Hanoi weekend: what to do and where to go

SICILY - Leica photo exhibition by Fulvio Bugani

Leica Vietnam, in collaboration with Casa Italia, will host a photography exhibition titled "SICILY." The showcase, featuring the works of Leica International Ambassador Fulvio Bugani, commemorates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and Vietnam.

"Sicily" photo exhibition poster. Photo courtesy of Leica Vietnam

The exhibition offers an exploration of Sicily's essence through a selection of 20 photographs. Fulvio Bugani captures Sicily's tranquil rhythm, a soothing contrast to the bustling world. Sicily's history, shaped by Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish, forms a rich tapestry evident in its culture, architecture, and cuisine.

The exhibition invites attendees to delve into these stories and emotions, offering a connection to the island's soul.

The exhibition is open to the public Aug. 18-31, running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The venue is at Casa Italia, No.18 Le Phung Hieu Street, Hoan Kiem District.

SiaM vol. 27: the soap bubbles

Childhood memories of shared music experiences come alive in "SiaM vol. 27: the soap bubbles." The event brings the joy of piano four-hand performances to the audience.

Pianists Hsin-Chiao and Hoang Ho Thu have crafted a program that caters to both young listeners and skilled amateurs, and guides attendees through a musical adventure.

"The soap bubbles" piano concert poster. Photo courtesy of Schubert in a Mug

The journey begins with Schubert's Military March and ends with selections from Bizet's Children's Games. The event is named after the playful No. 7 Soap Bubbles piece.

Night 1 of the concert is scheduled for Saturday, starting at 8 p.m. The performance will take place at Tita Art, at 164A Tran Vu Street, Ba Dinh District.

Night 2 of the concert is set for Sunday, also starting at 8 p.m. The venue for this performance is Complex 01, Alley 31, Lane 167 Tay Son, Dong Da District.

The ticket price for this event is VND300,000 ($12.50) per person. Interested attendees can secure their seats by signing up via this link.

Triangle concert series: episode 2

KOSMOS Opera's Episode 2, "Draw a Dream", presents a night of melodies filled with love.

Accomplished artists and talents from KOSMOS Opera express stories of people who dedicate themselves to love, evoking strong feelings. The event unveils 14 compositions, each narrating a distinct love story.

The occasion is scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. and will be hosted at 65 Cam Hoi Street, Dong Mac Ward, Hai Ba Trung District. Interested attendees can book their tickets for VND150,000 ($6.25) each through the link.

Workshop to he (rice toy figurine)

To he, a rural Vietnamese folk toy made of rice flour, is now a cultural legacy spanning generations. It naturally dries and can craft enduring items such as brooches, magnets, and phone accessories, with its rice or wheat flour composition ensuring safety for children.

A poster for "Workshop to he". Photo courtesy of Cloud Pillow Studio

Event attendees can partake in a range of activities, including learning about the rice dough crafting, color mixing, making their own miniature characters, and creating summer-themed magnets or brooches. A relaxing break with tea and cake is also on offer.

Attendees will get materials to craft 4-5 magnets or pins. Extra materials for project completion will be provided during the session, along with a 10% group registration discount for three participants.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Kim Dong Publishing House, at 55 Nguyen Du Street, Hai Ba Trung District. Admission costs VND200,000 ($8) for adults and VND150,000 ($6.25) for children under 18.

To join the workshop, register through the link.

Soul-jazz night

JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi's Cool Cats Jazz Club presents "Soul-jazz night," a journey back to the 1960s era. Blending elements of blues, gospel, and more, this event encapsulates a musical essence.

"Soul-jazz night" poster. Photo courtesy of Cool Cats Jazz Club

Bands will take the stage to perform classics, infusing the night with melodies that illuminate the atmosphere. A new cocktail collection will also be offered to complement the musical ambiance.

The event is on Saturday, from 9 p.m. until midnight, at Cool Cats Jazz Club - JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi, situated at No.8, Do Duc Duc Street, Me Tri Ward, Nam Tu Liem District. Price is VND515,000 ($21.45) per person, inclusive of a signature cocktail.