For this week, we’ve included where you’ll see beijingkids staff, free events, family friendly events, and five extra events for next week. There’s plenty to do in Beijing! For Mother’s Day Events on May 8, check out our ongoing roundup here.
Where beijingkids Staff Will Be This Week
Editors Andy Killeen, Jessica Suotmaa, and Vanessa Jencks will be available for a meet and greet at 1pm on May 8 before the Beijing Playhouse’s first ever children’s show, Rapunzel. We’ll be bringing along our own families and promise some great pre-show laughs.
Beijing Playhouse presents Rapunzel, May 8
Ages 6-12. It’s more than just a fairy tale. An inspiring rendition of a traditional story, this performance is especially for children. RMB 80 (children), RMB 150 (adults). 2.00-3.00pm. Eagle International Performing Arts Center, International School of Beijing (childrenstheatre@beijingacademyofperformingarts.com)
Other than the Rapunzel pre-show meet and greet, you can find us all over the city this week. Our own Shunyi correspondent, Anjana Kainikarra, is the parent events organizer for DCB Founder’s Day. Anjana is particularly excited about the many booths with food from around the world.
School Correspondent Jessica Suotmaa will be heading over to the British School Beijing, Shunyi, for creative creations at the 2016 Lego League Competition for International Schools. She’ll then make her way to ISB Spring Fair for the bazaar and shopping opportunities.
Senior Editor Nimo Wanjau decided to put CSI: The Experience exhibit to the test then let us know if the trip is worth the kuai. Olivia with Cuisine Mei Wenti will then teach Nimo all about French cuisine at the free workshop.
Incoming Managing Editor Vanessa Jencks and her family will take a stop over at the Chinese education district for the BLCU World Culture Festival for some kid friendly games and food.
Founder’s Day, May 7
All ages. Founder’s Day at DCB showcases country and regional foods and culture of their school’s diverse populace as a celebration of the founding of the school. Highlights of the day include live performances, as well as games and activities for children of different ages. Free. 3-9pm. Dulwich College Beijing (www.dulwich-beijing.cn)
2016 Lego League Competition for International Schools, May 7
Ages 7+ This year, students are learning about reusing and recycling. During the competition students will complete in four separate activities. Currently three schools involved, Beijing World Youth Academy, Dulwich College Beijing, and The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi. Free. 9am-Noon. BSB Shunyi (8047 3588)
ISB Spring Fair, May 7
All ages. ISB holds its annual spring fair featuring fun games and activities for the whole family. There will also be a food bazaar, shopping opportunities, and a raffle with great prizes to be won. Free. 10am-4pm. International School of Beijing (8149 2345)
Cuisine “Mei Wenti” for Busy Mums, May 9
Adults. Olivia’s Cuisine Mei Wenti debunks the myth that delicately delicious French meals are only for the experts. She’ll be talking about nutrition guidelines and essential cooking tools for preparing baby food along with kitchen organization and some of her prize recipes. Free. 10am-11am. Oasis International Hospital (wechat: 18811103237 Alexandra)
CSI: The Experience, May 2 – July 17
Ages 10+ Based on the hit TV show and guided by videos of cast members and real-life forensic scientists, participants will perform realistic CSI tests like matching DNA, examining bullet casings and identifying single strands of hair. RMB 60 (one hour) to 280 RMB (2 hours), Groups tickets of 5 adults from 600 RMB to 1200 RMB. Joy City Chaoyang
BLCU World Culture Festival, May 7
All ages. No need to travel the world in eighty days, just visit BLCU. World food booths, games for kids, county performances, and a parade. Free. 9am – 4pm. Beijing Language and Culture University (8230 3951)
Free Events This Week
German Brand Lifestyle Festival, May 2 – May 3
All ages. The German Brand Lifestyle Festival is now in it’s 6th year of operation.
Come to look, to shop and to know the best of German brands available in China.
Kid-friendly activities will also be on site. Free. 10am-9pm. Lufthansa Center, (event@chinaimperative.com, 138 1067 8719)
ISB HEY by Heyrobics, May 4
Ages 6+. Join Heyrobics founder Linus and instructors Emily and Joel for an hour and a half of fun and sweaty workouts of the world’s happiest sport at ISB. Free of charge for anyone who registers. 4.30 – 6pm. International School of Beijing (ISB). (wechat: heyrobics)
Detoxification 101: How to Survive and Thrive in Beijing, May 5
For adults. Naturopathic Physician Dr. Melissa Rodriguez illuminates the detoxification process and shares tips on maximizing the body’s natural ability to purify itself. Registration required. Free. 10-11.30am. Beijing United Family Hospital (400 8919 191)
German Soccer Championship, May 7
All ages. Join the German Chamber of Commerce to cheer on teams from Audi, BMW, and Volkswagen along with eight others. A kids corner includes face painting, kids crafts, games and a bouncy castle. Adults will also get their chance to win prizes at other game booths. Food and drink includes Chinese, Western, draught beer and wine. Free. 8.30am-6.30pm. Side Park (6539 6664)
One Hour Workshop: Learn how to use Wechat Pay, May 7
Adults. Come learn how to use Wechat Pay, an essential part of modern life in Beijing. Studnets will also learn some basic relevant vocabulary. Please RSVP by May 5th, 6pm. Free. 11am-Noon. Sinology Institute. (admissions@sinologyinstitute.com, 6400 0905)
Fangcaodi 60th Anniversary, May 7
All ages. Celebrate Fangcaodi International School’s 60th Anniversary and the culture of 60 countries! FCD planned 120 stalls from nearly 60 countries. Bouncy castle, games, shows, auctions and prize drawings. Raffle prize drawings this year include a Discover Learning Center Voucher, five days at DDC Summer Camp and a one week Sailing Summer Camp. Kids will be provided with a stamp collection event passport. Free. 10am-3pm. Fangcaodi International School (8563 9140)
2016 Harrowthon, May 8
All ages. The annual 10km family run is back again and features live performances by students, as well as games and activities for kids. Proceeds will go to Roundabout’s various charitable causes. Registration required. RMB 100. 7am-3pm. Harrow International School Beijing (http://www.harrowbeijing.cn/events/2016-05-08-harrowthon.aspx#reg)
Family Friendly Events this Week
The Painted Garden, May 2 – May 15
Ages 3-12. This interactive show uses multimedia to engage children in a theatrical dance. RMB 300, discounts for kids and group buy. Check beijingkids event directory for specific dates. 6.30-8pm. Oriental Media Center (5203 1012)
Mexican Masks Workshop, May 6
Ages 7+ Discover Mexican folk art through creative techniques and experience fun alternative forms of healing while immersing in Mexican culture. 80 RMB discount if registered before May 4. RMB 380. 1pm-4pm. La Cava de Laoma (5785 3850)
Cavalia, May 6 – 8
All ages. This swirling and bold performance combines acrobats with galloping horses to provide a moving dramatic artwork you can feel shaking through your seat. RMB 580. 7-9pm. Chaoyang Park (wechat: dianayi2009).
