Probably one of the most musically diverse city festivals taking place this year is the Taktlos festival that takes place at Rote Fabrik over the weekend. It’s been taking place since 1984 and has genres as diverse as jazz and pop to rock and improvisational, as well as bands from all corners of the world. Taktlos stays away from the mainstream, so if you’re not afraid of going on a musical safari to scout out the weird and wonderful, this little festival should keep you happy.
Friday to Sunday from 8 pm, Rote Fabrik

As the temperature starts to rise and the sun is finally glimpsed through the grey clouds, you might be feeling a little over-dressed in your ‘I’ll-pretend-it’s-summer-already’ winter clothes. So if you want to empty out some of your wardrobe and re-stock with some fancy clothes and accessories, get down to Amboss Rampe on Saturday for an afternoon of fashion swapping. Bring things you don’t want, take home things you do. Easy. And if clothes aren’t rocking your world this weekend, cupcakes surely must be. Just around the corner from Amboss Rampe, Michelle’s Cupcakes is holding a mini-market with clothing, music, drinks and, of course, cupcakes.
Saturday 4 pm, Amboss Rampe
Saturday 11 am, Michelle’s Cupcakes

If you’ve ever woken from a fevered dream and recalled scenes from the Twilight Zone, fragments of 60’s surf music, Cold War era Soviet broadcasts and American 50’s B-movies, firstly, let me congratulate you on your exotic dream life (maybe stop eating cheese before bed) and secondly, let me recommend you go see Messer Chups play at El Lokal on Saturday. They come from Russia and not only does their music sound like your dream but also contains retro samples, soundtracks and, just for spooky authenticity, an actual Theremin.
Saturday 10 pm, El Lokal

The spring party at Kanzlei has become an institution and takes place this Sunday for the sixth time. There is something for everyone with BBQ, concerts and table soccer tournaments. If you’re looking to meet locals from Kreis 4 then this is the place to be.
Sunday 2 pm, Kanzlei

British Sea Power are a UK indie-rock band who have been around for about 10 years and have never had a real hit, but despite this are still thought of warmly by most people, and truly lovingly by their fans. Songs with melodic guitar, driving beats and intelligent lyrics are what they’ve become know for and with a new album, Machineries of Joy, just released they’ll be playing their only gig in this part of the world at Komplex 457 on Monday.
Monday 8 pm, Komplex 457

At my party in May, I met Jelana, the women behind the English show on Radio Lora Gimme a beat. The monthly show (every 3rd Monday of the month) is based on her personal choice of female artists and their music ranging from classics to hip hop and from electro to grunge. Going strong since 2006, she’s still passionate about it: “Two hours never seem to be long enough when I’m on air.” You can find out more about her and the show on facebook, where she gives away a CD by Valerie June this Friday.
Monday from 10 pm, Radio Lora

The temperatures are rising and I cannot wait to jump into the river or the sea. But the water is still too cold! I bookmarked the website with the water temperatures by the Kanton Zurich and check it daily. And friends, it’s looking better every day. But don’t despair – the water in the outdoor pools is heated so you can begin the summer season there. How I know that? The website wiewarm.ch lists the temperatures of various pool areas around Switzerland.

I missed the opening of Kafi Duzis. Fortunately, there is always a second time. And at Duzis hopefully also a third and fourth time, as the monthly meet up with table tennis, burgers and live band at the Alte Trotte sounds very nice. Let’s go Duzis, but just if the sun is shining. If it takes place you find out on their facebook page.
Once a month on a Sunday, 4 to 10 pm, Nordstrasse 331

Have you seen the vase? Hiding between books (the white one in the middle), the so called book vase is a typical example of the works of the Japanese design atelier YOY, simple and with a sense of humour. Take their picture chair: what looks like a picture of a chair is actually a chair camouflaging as a picture. Or their shelf made of blowing paper. Or…