13 Things To Do In Hanoi In August 2020, From Food Festivals To A Blackpink Fan Gathering

Hanoi events in August 2020

As one of the two metropolises of Vietnam, Hanoi is constantly buzzing with activities. Whether you are on the lookout for a fun night out with friends at a music festival, or a quiet evening pursuing your passion in art, there is always something for you to do. Here we have summed up 13 things to do in Hanoi this upcoming August, from a music night to a Blackpink fan gathering.

Note: As the COVID-19 situation in Vietnam is rapidly changing, do double-check with event organizers before going down to these events, and always wear a mask and take your temperature regularly as an extra health precaution.

Food events in Hanoi

1. Learn more about Vietnamese chocolate at this chocolate tasting event

Image credit: Maison Marou Hanoi

If you have a sweet tooth, Maison Marou is a destination you should not miss out on in Hanoi. With an expansive menu that specializes in chocolate, this chic café has long been a favorite gathering spot for chocoholics in the city.

Visit at 3PM on a Saturday, and you’ll be just in time for Maison Marou’s regular chocolate tasting event, where you’ll learn about the process of refining cocoa seeds into the sweet treat we all know and love, and of course, taste chocolate coming from various provinces of Vietnam.

The café’s staff will also explain how geographic elements can affect the taste of the chocolate, so if you’ve ever wondered why chocolate from different locations tastes different, now is your chance to find the answer.

Date: Every Saturday
Time: 3PM-4PM
Venue: Maison Marou Café, 91A Thợ Nhuộm Str., Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Entrance fee: Free
Website

2. Explore Southeast Asia’s rich food culture at this food festival

Nasi kentut, a dish from Medan
Image credit: Melting Pot Hanoi

Melting Pot Hanoi is a group of foodies that brings together local and expat chefs every month to host food events every month. All food enthusiasts around Hanoi are welcome to pay a visit and try out dishes from different cuisines.

For its upcoming event this August, Melting Pot Hanoi has chosen Southeast Asian cuisine as the main theme to celebrate the independence day of Indonesia (17th August) and Vietnam (2nd September).

A Khmer dish called amok, which is a fish, chicken, or beef curry stew in banana leaves
Image credit: Melting Pot Hanoi

Come here to take a bite from a wide variety of signature dishes from several Southeast Asian countries, from Indonesia’s beef rendang, a type of curry made by simmering beef with spices, to Cambodia’s amok, stew wrapped in banana leaves, and more.

Date: 15 Aug 2020
Time: 4PM-10PM
Venue: The 100 Beer Garden, 68 Alley 238 Âu Cơ Str., Tây Hồ District, Hanoi
Entrance fee: VND70,000 (~USD3.02) | Food ranges from VND40,000 (~USD1.73) to VND80,000 (~USD3.45) per dish
Website

3. Get your BBQ fix at this Grill & Chill fest

Image credit: Smack Dab – JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi

Meat lovers are in for a night of indulgence at this barbecue feast at the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi, which promises numerous exquisite dishes to sink your teeth into, from Australian ribeye steaks to lobsters.

Coming here, you’ll also be treated to wine coming from Castello Banfi, an award-winning winemaker from Italy, as well as live music with a DJ.

Date: 1 Aug 2020
Time: 6.30PM-9.30PM
Venue: JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi, 8 Đỗ Đức Dục Str., Nam Từ Liêm District, Hanoi
Entrance fee: VND990,000 (~USD42.71)
Website

Entertainment

4. Enjoy a night of lively music while donating to disadvantaged children

Image credit: Hanoi Rock City

Hanoi Rock City is a playground for budding musicians and singers in the city to meet up, share their passion, and perform to live audiences. This month, it is organizing a music night featuring the appearance of several up-and-coming bands of Hanoi’s musical talents.

Guests can also participate in a raffle at the event for the chance to win some awesome prizes, or visit the mini-market which features food, workshops, crafts, and tattoos in the same venue.

The best part is, you’ll also be contributing to a good cause while having fun at this event, as all proceeds will be donated to Blue Dragon, a Hanoi-based non-profit charity organization that works to improve the lives of disadvantaged Vietnamese children.

Date: 22 Aug 2020
Time: 8.30PM-1AM
Venue: Hanoi Rock City, 27 Alley 52 Tô Ngọc Vân Str., Tây Hồ District, Hanoi
Entrance fee: VND100,000 (~USD4.31)
Website

5. Show off your skills with a cue at this pool tournament

(Photo for illustrative purposes only)
Image credit: RisKy Bi-a Club

Located far away from the busy Hanoi Old Quarter, Machine House remains unknown to the majority of Hanoi’s bar-goers. Those who do know about this cozy little bar, though, come here for the friendly atmosphere and excellent snacks, particularly the burger (VND80,000, ~USD3.49).

