It seems like everyone is packing up their stuff and leaving Beijing for the holiday. But just in case you are planning on sticking around for Golden Week, here's our guide on what to do in Beijing from October 1-7. From live shows to epic parties to food-and-drink specials, rest assured that there is plenty going on in Beijing during the holiday.

Food & Drink

Oct 1: Über-Jing Oktoberfest Launch Party

To kick off the National Day holiday, Jing-A will be launching their seasonal Über-Jing Oktoberfest Lager at The Big Smoke on Saturday at 3pm. What better way to celebrate a week off of work than with buy-one-get-one deals on liter steins of beer. Don’t worry, there will be food too. The kitchen will be serving up German fare. For RMB80 you’ll be able to stuff your face with pinwheel sausage, fresh-baked pretzels, sauerkraut and roasted potatoes.

Sat Oct 1. 3pm. The Big Smoke, see event listing. 

Oct 1: Celebrate Rosh Hashana with MoxiMoxi

It’s not only the start of Golden Week on Saturday. Rosh Hashana (the Jewish new year) is also happening this weekend. And MoxiMoxi will be celebrating on Saturday with some excellent food.  

Sat Oct 1, 3pm-midnight. MoxiMoxi, see event listing. 

Oct 1-7: Two-For-One Beers at Arrow Factory

Arrow Factory is celebrating the holiday by spoiling its loyal patrons with deals on beer all week long. There will be buy-one-get-one beer specials at both locations starting on Saturday, October 1. 

See listings for Arrow Factory, see event listing. 

Starting Oct 1: Feast Afternoon Tea Set

If you’re looking for a place to relax and do a little indulging during the holiday, Feast is the place. Beginning October 1, they will be serving their afternoon tea set (daily, 3-5pm). Each afternoon tea set serves two and comes with baked goods like mini red velvet cupcakes and mini apple tartlets and a selection of savory goods from egg salad sandwiches to beef bruschetta.

Starting Oct 1. Daily, 3-5pm. RMB188 (per set, serves two). Feast, see event listing. 

Parties

Sep 30: REC room.live - Launch Party

We know the holiday doesn’t technically start until Saturday. But there are tons of parties going on tonight (Friday Sept 30). After a lengthy hiatus, REC is back. The whole place has been redesigned, and it is now complete with a custom DJ booth smack in the middle of the dance floor. For tonight’s launch party there will be four guest artists, ranging from hip-hop to reggae to techno. Each set will last an hour and will be broadcast to the world. There will also be free beer all night long. If you want to go, make sure to RSVP through WeChat (Wechat ID:RECroom) because this party is invite only. 

Fri Sep 30, 9pm. Invite only. REC, see event listing. 

Sep 30: Bow Wow at VICS

You might know him as Lil' Bow Wow but now that he’s all grown up he’s going by Bow Wow. And he’ll be performing tonight at Vics. 

Fri Sep 30, 10pm-4am. RMB100. Vics.

Sep 30: Bye Bye Disco and Rare Voice present Nicolai Zellmani

Nicolai Zellmani is a major player in the Stockholm underground music scene. Best known for his ambient deep house and techno grooves, the legendary DJ will be performing tonight at Dada. 

Fri Sep 30, 10pm-late. Price TBD, Dada. 

Oct 1: Sweater Weather 

Head over to Aotu Studio on Saturday to celebrate the crisp Fall season with Sweater Weather. There will be plenty of Mediterranean food, handmade cocktails and dancing going on on their Beixinqiao terrace. To set the tone DJs Kyle Page and Kalle will be performing.

Sat Oct 1, 5pm-midnight. Aotu Studio.

Oct 1: Falcons

Los Angeles DJ and producer Falcons is known for his blends of hip-hop, R&B and electronic. And he’ll be touching down in Beijing – Dada to be specific – on Saturday, October 1. 

Sat Oct 1, 10pm. Price TBD. Dada, see event listing. 

Oct 1: Nakadia

Nakadia is huge. She just so happens to be one of the most well-known female DJs in the world, and she’ll be landing right here at Lantern on Saturday night. Local favorites Pancake Lee, Aliberti and Shenyue will support. 

Sat Oct 1, 10.30pm. RM80, Lantern. 

Oct 2: Dim Sum Disco featuring Justin Vandervolgen

Dim Sum Disco is back, and to celebrate they’ll be putting on an epic dance party with DJ Justin Vandervolgen. He’s long been a major player on the New York City underground scene, and is known for his original dance jams and disco sounds. This will be Vandervolgen’s first appearance in Beijing, and it’s gonna be a good one. 

Sun Oct 2, Price TBD. Dada, see event listing. 

Gigs

Sep 30: 'Godfather of Rock' Cui Jian's 30-Year Retrospective Concert

Known as China's "Godfather of Rock," Cui Jian will be performing at Workers’ Stadium tonight. He’s had an impressive 30-year career. He’s gone from being the trumpet player for the Beijing Philharmonic Orchestra to creating incredibly popular folk-rock songs to releasing numerous albums. His shows are always entertaining, so it’s bound to be a good time.  

