Did you know we have a family events WeChat group? Join two hundred other internationally-minded families for the latest information on what’s going on in Beijing. Send an email to webeditor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat ID. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our event page.
Fun for the Little Ones
Samajam Kids Show -You Are the Show! in Beijing, Apr 14
All ages. This is a 100 percent participatory musical show, in which all participants receive several musical instruments during the performance. They become the performing musicians of the show, having fun while learning music. RMB 180-350. 10.30am-9.30pm. Check the website for tickets. Tianqiao Performing Arts Center.
Danish Children’s Theater About Shapes, Apr 14-15
All ages. Lines. Cubes. Circles. Our world is filled with geometric shapes. Inspired by Kandinsky and his fascinating and expressive force, the theater work A Short Long invites spectators to create recognizable forms from seemingly abstract elements. Both with physical objects – and with their own bodies. RMB 200 per person. 10am-9pm. Visit the website for tickets. M Theatre.
Hua, Hua! The Magic Crayons! | Children’s Theater, Apr 22
Aged 1.5+. From a blank space, two dancers create a wonderland with crayons as they play, dance and draw. For the kids who love to draw and play. Be creative and be imaginative. There is a huge community drawing party after the performance. All participants create a huge picture altogether. RMB 200 per person. 10am-9pm. Check the website for tickets. M Theatre.
Cooking Course: Little Chef, every Sat
Aged 7+. In these hands-on cooking courses, students will learn how to make some delicious sweet and savory dishes. Students will work individually to make their own food, which at the end of each class they’ll get to devour or take home. Throughout the session, they’ll cover different techniques, use a variety of ingredients and explore new flavors. RMB 5,980 (RMB 4,980 for first 10 sign-ups), apron and protective sleeves, all ingredients, cooking materials included. 10am-4pm. Contact WeChat ID pingokefu for more information. U Kitchen.
Fun for the Family
The Beijinger Hot & Spicy Festival, Apr 14-15
All ages. Our sister magazine, the Beijinger, is holding the first Hot & Spicy Festival with over 40 vendors representing cuisines from approximately 20 countries. They will sling their spiciest wares in the name of chili love. Expect food as varied as Texas hot wings to Yunnan fried tilapia, American barbecued spicy ribs to Sichuan pepper pork, Mexican quesadillas to Japanese “devil’s” fried chicken. There will also have fiery cultural performances and the annual Hot Chili Pepper Eating Contest. RMB 25 per day. 11am-8pm. Check the website to register. Galaxy Soho.
Earth Day Family Theater | When All Was Green, Apr 19
Ages 5+. Take your little one to join Tong Playroom to learn more about this inspiring performance at Beijing 9 Theatre. When All Was Green is a non-verbal, award-winning puppetry performance inspired by the famous children’s book The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Directly from Israel, The Key Theatre delivers a poignant reflection on nature’s generosity of spirit in spite of man’s greed. RMB 260-280. 7-9pm. Beijing 9 Theatre (WeChat: janiceinbj).
CISB StageCats present The Wizard of Oz, Apr 20
All ages. The Wizard of Oz is well-known all over the world for its heartwarming story, unforgettable songs, and timeless characters. Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) StageCats are bringing this classic to life in an exciting and energetic way – giving audiences the chance to travel down the Yellow Brick Road in search of the wonderful Wizard of Oz. RMB 30 for students; RMB 50 for adults. 2-9pm. Check the website for more information. Tickets can also be reserved by emailing the director: patrick.connolly@cisbeijing.com. CISB.
The Nutcracker – Russian State Ballet in Beijing, Apr 21
All ages. The Nutcracker is a two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (op. 71). The libretto is adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King”. RMB 90-440. Check the website for tickets. Beijing Century Theatre.
Markets and Bazaars
Japan Night Market, Apr 11
All ages. Chihiro and Wataru’s Japan Night Market will sell a selection of used items in good condition, such as bicycles, electric appliances, furniture, bags, suitcase, and clothes. Food will also be available. Check the website for registration. RMB 60. 6.30-10pm. Ascott Raffles City Beijing.
Baiguo Market, Apr 11-13
All ages. Baiguo market will feature vendors selling a range of items in the style of the Mingguo period (1912-1949), as well as some genuine antiques. Additionally, there will be other entertainment activities. Free. 10am-4.30pm. Follow WeChat ID baiguoshiji for more updates. Jianwai Soho.
Aidi School Spring Family Day, Apr 15
All ages. Beijing Aidi School cordially invites you to participate in their Spring Family Day at their campus which is currently witnessing some beautiful spring scenery with the flowers in full bloom. The event focuses on the four themes of “Health, Reading, Art, and Technology”. It’s a joint effort by Aidi School and more than 50 educational service institutions, presenting fun activities including games, sports, exhibitions, and educational expert talks. Free. 10am-5pm. Visit the website for booking. Contact 8439 2266 for more information. Beijing Aidi School.
