Weekend Fun and Frolic
There are plenty of ways to spend your weekend in a city and most of us enjoy doing it all the time. There is utter excitement as soon as weekend arrives so that we can indulge in razzmatazz and loads of entertainment after a tiring week-long work. Globally, weekends are for rejuvenation and excitement after a tiring work schedule. From having fun in the water park, to fun in a farm, and from visiting theme park to exotic cuisines, the city has everything on its platter to offer.
1. Watch a boat race…
On a typical Sunday, we can all see the return of the long, bitter-fought battle between two rowing teams as the two blues go oar to oar in the annual boat race. 300,000 people are expected to line the river to watch both the women’s race and the men’s, for two long hours.
2. Or a goat race
As reliably as the boat race comes around, so does the great City Farm goat race. There are no teams, just two goats – one representing Chennai, the other Coimbatore. Gates open at midday, with music, cocktails, and games planned ahead of the main race itself between 2 pm and 5 pm. Tickets are available through kiosks for Rs 50.
3. Lick some pieces of cheese with a glass of wine
What could be better than a cheese festival? A cheese and wine festival, maybe? Can it be? No way! Unbelievably, you will just need to get yourselves down to a Village where one can sample and purchase artisan cheeses, chutneys, wines, beers and ciders from around the world, and there will even be chocolatiers offering something sweet for afterward. All this is absolutely free without any ticket cost at all, keeping things simple, but one must be prepared that it may just turn out to be rather busy.
4. Discover new art
Collecting art is one of the most exciting way to entertain yourself – like that piece you just really loved from an undiscovered artist who goes on to make an impact. The Art Fair is the place to go for those surprises, offering the best work from emerging talents. Presented by a well-known Art and handpicked by art industry experts, its 15th edition promises to create a platform for the unexpected. A highlight this year is Chennai’s Futures, a chance to see work by more than 15 hand-picked artists who will be showing in the city for the first time.
5. Go for some old gramophone records
Whenever the Independent Label Market at Old city Market rolls around, it is always a landmark event for record collectors novice and pro alike. More than 100 independent labels will be selling their wares, while there will also be DJs playing throughout and craft beers, drinks and street food aplenty to keep you feeling satisfied.
6. Channel some Ascot energy
Race season happens once a year and the annual race at the Guindy Race Course takes place with lots of euphoria and publicity. What’s more, it is free for under 18s. Events that will take place alongside the racing action include doll making and painting, an on-site petting zoo and free pony rides.
7. Visit a new old legend
Chettinad the ultimate place to dine and wine is in South Chennai and is one of Chennai’s most iconic restaurants. This week saw it reopened, with a new chef and a new lease of life. That said, new incumbent Pradeep Joseph has vowed to keep the spirit of the original alive and those who have eaten there in the past should expect a fair few familiarities. Downstairs is all about seafood and informality, while both the food and setting get a little more serious upstairs.
8. Indulge in some food porn
We all know what food porn is, right? Well, sort of. This exhibition at PVR Cinema goes a step beyond juicy burgers, avo on toast and Instagram-worthy ceviche topped with crispy prawns. Photos of bacon on bums and fish on chests will feature along with short film screenings and Q&As. So-called ‘provocative’ canapés and aphrodisiac cocktails will be served. Tickets are available for Rs 120.9.
9. Get all a flutter at the crocodile bank
Weekends are ideal to spend your time at the crocodile bank where one can get a glimpse of the unseen and exotic alligators and crocodiles at the famous crocodile bank. If you know your crocodile well, you will be excited that this means you will be able to come face-to-face with tropical varieties such as the long-tailed, long-nosed varieties from Africa, Southeast Asia, North and South America. Otherwise, you can take advantage of fun and games, a series of exhibits that teach you all about these exotic creatures, and the chance to do something very different with your day. It runs until September, so you have time.
10. Eat, drink and be merry
The better way to spend any weekend is to gorge on glorious grub. We have everything you need to know, including Chennai’s best brunches, the capital’s finest Sunday roasts, the best bars the city has to offer, and more of the finest food you can get your hands on.
Therefore, that is it. We have given you a list of must do things during a weekend in a city. The city has everything to offer of what it takes in terms of entertainment, food, music, and art. For those of you still coming to terms with the information, there is also the times’ food and entertainment guide for Chennai.
