Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids!
Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page.
Fun for Everyone
The Beijing Pizza Festival, Oct 13-14
It’s the sweet scent of dough and cheese rolling through the capital to new and exciting places, namely Zhongguancun’s sprawling Software Park in Haidian, which will play host to the 2018 Beijing Pizza Festival. We’ve finally found the perfect spot for this year’s fest, breaking new ground at that west Beijing location as we take it to the capital’s student and tech hub. Themed after Roman Holiday, the iconic 1953 romantic comedy starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn, this year’s event is an homage to the capital of Italy and the iconic dish that the country birthed – pizza. All ages. RMB 20 (presale), RMB 30 (on the door). 11am-8pm. Zhongguancun Software Park.
12th beijingkids Halloween Costume Party: Head to Outer Space, Oct 27-28
Head to outer space with JingKids and beijingkids this Halloween! Dress as your favorite astronaut or space alien and join us for an out-of-this-world adventure! This party is designed for children 9 and under (Pre-K through Grade 4). Older children are welcomed to attend but be advised they may be with much younger children. Children and parents. Entrance tickets TBA. 9.30am-4pm. Canadian International School of Beijing.
CISB StageCats Present Sweeney Todd (School Edition), Oct 25-27
CISB StageCats are back with their darkest and most mature musical to date: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. From legendary Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd is a dark comedy that tells the thrilling story of a madman barber returning to his home in London after years of imprisonment. Please note that this show is rated PG-13 for mature content. The organizers recommend audience members under 13 attend with a parent. Ages 13+. RMB 50 (adults), RMB 30 (students). 7pm (doors open at 6.30pm). Canadian International School of Beijing. (www.cisbtheatre.com)
Community
Roundabout 10th Anniversary Charity Gala Ball, Oct 19
The focus of Roundabout’s 10th anniversary Charity Gala Ball will be to raise money for all the children they support. Gala sponsor ifeng.com will broadcast the event live on their website and on Phoenix TV. There will be an amazing raffle, silent and live auctions, and entertainment from our international community. Adults. RMB 1,100. 6pm. Hyatt Regency Wangjing. (theroundaboutball@outlook.com)
SwedCham 20 Years – The Great Gatsby Anniversary Gala, Oct 20
SwedCham China invites everyone to this special occasion at the Wanda Vista Hotel in Beijing. A grand evening awaits, filled with the 1920s glamour of The Great Gatsby, prestigious entertainment, an exquisite Swedish menu, and the stars that have followed the Chamber through the years. SwedCham hopes that you will join them to celebrate their 20 years in business! Adults. RMB 1,100 (member), RMB 1,500 (non-member). Dress code is 1920’s Black Tie 6.30pm-late. Wanda Vista.
British Ball 2018: The Knight’s Tale, Oct 20
This year’s British Ball theme is “The Knight’s Tale”, the first tale from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, written in the 14th century. Attendees are highly encouraged to dress in this fashion during the event. Founded in 1998, The British Ball is an annual fundraiser dinner aiming to raise money for worthy causes in the spirit of fun, while celebrating Britishness in Beijing. Adults. RMB 1,550. Dress code: Black tie and ball gown. Visit this page for more details. 6.30pm. Kerry Hotel.
WAB Gala 2018: Shanghai Swing, Oct 27
Travel back in time to 1920s Shanghai, where glitz, glamor, and swanky jazz create a swingin’ scene. Western Academy of Beijing’s gala takes place at the Beijing Four Seasons Hotel, with live and silent auctions, entertainment, fine dining, dancing, and more. Funds raised from the gala will support the NewBlu, a refurbishment project of the school’s beloved Blu Theater. All ages. RMB 1,200 (individual tickets), RMB 11,000 (table for 10 guests). 6pm. Beijing Four Seasons Hotel.
