Saigon's weekend set aglow by coffee expo and contemporary dance fiesta

Coffee Expo Vietnam 2023

The seventh International Coffee, Tea, and Bakery Expo, known as Coffee Expo Vietnam 2023, will feature 200 booths representing 250 brands from 15 countries and territories, including China, Dubai and South Korea.

Coffee Expo Vietnam 2023. Photo courtesy of Coffee Expo

It will showcase a wide range of tea and coffee products, machinery, food and beverage ingredients, and packaging technology. The expo aims to facilitate connections and collaborations among businesses and is expected to attract around 20,000 visitors.

The Coffee Expo Vietnam 2023 is scheduled to take place from Nov. 2 to 4 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center, at 799 Nguyen Van Linh Street, District 7. Attendees can sign up using this link.

French movie "Une odyssée en Laponie" (Ailo's Journey)

French cinema rendez-vous is a weekly event that screens a variety of very different films. The screenings are by French Cinema Rendez-vous and Institut français de HCMV.

"Ailo's Journey" documentary poster. Photo courtesy of French Cinema Rendez-vous

"Ailo's Journey" is a documentary film that narrates the journey of a small and vulnerable wild reindeer as it strives for survival in the midst of Lapland's landscapes. The film captures the challenges and adventures that this young reindeer encounters in its early life, offering viewers a glimpse into the natural world and the struggles of wildlife.

The film will be screened at DCiné Cinema, at 6 Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1, on Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at VND60,000 ($2.44) each.

Contemporary Dance Fiesta - XPO 2023

After the 11th XPO event’s success in both Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, XPO Fiesta 2023 is returning with a focus on displaying Vietnamese culture and also emphasizing the influence of Asian contemporary art through dance performances.

Artists rehearse their dance performances in preparation for the upcoming event. Photo courtesy of SCBC Vietnam

The event provides a platform for international cultural and artistic exchange, featuring the participation of globally dance artists. The festival will feature two plays, "Silence of Solitude" and "Yen Lam."

"Silence of Solitude" delves into human emotions through movement and sound, promoting self-discovery and rekindling lost spiritual values in moments of quiet reflection.

"Yen Lam" is a contemporary folk dance performance showcasing Vietnamese culture and family traditions.

The event will take place on Nov. 5, from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Hoa Binh Theater at 240 Ba Thang Hai Street, District 10. Attendees can sign up using this link. Prices start at VND800,000 ($32) per person.

The Silver Heights Dinner

The Silver Heights Dinner at Long Trieu is an event that invites guests to embark on a culinary journey with the Chinese wine brand Silver Heights Vineyard. The five-course menu features a selection of exquisite dishes such as deep-fried diced codfish with balsamic vinegar, chilled jellyfish with sea conch and X.O sauce, and braised dried Japanese abalone.

The menu includes dishes prepared with premium ingredients, complemented by a selection of Chinese wines. Photo courtesy of Long Trieu

To enhance the ambiance, a live Chinese music performance is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. adding to the overall cultural experience.

This exclusive event is set to take place on Nov. 3 and is priced at VND4,388,000 ($178) person. The Silver Heights Dinner is hosted at Long Trieu on Level 4 of The Reverie Saigon, situated at 22 - 36 Nguyen Hue Boulevard & 57 - 69F Dong Khoi Street in District 1.

Paws to Park

The Paws to Park charity dog walk is a fundraising event organized in support of Laws For Paws Vietnam. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a morning outing with their dogs. The walk will be led by professional dog walkers from Dog Walkers in Thao Dien, offering insights into safe dog-walking practices within the city.

Paws to Park. Photo courtesy of Laws for Paws Vietnam

There are two route options available to cater to different dog sizes and fitness levels. The longer route is suitable for larger or more active dogs, while the shorter route is designed for smaller dogs or those who prefer a gentler stroll.

The walk concludes at All About Dogs, where a mini-market featuring a variety of pet-related products will be set up. Additionally, attendees will have the chance to meet some of the Laws for Paws dogs currently seeking their forever homes.

The event is scheduled for Nov. 4, 2023, with the dog walk taking place from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., followed by the mini-market and adoption day from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Attendees can sign up using the link.