This week we have a new pop-up, a very sensual film festival, and a second chance to get yourself ready for the ski season. There is also a British theme to the concerts. I couldn’t decide which one to go for, so I’ve put both in. And, I’ve also got a couple of tips for some late autumn hikes and my favourite places to grab a warming soup.

Thursday: Bust A Capun! Go Crazy At Chesa Capuns

Friday: Sensuality, Erotica, Love. It's The Porny Days Festival

Saturday: Saga Of A Single Bitch? Comedy Kiss presents Pernille Haaland

Sunday: Get On The Ice For Free (Scroll ⬇️ to find out more)

Mon, Tues & Weds: A Second Chance To Hit The Skibörse

Mon & Tues: A British Funk & Soul Invasion. Two Gigs Too Check Out. (Scroll ⬇️ to find out more)

I keep saying it! The Sportamt of Zürich offers some wonderful stuff, and this week is no different, as this Sunday is their «Gratis aufs Glatteis» day. Now, gratis means free, so what about the «aufs Glatteis» part? Well, that refers to the ice rinks at Heuried, Oerlikon and the Dolder which are offering free skating between the hours of 10am and 7pm. Free skating for the day. Who could complain about that?

Sunday 10am - 7pm, Dolder, Heuried & Oerlikon Kunsteisbahn

There is a bit of a British soul invasion at the beginning of next week, and I honestly couldn’t decide which one to include in the newsletter. Both artists are great!

First up is the Acid Jazz outfit The Brand New Heavies, who have been grooving away for an incredible four decades. They’ll be playing at Kaufleuten on Monday.

Second up is the Leeds-born soul chanteuse and Grammy winner Corrine Bailey Rae, who will be taking to the stage at the Zauberpark on Tuesday night.

Monday 7pm, Brand New Heavies, Kaufleuten, Pelikanplatz, 8001

Tuesday 8:15pm, Corrine Bailey-Rae, Zauberpark, Walter-Mittelholzer-Weg, 8302

Autumn is the season when nature really turns up the volume. Golden larches, deep red beeches, and forests that look like someone pushed the contrast slider way too far. Here are seven hikes worth doing before everything turns grey again.

1. Europe’s Largest Larches, Valais
   From the Tracouet cable car station, follow the path past Lac Noir to the continent’s oldest larches. When they glow in autumn, you won’t need any psychedelics.

2. Via Panoramica, Bergell, Graubünden
   High trail from Maloja through the Bergell: granite slabs, jagged peaks, and mixed forests in every shade from gold to green. Instagrammers hate this trick (because everyone else is there too).

3. Pizzo Leone, Ticino
   Cable car to Rasa, then through chestnut forests up to Pizzo Leone. Car-free, full of contrasts, with views that make you forget you’re supposed to be at the office.

4. Four-Lake Hike, Lucerne
   From Melchsee-Frutt to four mountain lakes with a view of Titlis. Varied, colourful, and only lightly crowded if you go on a weekday.

5. Old Schwyz Path, Schwyz
   Historic mule track over the Ibergeregg with views of the Grosser Mythen. Autumnal pre-Alpine scenery for anyone who likes pretending they’re wandering in the Middle Ages.

6. Val Trupchun, Engadin
   Wild valley in the National Park, glowing autumn colours, wooden bridges. You can’t pick flowers here, but taking in the view is allowed.

7. Jonental, Zurich
   A small, wooded valley right on your doorstep, with fire pits and stroller-friendly paths. Perfect for those who don’t want to wear hiking boots but still want to soak up autumn vibes.

When the weather turns colder and the supermarkets start stocking pumpkin spätzli, pumpkin raclette or pumpkin ravioli, I know soup season is just around the corner. But don’t worry — this isn’t going to be a list of ten places where you can eat pumpkin soup. The world of soup is far more diverse.

I’ve asked around and now know exactly which ten spots are worth visiting if you feel like happily burning your tongue while slurping soup. And if you know any great soup places too, drop them in the comments.