Top 5 Weekend Picks

1 -- Students from the Al Darb Al Ahmar Arts School will take the stage for a night that mixes acrobatics with jazz, rope walking with juggling and singing with trapeze stunts. The school, launched in 2011, aims to train children aged 8 to 18 for careers in the arts, and to raise awareness of the value of art in the historic but at times neglected district in Old Cairo. It's a cause worth supporting during what promises to be an inspiring night.

Friday, October 30 at 8pm El Genaina Theater, Al Azhar Park, Salah Salem Rd. See the event's Facebook page here

2 -- A unique exhibit will give you the chance to view historic images of 19th-century Egypt in 3D, through a special stereoviewer box and glasses. Egypt Stereoviews: Underwood & Underwood includes images from AUC's rare books and special collections library that have never been shown before. This interactive exhibit offers plenty of stunning images to feast your eyes on.

Ongoing until November 12 AUC New Cairo campus, Abdul Latif Jameel Hall See the event's listing here or view the library's digital collection here

3 -- Iconic Egyptian bellydancers like Taheyya Kariokka are showcased in retouched images that are altered to give them a nostalgic, local and distinctively baladi feel in artist Atef Ahmed's exhibit The Revival of Rhythms. Atef has "established himself as the voice of the marginalized and simple people and their aspirations for a better future. He is also greatly interested in highlighting popular symbols, time-honoured traditions and rituals in society," says Gallery Misr.

November 1-25 Gallery Misr, 4A Ibn Zinky St., Zamalek See the event's Facebook page here

4 -- The Egyptian Project is the fruit of a collaboration between Egyptian musicians and a Frenchman that blends the sounds of the Delta and Cairo with hip hop, electro and more. The result is timeless, otherworldly and danceable music.

Sunday, November 1 at 10pm Cairo Jazz Club, 197 26th of July St. See the event's Facebook page here or listen to them on SoundCloud here

5 -- One of our favorite downtown restaurants Eish & Malh is now hosting brunches with live music on Fridays that couple their tasty Italian cuisine with the chill jazz grooves of musician Ibrahim Elhaddad. Or, try their live blues evening on Saturdays with dinner.

Brunch & Jazz every Friday from 1-3pm, Dinner & Blues on Saturdays from 7-9pm Eish & Malh, 20 Adly St. (in front of the synagogue,) downtown See the cafe's Facebook page here or read our review of the restaurant here