Do you like people watching? Then the exhibition at Karussell might be right up your sleeve. Three artists - Galla Stambuk, Camilla Mathias and Viktor Schwarz - exhibit their works of portraits until the end of the month (Karusell is closed though from 17-23 August). Look closely and discuss what you see with the other visitors. Karusell is one big living room after all, so you're amongst friends.
Thursday 7 – 10 pm, Karussell

The weekend is dedicated to the Street Parade and the entire city will be filled with beats. You either love it or loathe it. But if you're in town, there is no way around it. On the official website you find all official parties as well as the route of the parade itself. And here my four highlights amongst all side events:

Toshiya Kawasaki at Zukunft
A night filled with Japanese techno and house gems awaits you at Zukunft with Toshiya Kawasaki. Supported by acid attuned D’Cosmo and Luki who fills the air with musical love.
Friday 11 pm, Zukunft

Lethargy at Rote Fabrik
It’s crowded, it’s loud, it’s a must. The party at Rote Fabrik started out as a non-commercial counterpart to the street parade and has become an alternative part of the programme. Not officially but amongst the party goers, as they always have a great line up. And I've got good news: from what I’ve heard Rote Fabrik is allowed to hosts its after hour on Sunday outdoors again. Like in the good old times. Festival pass 70 francs, Friday 40 francs, Saturday 45 francs
Freitag 10 pm – 6 am, Saturday 10 pm – 7 am, Sunday 1 pm – 9 pm (open air after hour), Rote Fabrik

Oliver Koletzki at Hive
The party after the big mzmzmzmz! When the last truck has left the area around the lake, it’s time to head to Hive to celebrate the beat euphoria with an varied and established line up.
Saturday 10 pm, Hive

Dubfire at District 4
Base and beat, beat and base – a fitting summary for the Saturday at District 4 with Dubfire and Luca Bacchetti. As the guys from Pfingsweide are involved in District 4 now, I’m sure you can imagine how wild their party with two dance floors will be.
Saturday 10 pm to 2 pm (yes, pm!), Pfingstweide

The Monday Night Skate is a well-known event for all those with a pair of skates and the desire to glide through the city’s evening streets like a pack of feet-wheeled marauders. However, if you own a Vespa or scooter and have been looking for your chance to go all Quadrophenia, well the Vespa Monday Ride could help. It happens every Monday throughout August and then each first Monday for the other months. You meet at Bürkliplatz, then cruise with your newfound gang for about an hour, followed by some food and a chance to compare scooter stories.
Monday 6.30 pm, Bürkliplatz

Psychedelic rock can often sound like the musicians have sniffed a little too much patchouli oil and are stuck in a 60’s time warp, man. But Australia’s Tame Impala have embraced the psychedelic while also managing to sprinkle the 21st century over its head. Sounding as if early Pink Floyd and Radiohead were soundtracking the sunrise after a particularly heavy night of partying, they’ll be playing at Komplex 457 on Wednesday evening. I have 2x2 tickets to give away for free. Just send me an e-mail.
Wednesday 8 pm, Komplex 457

If you’ve wandered the lakeside or ventured further into the Zurich countryside, you’ll have noticed that when people get hungry in the open air, they generally reach for the classic plump wurst and the nearest source of fire. But summer was also made for picnicking, and if you’re looking for that something a little extra over the coming weeks, here’s some suggestions for you. The Ambassador Hotel will make various picnics for you including a pedalo picnic and a romantic butler picnic. At the Rietberg Museum they’ll make you a picnic hamper for the park, and throw in the Aztec game of Patolli too. A little further down the lake, Seerestaurant Key West has a couple of great picnic baskets to choose from. This Saturday only, Jenseits Im Viadukt are organising an environmental waste-free picnic afternoon. For the more exotic amongst you, Nagishi Sushi Bar will deliver to you at the lakeside. And for that final sweet touch, what better than scrumptious cakes, cupcakes and desserts delivered to you by Petite and Sweet.

When the days are hot and the evenings mild, then nothing can beat a venue located right at the lake, you might think. But there is: a locale on the lake. Quai 61 reopened its refurbished doors this summer. Inside you feel like you’re sitting inside a traditional steam boat. And outside you find a bar with a sun roof, where djs set the beat for the night. The opening times depend on where you sit, but Quai 61 is open 7 days a week and usually until midnight.

It’s almost time for Limmatschwimmer! At least I hope it is, as the organizers won’t share the information before Monday if it takes place on Sunday 17th August. Limmatschwimmen is a fantastic event, just once per year you’re (officially) allowed to swim all the way through town, from Frauenbadi to Obere Letten. But you need to register beforehand to secure a ticket. This guarantees you access to the water, a floating object to hold on to and transport of your clothes. Taking part, you get a city tour while cooling down and you’re part of Zurich’s cultural history as the event took place for the first time in 1945. Check their website or facebook page to see if it takes place or will be moved to the weekend after. Or cancelled altogether which wouldn’t be the first time. It all depends on the weather and the water conditions.