Fri Sep 30, 7pm-10pm. RMB380-1680, Workers' Stadium.

Oct 1-2: School Live Bar presents Bad Education

School Bar is bringing us an entire weekend of music with its Bad Education series. On Saturday (Oct 1) Candy Monster, Me Guan Me, The Paper Tigers and Goldwater will be performing. And on Sunday The Twenties, Heat Mark, The Diagon Alley and Football Hooligans will be taking the stage.

Oct 1-2, 8pm-late. RMB60. School Bar. 

Oct 6: Kesha

The past two years have been troubling ones for Kesha, who remains locked in a legal battle with producer Dr. Luke over sexual assault allegations. But following her first high-profile performance since the lawsuit began (a cameo with Zedd at this year’s Coachella) it looks like Kesha is getting back to what she’s best known for: singing about partying.

Thu Oct 6, 7.30pm; RMB299-RMB999; LeSports Center (formally MasterCard Center), (en.damai.cn, 400 610 3721), see event listing. 

Art

Ongoing: Andy Warhol: Contact 

Andy Warhol: Contact features pioneering film, photography and interactive installations by one of the 20th century’s most influential and famous artists. It’s a major solo exhibition – running until next January – and for good reason: Warhol’s career spanned decades, from silent film photography in the 1960s to polaroid-shot portraits throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Keep an eye out for cameos by a bevy of Warhol’s famous subjects: Bob Dylan, Lou Reed and Edie Sedgwick, plus more. There is also an installation of Warhol’s ‘Silver Clouds’, shimmering pillow-like shapes, which float serenely through the exhibition space. There are plenty more surprises to be had, so check it out for your fifteen minutes of fame. 

Every Tuesday-Sunday until Jan 7, 10.30am-6pm. M Woods, see event listing. 

And All the Rest...

Through October: Beijing Design Week

Beijing Design Week (BJDW) is back with its usual packed schedule of talks, exhibitions, installments and more. It's already well underway, but the name Design Week is misleading – much of it stretches well into October. Check out our pick of this year’s most promising events and areas that will be transformed over the next few weeks in our full article. For a full rundown of the event, head to www.bjdw.org. 

Oct 1: British Motorsport Festival, Beijing

The British Motorsport Festival will be in Beijing from October 1-2 – and it’s going to be big. Over 4000 people are expected to attend the festivities at Goldenport International Circuit in Beijing. There will be tons of activities and events going on, which makes it the perfect place to go with the family.  

There will be loads of activities for serious racers and car enthusiasts. But don’t worry, if you’re an amateur racer or if your car knowledge isn’t up to snuff, there will be tons going on to entertain you too. 

Among the many events going on during the two-day fest, are vintage car shows, children’s go-karting, laps, race driver certification courses, music and live bands, and so much more. It really will be fun for the whole family. 

Sat Oct 1, 10:00am-6.30pm. Goldenport International Circuit, see event listing. 

Oct 1-2: Picnic & Food Market in the Park

Farm to Neighbors Farmers' Market will be going strong this weekend (Oct 1-2) at Lavin, Tai Yang Gong. Jing-A, Lily's Handmade, 700Bike Hooah Squad and so many other market vendors will be on the scene to usher in the National Holiday.  

Sat-Sun Oct 1-2, 11am-5pm. Nyonya Kitchen (Taiyanggong), see event listing.

October 1-7 - Vintage Fair at Wukesong 

Nothing says autumn like a cozy, well-worn leather jacket. Where are you going to get yours? One option is ‘Park City Fes’, an outdoor festival celebrating vintage aesthetics and lifestyles, presented by Feige Vintage Fair.

Feige has been organizing vintage fairs in Beijing and Shanghai for several years now, each one more vibrant and enjoyable than the last. This one should be no exception. Vendors will be selling fine vintage clothing, vintage cars and motorcycles – and even vintage skateboards. For those who aren’t in the market for a new autumn look, you can join in the American football tournament, try your moves in the skate park, or beat your friends at foosball in the arcade. There’s even a kids’ bike competition for the little ones. A variety of bands and DJs will be playing throughout the festival, and if your creative juices are flowing, you can attend craft workshops and learn some new artistic skills.

The cutting edge of fashion meets nostalgic vintage style in the heart of Beijing. Join the style revolution (through regression); see and be seen at Park City Fes.

Oct 1-7, 1pm-8pm; HI-PARK Basketball Theme Park, 69 Fuxing Lu, Wukesong, Haidian 海淀区五棵松文化体育广场（南侧）西南侧 HI-PARK篮球主题公园

Have an event to list? Head here to list your upcoming event. We’ll choose the best new additions to feature on next week’s edition of ‘What's On in Beijing.