History is always written by the winners but that, of course, leaves a lot of a story untold. In the 80’s, US cinema was dominated by the blockbusters of Spielberg and Lucas, and the neon glow of movies like Rocky and Rambo but below the surface swam beasts of a different hue. The Real Eighties is a collection of movies showing at Film Podium until the end of August that reassess this supposedly lost decade. From the sublime (Blue Velvet) to the ridiculous (Airplane) and from the well known (The Terminator) to the not so (Something Wild). Today they’re showing Coppola’s teen-rebel flick, Rumble Fish.
Until 31st August various times, Film Podium

This Friday, Geroldstrasse turns into a large flea market. Young designers present their goods in front of and inside the venues, and all the shops open their doors for a late shopping night. Combined with food, drinks, hula hoop jams and live music – you might think that you’re still at Züri Fäscht. The organizers didn’t state a reason for the happening, but Geroldstrasse has a reason to celebrate! The city council is reconsidering its plan to build the new congress centre there, so I’m hopeful that the club alley might stay after all.
Friday 5 pm, Geroldstrasse

I’ll say this quietly, so as not to scare it away but…shh, I think summer’s here to stay. This weekend, with the promise of sunshine and warm evenings, Stall 6 is putting on their 2-day Open Air music festival. Friday is called the Voodoo Rhythm Night, with one-man extravaganza King Automatic and the intriguingly named, Pussywarmers playing live. Saturday is Balkan Night with family-friendly Silberbüx playing in the afternoon and Traktorkestar playing live in the evening. On both nights the party continues indoors with dj’s galore. The festival also has free entry.
Friday 5 pm and Saturday 3 pm, Stall 6

Martin Parr is one of my favourite British photographers, especially his documentary work detailing the often-ridiculous aspects of everyday and suburban living. Souvenir, showing at the Museum für Gestaltung, is his first comprehensive exhibition in Switzerland and documents not only his photography but also his work as a filmmaker and collector. In addition, the collection includes his latest work, Think of Switzerland, in which his roaming eye is turned to the people and clichés of our adopted homeland.
Friday until January 2014, Museum für Gestaltung

The guys from Kafi für Dich – the restaurant/café just next to Bäckeranlage – opened a new branch at Restaurant Damm just between Untere Letten and Bahnhof Wipkingen. So far the venue only opened its door twice and I’m really not sure if it’s a proper opening this time. But I’m looking forward to seeing what they’ve been up to. If you’re curious too, I’ll see you on Saturday at Damm für Dich.
Saturday 8 pm, Damm für Dich

The New York Ska Jazz Ensemble is a true all-star band, composed of former members of The Skatalites, The Toasters and The Scofflaws, and they’ll be playing their, frankly, damn funky mix of jazz classics filtered through ska and rocksteady beats on Monday at Hafenkneipe. With their groovy beats and captivating melodies it is simply impossible to not lose yourself, as I have already a few times, and downright dance in ecstasy.
Monday 7.30 pm, Hafenkneipe

Swiss designer Mirjam Joss spent her formative years studying fashion in Paris, when she returned to Zurich she brought a little of that French je ne sais quoi to her shop, Mademoiselle de Paris. Whether you’re looking for a summer dress, a special lamp for your home or something for the kids, her handmade items all seem lovingly crafted and are colourful, beautiful and unique. Her little shop feels retro whilst still maintaining a modern cool. Just like Paris.
Wednesday to Friday 10.30 am to 6.30 pm, Mademoiselle de Paris, Friesenbergstrasse 40, 8055

It’s time for open air cinemas. Here are my highlights: Filmfluss from 10th July to 28th July – Filmfluss at Untere Letten is one of the most beautiful locations in town to watch a film during a summer night. Only about half of the films are in English, so check the programme before you’re heading to the river. Xenix from 12th July to 17th August - Xenix shows classics such as The Full Monty, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, No Country for Old Men or Il Postino every Friday, Saturday and Wednesday. Röntgenplatz 12th July to 20th July – Röntgenplatz turns into a free open air cinema for two weekends, showing films always on Friday and Saturday.

How many roads must a man walk down, before you can call him a man? Danny MacAskill is certainly a man – you have to be brave to ride a bmx like he does. But that doesn’t stop him to remember his childhood fantasies. Now, as an adult, he turns these dreams into reality, to cycle through a creative real size playground.  See for yourself – and remember your own dreams. Might be time to make them real too.