7 things to do in and around Luxembourg this weekend

1. Kufa's Summer Bar with Ghost

What: Laid-back start to the weekend
Where: Kulturfabrik Esch, 116 Rue de Luxembourg
When: Friday, 19 June between 7pm-10pm - more info here.

If you're missing Friday's after-work drinks, this chill-out event at the newly opened Kufa will be the perfect way to kick-start your weekend. Gustavo Morales is behind the desk, a musician-percussionist, DJ and producer from Venezuela. He's based here in Luxembourg, but is a real globetrotter with his international projects and sessions. Expect a fresh mix of alternative electronic, downtempo and ambient beats. Entry is free, but come early due to limited capacity.

DJ

2. Sketch Luxembourg City

What: Unleash your inner artist
Where: From a sunny hilltop 
When: All weekend, or during sunrise/sunset if you want to raise the bar!

There are a couple of stunning viewpoints overlooking the country's capital. Instead of taking a picture, have you ever thought of attempting a sketch of the skyline and its colours instead? All you need is an A4 or A3 sheet of paper, some colouring pencils and a firm item to use as a pad beneath the paper. Pick a spot (we suggest Parc des Trois Glands) during the day, and see what results you can come up with! Also makes for a nice interior design item to freshen up the house. If you're interested in doing more of this, why not follow Luxembourg's own sketch group on Facebook?

3. Explore the skies with a glider flight

What: Glide like a bird
Where: Useldange airfield with the CLVV
When: Upon request

Have you ever wanted to fly, but are looking for the purest form of it? Then gliding may just be your thing! No engine, just like a bird, and you can even achieve great distances with it. The Gliding Club of Luxembourg at Useldange airfield offers a full trial course day, in which you not only fly above Luxembourg several times, but also learn how to take the gliders out of the hanger, prep the launch winch and support other pilots on the ground. It's a busy day, but who knows, maybe it even leads to you wanting to get your license? Prices and information can be found in the link above. Furthermore, this month we reported about Luxembourg's youngest glider pilot!

Glider

4. The long-lasting relationship between Luxembourg and Portugal

What: Fascinating exhibition
Where: Neumünster Abbey, 28 Rue Münster
When: Friday 19 June - Sunday 21 June between 1pm-6pm - a reservation is required.

Luxembourg has had a special bond with Portugal for many decades. On 10 May, 1940, German invaders threw out 45,000 people from Luxembourg, including the grand-ducal family, the government in exile and many Jewish refugees. They found refuge in Portugal, who welcomed them despite itself being subjected to a dictatorial regime. Then, later, in the 1960s, Luxembourg in turn welcomed Portuguese refugees who opposed the Salazar regime. A moving and inspiring exhibition of two countries with strong ties.  

Portugal

5. Reis Demuth Wiltgen Trio in Philharmonie stream

What: Live music from the Philharmonie
Where: Streamed on their facebook page
When: Friday 19 June at 8pm

Pianist Michel Reis, bassist Marc Demuth and drummer Paul Wiltgen are three of Luxembourg’s most prominent jazz musicians. They formed the Reis-Demuth-Wiltgen Trio in 1998 while still in high school and performed on a regular basis in and around Luxembourg for a couple of years. Since then, they have toured Europe with world-renowned saxophonist Joshua Redman, released several albums and worked with some of the greatest names in the industry. Experience this exceptional trio in the Philharmonie's live stream.

Reis

6. Prepare epic feast for Swedish "Midsommar"

What: The longest day of summer
Where: From the kitchen to the garden
When: Wednesday, 24 June

Sweden is famous for celebrating and honouring the longest day of the year in what is called "Midsommar", or mid-summer. This year, that day is on Wednesday 24 June, and if you have a Swedish friend then you must know how important good food is to them (your editor's boss is Swedish, so making no further remarks here). Salmon, pickled herring, potatoes, quiche, meatballs, berry cake, Aquavit, Shrimp and more - summer is here! Of course the guys from Regular Ordinary Swedish Meal Time have the best instruction video for you. Smaklig måltid!

summer

7. Try local Bofferding Bio beer

What: New local Bio beer
Where: At supermarkets throughout the country
When: Always

In need of a refreshing beer, and want to support biological farming? Bofferding, the national brewery, has launched a new organic product: Bofferding Bio. The three essential products for making beer - water, barley and yeast - come from Luxembourg. Only the hops come from the greater region as there are no organic hops in the Grand Duchy. Try it just in time for the national holiday!

Is there an event you think we'd enjoy and like to share with our audience? Feel free to let us know through audience@rtltoday.lu and we may consider it for next week's agenda.