Saigon weekend: tattoo expo and chocolate tasting

Saigon International Tattoo Expo 2024

The Saigon International Tattoo Expo, established in 2018, has developed into an international tattoo exhibition. Its upcoming iteration in 2024 will feature 150 booths, with participants from 30 countries displaying their work. Additionally, the event will host 300 professional artists and incorporate artistic performances such as contemporary dance, hip-hop, rock, and rap.

A part of the "Saigon International Tattoo Expo 2024" poster. Photo courtesy of Saigon Tattoo Expo

Scheduled for March 14 to 16, the venue for the expo is Riverside Palace, situated at 360 Ben Van Don Street, District 4. Tickets are available for purchase at the event, priced at VND300,000 ($12) per person.

Pizza night "Pizza for Pangolins"

The event "Pizza for Pangolins" aims to support the conservation efforts of Save Vietnam's Wildlife, particularly in safeguarding pangolins. Save Vietnam's Wildlife (SVW) is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation and ecosystem restoration in Vietnam.

Attendees can enjoy pizza and beer while viewing wildlife-themed artwork and photography. There will also be a raffle with prizes from various food and beverage establishments, and entertainment will be provided by a DJ and live band.

The event will take place on March 16, starting at noon, at Brick & Barrel located at 171 Calmette Street, District 1, with proceeds going towards supporting the organization.

Chocolate tasting class

Maison Marou, a Vietnamese chocolate brand, invites chocolate fans to join their free weekly chocolate tasting classes held across Ho Chi minh City.

Attendees at a chocolate tasting session at Maison Marou. Photo courtesy of Maison Marou

During these sessions, participants will explore Maison Marou's chocolate offerings under the guidance of chocolate experts. Attendees will gain insights into how environmental factors influence the distinct flavors found in chocolates.

The chocolate tasting classes are held every Saturday, from 3 p.m. and run about 45 minutes to an hour. The locations include 169 Calmette Street, District 1, and 90 Xuan Thuy Street, District 2. No reservations are needed, and entry is first-come, first-served.

French movie "Le tableau" (The Painting)

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

A part of the "Le tableau" poster. Photo courtesy of Institut Français de HCMV

This week's movie is "Le tableau", an animation that tells the story of a group of characters living within an unfinished painting. When the characters realize that the painter has left their world incomplete, they embark on a quest to find him and persuade him to finish his work. Throughout the adventure, the characters grapple with questions about their existence and the painter's intentions along the way.

"Le tableau" will be shown at DCiné Cinema at 6 Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, on March 16 at 7 p.m. The price of a ticket is VND75,000 ($3) per person.

Classical concert "From The New World"

The concert "From The New Word" features a selection of classical pieces. These compositions encompass a range of themes and styles, from showcasing virtuosic performances to capturing the essence of American landscapes and cultures.

The concert will take place on March 17 at 8 p.m. at the HCMC Conservatory of Music at 112 Nguyen Du Street, District 1. Ticket prices range from VND300,000 to VND750,000 ($12 to $30). Tickets can be purchased offline at the HCMC Conservatory of Music, or online via the Saigon Classical's Facebook fanpage.