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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.
Atelier May Holiday Screen Printing Workshop, May 2-3
Atelier’s May holiday workshop is a great opportunity for students to learn how to make portraits the way Andy Warhol did and learn screen printing techniques. At the completion of the project, students can go home with their beautiful prints. This workshop will be conducted in English. Ages 8+. RMB 1,500. Visit this page for more information. 10am-3pm. Atelier Sanlitun Campus.
Hat-Making Morning Tea Workshop, May 3
China’s only classically-trained milliner, Elisabeth Koch is conducting a hat-making workshop over morning tea. Come on over to her studio in Sanlitun and bring your children to make a fashionable hat, perfect for a springtime jaunt. All ages. RMB 500 (includes materials, Twinnings English breakfast tea, tuition, and hat box). 9.30am-12.30pm. Elisabeth Koch Millinery Sanlitun Studio. Jinxiuyuan D-102, Xingfucun Zhonglu. (WeChat ID: amazinghats)
Farm2Neighbors: Back to the Hutong, May 3-4
After almost four years of waiting, the Farm2Neighbors (F2N) Market returns to the hutongs! Their comeback is in partnership with BigSmall Coffee. Join the market and a big courtyard party at BigSmall Cafe’s Beiluo Shop on May 3-4. Adults. Free. 11am-6pm. Big Small Cafe Beiluo Shop.
Spittoon Presents: Andrew Killeen’s The Father of Locks Book Talk (May 2) and “So You Want to Write a Novel?” Writing Workshop, May 4
Novelist and beijingkids contributor Andrew Killeen returns to Beijing this Labor Day holiday (May 2) to speak about his acclaimed masterpiece, The Father of Locks, a picaresque novel that transport readers back to the poetry, politics, and underworld debauchery of ancient Baghdad. He will follow up his talk with a workshop on May 4 where he’ll help budding novelists work through the nuts and bolts of long fiction writing. Adults. For the May 2 book talk: free, starts 8pm. For May 4 workshop: RMB 200, 2-4.30pm. See this post for more information. Camera Stylo.
Hutong Races: Beat the Drum, May 4
It’s time for the Hutong Races! Start from Shichaihai Station with your phone charged. Your team must race to find answers and complete challenges in seven hutongs around the Drum and Bell Tower. Every second counts! Hutong Races welcome for newcomers and even Beijingers who want to explore longer and further than they’ve ever done before There are great prizes, freebies, and rewards for at every level of the game. Ages 8+. RMB 50, free for students and children. 2-5pm. Meeting point at Exit A of Shichahai subway Line 8 station. More information and registration: www.hutongraces.com.
Reading Between the Wines Presents: Book the Author, May 4
Reading Between the Wines hosts Book the Author at Blue Marlin on May 4, to give foreign authors in Beijing a chance to showcase their work and meet new readers. Authors have a chance to share their stories and readers have a chance to pick up a new favorite book. Adults. RMB 50. Sign up here. 6-9pm. Blue Marlin.
Four Seasons and One Vivaldi Puppet Show, May 4/5 and 11/12
Introduce your little one to the world of classical music with this fun puppet show. Little Vivaldi is fascinated by the story his father tells him about young Petrolino the shepherd, interwoven with details about the four seasons. This award-winning English language play is suitable for children 3-8 years of age. Ages 3-8. RMB 80-220 (buy tickets here). 10.30am-3.30pm. Qinglan Theatre. (400 610 3721)
Spring in the City at BCIS, May 5
It is that special time once again where Beijing City International School (BCIS) invites everyone to their annual Spring in the City fair on May 5 at the BCIS Main Campus. As part of recent tradition, this year’s theme of “The Future” was selected with the assistance of Grade 2 students and teachers. There will be a raffle draw and live entertainment on stage and a creative design showroom from students, and a food bazaar featuring delicious dishes from all over the world. A range of vendors will sell artisanal products and hold games for both children and adults too. More info here. All ages. Free. 10am-2pm. BCIS. (8771 7171, bcis.communications@bcis.cn)
YCIS Beijing May Open Day: Early Childhood Education, May 9
Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) is holding an open school day in May. Visit their downtown campus, located by the beautiful Honglingjin Park, on May 9 for their Primary and Secondary Open Day to learn more about the exciting learning taking place every day in their Learning Communities. All ages. Free. 9-11am. YCIS Beijing. (8585 1859, info@bj.ycef.com)
Save Your Sanity: How to Find Peace as a Teacher or Parent, May 11
Are you a frustrated new teacher? Or are you a new parent wanting to learn new parenting techniques? Or a veteran educator not understanding today’s students? Join Deborah Jones, a veteran teacher with over 30 years’ experience, in this positive discipline workshop aimed at helping you learn and practice positive behavior techniques to become a stress-free teacher or parent. Adults. RMB 70 (includes a drink). Book a seat here. 3.30pm. The Bookworm.
