As I was scrolling around Instagram, I came across a video of the coolest family rave, where kids and parents alike looked like they were having the most wonderful time rocking out outdoors with the PG music of a DJ on stage exactly like you would expect to see at any music festival. It looked amazing, and I couldn’t help but forward it to friends to share. Then, it was as if someone read my mind! I came across Hand in Hand‘s poster for their upcoming event right here in Beijing: a kid-friendly family rave in Shijingshan Amusement Park!
This trend has been emerging in the entertainment scene and combines the energetic atmosphere of a rave with a family-friendly environment offering a unique experience for all ages. Beijing families will get to party with their kids later this weekend at the upcoming family rave. We had a chat with Rebecca Kanthor, co-owner of Hand in Hand, the company behind this exciting event, about what makes a family rave the ultimate experience for music lovers and how the rave brings families together in a novel and vibrant way.
First of all, what is a family rave?
It’s basically a giant outdoor dance party! Everything about the rave has been designed with kids and families in mind. The DJs have curated dance music sets that are suitable for all ages, our dance crew leads the crowd in moves that are easy to follow, the sound levels are adjusted for kids’ ears, and there are special areas for stroller parking and nursing moms.
This isn’t the first time you’re hosting this in Beijing. Tell us a bit about Hand in Hand.
My husband, Liu Jian, is a musician, and after we became parents, we wanted to share our love of live music with our kids. When we realized there weren’t any cool live music festivals in China designed with families in mind, we decided to create one ourselves. We founded Hand in Hand in 2017 and began inviting award-winning live acts making all genres of music for kids and families from around the world. We called it Hand in Hand because we wanted our festival to be something parents and kids could enjoy together as a family, and also we wanted to create a bridge between China and the world through music.
Before the pandemic, we were organizing several tours a year and had brought rock and punk bands from the US, the Netherlands, and Spain to tour 23 cities, including Beijing (we held our festival here in 2018 and 2020). During Covid, it became difficult to bring the bands into China, so we thought why not make a family rave with international DJs, MCs, and dancers based in China? It turned out to be so much fun.
How many people are expected to attend the upcoming event in Beijing?
Hand in Hand will run four shows at Shijingshan Amusement Park – each with 2,000-3,000 people.
How will people stay warm outdoors in the winter?
You’ll definitely want to bundle up, but trust me, the music is so good and the dancing so fun, you’ll warm up fast!
When we hear “rave” safety concern pops to mind. Will alcohol be served at the event? What safety precautions are there?
Haha! This is not that type of rave! This is an all-ages event, and no alcohol will be served. We take safety very seriously and have a security crew and risk assessment plan to ensure the safety of all participants. There’s a first aid station on hand for any emergencies. All kids must be accompanied by a grownup and parents/guardians/carers remain fully responsible for children at all times.
The event is said to be for kids (and adults) of all ages. Can we really bring toddlers and babies to the rave?
YES!! Hand in Hand events are meant for all ages, so kids and grownups can hit the dance floor to rave together! At Hand in Hand we’ve seen grannies dancing, moms with babies in their carriers, and, of course, little kids up on their dad’s shoulders bopping away. Every aspect of Hand in Hand has been designed with families in mind, using our own parenting experiences as a guide. Our kids (now aged 9 and 12) have been part of every Hand in Hand festival since the beginning, and we take their feedback very seriously.
Our sound levels are adjusted with young kids in mind (no louder than 80-90 decibels), and we make sure to have diaper changing stations, stroller parking, and quieter areas for nursing moms or families who need a little breather.
What’s the best way to get to Shijingshan Amusement Park?
You can take a car or subway. The nearest metro stop is on Line 1: Bajiao Youleyuan, Exit A.
Who are some headliners for the event?
Our lineup is truly international – our DJs, MCs, and dancers hail from US, China, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Italy, Mexico, and Ghana. There will be several acts – The American Rockers, The Italian, and even a remix of Beijing opera. You and your kids will not just have fun trying out new dance moves – while you’re at it, you’ll also learn a little bit of American, Italian, and Chinese culture and language.
What a way to wrap up 2024! Tickets to Hand in Hand’s Family Rave Carnival is RMB 180 per person. It’s the same price for all kids and adults. You can learn more about Hand in Hand by scanning the QR code in their event poster or purchase your tickets directly from one of these platforms below.
Images: Hand in Hand
