26 Beijing Events: Where to Go This Week

Although schools are closing for the summer and friends are heading out of town, even we were surprised by how much is going on in Beijing. Check out all the city has to offer in Free Events, Unique Events, Ongoing Events and the Best of Next Week.

Free Events

Give Blood. Save Lives. June 14
Ages 18-55. The blood drive is held in cooperation with the Tongzhou Blood Bank and open for donations from people between the ages of 18 and 55. Come give the gift of life to those in need. For more information on the importance of giving blood or for address and map information see UFH website. Free. 10am-3pm. Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics Blood Drive (3rd Floor, Building 2, Jiangtai Road)

Casa Tea Talks, June 15
Adults. How to create a bilingual environment at home will start this series by Elizabeth Hardage, Chief Academic Officer of Ivy Education Group. Free. 10.30am-Noon Daystar Main Campus (Register here)

International Newcomer’s Network – Shunyi Coffee Morning, June 16
Adults. If you’re new in Shunyi, this is the perfect event to meet your most social neighbors. Free. 10am-Noon. BSB Shunyi. (contactus@innbeijing.org)

Latino Bazaar, Colorful Fiesta, June 18
All ages. As with all authentically latin events, the family is integrated and always welcome at this bazaar.  Come try drinks, delicious food, handcrafted goods, original creations, wine tastings, and gourmet delicatessen. Dress code is guayabera and latin chic. Free. 2pm-8pm. Sanlitun Soho Building 3 (5785.3850)

Yogi Bazaar, June 18
Ages 12+ If you love practicing yoga, this is the place for you. Enjoy quality yoga products, handicrafts, organic food, and other healthy lifestyle products. Free. 10am – 6pm. Chaoyang Park Plaza 08 (wechat id: sheishei)

Father’s Day Summer Fair, June 19
All ages. Join EtonKids for the “Summer Fair” to enjoy a variety of exciting activities including but not limited to plate drawing, magic balloons, Lion Family photo shooting, Montessori classroom experience and Father’s Day Parenting Storybook, and lots more. Cakes and drinks are served. Free. 9.30am-1.30pm. EtonKids International Bilingual Kindergarten, Peking House (Scan QR Code to Apply)

School Warming Party and Family Day, June 19
All ages. Join Daystar for painting, stories, music, snacks and cultural activities to get ready for an easy transition from home to school. Free. 9am-2pm. Guantang West Gate Campus (Register here)

Many Farms to Neighbors workshops have been popular with kids and adults alike.

Unique Events

Calligraphy Class in English, June 14
Ages 7+ Chinese calligraphy is a form of calligraphy widely practiced and revered in the Sinosphere, which often includes China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.  The Four Treasures of the Study – the ink brush, ink, paper (made of rice & bamboo), and inkstone are provided. RMB 250 (Door) RMB 200 (Prepaid) 10.30am-Noon. China Culture Center (6432.9341)

Richard Galliano & Geneva Camerata, June 15
Ages 13+ This globally-travelled and innovative orchestra has recently collaborated with soloists such as Emmanuel Pahud, Steven Isserlis, Patricia Kopatchinskaja, Andreas Scholl, Avi Avital, and Daniel Hope, among others. David Greilsammer and GECA regularly work with choreographers and visual artists, as well as jazz, world, and rock musicians. RMB 80+ 7.30-9pm. National Centre for the Performing Arts (6655.0000)

Chinese Stuffed Pancakes, June 15
Ages 7+ Xian bing is the Chinese version of a stuffed pancake, and the secret to a great one is making a rich, crispy dough that isn’t greasy, while adding some flavorful spices to the more traditional fillings: beef, pork, lamb, veggies and other mixes. RMB 300. 2.30-5pm. The Hutong (events@thehutong.com )

Half Day Beijing Walking Tour, June 18
Ages 7+ Join Beijing Trips for a four hour tour of the city. Participants have a say in this tour as it’s designed with each individual involved in mind. Price includes lunch. RMB 190. 8am-Noon. Beijing Trips (beijinghutongtrips@yahoo.com)

Mindful Eating Practice at Farm to Neighbors Market, June 19
All ages. This week, at the regular free Farm to Neighbors market held every Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 6pm, the Mindfulness Centre is teaming up with Farm to Neighbors and Food Revolution to offer a non-profit workshop to practice mindfulness with healthy eating. This workshop will be conducted on the third floor (Yoga Summit). Kids session is held from 1.30-2pm and the adults session is 2.15-4pm. RMB 30 (Kids) RMB 60 (Adults). Grand Summit (WeChat: 18600116714)

Yoga Dance for Charity, June 19
Ages 13+ Combine vinyasa, dance and charity at this community supporting class. Minimum RMB 15. 7-8.30pm. Yoga Yard (WeChat: Malgo85)

Alright, we admit it’s not going to be Audrey gracing the stage, but My Fair Lady is still a beloved cultural experience.

