Jun 1-4: Long Lives, Souvenir & Memory     

TRB Forbidden City (formerly known as TRB Bites) is welcoming guest Chef Vilhjalmur Sigurdarson from Iceland to take over their kitchen. Sigurdarson will be presenting his groundbreaking Nordic-influenced cuisine that he’s become known for at Belgium’s famous Souvenir Restaurant. 

Wed May 31-Sun Jun 4; RMB528 for lunch, RMB888 for dinner (includes wine pairings); TRB Forbidden City, see event listing.

Jun 1-30: Summer Howl

Penny’s Food Studio and The Opposite House are partnering up to bring you 'Summer Howl,' Beijing’s very own dog-friendly pop-up. Goose Island, Basic Coffee and BActive are also involved in this month-long venture at Taikooli North Block. Throughout June, Penny’s will be transforming the terrace formerly known as Bao House into a lush, dog-friendly space. There will be beverages and snacks for both humans and pups, and you can expect plenty of fun activities and events involving you and your four-legged friends. 

Jun 1-30. Taikooli North Block

Jun 3: Abyss X  

Dada is never afraid to make bold, experimental bookings. And those are fitting adjectives to describe Abyss X. Hailing from the Greek island of Crete, the US-based artist uses her background in performance art (expect to see her climbing on things) alongside heavy distortion, serrated vocals and twisted dance beats. For a taste of what to expect, check out her recent Boiler Room set, recorded in Houston at the end of last year.

Sat Jun 3; Price TBD; Dada, see event listing.

Jun 3-6: Dining Under the Stars 

Grill 79 is flying in guest Chef Erlantz Gorostiza, head of gastronomy at the two Michelin-starred M.B Restaurant in the Canary Islands for a special residency. The chef will present his extraordinary Basque cuisine, featuring premium ingredients from Spain.  

Sat Jun 3-Tue Jun 6; Grill 79 (see Listings for details; for more information or for tickets, follow China World Summit Wing on WeChat at bjcwsw), see event listing. 

Jun 7: Art Therapy

Winter may be over but the blues don’t discriminate. If you’re looking for stress relief, the Art Therapy Studio is worth checking out. The studio aims to help people with self-confidence, self-awareness, creativity and emotional conflict issues (sign us up). Language is English, no previous experience required.

Wed Jun 7, 7-8pm; RMB100 (includes materials); 3/F, Friendship Building, 798 Art District, Chaoyang 朝阳区798艺术区友谊大厦三层 (188 10495 819)

Jun 7:  Zola Nene

South African TV Chef Zola Nene (Expresso Morning Show) graces The Bookworm to talk about her new cook book Simply Delicious. The book isn’t merely filled with Nene’s recipes (although 70 are included), but also filled with snippets and stories of the author’s life, including tributes to those who’ve inspired and influenced her cooking. Expect cooking tips, food stories and more at the talk. A must-see and -read for food-lovers.

Wed Jun 7, 7.30pm; The Bookworm, see event listing. 

Jun 7-10: Der Rosenkavalier 

Also known as Knight of the Rose or The Rose-Bearer, Der Rosenkavalier is a one of German composer Richard Strauss’ most famous operas. The comic opera is loosely adapted from the novel Les amours du chevalier de Faublas by Louvet de Couvrai and Moliere’s comedy Monsieur de Pourceaugnac, and explores themes of family, love and class.

Wed Jun 7-Sat Jun 10; RMB100-880; Opera House of NCPA, see event listing. (email sales@theatrebeijing.com for tickets)

Jun 8: Hybrid  

Described as a night of “cross-genre poetry, film and music,” Hybrid brings together figures from Beijing’s art community for a culture-filled bash you won’t want to miss. Entertainment includes live slam poetry from the folks at BLK-GEN, poetry videos from the internationally acclaimed Visible Poetry Project, and poetry-music collaborations from Spit-Tunes (local literary magazine Spittoon paired with musicians). Expect artists from all creative fields working together to produce unique art, all the while challenging each form.

Thu Jun 8, 8pm; RMB60 (advance), RMB80 (door); Yue Space, see event listing. 

Jun 9-10: Gerald Clayton Quartet

Pianist Gerald Clayton may have been born in the Netherlands, but he was raised in the US, home of jazz. The son of Grammy-winning jazz bassist John Clayton, young Gerald already has two Grammy nominations of his own. He plays Blue Note to celebrate the release of new record Tributory Tales.