The burger at Machine House is loved by many
Image credit: Machine House

And to add a little more spice to all the drinking, eating, and chatting, the bar is hosting a casual pool tournament on the night of 5th August. Anyone confident in their skills with a cue can pay VND50,000 (~USD2.18) to join, and the winner goes home with the whole, well, pool. No pre-registration is needed.

Date: 5 Aug 2020
Time: 8PM
Venue: Machine House, 57 Alley 76/35 An Dương Str., Tây Hồ District, Hanoi
Website

6. Celebrate Blackpink’s 4th Anniversary at this fan gathering

Image credit: ROSÉ – BLACKPINK – VietNam FC‎

Blackpink’s 4th anniversary is coming up this August, so don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate this special occasion with your fellow Blinks at this offline fan gathering.

Come to the event to watch a blu-ray DVD showcase of the “Blackpink World Tour 2019 – 2020 In Tokyo Dome”, followed by a raffle and mini-games to reflect on how far Blackpink has come since their debut in 2016.

The organizers did not disclose what souvenirs will be up for grabs at the gathering in Hanoi, but those who attended the event in Hồ Chí Minh City, which took place on 26th July, reported getting T-shirts, lightsticks, and even a “How You Like That” album.

Date: 8 Aug 2020
Time: 1PM-8PM
Venue: Aroi Coffee, 9 Tống Duy Tân Str., Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Entrance fee: VND88,000 (~USD3.80)
Website

Art

7. Learn more about calligraphy at this calligraphy art show

Image credit:Đào Huy Hoàng

Those with a passion for the sophisticated art of calligraphy can pay a visit to The Painter’s Studio on 2nd August to meet Đào Huy Hoàng, a well-known name in the calligraphy scene of Vietnam.

On this day, the studio will hold a full-day exhibition featuring various calligraphy tools that guests are free to try out.

There will also be multiple booths showcasing different writing styles. A staff member will be present at each booth to provide information and instructions for visitors who want to practice writing on their own.

Don’t forget to ask the artists for a calligraphy piece with your name or favorite quote to bring home as a souvenir, or buy calligraphy pens, paper, and other equipment from the many shops that will make an appearance at the event.

Date: 2 Aug 2020
Time: 10AM-6PM
Venue: The Painter’s Studio, 60 Nguyễn Trường Tộ Str., Ba Đình District, Hanoi
Entrance fee: Free entry
Website

8. Shop for handcrafted products at this crafts convention and market

Image credit:Hanoi Indie Troupe

Held annually in August, The Craft Bazaar is a convention of craftspeople who come here to display their handcrafted products for sale.

Image credit: Phong Studio

Expect to see a wide assortment of goods at the event, from handbags, earrings, bracelets, and other accessories, to miscellaneous household items such as soap and candles.

Image credit: Ra Riêng

The products on display blend aesthetic designs with environmentally friendly crafting methods, so you’ll know that what you take home or buy as a gift from the market has been made sustainably.

Date: 15 Aug 2020
Time: 9AM-8PM
Venue: Complex 01, 29 Alley 31/167 Tây Sơn Str., Đống Đa District, Hanoi
Entrance fee: Free entry
Website

9. Watch a musical based on the fairytale of The Little Match Girl

Video credit: Hanoi Arts for Youth

Hanoi Arts for Youth is a playground for Vietnamese children and teens with a passion for music to develop their talents. The organization is known for choreographing high-quality performances with well-designed costumes and touching stories based on literature classics.

The organization has chosen the fairytale The Little Match Girl as the theme for its upcoming musical performance, scheduled to take place on the nights of 6th and 7th August. However, the story will expand upon the original story to delve deeper into the relationship between the match girl and her family – and the relationships among people around them.

Through this, the show hopes to deliver a message that every child has the right to a happy, fulfilling life, ultimately contributing to raising awareness about disadvantaged children.

The performance will be in English, featuring 100 singers and actors, many of whom are still primary or middle school students.

Date: 6 & 7 Aug 2020
Time: 8PM
Venue: Youth Theatre of Vietnam, 11 Ngô Thì Nhậm Str., Hai Bà Trưng District, Hanoi
Ticket price: From VND50,000 (~USD2.16)
Website

10. Relax with a coffee while painting an art piece

Image credit: Couchsurfing Café

Amateur painters just looking to spend a quiet afternoon to draw a piece can hit up Couchsurfing Café for its painting workshop.

