Beijing has gone into Easter Overdrive, and while we love a chocolate egg as much as the next person, we figure you might want to know what else is going on in our fair city… so here are the upcoming non-Easter-related family-friendly events.
As always, click the link in the event title or scan the QR codes for further details and ticketing info.
Wednesday, Mar 31
Women’s Month – Jindafit with Alessia
This Wednesday marks the final event in the Women’s Month Fitness for a Cause month, which has been combining fun group fitness classes for women with the noble goal of raising funds for Educating Rural Girls of China. Join local supermom Alessia (who as well as being a Jindafit instructor is a certified doula, Montessori educator, entrepreneur, Dancing for Birth instructor, and all-around ray of sunshine) for a fun and energetic Jindafit dance class.
10.30-11.30am. Warrior One. RMB 99
Friday, Apr 2
The name says it all: every Friday, Warrior One in Shunyi hosts a fantastic Mommy & Me dance class. Suitable for mommies with infants and toddlers, or women at varying stages of pregnancy, it’s a fun way to get active and meet some other mommies (or mommies to be) in the community.
10.30-11.30am. Warrior One. RMB 1980 for 10 classes.
Saturday, Apr 3
Spring is here and it’s such a great time to get outside (when those dreaded sand storms aren’t blowing in, at least). This weekend, Tiantian Natural Agricultural Society farm out in Fangshan district is hosting a very special Spring Fair, featuring wares by a huge range of local vendors. Find everything from hand-knitted clothes, handmade cutlery, large-format photographs, recycled vintage duds, sustainable camping supplies, plus a big range of delicious food and drink. For the kids, there will be a fun frisbee game, balance car competition, and of course plenty of grass to run around on. Scan the QR code for more info (select “translate language option from the top if you need, as it is all in Chinese.)
11am-7pm. Tiantian Natural Agricultural Society, Fangshan District. Adults RMB 180, children free.
Qingtuan Making and Tea Tasting
Easter might be dominating the events calendar, but this weekend is of course the time of another great festival: Qing Ming, or Tomb-sweep Day which is the traditional day to honor our ancestors. It’s also associated with eating delicious Qingtuan dumplings, balls of sticky rice dyed green with seasonal herbs to represent the color and fragrance of spring. This Saturday The Hutong is hosting a Qingtuan making and tea-tasting workshop, so you and your family can learn all about these delicious treats and how to make them at home.
2pm. The Hutong. RMB 260, RMB 180 for children under 13
East & West Spring Traditions Party
Celebrate the arrival of Spring with your family this Saturday at Black Sesame Kitchen in their gorgeous enclosed courtyard. Be prepared for a day of mixing eastern and western activities: with plenty of crafts, delicious food, and baking to keep everybody happy. Think kite-making, baklava, and yes even a couple of Easter eggs.
11am-2pm. Black Sesame Kitchen. RMB 298 for 1 child and 1 adult.
Monday, Apr 5
Children’s stage play “The Wizard of Oz” – CN Event
Next Monday afternoon, the beloved children’s classic story “The Wizard of Oz” will be performed live in Dongcheng District, so you and your kids can relieve Dorothy’s magical journey through Oz. This play will be performed in Chinese, so if your children are studying Mandarin and already familiar with the storyline it’s a great opportunity for them to immerse themselves in the language.
Beijing Candy Fish and Theater 79 Heping West Street, Dongcheng District. From RMB 82.
Coming up…
Pencil these into your calendars, as the Spring events season swings into gear! We’ll share more details as the events draw closer.
Next Saturday, April 10 The Hutong will be hosting a cultural exchange, but not one from China. Instead, participants will take part in an Africa Ankara Fabric Choker Set Making Workshop learning the traditions behind, and how to make one of these beautiful pieces of jewelry. Click to register now.
And on the same day, something completely different: a Kids Etiquette Class. If you feel like your kids are running rings around you, perhaps it’s time to let the pros show them how to brush up their manners!
KEEP READING: Spring Showers Bring Sun and More Kids’ Camps
Images: courtesy of the event organizers, douguo.com
