Explore and Experience Top Attractions and Activities in Europe This Week

**Chillax! Welcome back to your weekly cultural scoop, featuring a smorgasbord of things to feast your senses on this September. As we step into autumn's magnetic embrace, prepare to explore a vibrant array of art shows, movies, music, and events, both fresh and timeless.

While the world couldn't get enough of the Oasis reunion and the *Paralympics continues to captivate us, don't forget the 81st Venice Film Festival* kicking off soon - and it's only the beginning!

Get ready to immerse yourself in a whirlwind of experiences ranging from transferring back to Renaissance Italy with Leonardo Da Vinci, to uncovering the behind-the-scenes magic of stop-motion sensation LAIKA. European cities will come alive with immersive jazz festivals, colorful street art exhibitions, and scents that evoke the halcyon days of the Italian polymath.

Exhibitions:

DA Vinci in the Perfume of the Renaissance at Château du Clos Lucé (Amboise, France)

Step back in time and dive into the lesser-known world of Da Vinci as a maestro of scents. As you venture through the inviting aromas of Venice, Florence, and Milan, explore over 60 of his masterpieces and even catch a peek at the necklace from 'Lady with an Ermine'. This captivating exhibition is a testament to the growing trend of evoking a more intimate, revealing, and inclusive encounter with art through the use of scents.

Mark your calendars for the exhibition's stunning conclusion on the 15th of September 2024.

LAIKA: Frame x Frame at BFI Southbank (London, UK)

For fans of Coraline, ParaNorman, and Kubo and the Two Strings, this delightful exhibition dedicated to the award-winning stop-motion animation company LAIKA is a must-see. Unravel the secrets behind their extraordinary creations, while marveling at their intricate details and the fascinating stories they tell. And the best part? It's entirely free. Pair it with a season dedicated to stop-motion animation in cinema and transform your visit into an unforgettable journey.

Festivals and Events:

Jazz in the Park (Transylvania, Romania)

Come let the ethereal Transylvanian setting of Beverwaard Park captivate your senses as it wakes up for an annual Jazz Festival, taking place from the 30th to the 1st of September. With up to 40 concerts across four stages, this is a true celebration of creativity and community. The locally-infused atmosphere, delicious food, and abundant workshops ensure a show that's like no other.

ALL CAPS (Rotterdam, Netherlands)

Unleash your creative spirit and join the ranks of the world's best street artists at the ALL CAPS festival, transforming Rotterdam's Beverwaard district with breathtaking murals from September 1st to the 8th. With live music, scrumptious food, and free admission, don't miss your chance to be immersed in a colorful explosion of inspiration.

Movies:

UK National Cinema Day (UK-wide, 31st August 2024)

With well over 60 cinemas across the UK selling tickets for just £4, there's no better excuse to grab your popcorn and indulge in a day at the movies. Don't miss the opportunity to catch up on the latest releases or immerse yourself in your old favorites.

Emilia Pérez

Featuring a powerhouse cast, including Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, and Zoë Saldaña, this Spanish-language melodrama and crime musical centers around Manitas, a Mexican drug lord seeking to transition into womanhood. Festival-goers and critics alike have applauded its bold execution and engaging characters, making it a must-watch for any movie enthusiast.

TV Show:

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Prime Video)

Return to Middle-earth for yet another sensory adventure as the second season of this epic series unfolds the events of the fabled Second Age. With a production budget of $1 billion, this spectacle offers much to explore, but be warned: it has a tendency to get lost in its own grandeur. Get ready to lose track of time as you delve into the enduring tales of Middle-earth.

Music:

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds: Wild God

The latest musical offering from the prolific alt-rock band delivers an eclectic sound that is at once introspective and powerful. Accompanied by deeply moving lyrics, the album serves as an poignant reflection of human struggles and desires. Prepare to be moved by this profound work of art.

Although the Paralympics and the Oasis reunion have been eventful, the upcoming 81st Venice Film Festival promises to be just as captivating, marking the start of a cultural extravaganza.
For LAIKA fans, the free BFI Southbank exhibition, 'LAIKA: Frame x Frame', offers a behind-the-scenes look at the award-winning stop-motion animation company, showcasing the intricate details of their creations and the stories they tell.
During the Jazz in the Park festival in Transylvania, revel in up to 40 concerts across four stages, immersed in the ethereal setting of Beverwaard Park, along with local food and creative workshops.
This September, the GMK cartel's boss, Emilia Pérez, takes the center stage in a Spanish-language melodrama and crime musical, applauded by critics for its bold execution and engaging characters.