Rote Fabrik opens the open air cinema season with Ghost in the Shell this Thursday. If you've never seen this Japanese classic it's a must. Films are shown every Thursday and Friday until the end of August. If you like watching films at the lake, also have a look at the Orange cinema programme. Presale starts on 6 July. The films are usually sold out fairly quickly, so mark the date. And on 14 July, Filmfluss at Untere Letten start, my favourite. I'll keep you in the loop about the smaller film screenings under the open sky. Enjoy the summer!
Thursday 9. 30 pm, Rote Fabrik

Benzoboys play at Exil this Thursday. According to the band they sound as "if a mouse got lost in a mixer". But the guys from Zurich really rock! And it's a game free day. And the entry is for free. Do you need more arguments? Then check them out on myspace.
Thursday 8 pm, Exil

More than a year ago, Gessnerallee posed the question: who or what can save Zurich. Twelve artists though about this question and present their answers this weekend. For that Gessnerallee set up twelve rooms within the theatre, like a city in a city, where visitoirs can walk around and find some answers. I'm curious to see who it's best to turn to in case of an emergency. Entry is for free.
Thursday to Saturday 8-11 pm, Gessnerallee

It's time for Zürifäscht. This year's program seems endless, so here a short selection. Between Münster and Rathaus bridge a Wakeboard competition takes place with stars from all over Europe. Also, Geschwister Weisheit (siblings wisdom), Europe's largest high wire group, presents their high wire, askew wire and swinging-tower acts at Zürichhorn. And of course there are the fireworks on Friday and Saturday from 11-11.30 pm.
Friday 5 pm to Sunday midnight, lake area

Lindenhoffest is a nice alternative to the Zürifäscht. It takes place at Lindenhof and is dedicated to music. On Friday, for example, Evelinn Trouble comes on stage, followed by bigZis. But before sister is allowed to take over, they play together for half an hour. Later, bigZis has other guests to play with and so on and so on. Other acts include Sens Unik and Die Aeronauten as well as several newcomers. Entry is for free.
Fri 9 pm, Sat 9 pm, Sun 6 pm, Lindenhof

Legal open air parties in Zurich are rare. Legal electro parties under the open sky even more so. But the Zurich party label Hertz managed to organise one for this weekend in midst the Zürifäscht. At Landiwiese you find an international line up with more than 20 djs (sorry the list is way too long to name any) as well as laser shows, visuals and you also see the fire works from there. And if it gets too hot you can always go for a swim. Entry is for free. More info on their facebook page.
Friday 4.30 pm to Sunday 11.30 pm, Landiwiese

Letten is definitely over crowded, so I had a look for other nice spots for a swim:

Beach feeling: That's what you find at Mythenquai with a 250 m long sand beach. If you don't mind sand castles and the children that build them you'll like this place.

Nude swimming: Not far from Zurich at Katzensee, it's fine to take everything off. The place is also great for all night BBQ.

Nostalgic: The lake pool area Utoquai was already hip back in 1920. Men and women take their sun bathes separately. A bit old fashioned but with a lot of charm.

Let's be honest, everyone enjoys written letters much more than e-mails. If you're one of the many who don't receive much written post anymore, embark on a virtual journey back in time and enjoy Letterheady's old letter designs or the quirky collection of written documents of Letters of Note.

If you liked the old letterheads, I have more retro for you: check out RetroTVAds for their UK & Ireland TV Ads from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s with a wide range of categories or this one with their classic TV food commercials.