Image credit: Couchsurfing Café

Nestled inside an old building away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and boasting a lovely retro-chic décor, Couchsurfing is a place to relax over a cup of coffee and concentrate on your work.

Image credit: Couchsurfing Café

During the café’s painting workshops, held every Saturday, painting equipment will be provided, and there will be an instructor for anyone who needs help. And of course, don’t hesitate to exchange tips and engage in conversations with other participants – you all share the same interest after all.

Date: Every Saturday
Time: 2.30PM-4.30PM
Venue: Couchsurfing Café, 103A/2 Alley 84 Ngọc Khánh Str., Ba Đình District, Hanoi
Price: VND290,000 (~USD12.51), drink included
Website

Self-development and sports

11. Establish an exercise habit with this beginner-friendly jogging event

Image credit: Chạy Vì Mình – Run4Self

Many of us desk-bound workers spend most of our time in front of a computer screen, and thus exercise is essential to maintaining our physical health. But we all know how hard it is to force ourselves out of bed early and into those jogging shoes in the morning.

Attending this jogging event for beginners might be the kick-start you need to establish a healthier lifestyle. After all, it is much easier to stay motivated while working alongside others with the same goal.

The challenge is to walk 4 times around the Trúc Bạch Lake – a section divided from the West Lake – in 2 hours. The total distance is roughly 10KM. Interestingly enough, if you finish the route in less than 1.5 hours, you won’t get a completion medal either. This is basically the organizers’ way of reminding you to take your time, as this is a jogging event, not a running event.

Refreshment will be provided along the way, and to encourage women to exercise more, there will also be a giveaway of 100 ladies’ T-shirts.

Date: 2 Aug 2020
Time: 5AM
Gathering spot: Trấn Quốc Pagoda, Thanh Niên Str., Ba Đình District, Hanoi
Registration fee: VND150,000 (~USD6.47)
Website

12. Equip yourself to stay safe at this self-defense class

Image credit:Phú Ngọc Mai

Vietnam is generally a safe and welcoming country, but as with any other place, there are still some people with bad intentions around. So, it never hurts to equip yourself with some self-defense martial arts moves just in case you need to protect yourself while walking about at night.

Coming to Star Kickboxing and Fitness’ self-defense class, you will be instructed by Mai Ngọc Phú, a licensed martial arts trainer who has had several years of experience working in high-level security positions including presidential assignments.

Here, you will learn about the basic rules of self-defense, practice simple but effective counter-attacks to protect yourself in case of an assault, and the legality of self-defense in Vietnam

A course book will be provided, which comes in both English and Vietnamese.

Date: 8 Aug 2020
Time: 9.30AM-12PM
Venue: Star Kickboxing and Fitness, 77 Xuân Diệu Str., Tây Hồ District, Hanoi
Registration fee: VND250,000 (~USD10.79) if you register at least 24 hours in advance | VND450,000 (~USD19.41) for walk-ins
Website

13. Attend a workshop on how to write a CV & answer job interview questions in English

Image credit: English Garden

Many Vietnamese fresh graduates miss out on promising job opportunities not for lack of qualifications, but simply because they fumble with questions encountered during interviews – especially those in English.

If you see yourself in this situation, attending English Garden Centre’s workshop about how to write an impressive CV and strike a good impression with employers can go a long way in setting you up for success.

In addition to talking about how you can handle different scenarios in a job interview, the organizers will present some professional CV formats for you to refer to. There will also be mock interviews for you to put what you learn into practice.

As with a real interview, don’t forget to dress appropriately, and prepare a copy of your CV in English.

Date: 8th August 2020,
Time: 9AM-11AM
Venue: English Garden Centre, 139 Cầu Giấy Str., Cầu Giấy District, Hanoi
Entrance fee: Free entry
Website

Things to do in Hanoi in August 2020

Don’t forget to follow The Smart Local Vietnam for updates on the latest happenings at major cities in Vietnam.

Also, given the new developments on the COVID-19 situation, we recommend that you practice health and hygiene measures such as wearing masks while outdoors. Stay safe wherever you are.

For more ideas on things to do in Vietnam, check out:

Cover image adapted from Hanoi Rock City, Hanoi Indie Troupe, Couchsurfing Café, and Phú Ngọc Mai

Enjoying The Smart Local Vietnam? Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for more stories like this.