Events

Real School of Nepal, cheer for your schools at the grand finals of Real School of Nepal. 25 September, Budhanilkantha School, Kathmandu

Call for Ideas, Youth Action Fund encourages all 19 to 27 year olds to share ideas that will make a positive impact on a range of social issues. Apply by 15 September, 9801038093, ram.yaf11@gmail.com

Evolving Within, an exhibition of paintings by the Kathmandu Quartet. 8 to 17 September, 10 am to 6 pm, Nepal Art Council, Babarmahal

Sizzler promotion, enjoy mouthwatering sizzlers at the Terrace Garden. Rs 777, Runs until 31 September, 1 to 9 pm, Radisson Hotel, Kathmandu, 4411818

Barfi!, charity screening of the latest Bollywood flick. 14 September, QFX Kumari, Kathmandu, for tickets call 9841245862, 9849302685, 9841751968, 9808336264, 9841630124

Photography Workshop, Canon School of Imaging offers you an opportunity to enhance your skills and gain in-depth knowledge on the nuances of digital photography. Rs 4500, 1 to 10 October, 5.15 to 7.15 pm, Maitri Bhawan, New Road, 2083206, 2013186, workshop@canon-nepal.com, register by 30 September

Ncell Nepal Literature Festival, prepare yourself for lively discussions at this celebration of literature and you might just get to question your favourite writers. 20-23 September, Nepal Academy, Kamaladi

Bhaktapur Street Festival, celebrate the centuries-old cultural artistry of Bhaktapur. 22 September, Bhaktapur Darbar Square

Cycle for Tourism, brave the heat and cycle for two days from Kathmandu to Sauraha on a tour led by the cyclist Pushkar Shah in order to promote domestic tourism and cycling culture. 27 to 29 September, 9803607694, 9841876696, nepal.wcf@gmail.com

Electric Car Rally, share or drive your electric vehicles to Sanga and enjoy a fun day at Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre to raise funds for the centre. Rs 500, 15 September, 8 am to 2 pm, Sanga, Kabhre
Inheriting Statelessness, an exhibition of paintings by Saroj Bajracharya along with the launch of the book Future of History. 21 September to October 5, Park Gallery, Pulchowk, 9803187665

Japanese Culture Exchange Program, a showcase of dance, music, arts, and documentary to raise funds for children's home. Rs 500, 21 September, 6 to 8.30 pm, Patan Darbar Museum, Patan, ladymystiqua@facebook.com

Weaving Art and Change in Nepal, featuring limited edition of carpets, sculptures, books, and paintings. 23 September to 7 October, Siddhartha Art Gallery, Babarmahal, 4218048, 4438979

Sandook Annual Showcase, a chance to purchase meticulously handcrafted ornaments and other products. 15 to 16 September, 11 am to 7 pm, Shriti, Jhamsikhel

Music

Special Night at Delices, watch guitarists Hari Maharjan and Daniel Givone jam up and take advantage of the discounted prices. 14 September, 8 pm, Delices de France Restaurant, Thamel, 4260326, 9803818253, info@restaurantnepal.com
Golden Moments, catch famed Beatles-tribute artists Gary Gibson and Richard Neale belt out the classics all night long. 14 September, 7 pm, Meconopsis Boutique Hotel, Pulchowk

All Nepal Battle of the Bands, see if you can hit the right notes at this nation-wide music competition. Rs 5000, auditions on 6 October, 9841779176, 9803750550

Dining

Public Cave, while its pizzas, sizzlers and springrolls are a hit among customers, the main attraction is karaoke. Dihikopatan, Pokhara, 9856032958

Shangrila Kitchen, try its Gyakok and a wide variety of cocktails. 9 am to 10.30 pm, Hotel Tibet International, Boudha

Little Italy, go vegetarian at this new Italian food chain and don't forget to end your meal with the chef's special, chocolate bomb. Darbar Marg

Salt and Pepper, a resto-lounge with a wide variety of dishes to choose from like hakka noodles, Hong Kong chicken and honey chili potatoes. Lakeside, Pokhara

New Tushita Restaurant, relaxing ambience and good food. Don't miss out on its penne with creamy bacon and mushroom sauce. Lazimpat, 44432957

DecheNling, the place to head for Bhutanese and Tibetan cuisine, its pleasant and spacious garden is ideal for big gatherings. Thamel

Getaways

Hotel Barahi, enjoy a great view of Phewa lake, cultural shows, or indulge in the scrumptious pastries from the German Bakery in the hotel premises. Lakeside, Pokhara, 061-460617/463526

Godawari Village Resort, dive into the icy pool to escape the sweltering heat. Rs 1099 for adults, Rs 699 for children, Saturdays and Sundays, 5560675

Hotel Landmark, made entirely from traditional Nepali brick and woodcraft, this hotel is rich not only in heritage, but also in services and boasts an award winning restaurant, the Hungry Eye. Pokhara, 061-462908/463096/464897, www.landmarkpokhara.com

Maha mela

Brace yourself for the biggest shopping extravaganza this festive season

Monsoon is far from over, but the festive mood has already set in. In the run up to Dasain and Tihar celebrations, Lifestyle Expo 2012 will add to the festivities starting from 12 to 16 October in Bhrikuti Mandap. The expo is one of a kind mega fair that will cater to the demands of modern consumers by bringing more than 300 exhibitors under a single roof.

Himalmedia, House of Rajkarnikar, Direction Nepal, and Global Expositions Management Services are collaborating to bring the ultimate consumer gala event in a month's time. The expo will provide a one stop solution for festival shopping with style. Popular clothing lines, gadgets, home décor, and furnishing outlets will all be housed under the same roof for your convenience. If you are planning on a family trip during the holidays, travel agents at the expo will help you pick the most sought after destinations at bargain prices.

If you are tired of shopping for Dasain clothes, you can check out the hottest two wheelers and four wheelers, or sample the latest mobiles, laptops, and music systems. School and college goers can take part in the inter-college band and quiz contests. The best bands stand a chance to win cash prizes up to Rs 250,000 and recording contracts. For those looking to get inked, the expo will host Kathmandu's top tattoo parlours.

And the fun does not stop there. There will also be more than a dozen events including rock concerts, karate demonstration, dog shows, fashion show, talent shows, and spectacular fireworks. So mark your calendars and get ready for five days of non-stop fun, food, and bags full of festive goodies. See you at the expo.

11am to 8.30pm
12 to 16 October
Bhrikuti Mandap