Fri Jun 9 and Sat Jun 10, from 6pm; RMB250-450; Blue Note Beijing, see event listing. 

Jun 10: Rover  

We’ve got 10 – yes that’s right, 10 – tickets to give away for this one. So listen up. Here promoting his new album Let it Glow, French-born troubadour Rover (Timothée Régnier) went to the same New York school as members of The Strokes, though his sound owes more to The Beatles than his garage rock schoolmates. To win a pair of tickets, email the name of your first pet (unless it was Rover) to justinelopez@urbanatomy.com and we’ll pick the best ones.

Sat June 10, 8.30-10.30pm; RMB80 (presale), RMB100 (door); Omni Space, see event listing. 

Jun 10: Chris Cruse  

Can you believe it’s been one whole year since the Organic boys started decking out Dada in plants and greenery? Well, it has been. And to celebrate the anniversary of one of Beijing’s best new nights, Organic is bringing in Chris Cruse, founder of one of Los Angeles’ most loved underground LGBTQ club events. As well as recently spinning at a Golden Globes event for the likes of Emma Stone and Kate Beckinsale, the California DJ is fresh from an appearance at Coachella. If this – and Cruse’s notorious Spotlight parties – are anything to go by, Dada should prepare for a dose of spacey house and disco. Support comes from Organic’s own Juhstynn and Marc Alexr.

Sat Jun 10, 10pm-late; Price TBD; Dada, see event listing.

Jun 10: Global Wellness Day  

To celebrate Global Wellness Day on June 10, Growthbeans Coaching Circle is holding a day of wellness for the mind, body and soul. Packed with activities like art therapy, self-awareness coaching, yoga, hoop dancing and martial arts, the day promises to soothe the soul and relax the mind. Suitable for adults and children, the classes are led by professional coaches and – best of all – participation is free (by advanced registration; see below). If you’re feeling introspective, stressed and looking to unwind, or wanting to make big changes in your life, this is the event for you. (Fittingly, the theme of the day is: “One Day Can Change Your Life.”)

Sat Jun 10, 8.30am-5pm; Free; Kerry Hotel, (register via www.yoopay.cn/event/39759804; for more info contact Shane Yan via 186 1382 8980 or add Shansiemanise on WeChat), see event listing. 

Jun 11: Joe Machi 

Don’t be fooled by Joe Machi’s boyish looks, the New York-based joker is an accomplished comedian (‘funniest comedian’ at the New York Comedy Festival). The comic is known for his high-pitched, raspy voice (he sounds like a happy grandpa) and youthful, slightly crazed, appearance. And his jokes, which tend to lean towards the dark side. Machi’s first China tour – he also performs in Shanghai – comes courtesy of Kung Fu Comedy. For tickets email order@beijingbookworm.com or call 6503 2050.

Sun Jun 11, 8pm; RMB100 (students), RMB150 (advance), RMB180 (door); The Bookworm, see event listing.

Jun 11: Yunmeng Gorge

Take a break from the city and head out to Yunmeng Gorge for a swim and picnic, courtesy of Beijing Hikers. After walking up to the gorge, hikers can swim or continue up into the hills. Compared to the hiking group’s other trips, this one is less strenuous and more relaxing (especially if you choose to swim for the whole afternoon). Perfect for summer. Note: Limited space available.

Sun Jun 11, 8am; RMB380 (RMB340 for BJH members); departure from Lido Hotel Starbucks (register via www.beijinghikers.com; 6432 2786).

Jun 18: Father’s Day Brunch 

Celebrate Father’s Day – and don’t forget it this year! – at Conrad Beijing with a special brunch for dads. The hotel’s beautiful library-cum-restaurant Chapter is setting out a spread of steaks, grilled seafood, sushi and sashimi (apparently dads aren’t vegetarians). Oh and, of course, Champagne.  

Sun Jun 18; RMB328 per person plus 15 percent service charge (add RMB148 plus 15 percent for free-flow Champagne and craft beers); Chapter, Conrad Beijing, see event listing. 

Jun 22-24: Three-Body Problem 

Author Liu Cixin’s sci-fi novel The Three-Body Problem is being made into a film later this year, but first, check out a theater production based on the novel. Considering the genre and story, we’re interested to see how this plays out on the stage and the effects employed.

