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Free
BSB Early Years Open Day, May 8
Adults. An event for prospective parents to find out how children ages one to five learn and play at The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi. Experience the school’s Early Years classrooms in action, talk to their teachers, and see their newly refurbished Teddies classroom, new Early Years swimming pool, dedicated playground for Early Years, and the Sports Dome. Registration can be completed here. Free. 9am-10.30am. BSB, Shunyi.
Unlocking the Mystery of Marriage, May 8
Adults. Join MOPS as Suzy Brown shares with the value of marriage and its importance for setting a strong foundation for families and the next generation. She will share her experiences and lessons learned over the past 28 years of marriage to her husband Will. RSVP to mops@bicf.org. 10am-noon. Beijing International Christian Fellowship (BICF).
Think and Paint Workshop, May 9
Adults. Examine the power of thoughts while painting in 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 by adding Eike Westerholt (ID: pk_lin_best). Free. 9.30am-11.30am. YCIS Beijing.
Roundabout Volunteer Potluck, May 10
Ages 7+. 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).
ICVS “Departing From China with Pets” Info Session, May 13
Adults. It is never too early to begin preparations for overseas travel with pets, even if you are unsure of your final departure date or destination country. Join the experts from ICVS as they share step-by-step instructions on the newest exit process for 2017: microchipping, vaccinations, rabies antibody titre testing and other requirements to help prepare for a smooth departure from China and an easy entry to your next destination country. RSVP by emailing reception@ICVSASIA.com. Free. 11am-12.30pm. International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS).
Global Community Day, May 13
All ages. Yew Chung International School will be hosting its 9th annual Global Community Day. The event will feature delicious food, lovely performances, fun games, creative activities, art demonstrations, and much more, with all proceeds donated towards worthwhile charities. Free. 10am-3pm. Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS).
Hyde Academy Green & Clean Spring Fair, May 13
All ages. Hyde Academy will be hosting its annual Spring Fair. Students, parents, and artists in the community have created a celebration of arts, music, and the environment this year, with a great collection of crafts, treats, and games to entertain and inform visitors. Free. 10am-4pm. Hyde Academy.
Unique
Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall Hike 1 day, May 8
Ages 7+ The Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall is a breathtaking 10-km hike that combines the part of wild and restored Great Wall. This hike requires a good physical condition, because it is not an easy hike, but you will be rewarded with fantastic scenery. RMB 600 (RMB 540 for kids 7-17, RMB 480 for membership, RMB 300 for kids younger than 7). 9am-7pm. Meet at Lama Temple.
Raindance China Virtual Reality Film Festival, May 8 to May 25
All ages. Raindance is supported by the British Film Association and has an authoritative review process and a rigorous accreditation system. This festival focuses on virtual reality, allowing you to experience the artistic possibilities of this new technology. For more information click here. RMB 80 to RMB 199. 10am-6pm. Ceramics Three Street Art Factory (789 Art District).
Musical: Annie Jr., May 12
All ages. 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 12 at the HIS gymnasium. Visit www.hopeintlschool.org to reserve a seat. RMB 40, RMB 50, 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).
Improv for the Family, May 13
All ages. At Minds at Play, first, the cast will entertain the audience with a live comedy show, and then the actors will teach you cool theater games to play anywhere. Reserve tickets here. RMB 40 (kids) to RMB 80 (adults). 10.30am-noon. Tech Temple 科技寺.
Mother’s Day Sunday Brunch, May 14
Ages 6+ Join the Hilton Beijing for a stylish personalized craft DIY kit for mom, then indulge in a sweet and savoury selection of international cuisine and sumptuous seafood like fresh oysters and salmon, and other delightful treats made by their patissier. Children will also have a fun and exciting time at the fully equipped Kids’ Center whilst you relax and enjoy yourselves. RMB 388 per person (ages 6-12 half price). 11.30am-3pm. Hilton Beijing Capital Airport.
Mother’s Day Brunch at Greenfish, May 14
Ages 6+ Greenfish will present the finest ingredients in sumptuous dishes tailor-made for this important day. Especially, the creative chef team will display their signature dishes at the buffet station. Whether guests are celebrating this special day with their mothers, mothers-in-law or wives, a merry family gathering will perfectly express their sincerest appreciation. Contact 010 6629 6990 for more information. RMB 598 (adults) RMB 298 (ages 6 to 12). 11am-2.30pm. The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street.
Best of Next Week
Raindance China Virtual Reality Film Festival, May 15 to May 25
All ages. Raindance is supported by the British Film Association and has an authoritative review process and a rigorous accreditation system. This festival focuses on virtual reality, allowing you to experience the artistic possibilities of this new technology. For more information click here. RMB 80 to RMB 199. 10am-6pm. Ceramics Three Street Art Factory (789 Art District).
INN Shunyi Coffee Morning at BSB, Shunyi, May 18
Adults. The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi is hosting the International Newcomers Network (INN) Shunyi coffee morning at Chatterbox Cafe this month. This is a great opportunity to meet other newcomers and old-timers in the Shunyi area. Free. 10am-noon. British School of Beijing, Shunyi.
House of Knowledge Community Yard Sale, May 20
All ages. All ages. The HoK Yard is back and will be hosting a yard sale. Tables are free (events@hokschools.com). Everyone is welcome to sell or stop by to check out the books at the roundabout book-nook and eat cake guilt free, as all cake money goes to the migrant children’s. Free. All day. House of Knowledge. (events@hokschools.com, +86 (10) 6431 8452).
First Mini Urban Retreat by Mothers Retreat Beijing, May 20
Adults. Mothers Retreat Beijing is on a mission to create a time and space for hardworking mothers to come together and support one another in a relaxing and inspiring retreat setting. The group will be hosting its first ever Mini Urban Retreat, which will consist of yoga with Hannah Northcott, and a seminar by life coach Carnisa Berry, nourishing meals, and new friendships. Register by emailing mothersretreatbeijing@gmail.com. RMB 2,500 per person. All day. Beijing Four Seasons Hotel.
Unity Day with Ivy Education Group, May 20
All ages. Ivy Education Group will be hosting a Unity Day, an afternoon/evening of delicious food, exciting games, music & entertainment, wonderful stalls with organic produce and items for sale. The event is open to the public, and will hosted on the Daystar Academy’s brand new, state of the art sports field while giving back to the community at the same time. Free. 3pm-8pm. Daystar Academy. (jaw@daystarchina.cn, 8446-4193 x 875).
ISB Spring Fair, May 21
All ages. The International School of Beijing (ISB) will hold their annual spring fair. The day promises to be packed with fun games and activities for the whole family. There will also be a food bazaar, excellent shopping opportunities, and a raffle with great prizes to bring home. The ISB Fair is the biggest event in the school calendar, attracting over 5,000 people to their campus each year. Free. 10am-4pm. International School of Beijing (ISB).