Fairs and Bazaars
Rumble in the Jumble: Happy Endings, Oct 13
Rumble in the Jumble’s October offering is a “Happy Ending” as they say farewell to Rumble’s founder, Helen Bentley. The celebration comes with a party that features vendors from different countries. All ages. Free admission. See this page for details about getting vendor stalls. Noon-6pm. Modernista. (WeChat ID: RumbleBJ, rumble.jumble.bj@gmail.com)
Roundabout Book Fair at Dulwich College Beijing, Oct 13-16
Join Roundabout’s book fair at Dulwich College Beijing. Buy from thousands of donated books and help make a difference to the lives of children supported by Roundabout. The group also needs volunteer support to make these book fairs happen. Email fhm-wob@t-online.de if you would like to volunteer. All ages. Free admission. 10am-3pm. Dulwich College Beijing. (150 1018 7653, chowlilyzhou@yahoo.com)
Lao Beijing Chinese Culture Fair, Oct 14
Join Cultural Keys and the Chaoyangmen Culture Center for a fair celebrating traditional Chinese culture – it’s like all the traditional parts of a temple fair without the crowds! There will be vendors selling products and services inspired by Chinese culture; delicious snacks; traditional folk-craft vendors; and workshops and talks throughout the day. All ages. Free admission but workshops cost RMB 88. 11am-5pm. Chaoyangmen Culture Center. (186 1035 7991, events@culturalkeys.cn)
Feed Your Mind
3e Tea Talk: Becoming Bilingual & Bi-Literate, Oct 10
3e International School’s Tea Talk for October provides parents with a deeper understanding of what it really means for children to become “bilingual and biliterate.” With guided support from parents and school, and effective activities to promote language acquisition, children can reach their full potential towards bilingual and biliterate language fluency. The talk is presented by Gary Bradshaw, Head of School of 3e International School. Adults. Free. 9-10.30am. 3e International School.
Labor Coaching Workshop at Oasis International Hospital, Oct 14
Labor coaching will help you get in tune with your own body and your baby, preparing body and mind for the birth delivery day. At this workshop, participants will explore and practice breathing techniques, basic hypnobirthing, optimal positions, light body exercises focused on hip opening and lower back, meditation and visualization, and natural pain management. Adults. RMB 150. 9am-1pm. OASIS International Hospital.
Free Business Workshop for Student Entrepreneurs, Oct 19
The Queensland University of Technology and BCIS student-led business group Avenir will host a business workshop on October 19 at Beijing City International School (BCIS). The workshop will cover various topics including real-life case studies and problem-solving; building the perfect business plan; looking at finances; and how to pitch a professional solution (including presentation skills). Student entrepreneurs, teachers. Free. 10am-4pm. BCIS Secondary School Library. (ellie.flesher@bcis.cn)
INN’s Volunteering Solutions for Beijing, Oct 29
Join the International Newcomer’s Network (INN) this month as their topic is all about volunteering solutions. They will have several local charity organizations and groups on hand this morning giving a brief introduction of their respective organization and what type of volunteers are needed to help them out. Hopefully, you will find one or even several that are of interest to you to participate in. Adults. RMB 60. 10am-noon. Capital Mansion Athletic Club. (WeChat ID: INNBeijing1994, Juli Bradley: 138 1170 5071, INNBeijing16@outlook.com)
10th China RIE Foundations: Theory and Observation, Oct 29-Nov 2 and Nov 5-7
This rich curriculum is beneficial for both parents and professionals who live or work with infants and toddlers. It is presented in a friendly, informal atmosphere where participants will be encouraged to ask questions and receive guidance. Adults. Contact 159 0125 0981 for more info about the lectures and prices. Green Garden Nursery Beijing.
Camps and Workshops
The SLab’s 3-Day Movie-Making October Holiday Camp, Oct 3-5
The SLab is offering a unique 3-day movie camp, where students will get to discover and recreate the quiescent art of silent film-making. Students will learn to tell a story through actions and composition with little to no use of words. With the guidance of a film professional, they will get to work on writing their own story and script, acting, and filming it themselves. All ages. RMB 1,888 (lunch included). 10am-4pm. See more details here. RSVP: j.pohland@hotmail.com. The SLab. (156 0120 1550)
Little Film Makers, Oct 13
Pingo Space presents a new course for kids aged 7-13. The Little Film Maker course contains hands-on filmmaking and editing projects. Kids will have the chance to design audio, write a script, shoot footage, use editing software and much more! With a focus on film theory and education, this course helps kids learn not only how to create a film, but also pursue a career in the industry. Ages 7-13. RMB 5,980. 10am-noon. Pingo Space.
