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Free
798 InternationaI Children’s Art Festival, May 29 to May 30
All ages. Already in its fourth consecutive year, the 798 International Children’s Art Festival (ICAF) is back. Whether it’s handmade accessories, design products, toys, activity sets, clothing, artworks, food and drinks, mini workshops, or books, families can celebrate their children in the heart of the bustling 798 arts district this Dragon Boat national holiday. Free. 10am-6pm. 789 Art District. (Wechat: redhattie, phone: 137 1674 4690).
Mad Dogs Fun Raiser, June 3
All ages. Mad Dogs Fun Raiser for Sheperdsfield orphanage is a huge live band event that has been happening for the last 8 years in the Shunyi community with 700+ people attending last year. All funds go to the orphanage. Free to enter (RMB 500 for a table). 1-9pm. Riviera Country Club.
BSB, Shunyi Summer Fayre, Jun 4
All ages. Families can enjoy lunch, and drinks from the many food vendors, have fun with bouncy castles, games and water park activities, and enjoy visiting a variety of fun stalls. With all of this and more, BSB, Shunyi aims to keep everyone in the family happy! The 3 charities that the Fayre will support are Love and Hope, New Hope Foundation, and Roundabout. The Charity Raffle will have many fantastic prizes to be won. Raffle tickets can be purchase at the Fayre and the draw will be held at 3:30pm. Free. Noon-4pm. BSB, Shunyi. (8047 3588).
Unique
Dragon Boat Festival Shadow Puppetry, May 29
All ages. Head to Blue Stream for some old-school shadow puppet art, put on by the King of Shadowplay, Wang Rongdao, with his backing band, folk artist Xue Ting, who incorporates different elements of Chinese and international music into his performances, and guitarist Jing Ran, known for his musical versatility. For more information, click here. RMB 40 (advanced), RMB 78 (with beer). 8.30-10.30pm. Blue Stream.
Opera for Kids: Effendi, May 29 to Jun 1
All ages. The NCPA brings this Islamic legend to life for kids and families. Effendi is the embodiment of wisdom; he’s full of compassion for the poor, scoffs at the greedy, and is cunning. Like Robin Hood, he’s out to right wrongs and stick up for the little guy. For more information, click here. RMB 180-300. Starts at 7.30pm. National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA).
Dragon Boat Festival Feast at the Great Wall, May 29 to May 30
All ages. The Brickyard Retreat Center will be providing zongzi along with other traditional fare. The feast will be served at night and there will be live folk music. View the menu and book online here. RMB 98-188. All day. The Brickyard Inn and Retreat Center at Mutianyu Great Wall.
Broadway Musical: Wicked, May 29 to Jun 11
All ages. An international company of over 70 cast members, crew, and musicians will travel to China, with an additional 20-person local crew members and seven musicians from Shanghai. This show includes 300 award-winning costumes, spectacular scenery, lighting, and projections and a dazzling array of technical wizardry. Tickets are available here. Call at 400 610 3721 (hotline) or 1010 3721 or send E-mail to ponypiao@damai.cn with any questions or concerns. RMB 180-1,280. 7.30-9.30pm. Tianqiao Theatre.
Tiananmen Square Walk and Discussion, May 30
All ages. This walk and discussion will take the group through Beijing’s history from its days as an imperial capital through the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 and down to the present day. The group will visit the Beijing Urban Planning Hall and explore Tiananmen Square. The walk will conclude by taking in two of Beijing’s most beautiful parks, both former imperial spaces that were part of the Forbidden City. RMB 300 (non-members), RMB 260 (Hutong members) includes all guide fees, tips, and admission tickets. 9am-noon. Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall.
Dragon Boat Festival, May 30
All ages. This Chinese festival marks the entry into the heat of summer and the season of epidemics. It takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, late May or early June in the Gregorian calendar. RMB 100. 7-9pm. That’s Mandarin.
Contemporary Dance Class at MsUptown, Jun 1
Adults. Chicago dancer, choreographer, and instructor Carla O’Connor blends several styles including modern dance and hip-hop dance. O’Connor will be teaching a series of classes at Ms. Uptown, giving participants a chance to learn more about modern dance with a highly qualified teacher. See more details here. RMB 150 (non-members). 12.15-2.30pm. MsUptown.
Children’s Day at the Beijing Marriott, June 1
All ages. At this Children’s Day feast, there will be a dinner buffet, special kids menu, DIY kids cooking class, 3D photo environment, and special guest Giant Pollar Bear Mr. Bartee. Reservations can be made by calling Sasha at 133 1113 0538. RMB 398 (adults), RMB 199 (kids). 6-9pm. Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast.
Summer Garden Party at the British Chamber, Jun 1
Ages 9+. The British Chamber Summer Garden party will be a true classic British Garden party with an evening featuring a Barbecue, Pimm’s and summer cocktails on the lawn, British beers, and ciders and live music from The Mac Daddies all in the company of Chamber Members, friends and partners. All you can eat and drink is included in the ticket price. RMB 350 (non-members), RMB 250 (members). Starts 5pm. British Ambassador’s Residence.
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” Author Study, Jun 3
All ages. FU Tapas & Wine and R3 Discovery are launching the first session of “Author Study of the Month,” a series of kids reading events. Both kids and parents are invited. Author study is an excellent way to investigate and celebrate the work of a writer. For this addition, author study will feature a well-known author of children’s books: Eric Carle. RMB 680 (adults), RMB 480 (kids). 10-11.30am. Fu Tapas & Wine.
