Saigon weekend: What to do and where to go

French movie "The triplets of Belleville" (Les Triplettes de Belleville)

French cinema rendez-vous is a new 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.

"The triplets of Belleville". Photo by French Cinema Rendez-vous

This week’s featured film is "The triplets of Belleville", an animation follows the story of Madame Souza, a grandmother who embarks on a rescue mission to save her grandson Champion, a cyclist who is kidnapped by the mysterious French mafia during the Tour de France.

Along the way, she meets three eccentric old ladies, the Triplets of Belleville, who were once famous music hall singers in the 1930s. Together, they use their wits and skills to outsmart the villains and reunite with Champion.

The screening will take place at 7 p.m on May 27 at DCiné Cinema, 6 Mac Dinh Chi St., District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tickets are priced at VND60,000 ($2.50) per person.

Saigon Gin and Rum Festival 2023

The festival is a one-day event that showcases the best of gin and rum, with samples from guest distillers and themed bars. You can also enjoy live music from local bands and DJs, as well as delicious food from Saigon Outcast's vendors.

"Saigon Gin and Rum Festival 2023". Photo by Saigon Outcast

One of the highlights of the festival is the presence of Boutique Brand Collective, a distributor of premium spirits in Vietnam. They will be introducing Brookie's Gin, a handcrafted gin distilled in Byron Bay, Australia, using native botanicals and pure rainwater.

They will also be featuring Matusalem Rum, a Cuban-style rum with a rich history and smooth taste.

The Saigon Gin and Rum Festival will run from midday to 10 p.m. on May 27 at Saigon Outcast, 188/1 Nguyen Van Huong St., Thao Dien Ward, District 2. Entry fee is VND50,000 ($2.13) per person, not including food and drinks.

Rescue Art Fair 2023

R House, a café and art space that fosters rescue animals, is organizing the Rescue Art Fair 2023, a week-long event that celebrates the art of rescue and love for animals. The event takes place from May 20 to 26, 2023, coinciding with the International Rescue Dog Day on May 20.

"Rescue Art Fair 2023". Photo by R House

The Rescue Art Fair 2023 aims to raise funds and awareness for three animal shelters in Vietnam's provinces: Long An Shelter, Mui Ne Shelter, and Dam Khao Shelter.

There will be an exhibition and sale of artworks, including paintings, prints, installations, and crafts by local and international artists. All the proceeds from the entrance fee and the artwork sales will be divided among the shelters and the R House Foster Fund.

Don't miss out on your final opportunity to be part of this event taking place on May 26. The event is held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., at R House, 24/2 Tran Ngoc Dien St., Thao Dien Ward, District 2. The entrance fee for the event is VND25,000 ($1.07) per person, which includes a free bookmark.

Live music acoustic night

Steersman Brewery invites everyone to join in on a musical date this Friday night. The restaurant also offers an array of entertainment options. Engage in friendly competition with friends by enjoying their collection of board games, or head up to the rooftop bar to enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline. For those seeking respite from the summer heat, the air-conditioned rooms provide a cool and comfortable retreat.

"Live music acoustic night". Photo courtesy of Steersman Brewery - Taproom & Restaurant

The event will take place on May 26, at Steersman Brewery, 18 Phan Ke Binh St., Da Kao Ward, District 1. Free parking is available to ensure a hassle-free arrival and departure.

Trash heroes to clean up Ho Da Lakes for orphans' race

A group of volunteers who call themselves Trash Heroes will hold their 21st clean up event on Sunday, May 28, at Ho Da Lakes, where a charity race for orphans will take place the following week.

The group organizes regular clean-up activities in different locations around the city. Their mission is to raise awareness about the problem of littering and to inspire others to take action for a cleaner and greener environment.

"Clean up #21". Photo courtesy of Trash Hero Ho Chi Minh

The clean-up event on Sunday will focus on the area around the village of The Lakes Race, a running event that invites 438 orphans from various orphanages to participate in a fun and healthy activity.

The event will start at 7 a.m. and end at 9 a.m. The meeting point is at Ho Da Lakes, The Lakes Race Village, Vietnam National University Campus in Thu Duc City. Anyone who wants to join should bring their own gloves, bags and water bottles.