DCB Founder’s Day 2019 Celebrating 400 Years of Dulwich, May 11
Founder’s Day is the biggest annual event at Dulwich College Beijing (DCB). This year, DCB will be highlighting the 400th anniversary of their founding school in London, Dulwich College. The day will feature family-friendly activities, live music entertainment involving hundreds of students, and the famous International Food Festival with stalls run by DCB parents. All ages. Free. 3-9pm. Dulwich College Beijing. (6454 9033, harmony.liaumueller@dulwich-beijing.cn)
YCIS Beijing Global Community Day, May 11
YCIS Beijing invites everyone to their annual Global Community Day (GCD), a school fair celebrating global citizenship and cultural diversity. Lots of fun activities, beautiful performances, great food, and artistic demonstrations will be on offer, as well as a new ‘wellness’ component for visitors to explore. This event is open to the public and admission is free. All ages. Free. 11am-3pm. YCIS Beijing.
Deepen Your Relationships: Workshops for Couples and Families, May 11
Professional coaches Virginie Mangin and Eike Westerholt lead this workshop on dealing with challenges in relationships. Participants will be able to explore the concrete tools for effective communication, conflict resolution, and addressing needs in a non-assertive way. Adults. RMB 350 per session. 10am-12.30pm. The Bookworm. (eike@eikewesterholt.com, info@beyondcoaching.me)
Mission to Mars: The American Ball 2019, May 11
The American Ball this year is out of this world! This space-themed event features AmCham China’s famous silent and live auction, dinner at the Tatooine Cantina, and an out-of-this-world dance floor. Proceeds from the ball benefit the charity Educating Girls of Rural China. Adults. RMB 1,550. From 5.30pm. China World Summit Wing Hotel.
Art Workshop at Song Art Museum, May 11-25
Atelier will present English-language art workshops accompanying the exhibition of Louise Bourgeois at the Song Art Museum, surrounded by the ancient dancing pine trees. It is a full-day art workshop designed for students aged 8 and above. The class will focus on the theme of sewing in Louise Bourgeois’ corpus. The Eternal Thread, which is the theme of the exhibition, will be taken as a metaphor for the students to develop their own story thread, from the ideas suggested by the artworks. The teacher will show six artworks, of various scale and materials but all revolving around this theme. Ages 8+. RMB 675 (Atelier students), RMB 750 (regular price). 10am-3pm. Song Art Museum. (6416 1614, www.atelier.cn.com)
Making Memories at Chapter This Mothers’ Day, May 12
Our moms deserve to be celebrated! Bring the family together and spoil all the mothers in your life this Mothers’ Day at Chapter. Indulge in a variety of delicious starters followed by the huge selection of all her favorites and enjoy free flow wine, beer, and soft drinks. Each mom will receive a special cocktail and a lovely dessert to take home. All ages. RMB 328 per person. Noon-2.30pm. Chapter.
