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 editor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat id or add vanessajencks on WeChat. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are cancelled or scheduled as planned.
Free
Beijing Organic Farmer’s Market, May 1 and May 6
All ages. The Beijing Organic Farmers Market (北京有机农业市集) has two organic collective stores in Beijing and hosts three markets per week, where you can buy produce directly from the farmers. All produce is certified organic through the Participatory Guarantee System. You can even meet members of the certification team at the various markets and pick up a simplified version of the their (doorstop sized) standards manual. Free. 10am-2pm. China Resources Dreamport Shopping Mall.
Food Festival in Daxing, May 1
All ages. The Lejia Shopping Centre hosts a food festival, featuring more than fifty vendors, with food from India, cheese scallops from Iceland, giant squid from Taiwan, as well as many other delicious modern and traditional interpretations of Chinese food. There will also be family-friendly musicians playing during the festival. Free. 10am-9pm. Lejia Shopping Centre.
Roundabout Weekly Bazaar, May 4
All ages. Food, clothing, jewelry, cards, and many more gift items will be at the Roundabout bazaar. Different vendors each week. Part of the profits will support the work of Roundabout. Refreshments available. Bring friends and let Roundabout know what sort of things you like to buy. Free. 10am-3pm. Roundabout. (roundaboutvolunteer@yahoo.co.uk, 137 1877 7761).
Hope International School Open House, May 5
Adults. Prospective parents are invited to Hope International School’s (HIS) Open House. Come take a campus tour, meet parents, teachers and students, and have a personal Q&A time. Free. 9am-11am. Hope International School. (kwan.sherry@hopeintlschool.org, 400-800-8781).
Roundabout Open Weekend, May 6
All ages. Come & learn more about the work of Roundabout. Meet some of the children and their families whose lives they have touched. Meet some of the charities Roundabout partners with. Enjoy some fantastic activities, shop, eat, laugh, and catch up with friends! Free. 9.30am-4pm. Roundabout. (chowlilyzhou@yahoo.com, 15010187653).
Spring in the City, May 6
All ages. The Beijing City International School (BCIS) is hosting its annual Spring in the City fair, which will be held on our Main Campus Soccer Field. Under the marvelous theme of “The Festival of Arts,” BCIS will be staging a wonderful day that will surely hypnotize and amaze! Many performers will take to the stage, while over 60 diverse booths will be set up. There will also be a raffle draw with amazing prizes. Free. 11am-3pm. Beijing City International School (BCIS). (bciscommunications@bcis.cn, (86)10 8771 7171).
Unique
KIDA English and Talent Competition, May 1
Ages 3-12. The competition will be divided to three groups according to age: kids group: 3-5 years; children group: 6-9 years old; youth group: 10-12 years old. The kids’ group will include a self introduction and talent show. The children’s group will feature a self introduction and talent show. The youth group will feature a self introduction, English recitation, and talent show. All players entering the final can participate in the “Little English Talents” special program recording which will broadcast by CETV. RMB 200. All day. KIDA Base. (linda_liu@kida-base.com, 010-67859599).
Yajishan Hike and Temple Fair, May 1
All ages. The temples at Yajishan are locally famous, and every year on the lunar calendar there’s a big temple fair. Beijing Hikers will be organizing a group to spend the day having a look at what’s going on – fortune telling, street food and snacks, fireworks and incense burning, and various performers – before climbing up to the temples on top. After a look about the temple right at the top, the group will take a walk through the hills behind the temples to complete the circuit. RMB 450, RMB 405 (members), RMB 200 (under 12’s). 8am-5.30pm. Yajishan Temples.
Longquanyu Great Wall to the Little West Lake Hike, May 1
All ages. The Great Wall at Longquanyu follows a ridge surrounded by taller mountains, with views of peaks in the distance and canyons far below. The group will hike a recently repaired stretch with some two very steep descents, and take a detour through chestnut orchards to find the last ‘wild’ stretch of wall in the area. The hike finishes with a walk out past the Little West Lake reservoir, a popular park with views of the Great Wall dipping down into the water. RMB 500, RMB 450 (members). 8am-6pm. The Great Wall.
ANZA Beijing Mother’s Day High Tea, May 4
Adults. The Australia and New Zealand Association hosts a high tea for Mothers Day at the Waldorf Astoria. Treat your mother to an elegant morning at the hotel and make her feel like a queen on Mother’s Day. Tickets are available by calling the Beijing Riviera at 156 5260 5013, or by emailing enquiries@anzabeijing to pick up downtown. Tickets must be purchased in advance. RMB 200. 10am-noon. Waldorf-Astoria Beijing.
Language Learning with That’s Mandarin, May 5
All ages. The weather is getting warmer, but also stormy. It’s time for people to play the fighting-eggs game (斗蛋游戏), and enjoy tasty broad beans 蚕豆. That’s why That’s Mandarin is inviting everyone to a cultural event named “蛋”文化. More event details will be revealed to participants on the day of the event. RMB 100. 7pm-9pm. That’s Mandarin.
Best of Next Week
Think and Paint Workshop, May 9
Adults. Examine the power of your thoughts while you paint through this enlightening workshop hosted by Relationship Life Coach Carnisa Berry. Ms. Berry will lead a unique reflection session, merging painting and thought awareness to help attendees discover how their thoughts are affecting their relationships. Sign up via WeChat – add Eike Westerholt (ID: pk_lin_best) directly to register today. Free. 9.30am-11.30am. YCIS Beijing.
Roundabout Volunteer Potluck, May 10
All ages. Bring a dish to share, Roundabout will provide all drinks, plates, cups & cutlery. Kindly invite those who might like to learn more about our work & volunteering opportunities. RSVP by Monday 8th May to roundaboutvolunteer@yahoo.co.uk. Free. 11am-2pm. Roundabout. (13718777761).
Musical: Annie Jr., May 12
All ages. The HIS Music Department presents “Annie, Jr.” a classic family musical. Watch the extraordinary story of a little orphan who finds herself in the lap of luxury, and sing along to favorite musical numbers like “Tomorrow”. Experience this wonderful family-friendly show at 7PM on May 12th at the HIS gymnasium. Buy tickets online to save your seat @ www.hopeintlschool.org. RMB 40, RMB 50, and RMB 100. 7pm-9pm. Hope International School.
Flux Film Festival Awards Ceremony, May 13
Adults. The Flux team will be hosting an exclusive awards gala to be held at the Early Childhood Center (ECC) Gym. RMB 100. 6pm-8.30pm. Beijing City International School (BCIS). (mark.ellison@bcis.cn, (86)10 8771 7171).
Global Community Day, May 13
All ages. Yew Chung International School will be hosting their Global Community Day. The event features delicious food, lovely performances, fun games, creative activities, art demonstrations, and much more, with all proceeds donated towards worthwhile charities! Free. 10am-3pm. YCIS Beijing.