Ongoing Events

My Fair Lady, June 14-19
Ages 6+ This heartwarming and classic story of love, language, and society is perfect for avoiding summer fallback. Just remember to end the performance with a discussion about themes and presentation. Tickets under RMB 480 already sold out. RMB 480 – 1280. 7.30pm. Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center. (ponypiao@damai.cn)

Aerial Yoga Class, Tuesdays
Ages 16+ Join this sexy and fun class to nail those handstand poses you can’t reach on your own. RMB 49 (Groupon DianPing) RMB 199 (Drop-in). 12.30-1.30pm and 6-9pm. Wangjing Soho (WeChat: divadanceacademy)

Taekwondo Fit Girl’s Class, Wednesdays
Ages 13+ NB8 Taekwondo classes for women will help you achieve greater strength and improved self-control. Classes teach how to effectively stop an attacker who is bigger than you, while at the same time improving your balance, hand-eye coordination, and build faster reflexes. RMB 1250. 7.30-8.30pm. Shangdu Soho, (ntep3@me.com)

Cavalia, June 15 – July 31
All ages. Cavalia has extended its stay for the whole summer. Cheap seats sell out weeks in advance, so plan ahead if you want in on a budget. RMB 120-1980. 2.30pm, 7.30pm. Chaoyang Park Dong San Men Parking Lot (ponypiao@damai.cn)

Jazz-Pop Class, Fridays
Ages 13+ Got problems with coordination? Let Giselle at Diva Dance Academy whip you into shape with some moves to boot. RMB 49 (Groupon DianPing) RMB 199 (Drop-in). 6-9pm. Wangjing Soho (WeChat: divadanceacademy)

Summer Concerts of the German Choir Beijing, June 18-19
Ages 5+ The German Choir will be supported by a multinational Madrigal Chorus. June 18, German Embassy School Beijing, then June 19 at Hilton Hotel Beijing. RMB 100. 5pm. (deutsche.kantorei.peking@gmail.com)

Multicultural Volleyball, Saturdays
Ages 16+ Laid back fun with a mix of volleyball-loving men and women is a great way to start off the summer. Fee is just for court costs. RMB 55. 2-4pm Shichaihai Sports School (WeChat: chubidubby)

Watching us or watching you? Philosophical questions at the Beijing Zoo must be answered.

6 Best of Next Week

Beijing Zoo, June 21
Ages 3+ Take a walk on the wild side with That’s Mandarin at the Beijing Zoo. Home to animals from around the world, it’s fun for all the family. RMB 500. 1-5pm Beijing Zoo (info@thatsmandarin.com)

International Newcomers Network’s Beer Night, June 23
Adults. We will be exploring little gems along with some of our old standby favorites around town! Come join INN to meet new friends and fellow beer enthusiasts to talk beer, sports or wherever the topic goes. Free. 7-9pm. Contact William Frisby for location. (WeChat: 13141443186)

Professional Development Series: Changing Jobs and Industries, June 23
Adults. JingJobs is teaming up with Beijing Women’s Network for this talk on the price of changing industries and jobs. This workshop seeks to answer, how much change is too much? RMB 50 (Door) 7-9p. Inn Cube (Register here)

Science Museum Visit, June 23
Ages 3+ Join That’s Mandarin on a visit to China Science and Technology Museum in Beijing, where you can explore hands-on, interactive exhibits showcasing China’s contributions to the scientific field. RMB 500. 1-5pm. That’s Mandarin (info@thatsmandarin.com)

Chinese Kungfu Class, June 24
Ages 7+ Everyone is welcome, even if you are not a student here. Reservation needed, signing deadline June 21. RMB 200. 1-3pm. (info@beijingmandarinschool.com)

Playdate for All! End of School Extravaganza, June 25
All ages. Sanfine has mixed up the perfect playdate for literally the whole family. They’ve planned bowling, ballet, face painting, arts and crafts, and a bouncy castle for kiddos under six. For kids between seven and sixteen, they’ve planned competitions (basketball, scooters, and electric cars), and DJ training. For the most mature of the party people, they’ve planned Thai massages, manicures, hair styling, and henna tattoos. Early bird tickets until June 16 cover two parents and two kids, RMB 100, then RMB 50 for each additional ticket. 11am-3pm. Sanfine International Hospital, Outdoor Sky Garden (Register here)

Photos: Courtesy of Fran Hanshing (VSP), Farm to Neighbors, Robert Nyman (Flickr), and The Coincidental Dandy (Flickr)