The Theaterspektakel is one of the big annual events in Zurich that I always get excited about. 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 Susan & Darren, mother and son performers from Manchester, Brian Shimkovitz, a US musicologist who plays his unique African music discoveries and the Vegetable Orchestra, which is self explanatory and surely shouldn’t be missed. There are also the bars, food and free street performers for those just wanting to hang out.
Landiwiese, Thursday to 4th September

Artseefeld is a great creative space in Zurich that holds many types of events and exhibitions that are always worth checking out. This Friday they are holding a concert featuring a couple of very different bands – laFayette are an electro duo from Basel who create a good blend of electronic and hip-hop beats with smooth floating vocals, whilst San Marino are a trio from Zurich who rock out with a heavy psychedelic vibe.
Friday 8 pm, Artseefeld

I first realised I was dyslexic when I went to a toga party dressed as a goat. Ok, maybe not the best joke but can you do better? The Humour Restaurant has just opened in town with a fantastic concept: If you can tell a good joke, you get given a piece of Korean sushi for free! In these times of economic hardship this seems a perfect solution – if you can make us laugh, you eat for free. If not, you pay. I wish the rest of the world were so simple.
19 – 27 August, 4 pm, Wäscherei

Tucked away in Kreis 3 is Idaplatz, a fantastic urban square surrounded by bars and an excellent hangout during the summer months. I know I’ve mentioned it once or twice before. This weekend is the Idaplatzfest, with something for all the family. On Saturday afternoon is a children’s flea market and concert, an under-16 football competition and an under-18 photo competition then, as the sun starts to set and the kiddies drift away to bed, the night music kicks in with Captain Ludd and the Helsinki Club house band, Aad Hollander Trio from Hell. Dj Q-No continues after midnight. Sunday is, naturally, brunch time gently accompanied by Salonika Express.
Saturday 2 pm, Sunday 10 am, Idaplatz

Stand up paddle (SUP) surfing originated in Polynesia, and like any self-respecting surf sport has, of course, ended up in the Zurich lake. This Saturday you and a friend can enter the SUP surfing race at Seebad Enge, and more importantly have a chance to win a trip for 2 to Brazil worth 6,000 francs. To give everyone a chance entrants are grouped into Pro’s, Ladies, Mixed and Beginners. Just get signed up and away you go. Now, who do I know from Polynesia?
Saturday 2 pm, Seebad Enge

Generation X, jPod, Generation A – Douglas Coupland is an author that doesn’t need any introduction. He’ll be reading on Monday at Kaufleuten from jPod. Why from that old book? Because it’s released in German for the first time, so many Swiss will actually only find out about it this year. Amazing! The event will be in English, with a reading in German. I have 3x2 tickets to give away. Just send me a message.
Monday 8 pm, Kaufleuten

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream - or where to get the best ice cream in town. You may wonder why I waited until now to share such a summer tip with you. Well, we didn’t really have a summer until now but the weather forecast looks good and I’m an optimist. There is nothing as refreshing as an ice cream on a hot, sunny day. I asked you last year, where you like to get this cold treat. These were – and hope still are – your favourites:
Sorbetto: Ice cream chain with many sales point in town, only fresh ingredients.
Dieci: Typical Italian ice cream chain in Niederdorf.
Gelateria Leonardo: Family-run business with two venues at Silhcity and at Glattzentrum. It also delivers to some restaurants.
Konditorei Caredda: Traditional Italian bakery at Josefstrasse and in Niederdorf. It sells, next to fabulous ice cream, also delicious pastries.
Positano: Italian restaurant with home-made ice cream by Amore mio at Stampfenbachstrasse. Amore mio also have a stall at the lake - tell the man Ron sent you and ask for the secret Rum & Raisin flavour. It's so good, it's not on display to the public!
Salvati Gelati: Ice cream stall in front of Globus at! Small but tasty!

Michelangelo was a famous artist in the 16th century. And it’s also an established Italian family-run restaurant in Kreis 3. It’s one of my locals and the place to go if you want to feel like in Italy – white table clothes, great pizza and penne, Italian wine, large tables seated with entire families, buzzy atmosphere, and friendly staff. The venue also has a smoking section. They’re reopening after their summer break on Monday.
Da Michelangelo, Gertrudstrasse 37, 8003 Zurich

Although Detroit is reminiscent of a ghost town, the musical output of the origins of techno still influences us today. The Real Scene Serie by Resident Advisor tries to crystallise the essence of the local scene and to give us insight into the booming underground of Motor City Detroit. Real Scenes: Detroit

With the banging Street Parade behind us, let Eyes Be Closed by Washed Out bliss you away for the coming sultry summery weekend. Enjoy.