliefs and emotions as he grapples with the responsibility of leadership. The narrative unfolds as Tinle makes a pivotal decision to pass on the role of village chief to another member of his community, Karma. The film offers a glimpse into the complexities of human relationships and the challenges faced by those living in the high-altitude, unforgiving terrain of the Himalayas.

"Himalaya Caravan" will be shown at DCiné Cinema, 6 Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, on October 7 at 7 p.m. The price of a ticket is VND60,000 ($2.40) per person.