Thu Jun 22-Sat Jun 24, 7.30pm; RMB380-880; Beijing Exhibition Theater, (tickets via www.douban.com), see event listing. 

Jun 23: Carsick Cars

If we need to introduce Carsick Cars to you, then you’ve gotta go back and do your Chinese indie homework. These are the breakout stars of the Beijing scene. This is the trio responsible for independent label Maybe Mars’ second ever record. These are the guys who supported Sonic Youth in Europe. This is the band behind that veritable indie rock anthem ‘Zhongnanhai.’ You know them, right? If not, get to know. Support comes from Chui Wan, a band described in these very pages as “exploring the artier side of psychedelia… opting for locked-in grooves rather than ear-splitting distortion.” Yeah we’re quoting our own articles. Deal with it.

Fri Jun 23; RMB100 (advance), RMB150 (door); Yugong Yishan, see event listing. 

Jun 24: Locked Groove  

Locked Groove has been making friends in all the right places. And ever since electronic heavyweight Scuba gave the young Belgian producer a chance to release tracks on his label, he’s been cranking out critically acclaimed jams that merge Chicago house with the rawer industrial sounds of Berlin, his adopted home. He’s in Beijing courtesy of Back2Basics, which has been lighting up Lantern Club recently.

Sat Jun 24, Price TBD; Lantern Club, see event listing. 

Jun 27-Jul 1: Guest Bartender @ Atmosphere

Atmosphere is welcoming the ultra-talented bartender Marian Beke to Beijing for five nights of world-class cocktails. Beke is the manager of Nightjar in London, a legendary bar that’s been ranked as one of the world’s best. Expect classic drinks with new-world twists. 

Tue Jun 27-Sat Jul 1; Atmosphere, China World Summit Wing.

Jun 30-Jul 1: L’Avare  

One of famous French playwright Moliere’s most representative works, L’Avare (also known as The Miser) is a comedy-drama that portrays the meanness and absurdity of a loan shark who loves money. Through use of dramatic conflicts and characters, with dashes of humor and sarcasm, the play’s message (money is power – but an ugly one at that) is evident.

Fri Jun 30-Sat Jul 1, 7.30pm; RMB180-580; Tianqiao Performing Arts Theater, tickets via sales@theatrebeijing.com, see event listing. 

Throughout June

Sundays: Rooftop Yoga 

You can find a good yoga class pretty much anywhere around the city, but have you ever tried yoga on a rooftop? Mental health organization CandleX offers just that – and during sunset hours on a hutong rooftop no less. Suitable for all levels. Bring your own yoga mat and water bottle. Price includes a drink and all proceeds go to mental health non-profit activities; ‘care free tickets’ available – a free spot for people living with depression or those earning less than RMB8,000 a month.

Sundays, 5-7pm (sunset); RMB100; Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng 东城区南锣鼓巷附近 (full address available via registration at www.sojump.hk). 

Weekly Special: Global Seafood Festival at V Shine Oyster Bar

If you think oysters are an unaffordable luxury, then think again. Found in the basement of Topwin Center, Enter V Shine Oyster Bar is bringing oysters to the people with its Global Seafood Festival. What this means for you is an incredible deal for you (and a few friends, we reckon). Because for just RMB899, you can get the following: two American oysters, two creamy South African Oysters, two geay oysters, two New Zealand Oysters, two Normandy oysters, four pieces of Icelandic scampi, two Australian scallops, six Chilean mussels, six sweet arctic shrimps, a Canadian sea urchin and, to wash it all down, a bottle of Casa Amada chardonnay. Wanna know how much that is supposed to cost? RMB1,672. So that’s almost half-off. You can thank us later.

Through Jul 23: Qin Qi  

Artist Qin Qi’s self-titled exhibition presents work by the artist from 2010 to 2017. More than 40 works will be exhibited across both of the gallery’s spaces, with the two parts balancing and echoing one another. The Shenyang native has been a fixture in China’s art world since 2002. Initially known for his erotic images and allegorical narratives, Qi’s later work portrays vivid scenes marked by clear form and structure. His works are brushed with liberal amounts of color and are hauntingly realistic (although hints of magical realism remain). It is Qi’s largest solo show.

Through Jul 23, Tue-Sun, 11am-6.30pm; Tang Contemporary Art Gallery.

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.' Not sure where to start? Here's a full guide on how to list your upcoming events on our website.