EVENTS

FSA Southasia 2011, screening 36 outstanding films. 29 September to 2 October, 12pm to 7.30 pm, Kumari Cinema, Kamal Pokhari

Cycle 6: Life, a nature and wildlife photograph exhibition by Om Yadav. 19 August to 30 September, 10am to 5pm, Galleria CUC, Maharjagunj

Student's Art Exhibition, the fifth batch of group painting exhibition. 28 September to 2 October, Newa Chen Art Gallery

Changa Chait, live performances and a corporate kite flying competition. 28 September and 1 October, 11am onwards, Club Himalaya, Nagarkot, 4410432, 4419432

Dasain Mela, celebrate Dasain with b-boying, slam poetry, BMX bike stunts, musical performances, food stalls and game stalls. Tickets: Rs 500 (for children) & Rs 1000 (for adults), 1 October, 10am to 5pm, Shuvatara School, Sanepa

World Animal Day, photo contest with the theme of street animals. 1 October, 3pm to 6pm, Sattya Media Arts collective, Jawalakhel, 9813485716

Photography Workshop, a special digital photography workshop for young aspiring photographers. 1 to 11 October (No classes on 4 to 9 October), Artudio, Jyatha, Cost: Rs 2000, 9841240341

Shanti Jatra, alternative lifestyle, music and arts at the Shanti Jatra Organic Festival 2011. 11 to 13 October, Kathmandu Valley, info@shantijatraorganicfestival.com

Youth for Culture, a candle walk to celebrate the Nepal Era or the Newari New Year. 26 October, Patan Durbar Square, rac.lalitpur@gmail.com

MUSIC

Rainbow Music Festival, music from classical fusion to funk, soul, jazz and blues. 30 September, Electric Pagoda, Thamel

Oktoberfest, guzzle as much beer as you can with various artist along with a tribute to U2. 1 October, 11am to 1pm, Moksh, Jhamsikhel

DINING

Buddha Bar, has been an establishment since the days of the hippies and offers a warm and cozy space for intimate conversations over a large selection of drinks. Thamel, 9851053235

1905 Restaurant, feast on roasted delights within this converted aristocratic residence. Walled ambience and green surroundings make it an oasis within the city. Kantipath, 4215068

Dechenling, the place to head for Bhutanese and Tibetan cuisine, their pleasant and spacious garden is ideal for big gatherings. Thamel
Cafe Hessed, for those with a sweet tooth, offers a delicious range of cupcakes and doughnuts. Jhamsikhel

Black Pepper Café & Pub, cosmopolitan dining and drinking in a traditional style courtyard, try the apple sauce pork chops and enjoy the good service. Kopundole Height, Lalitpur, 5521897

Lazy Gringo, fail-safe Mexican restaurant. The lemonade with refills is what won us over, but the food is mighty fine. Jawalakhel

Upstairs Cafe, a delicious range of Vietnamese cuisine to sample. Maharajgunj, near the US embassy

Attic, newly transformed lounge/bar ideal for Friday night drinking before hitting the dance spots. Uttar Dhoka, Lazimpat, 984161476

Irish Pub, for the simple reason that the place actually feels like a bar. Don't miss out on their Irish coffee. Lazimpat, Ananda Bhawan, 4416027

New Orleans, offers a wide variety of western dishes that are scrumptious yet healthy. We got hooked on the rosemary chicken and hamburgers. Jhamsikhel, 5522708

GETAWAYS

Overnight Package at The Dwarika's Himalayan Shangri- La Village Resort, for local residents, NRs. 4000/- (single), NRs. 5700/- (double). Dhulikhel, contact 4479488 for reservations

Dashain at Borderlands, celebrate Dashain with a five day package of trekking, rafting, and canoeing. 3 October to 7 October, Borderlands Eco Adventure Resort, 4700894, info@borderlandsgroup.com, www.borderlandsgroup.com

Grand Norling Hotel, countryside weekend package offering suite room, swimming, gym, massage, and discounts on other facilities. Gokarna, 4910193

Park Village Resort, Saturdays and Sundays combo package with swimming, lunch and a bottle of beer @ NRs 990 for adults and NRs 800 for children. Budhanilkantha, all 4375280 for reservations