Saigon weekend: what to do and where to go

Sóno x A Ban: Resonance of the northwest highlands

Sóno Grill & Bar is teaming up with A Ban to bring the essence of highland cuisine to HCMC through an event titled "Resonance of the northwest highlands." This partnership aims to offer a gastronomic affair that celebrates Vietnamese flavors.

A poster for "Resonance of the northwest highlands" program. Photo courtesy of Sóno Grill & Bar

A Ban mixes tastes and village traditions for a smooth culinary journey. Meanwhile, Sóno merges cultural influences, combining classic Asian cooking with modern flair.

A Ban made the list of 70 Michelin Selected restaurants in Vietnam in June, besides 29 Bib Gourmand restaurants, three Michelin Guide Special Awards restaurants, and four that won Michelin stars.

The event is on Friday at Sóno Grill & Bar, at 215b37 Nguyen Van Huong Street, District 2.

It costs VND1.2 million ($50) per person, with an option to add wine pairing for VND500,000. The restaurant is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Seats are limited.

Wine Unmasked Vol 1: Blends & Singularities

Wine enthusiasts are in for a treat as WeWine presents "Wine Unmasked Vol 1: Blends & Singularities." This event explores the different flavors from single and multiple grape varieties in wines.

‘Wine Unmasked Vol 1: Blends & Singularities" poster. Photo courtesy of WeWine Vietnam

Guests will enjoy a session led by an expert Sommelier, revealing the qualities of various grape varieties and their influence on the taste of wine. Alongside the learning, they can also relish the melodies from Tram Than Project's vinyl records, adding to the laid-back and engaging atmosphere.

The event is scheduled for Froday, at 6:30 p.m., and will be held at 2A Ho Xuan Huong Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3. The ticket price is VND350,000 ($14.50) per person.

Sunday brunch singalong

Sunday brunch at Indika returns with the musical talents of BadPat and friends. This event offers a garden singalong with campfire songbooks, accompanied by Indika's brunch offerings.

Guests can relish a three-hour free flow of Mimosas and Bloody Marys for VND350,000 ($14.50), along with Margaritas and Aperol Spritz available at only VND99,000 this Sunday.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, from 11 a.m. till late, at Indika Wood Fired Ovens & Kitchen, situated at 43 Nguyen Van Giai Street, District 1.

Food orders will be taken until 10 p.m., and the bar will remain open past midnight.

Visual arts exploration day

Beyond its educational role, Vietnam Contemporary Visual Arts Academy cultivates connections within the visual arts community. VCVAA introduces Visual Arts Exploration Day under the theme "There is no box," welcoming everyone to explore creativity and curiosity.

"Visual Arts Exploration Day" poster. Photo courtesy of Vietnam Contemporary Visual Arts Academy

The Visual Arts Exploration Day offers various engaging activities, including an art exhibition showcasing students' works, a presentation of notable achievements, an art workshop for parents and children, and the "Together #5" workshop for art educators and visual artists. Attendees can also expect surprising theme-related activities prepared by VCVAA's students.

The event is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at Studio VCVAA, at 4 Pham Ngoc Thach Street, District 1.

French movie "Van Gogh"

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.

"Van Gogh" portrays the story of Vincent Van Gogh, a gifted painter. After departing from the hospital, he relocates to Auvers-sur-Oise under the care of Dr. Gachet. There, he becomes romantically involved with Marguerite, his host's daughter. However, she soon realizes that his love lies solely in his art, which is what gives him life.

"Van Gogh" movie poster. Photo courtesy of French Cinema Rendez-vous

"Van Gogh" will be shown at DCiné Cinema, 6 Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1, on Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets cost VND60,000 ($2.50) per person.

Abstract art workshop - portraits

The Abstract Art Workshop - Portraits lets participants try out swift drawing and painting methods for experimental portraits. Attendees will explore diverse mixed media, textures, and vivid colors, employing ink, pastel, acrylic, and collage mediums. The half-day workshop features a mid-morning break for tea/coffee and allows participants to transport their dry artworks home for lunch.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, from 8:50 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Get Arty Studio, at 215E4 Nguyen Van Huong Street, District 2. All materials provided, and the price is VND1.2 million ($50) per person.