Hanoi weekend: what to do and where to go

The Land of Lacquer

The Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts in Hanoi is hosting an exhibition called "Strolling Through the Land of Lacquer," celebrating the wonder of Vietnamese fine arts through lacquer paintings.

The exhibition features the works of 10 artists, each with their own unique perspectives on exploring lacquer art. Some artists embrace conventional techniques, while others opt for unorthodox methods, pushing the boundaries of the medium. The display highlights the diverse and captivating approaches these artists take to create lacquer paintings.

The event will run through August 8 at the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts, at 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Ba Dinh District.

August night market

The August night market, themed "Endless Summer," will be held on Hanoi Book Street the first three weekends of August.

A promotional flyer for the August night market "Endless Summer." Photo courtesy of HIT - Flea market Hanoi

At the market, visitors can explore various shops selling handmade crafts and jewelry. For those interested in art and nature, the workshop Terrarium showcases glass bonsai pots with small plants inside. There's also a food corner offering a variety of food for you to share with friends and family.

The event takes place every Saturday and Sunday of the first three weeks of August, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Hanoi Book Street, December 19 Street in Hoan Kiem District.

Fly with Lambada Sensation

Dance studio Phuong & Trang Zouk Vietnam is organizing an event in August to teach Zouk enthusiasts Lambada, a dance style that combines Zouk with Brazilian rhythms. Titled "Fly with Lambada Sensation," the event will feature Lambada artists Gilson and Mailys, who will teach both basic and advanced Lambada. Participants will also have the opportunity to dance with Zoukers from various countries and cultures.

"Fly with Lambada sensation" poster. Photo courtesy of Phuong & Trang Zouk Vietnam

The event takes place until August 5 at various locations in Hanoi. The schedule includes four workshops and social parties on different days. The ticket price is VND1,600,000 ($67.40) per person, and can be purchased through Phuong & Trang Zouk Vietnam’s facebook page.

Weekend market fair

Celebrate Hanoi Mood:ON's first anniversary at a market fair this weekend. Hanoi Mood:ON is a community that organizes fun and creative events, aiming to promote local products and services. The weekend market fair features over 40 booths with a variety of products and services, including clothes, accessories, crafts, stationery, tarot, and food.

The weekend market fair will take place on the 3rd floor of COMPLEX01, at No. 29, alley 31, lane 167, Tay Son Street, Dong Da District. Entrance is free, and the fair will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on August 5 and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m on August 6.

Tribute Concert 5: Charlie Mingus

A tribute concert honoring the legendary jazz musician and composer Charlie Mingus will take place in Vietnam's capital city this weekend. The concert will feature musicians performing Mingus classics, including songs from his acclaimed album "Mingus Ah Um," and their own improvisations.

"Tribute Concert 5: Charlie Mingus" poster. Photo courtesy of Long Waits, a modest jazz club

The event will be held at Long Waits jazz club, Level 2, at No.5 Nguyen Quang Bich Street, Hoan Kiem District, on August 5 and 6 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are priced at VND250,000 ($10.53) per person per night and can be reserved online.