BSB Shunyi Early Years Open Day, May 13
The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi) invites prospective parents to see the school in action and how they provide their students with an environment that enables them to thrive and progress and to be happy in their first school experience following the English National Curriculum. Talk to teachers and visit the school’s Early Years area and other facilities. Note that this event is open to prospective parents only, so only foreign passport holders, please. All ages. Free. 9-11am. BSB, Shunyi. (8047 3558, admissions@bsbshunyi.com)
Sakura-Themed Delicacies at Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong, until May 15
Enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms and special spring- and sakura-themed delicacies at Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong on the Second Ring Road. Chang Fu Gong chefs create these themed meal sets using sakura and other seasonal fruits and vegetables. They have also prepared special seats with the best sakura view in Beijing. All ages. 10am-10pm. Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong. Contact hotel for pricing at 176 1093 8982 / 5877 5530, 5877 5531 or xucaibei@cfgbj.com.
The Forbidden City Tour, May 17 and 30
Beijing’s premier tour operator, Bespoke Travel Company, is organizing a trip to the Forbidden City on May 17 and 30. It’s no surprise Beijing’s most fascinating sight, has inspired an Oscar-winning movie and countless Chinese soap operas: there’s enough murder, betrayal, and intrigue woven into its 500-year story to fuel hundreds more. With its rich cast of characters – concubines, court officials, eunuchs, the Emperor – and wildly changing fortunes (to say nothing of its stunning architecture and symbolism), this is one Beijing bucket list sight you need a professional to help you appreciate. Ages 12+. RMB 385 (including entrance ticket and tour guide). 2-5pm. Participants should bring their passport to enter the Forbidden City. Meeting point at TRB Hutong, Forbidden City East Gate
Montessori Nights: “Montessori Elementary Curriculum in a Nutshell” Workshop, May 17 and 31
Blossom Montessori is conducting four late afternoon workshops to introduce their elementary Montessori program to prospective parents and families. The following topics will be discussed in the workshops: a day in an elementary Montessori class; movements and learning; an overview of their Mathematics curriculum; and another overview of their Language curriculum. Adults. Free but reservation required. 5.30-7pm. Blossom Montessori. (135 8188 7792, admissions@blossom-edu.com)
BIBA Family Fair 2019, May 18
Bring the family along for a day of lively entertainment to Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) on May 18, when they celebrate their annual Family Fair for the community. The fair includes pony rides, water activities, sports, a fashion world, and music, plus a food court along with many more entertaining features. This is a day for the whole community to enjoy. All ages. Free admission, but there will be a charge to buy vouchers to join games and activities. 9.30am-1.30pm. BIBA.
Ivy Education Group’s Unity Day 2019, May 18
Ivy Education Group proudly brings a spectacular afternoon sure to entertain, energize, and inspire the Beijing community. At their Unity Day, there will be everything including a raffle corner, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, STEM, sport activities, carnival games, face painting, and more! Non-stop entertainment on stage such as Daystar’s Got Talent, an acrobat show, and three live bands including Beijing’s award-winning favorite “The Hunters” will keep your feet tapping. Then there’s mouthwatering food to satisfy all cravings. All ages. Free admissions and activities. 3-8pm. Daystar Academy Beigao Campus. (jaw@daystarchina.cn)
The Beijing Flea Market Spring Edition, May 18
Beijing’s one-stop shop, the Beijing Flea Market, is back this springtime on May 18 at noon-6pm at Tech Temple Sanlitun. Shop around and find great deals from more than 40 vendors with the best local, independent design and crafts from both established and emerging makers in Beijing. All ages. Free. Noon-6pm. Tech Temple Sanlitun.
Mad Dogs China Fundraiser, May 18
Join Mad Dogs China for their annual fundraiser in support of Shepherds Field Children’s Village. Your ticket gets you into a concert with more than 10 bands, tons of kids activities, Bitburger and Chimay beer, plus a chili cook-off, and there are fabulous raffle prizes to be won. All ages. By donation. From 1pm. Beijing Riviera.