Incy Wincy Park Family Yoga, May 7
All ages. Join Angelina of Incy Wincy Kids Yoga every Saturday to have a fun and quality weekend with your family. Bring your own yoga mat. Event will be cancelled if the AQI is above 200 or raining. RMB 50 per yogi. Chaoyang Park North Gate. (wechat:186 116 8556)
Mommy and Me Afternoon Tea at Juice by Melissa with Atelier, May 7
Ages 5+ Children and moms are invited to separate workshops lead by Atelier teachers with snacks, canapés and champagne or tea. RMB 150 for Children, RMB 150 for Mother’s Tea, RMB 380 for Mother’s Free Flow Champagne. 2pm – 4pm. Juice by Melissa Shunyi (186 1846 4579)
Beijing Playhouse Peter Pan and Aladdin Summer Camp Auditions, May 7
Ages 6-14. Beijing Playhouse will hold auditions for 2 summer camps, one two-week camp and one four-week camp. Internships available for older students. Enrollment limited to the first 30 students. All roles open to boys and girls. Free for audition and more information, RMB 8000 for Peter Pan Camp, RMB 15000 for Combined Camp. 10am-11.30am. (broadway@beijingplayhouse.com)
Bizzarro Car and Motorcycle Stunt Show, May 7 – May 15
All ages. First up is a short thirty minutes showing of luxury vehicles, a transformer and an airplane, followed by a side-flying cars and motorcycles show. Fun for families with mechanically inclined children. RMB 150. 5.20-7.30pm. XieDao International Convention and Exhibition Center (136 7136 9234)
All in One Sunday Market, May 8
All Ages. Games, foods and booths are fun for all. Don’t forget the bouncy castle! Free. 11am-4pm. Riviera Country Club (8450 6888)
5 Best Events of Next Week
Scratch Day China 2016, May 14
Ages 6+. Scratch Day is about exploring programming, being creative, collaborating with each other, and having fun! Everyone who attends receives a free Scratch Day T-shirt. Free, 1pm – 5.30pm Guanghua Soho. (wilraising@163.com)
YCIS Beijing Global Community Day, May 14
All ages. Global Community Day is hosted on the YCIS Beijing Campus with the mission of showcasing the very best of each and every culture in the school while unifying us all as global citizens in Beijing. Global Community day is also the annual charity event for the YCIS Beijing PO; all the money raised at the event is donated to the “YCIS Seeds of Hope” charity. 10am-2pm. Yew Chung International School of Beijing (8583 3731)
Tri4Change Super Sprint Triathlon 2016, May 14
All ages. Tri4Change’s 3rd annual super sprint triathlon seeks to raise money for Roundabout Beijing. The race will consist of a 400-meter pool swim, a twelve-kilometer bike ride, followed by a three-kilometer run. Choose to compete as an individual or two-person team (one person does two legs, the other person does the 3rd leg). Registration required. RMB 300 per individual or a two person team. 7-10.30am. Western Academy of Beijing (Tri4Change.net/Beijing)
2016 BCIS Spring in the City Community Fair, May 14
All ages. This year’s theme is “The Festival of the Arts,” and the event promises an amazing celebration of the many artistic talents and opportunities students at BCIS have. The fair will also have family-friendly games and activities, a live stage show of music and drama, the Flux Film Festival winners announcements, wonderful raffle prizes, delicious food and more. Free. Beijing City International School (8771 7171)
The Beijing Flea Market: May Edition, May 14
Ages 7+ A rooftop treasure trove of more than 30 independent labels, handmade goods, vintage, craft foods and drink specials. Come and post a photo on WeChat of your favorite vendor in the first hour of the event and get a free drink courtesy of The Bookworm. 11am-5pm. The Bookworm (jessicamrapp@gmail.com)
For Mother’s Day, May 8, don’t forget to check out this post.
If you’d like your event to be included in this blog post, please add your event to our events directory, then e-mail webeditor@beijing-kids.com
Photos: Jaysin Trevno (Flickr) and courtesy of Dulcwich College Beijing, Harrow International School and Tri4Change.