These days the area around Hardbrücke seems to resemble a major construction site. Nevertheless, the beat goes on in the city’s main music district. This Thursday, you’ve got the choice between two great acts: ballads by the NY troubadour Charles Wallace at Helsinki or techno beats by Gus Gus from Iceland at Hive. For Hive, I have 3 pairs of tickets to give away. Win them here.
Thursday, 9 pm Helsinki / 9.30 pm Hive

Funny laundry is back and starts its new season with Tom Rhodes, the former commentator from the US show Comedy Central. The American comedian will stretch those laughter lines as part of Mascotte’s regular weekend comedy event.
Friday 8 pm, Mascotte

Puppetmastaz are from Berlin and, as far as I know, they’re the only hip hop band in the world, whose members are puppets. How does that work? I don't know but I have one pair of tickets to give away for their show at Moods. Let me know after the show just how those dolls were dancing. Win tickets.
Friday 8.30 pm, Moods

Start the night with PlayMart, a night market, at Hive: it’s the place for all vintage victims, flea market fans and explorers – all accompanied by the usual mix of house, techno and electro in the background. Entry is free until 10.30 pm. For the party afterwards, I have three pairs of tickets to give away. Or, head to Walcheturm, where the music label Grubenstrasse challenges Upon You from Berlin. In my opinion, it’s a battle where we, the listeners, are the ultimate winners! Win tickets for Hive.

Saturday 8 pm, Hive / 11 pm, Walcheturm

The organisers of online art platform Jewelbox are moving from the web into the real world with a second exhibition at Papiersaal. Buy a painting, sculpture or photo by an up-and-coming artist at non-Sotheby's prices. Entry is free.
Sunday 10.30 am - 6 pm, Papiersaal

'On stage Schmuklerski' is all about the musical world of the US Southern States. Check out this Wednesday’s offering with Blues'n More, a joint project between American Joel Reiff (base guitar) and Swiss artists Ueli (vocal/guitar) and Lukas Gasser (drums). The band was formed in 2003 and is regarded as the most renowned blues bands in Switzerland.
Wednesday 8 pm, Schmuklerski

There is nothing worse than catching a plane or a train after Oktoberfest in Munich. Oh, the nausea… So this year, I won't be going abroad but instead I’ll enjoy the festivities in my home town of Zurich. Bauschänzli hosts a smaller version of the Oktoberfest on their swimming site, between Bürkliplatz and Bellevue. As well as beer, beer and more beer, they also offer German specialities like roast chicken and Bavarian veal sausage. This year I hope I won't be asked to leave the tent. And if I am, I'll go to the main station where, until 18 October, the Wiesn (the German for Oktoberfest) is being celebrated for the first time. They also have special offers, pay 680 francs and you'll get a table for 10 people, 20 beers, 10 sausages, 10 chickens, 10 pretzels, and 10 non-alcoholic drinks. 
Main station, until 18 October, 4-11 pm
Bauschänzli until 9 November, 11 am - 11 pm

Worldfamousdesignjunkies.com shares design genius from undiscovered creatives – before they’re posted anywhere else. My favourite entry is by a Swedish artist who created art from a collection of dead flies. Quite funny.

I love burgers. Whenever I'm on a fast – which is about twice a year - I even dream of them. I’ve found that the best burgers in town are at X-Tra, Zur Nachtigall and Piccolo Giardino. Apologies to the vegetarians among you but my, my, my just thinking about the succulent meat makes me ravenous.