“Run to the Beat” Musical Marathon in the Ming Tombs Scenic Area, May 19
Run to the Beat Musical Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K will take place in the Ming Tombs Reservoir Scenic Area in Changping District on May 19, 2019. Live bands and DJs will be playing on course to cheer for the runners. The music party continues at the center stage after crossing the finish line. Ages 16+. RMB 248 (half marathon), RMB 178 (5k), RMB 218 (10k). Register here. Starts 8am. Ming Tombs.
Rumble in the Jumble – Buddha’s Birthday, May 19
This month’s edition of the expat-favorite bazaar Rumble in the Jumble will be transcendental as they mark the birthday of Buddha on May 19 at Modernista. Come join the Rumble team and an array of vendors with products, services, and food items that will lead you into pleasure and harmony! All ages. Free admission. Noon-6pm. Modernista, Baochao Hutong.
The Children’s House Art Exhibition, May 25
The Children’s House students will showcase their expression, interpretation, and development as individuals and artists at the school’s very first art exhibition. In addition to the kids’ masterpieces, an interactive artwork inspired by Japanese artist Kusama Yayoi will be displayed, inviting children and parents to create a collaborative piece of art that will be auctioned for charity. All ages. Free. 9-11.30am. The Children’s House Oceanwide Campus. (RSVP: 8556 4611, info-oceanwide@montessoribeijing.com)
Grace in Form: The Shoulder Girdle, May 26
This all-level workshop will give you the tools to protect your neck and shoulders. Relieve tension, and enjoy greater mobility, strength, and health in your shoulders and neck by focusing on the weight-carrying poses chaturanga, side plank, and inversions. Adults. RMB 400-450. Visit this page for more info or to register. 2-5pm. Yoga Yard.
Piyesta Kultura 2019: The Kusina ni Kabayan Philippine Culture Festival, Jun 1
Celebrate the bright colors of Philippine culture… in Beijing! Filipino community group Kusina ni Kabayan, together with Pan Pacific Beijing, invite everyone to Piyesta Kultura 2019, a festival where everything is more fun. Indulge in native and tropical treats, revel in the festivities that include a karaoke sing-off challenge and a beauty pageant, and join the Filipino community in Beijing in celebrating their 121st Independence Day! All ages. RMB 178 (includes 4 hrs of selected free-flow drinks and a food voucher worth RMB 20), 3-8pm. Pan Pacific Beijing, 2 Huayuan St, XiDan, Xicheng Qu. (WeChat ID: Kusina-ni-Kabayan)
“A Night to Remember” Charity Concert, Jun 14
Daystar Academy, the Ivy Schools, and the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing join together for a charity evening cocktail reception… filled with a cappella magic! In their first-ever China tour, Harvard University’s all-female ensemble, the Radcliffe Pitches, and their brother group the Harvard Krokodiloes, are providing a one-night-only evening of entertainment to captivate your heart and imagination. There will also be a silent auction, with proceeds going to Dew Drops Little Flowers and Educating Girls of Rural China. Treat yourself to an unforgettable evening while making a difference in someone’s life. All ages. RMB 688 per ticket. Buy tickets here. Note that children aged 6 and above need a ticket. Ages below 6 can sit on parent’s lap). 6-9pm. Four Seasons Hotel Beijing. (186 0120 6155, jaw@daystarchina.cn)
Broadway Classic Musical: The Wizard of Oz, Jun 16-22
This production of The Wizard of Oz is a spectacular celebration of that classic 1939 MGM film. It’s a new, refreshed, and lavish rendition of the beloved classic. Audiences young and old, seeing it for the first time or the fifth, will be dazzled by the brightly-colored sets, charmed by its timeless score, and enthralled with its breathtaking special effects. It truly is a wonderful show for the whole family. And whether it creates new memories or conjures them up from the past, everyone deserves to experience or relive the wonderful, whimsical, and enduring story, The Wizard of Oz. The language of the event is English with Chinese subtitles. All ages. RMB 100-980. Buy tickets here. Starts 7.30pm. Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center.
Photo: Courtesy of YCIS Beijing (featured image), Andrew Killeen, and event organizers; rawpixels.com via Pexels