BIBA Roundabout Book Fair, Apr 21
All ages. Come and attend Beijing International Bilingual Academy’s (BIBA’s) annual Roundabout Charity Book Fair. Come and take a look at all the books available to purchase, with all profits being donated to the charity Roundabout. Free. 10am-4pm. Contact 8041 0390 or adam@bibachina.org for more information. BIBA.
Rumble in the Jumble, Apr 21
Adults. If you’re a crafter, this is your opportunity to debut your new handmade concept. If you have a box of second-hand clothes that you’ve been meaning to donate, this is your opportunity to sell them for a bit of drinking money, and refresh your wardrobe while you’re at it! If you are a small business, an artist, a volunteer, or just have a pile of books to drop off at the Booksellers stall, you are welcome and encouraged to join. Free to attend. Noon-6pm. Email at rumble.jumble.bj@gmail.com with your name, company name (if you have one), products, price range, and WeChat ID, and a couple of pictures of your products to register. Modernista.
Information Sessions
Childbirth Workshop at Oasis, Apr 14
Adults. Having a baby is one of the most wonderful experiences in life, but at the same time, it can be quite overwhelming. OASIS International Hospital aims to make your birth experience the best it can be, by providing you with the knowledge and confidence you need to make informed decisions. You’ll be given out a booklet to take home with information learned from the class. RMB 100 per person (including workshop, booklet, and lunch). 9am-2pm. Contact Katja.Kinnunen@oasishealth.cn for registration. OASIS International Hospital.
Swedish Career Fair 2018, Apr 14
Adults. The Swedish Career Fair will open its gates once again in 2018. It is a platform in which talented young professionals can meet with company representatives to exchange ideas and opportunities. Free. 10am-5pm. Visit the website for more information or to register. Kempinski Hotel Beijing.
Become a Positive Discipline Parent Educator, Apr 20
Adults. Teaching Parenting the Positive Discipline Way provides a step-by-step approach to starting and leading experiential-based parenting groups. This program, covered over the course of a three-day workshop with international trainer Dina Emser (USA), emphasizes experiential activities that reach the heart to inspire deeper understanding and change, equipping parents with a fun and effective way for them to get specific help with real problems. 9am-5pm. Contact beclamb@yahoo.com or 130 7116 2353 for more information. Hello Future.
Outdoor Activities
Earth Day Cleanup at the Jiankou Great Wall, Apr 22
Adults. The Great Wall on the west side of Jiankou has been somewhat spoiled by a buildup of trash and litter, left by lazy hikers and careless campers. In the spirit of Earth Day on April 22, and in order to give back to the communities in which they hike, Beijing Hikers are going to try and collect as much litter as they can and carry it out. RMB 150-200. Departs at 8am. Check the website for more information and booking. Beijing Hikers.
Feed Your Mind
Distinguished Speaker Series: Iain Milne, Apr 10
All ages. Scottish rugby union player Iain Milne is visiting Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) to talk about his career and life. Known as “The Bear,” Iain won a grand slam in 1984 and built a reputation for his work ethic, durability, hard tackling, and courage. Free. Western Academy of Beijing (5986 5588; wabinfo@wab.edu).
Sungkyunkwan University’s Talk at BSB Shunyi, Apr 12
All ages. The British School of Beijing (BSB), Shunyi welcomes admissions officers Jehoon Kwon and Hyejung Hong from Sungkyunkwan University. They will explain the admissions criteria and answer questions from parents and students. All are welcome to attend. Free. 2.30-3.30pm. The British School of Beijing (BSB), Shunyi (8047 3588; georgette.small@britishschool.org.cn).
School Open Day
House of Knowledge Open Day, Apr 17-18
All ages. After ten years’ development, House of Knowledge Schools and Kindergartens (HoK) has grown into an elementary school and two kindergartens, featuring hands-on learners, and a project-based approach to learning. HoK believes that a positive experience in education from an early age is essential to nurture a lifelong love of learning. Two sessions: Chaoyang Campus: March 17; Shunyi Campus: March 18. Free. 9.30-11am. House of Knowledge Schools and Kindergartens (4006507747; admissions@hokschools.com).
Arts and Exhibitions
Gregory Burns: Made in the Brickyard, Apr 14
All ages. Brickyard’s artist-in-residence, Gregory Burns, will exhibit works created over the last month in the Brickyard Retreat’s Great Wall Room. The gallery opens at 11.30am, with a reception at 3pm for visitors who would like to meet Gregory in person and enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks. Free. 11.30am-5.30pm. Check the website to learn more about Gregory Burns. Contact 6162 6506 for more information. The Brickyard Retreat.
Renaissance Art Exhibition at the Capital Museum, until Jun 22
All ages. The exhibition features 102 works of art from Italy’s Renaissance period. The works include paintings by famous artists such as Titian and Botticelli and come from 17 Italian museums and institutions. Open to all (ID card or passport needed). Free. 9am-5pm. Contact 6339 3339 for more information. Capital Museum.
Photos: courtesy of featured event organizers