Saigon weekend: cocktail festival and Beethoven sonatas

French movie "Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis" (Welcome to the Sticks)

The 14th Francophone Film Festival in Vietnam is set to take place from March 22 to 27 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The festival aims to showcase French-language cinema from various regions worldwide.

A part of the "Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis" poster. Photo courtesy of French Cinema Rendez-vous

Among the featured films is "Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis" a French comedy depicting the cultural differences experienced by a postal manager from southern France upon his transfer to northern France. The movie highlights the importance of cultural exchange and acceptance of diversity.

The movie will be shown on March 24 at 7:30 p.m., at DCiné Cinema at 6 Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, with free admission.

Earth Hour event "Lights Out"

The "Lights Out" event at the Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon symbolizes the hotel's participation in Earth Hour, a movement advocating for energy conservation and environmental awareness. Guests are invited to join the hotel in observing Earth Hour and are welcomed to partake in a theater night at the Atrium Lounge.

A part of the "Lights Out" poster. Photo courtesy of Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

The evening's feature presentation is a film-play adaptation of the Vietnamese novel "Ticket to Childhood" by Nguyen Nhat Anh, presented by The Flamingo Theater. Complimentary mocktails will be provided.

The hotel will also dim lights in its lobby and common areas while switching off non-essential lighting for an hour.

The event takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 23 at Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon, located at 15 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1. Admission is free, but seats are limited, so register in advance through the provided link.

Saigon Cocktail Festival

The "Saigon Cocktail Festival" event invites visitors to delve into the world of cocktails. The occasion will showcase different pop-up cocktail booths, highlighting the artistry of mixology and offering craft wines. Additionally, attendees can explore a broad selection of food and beverage brands from Saigon. Live musical performances will complement the festivities.

A poster of the "Saigon Cocktail Festival". Photo courtesy of FTWR.Co - Follow The White Rabbit

The event will take place on March 23 at Saigon Outcast, located at 188/1 Nguyen Van Huong Street, Thu Duc City. Entry is priced at VND50,000 ($2), excluding beverage expenses. Children are permitted to attend under adult supervision.

Musical event: Beethoven Piano Sonatas Cycle

The event "Beethoven Piano Sonatas Cycle: Recital V - The Hunt" invites attendees to immerse themselves in the world of classical music, focusing on the piano sonatas of Ludwig van Beethoven.

A part of the "Recital V - The Hunt" poster. Photo courtesy of Saigon Classical

The theme, "The Hunt," originates from Beethoven's Sonata No. 3, Opus 31, symbolizing the seasonal transformation of March and ancient European hunting customs. The recital will feature various piano sonatas by the composer, acclaimed for their emotive qualities and reminiscent of sounds heard during spring hunts and military marches.

The event will take place on March 23 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Arts and Literature Center, located on the 1st Floor of 81 Tran Quoc Thao Street, District 3.

A donation of VND150,000 ($6) per person is encouraged upon entry. Interested individuals can register online via the provided link. The event is not suitable for children under 8 years of age.

Dining event "Iberico Izakaya 2.0"

The "Iberico Izakaya 2.0" dining event, now in its second edition and hosted by Ibérico - Tapas & Vino restaurant, invites guests to savor a fusion of Japanese and Spanish cuisine with a specially crafted menu. Featured dishes include deep-fried croquetas filled with miso, beef tartar on a tartlet, Iberico pork skewers, and sherry-braised pears mochi.

Scheduled for March 23, 2024, starting at 4 p.m., the event will be held at Ibérico Thao Dien, located at 33 Vo Truong Toan Street, District 2. The menu is priced at VND890,000 ($35) per person.