Alice in Wonderland Kids’ Summer Theatre Camp Audition/Enrollment, Jun 3
Ages 6-14. Beijing Playhouse Academy of Performing Arts announces the open enrollment for their kid’s theater camps: Alice in Wonderland, Snow White, and The Three Musketeers. This is the longest running English theater camp program in China. RMB 9,000. All day. Beijing Playhouse. (www.beijingplayhouse.com, broadway@beijingplayhouse.com).
Best of Next Week
Beijing Runway, Jun 6
Ages 9+. Beijing City International School will be hosting its first Beijing Runway event. Student designers from across the Beijing international school community are invited to share their unique and extraordinary garments and walk the runway in a celebration of fashion, creativity, innovation, and design. RMB 40. 7-9pm. Beijing City International School. (philip.clarke@bcis.cn, 8771 7171).
BSB Secondary Soiree, Jun 7
All ages. British School Beijing, Shunyi (BSB, Shunyi) will be hosting an evening of creative arts, showcasing a delightful mix of art and music presented by their secondary students. Stunning pieces of artwork will be displayed in the foyer. A musical program will include a vast range of music and talent. A drinks and canapes reception will be hosted at 6pm. Free. 6-8.30pm. BSB Shunyi. (brenda.leung@britishschool.org.cn, 8047 3588).
Women in Leadership: Mentor Walks Asia, Jun 9
Adults. Mentor Walks Asia in Beijing will bring together established and emerging women leaders in the community for a morning walk to discuss professional and personal successes, challenges, and aspirations. This event aims to provide women in the workplace a platform to share their experience and help them progress in their careers. Free. 7.45-9am. Ritan Park. (jia.wang@cbbc.org.cn, 8525 1111 ext. 371).
Hyde Boarding School Information Event, Jun 10
Ages 10+. Representatives from top boarding schools, and third parties such as Vericant, will provide parents and students with the information they need to make informed decisions about their boarding school selection and provide insight on a range of topics such as school life abroad, adapting to new environments, application processes, and the types of support available to them. The event is free, but registration is required. For more information or to register call 8046 7085 or email office@hyde-education.com. Free. 10am-3.30pm. Hyde Academy.
Outdoor BBQ Funday, Jun 10
All ages. Enjoy the sunshine at Dulwich College as the Australian and British communities clash in a thrilling 20-20 Cricket Match while grabbing a ‘snag off the barbie’, a delicious snack from a local vendor, or a cold beer or soft drink. There will be supervised activities for kids throughout the day. RSVP by emailing events@austcham.org. RMB 20 (child), RMB 50 (adult), RMB 100 (a family of 3), RMB 110 (a family of four). 11am-4.30pm. Dongfeng International Sports Park.
National Theatre Live at UCCA, Jun 10
Ages 10+ “National Theatre Live” is jointly staged by the National Theatre of China and the Royal National Theater. This month, UCCA will bring back two titles from the screening series—Coriolanus and Hamlet—for a second showing, together with the new screening series, “New Classic,” which includes Man and Superman, The Deep Blue Sea, The Threepenny Opera, and One Man, Two Guvnors. Tickets can be purchased here. Ticket package (includes 2 tickets): RMB 200 per adult, RMB 160 for UCCA members; Single ticket: RMB 120 per adult, RMB 80 for UCCA members. Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA).
The Harvard Krokodiloes 2017 in Beijing, Jun 10
Ages 10+. Ivy Education Group is set to end the school year on a high note by hosting Harvard University’s most prestigious a cappella group “The Krokodiloes”. Tickets can be booked online here. The night is sure to be full of old American hits and more. RMB 80 to RMB 100. Sanlitun CHAO Hotel. (ponypiao@damai.cn, hotline: 400 610 3721, 1010 3721).
OASIS Hospital Summer Family Party, Jun 10
All ages. This free event for kids and families features fun events for kids, including a water fight, a scavenger hunt, a bubble party and other fun summer events. Bring a bathing suit, towels, and a bag for your cellphone, and be prepared to get wet and have fun! For more information or to register click here. Free. 10am-6pm. OASIS International Hospital.
Yunmeng Gorge Swim and Picnic, Jun 11
All ages. Head to Yunmeng Gorge for a hike-and-swim combo. The sandy beaches and pools of water in Yunmeng Gorge make it an ideal place to picnic and swim. The group will walk up the gorge, find a spot to settle their things, and either take a dip in the water or follow guides for a longer hike up into the hills. RMB 380 (non-members), RMB 340 (members). 8am-5.30pm. Beijing Hikers. (info@beijinghikers.com, 6432 2786).
Aidi School Summer Charity Music Concert, Jun 12
All ages. Students at the Aidi School will show off their talents at the Aidi School Summer Charity Concert this month. Proceeds from the sales of tickets will be donated to the Beijing Dandelion School, a school for children of migrant works, who need support for their music education. Register here. RMB 380, RMB 280, and RMB 180. 7pm 9pm. Poly Theatre. (zhaoyini@aidi.edu.cn, 8439 2266-8897).
ReNuMe Mind and Body Transformation Program, Jun 12
Adults. Transform your body and detoxify your mind with the ReNuMe mind and body program exclusively at Ms. Uptown Studio. The program includes: weight loss classes with personal trainer, yoga and meditation sessions, 3 in depth ReNu workshops, candle lit meditation class, and more! RMB 3,000 (early bird), RMB 3,300 (normal price). 7pm-8pm. MsUptown. (WeChat: uptownyoga).
