Kaufleuten continues with its Summer Sounds concerts tonight with a double bill showcasing not only Swiss talent, but Swiss female talent. Leonti are an indie-pop band whose sweeping guitars and psychedelic haze are sliced through by the crystalline vocals of lead singer, Nadia Leonti. While Kaltehand and Natasha Waters add a more eclectic flavour to the evening incorporating everything from folk to dubstep into their delicate electronica. If you’re looking to rock out and then chill out for the night, just let these girls take control.
Thursday 8.30 pm, Kaufleuten

The Theaterspektakel is one of the big annual events in Zurich that I always get excited about, and it starts today. Like a siren's call for the world's theatre and street performers it brings the weird and wonderful to the lakeshore each summer. A few acts that caught my eye this year are the English puppeteers Blind Summit Theatre, South African dance performer Boyzie Cekwana and the time-jumping Turkish psychedelia of Baba Zula. There are also the bars, food and free street performers for those just wanting to hang out and soak in the atmosphere.
Thursday until 1st September, various times, Landiwiese

What happens when the abstraction of art and the beauty of music collide? Well, the Seismogram Festival at Starkart Exhibitions may be one answer. Over two evenings, musicians and bands of various genres and moods will create improvisational and experimental music that will be unique to that particular space and time. There are four bands playing each evening from the space-rock of Mat-down to the Latin rhythms of Blue Bolero. Get there early to sample the Volkano Grill and Bar.
Friday and Saturday 6.30 pm (bar & grill), 8 pm (festival), Starkart Exhibitions

Summer’s here and the time is right for dancin’ in the Universität Irchel. Ok, so it may not scan as well as the original but the meaning still remains. This Saturday evening, a summer dance party takes over the park at the Universität Irchel. As you might expect, the trappings are basic: you’ll find a bar, a fine selection of djs and enough starlight to never miss a strobe again. The only thing not guaranteed is the weather. If it’s a dry evening, it’s all go. If not, the alternative dates are 24th August, then 7th September.
Saturday 5 pm, Universität Irchel

At the end of the month, Patrice’s new album The Rising Of The Son will be released. Someone came up with a witty play on words The Rising Of The Sun so he’ll be playing live when the sun rises over the lake on Monday (at Bürkliplatz). Bring a cup of coffee and Gipfeli along and start the day with his melancholic voice. Watch a sample from Lyon in July. The concert is for free.
Monday 6.30 am, Bürkliplatz (at the lake)

In the middle of the city, surrounded by banks and stock markets, you find a little oasis – Gärtnerei (greenery). The salads and sandwiches don’t come cheap but taste wonderfully fresh with only regional, carefully chosen ingredients. I loved my Oma's Classic Chicken Salad. The bread on offer (for free), is itself worth a trip to the green island.
Gärtnerei,  Stockerstrasse 55, 8002. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7 am to 8 pm

August is the time when wishes come true. The Perseids are passing by and there are more than enough falling stars for everyone. The peak was on Monday night, but due to clouds – and maybe my hang over from street parade – I wasn’t able to spot any. Even though the peak has come and gone, there are still many falling stars to be seen on a clear night for the next few days. I tried to spot them a few times over the last years and unfortunately, there is no place within the city borders where you can spot them – the light pollution is just too high. If you don’t have time for a trip to the mountains, further up along the lake or on Uetliberg you should get lucky too. It’s just important that you have a clear view to north east, with as little light as possible.

Bored at work? In need for a laugh? I found the perfect break.The website boootube  that gathers all he worst-rated videos in one handy place. Official music and promotion videos included. Some of them are so bad, it’s almost unbearable to watch – but very funny! Especially the staff picks.

For centuries, people have dreamed of a convenient way to transport beer. As even cans become heavy when you stack up for a hiking trip. And then came Pat, creating a beer concentrate that fits into your pocket with a container that includes a carbonation system. All you need on top is plain water – and that’s easily found in Switzerland. Give it a good shake and you’re set to go. Cheers, and let me know how the brew tastes.