Improv Movement Workshop, Oct 23
The International School of Beijing in partnership with Shunyifornia, a brand new performing arts center in Shunyi, will host a free hour-long improvisation movement workshop and a contemporary dance performance by award-winning Filipino choreographer, dancer, and theater artist, PJ Rebullida. Explore movement, space, and shape through a fun, interactive and dynamic workshop. Adults. Free. 6.30-8.30pm. Shunyifornia 23 Yu Hua Shunyi (186 1083 0067, hnorthcott@isb.bj.edu.cn)
School Open Days
BIBA Early Childhood Center and Elementary School Open Day, Oct 20
Join Beijing International Bilingual Academy’s (BIBA) Elementary School and Early Childhood Center open day. Take a look at the campus and meet BIBA teachers, principals, parents, and students. Learn all about the school’s international and bilingual education and how exactly they create students in becoming internationally minded bilingual ambassadors. All ages. Free admission but RSVP required. 8.30am-noon. Beijing International Bilingual Academy. (maxiaowei@bibachina.org)
YCIS Beijing Open Day, Oct 23
Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) Co-Principals will introduce the school’s co-leadership and co-teaching model, and parents will learn about the benefits of its bilingual program and teaching methods designed to prepare students for the changes and challenges of their generation. All ages. Free. 9-11am. Yew Chung International School of Beijing. (8585 1836, enquiry@bj.ycef.com)
WAB Open House for Early Years & Kindergarten, Oct 30
Western Academy of Beijing’s (WAB’s) Open House Series is for parents interested in exploring their educational programs and community. Parents will have the chance to meet teachers and administrators, enter classrooms, ask questions, and learn more about their International Baccalaureate PYP program. All ages. Free. 8.30am-noon. Western Academy of Beijing. (WeChat ID: WAB_Chat, 5986 5588, wabinfo@wab.edu)
Harrow Beijing (City Campus) Open Morning, Oct 31
Come and experience Harrow Beijing in action! The school has announced the date of an information morning at their brand-new City Campus. Prospective Early Years parents will have an opportunity to tour the school’s facilities, meet world-class educators, and learn about the Harrow pedagogy. Places are limited so please be sure to reserve a space as soon as possible. All ages. Free admission but RSVP required. 8.30-11.30am. Harrow Beijing City Campus (6444 8100, cityadmissions@harrowbeijing.cn)
Upcoming Events in November
Honk Jr. Musical at ISB, Nov 8-10
Honk Jr. is an award-winning, family-friendly musical based on the classic story of the Ugly Duckling, celebrating what makes each one unique and truly special. Produced and directed by Hannah Northcott and choreographed by PJ Rebullida. Presented by special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI). All ages. Free admission but RSVP required. Show dates: Nov 8 (4 PM), Nov 9 (6:30 PM), Nov 10 (2:00 PM). International School of Beijing. (Hannah Northcott: 186 1083 0067, hnorthcott@isb.bj.edu.cn)
TNT Britain Macbeth Theatre Performance, Nov 18
One of the most psychologically sophisticated of Shakespeare’s plays, Macbeth weaves a tale of ambition and conscience, following the career of Macbeth, the hero who became a cruel tyrant. It has been presented by the British TNT Troupe across 31 countries. A must-see for drama lovers, this is also a lively tutorial for English learners. All ages. RMB 280 per person but discounted tickets are on sale. 7-10pm. TheArt Drama Centre, Shunyi. (WeChat ID: Rita-8090w, 188 1312 5882, 1692391223@qq.com)
ISB Middle & High School Open House, Nov 29
The International School of Beijing (ISB) invites prospective parents and students of middle school (Grades 6-8) and high school (Grades 9-12) to learn about their curriculum, meet Head of School Patrick Hurworth, learn more about their high school and college guidance programs, and hear first-hand accounts from their student panel. An in-depth presentation from their middle school principal will follow the high school program. Families will also have the opportunity to tour the campus following each divisional discussion. All ages. Free admission but RSVP required. 8.45am-noon. International School of Beijing. (8149 2345 ext. 1047, admission@isb.bj.edu.cn)
Photos: Uni You, The Beijinger; courtesy of event organizers