Nov 7 & 12: House of Knowledge Open Day

House of Knowledge (HoK) is hosting an open day for families to view the campus, meet the principal, learn about the Reggio Emilia educational approach through various interactive activities, see an exhibition of teaching materials and student portfolios, participate in classroom observations and more to understand how House of Knowledge’s core value are incorporated into their daily teaching practices.

Thu Nov 7, 9.30-11.30am; House of Knowledge (Shunyi) & Tue Nov 12, 9.30-11.30am; House of Knowledge (Chaoyang), see event listing.

Nov 8: Jay Hardway 

Climbing up the ranks of EDM stardom is Dutch DJ Jay Hardway. Signed on to the famous Spinnin’ Records dance music label and with multiple collaborations with Martin Garrix, Hardway produces and mixes a summery style of melodic and progressive house. It’s no surprise that he’s been on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs for the past three years. Prepare for a night of non-stop bangers on Sir Teen’s dance floor. 

Fri Nov 8, 10pm; RMB100; Sir Teen, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Nov 8 & 9: Phantom of the Opera

The masked Phantom hides beneath Paris Opera House, besotted with the sound dancer Christine Daae. He plots and schemes to manipulate her career, horrifying those around the object of his affections and growing desperate as her affections for another become clear. This balletic take on the classic tale comes from the Spanish Ballet of Cuba and combines classical ballet with a vast repertoire of dance. 

Fri Nov 8 & Sat Nov 9, 7.30pm; RMB100-680; Er Qi Theater, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Nov 8-10: Guest Chef Martijn Defauw @ TRB Forbidden City

TRB Forbidden City welcomes guest chef Martijn Defauw of Rebelle, a restaurant in Belgium specializing in international cuisine with a focus on natural flavors and unique presentation. The chef brings his contemporary style to TRB this week and has created a special menu titled ‘Robust, Rebellious and Beautiful,’ which will be available from Friday to Sunday. Reservations are highly recommended.

Fri Nov 8-Sun Nov 10; RMB488 (lunch menu)/RMB816 (with wine pairing), RMB888 (dinner menu)/RMB1,316 (with wine pairing); TRB Forbidden City, see event listing.

Nov 11-Dec 28: Anish Kapoor Solo Exhibition

Anish Kapoor’s major solo exhibition at Taimiao Art Museum of the Imperial Ancestral Temple will address the architecture and spiritual history of the site, reflecting and engaging with the spaces through a series of stainless steel and pigment sculptures. Key works from his innovative early pigment series 1000 Names will be on display, alongside the next generation of sculptures including Angel (1990), and To reflect an intimate part of the red (1981). 

Mon Nov 11-Sat Dec 28, 9am-5pm;Taimiao Art Museum of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, see event listing.

Nov 12-24: Titanic the Musical 

Direct from London, this musical take on the tragic sinking of the world’s most famous ship brings passengers’ stories to the stage. On April 14, 1912, the RMS Titanic departed with thousands of travelers aboard. Oblivious to the fate that awaited them, follow characters based on real people as they navigate the journey of their lives. 

Tue Nov 12-Sun Nov 24, various times; RMB180-880; Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Nov 14-16: The Hunchback of Notre Dame 

Witness the clash of bellringer Quasimodo and corrupt priest Claude Frollo as they vie for the attention of the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda. Situated in the late 15th century, this gothic-romantic tale by Victor Hugo will be staged in Beijing theaters this month. The Hunchback of Notre Dame has been adapted for the stage by TNT Theater, a popular international touring troupe established in Britain. Join them as they unify drama, music, and dance. 

Thu Nov 14-Sat Nov 16, 7.30pm; RMB120-380; Nine Theater, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Nov 14: The Kooks

Formed in Brighton in 2004, The Kooks first stole hearts with their debut album Inside In/Inside Out in 2006, which included darling tracks like ‘Naïve’ and ‘She Moves in Her Own Way.’ The pop record would come to define the feel-good sound of The Kooks, and was accompanied by such buzz (it went quadruple platinum in the UK) that the band went on to record a live acoustic version at Abbey Road Studios (you know the one) just a year later. Their follow-up releases, 2008’s Konk and 2011’s Junk of the Heart, continued to charm, solidifying the band as a bright and breezy soundtrack for teenage youth, with upbeat guitar riffs and effortlessly catchy choruses about falling in and out of love. Catch the band at their Tango gig later this month.

Thu Nov 14, 8.30pm; RMB320 (presale), RMB400 (door); Tango, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Nov 15: The Drums 

The Drums are an NYC-based band and they’re bringing with them a quirky blend of surf-rock, indie-pop and catchy riffs. You’ll be able to hear elements of their major influencers, such as The Beach Boys and The Smiths, in their discography. The Drums’ latest album, Brutalism, is layered with emotional rawness and intricate lyrics, inviting audiences along on their China tour. Hear for yourself why this band has been shortlisted in several magazines’ top bands in the past few years. 

Fri Nov 15, 8.30pm; RMB300 (presale), RMB350 (door); Tango, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Nov 19: Deafheaven 

If you like your black metal with a side of shoegaze and garnished with post-rock, then Deafheaven is the band for you. Formed in San Francisco as a duo, Deafheaven has since grown into a quintet, releasing their landmark album Sunbather in 2013. The band’s works have been critically and commercially successful, so join them on their tour as they mesmerize the crowd with screamo vocals and pounding beats with melodic guitars. 

Tue Nov 19, 9pm; RMB160 (presale), RMB200 (door); MAO Livehouse (Wukesong), see event listing. 

Nov 19: A Floating Life 

Northeast Normal University presents an intense, haunting look back at the hardships that Northeast China had endured a century ago. Performed as an epic dance drama,A Floating Life offers a thoughtprovoking view into the nature of war and humanity in light of Sino-Japanese conflicts. Boasting meticulous preparation and choreography with group dance numbers, catch the cast at the NCPA this month. 

Tue Nov 19, 7.30pm; RMB60-200;National Center for the Performing Arts – Opera House, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Nov 21: BADBADNOTGOOD 

Grounded in jazz but easily breaking down barriers to include hiphop and electronica, Toronto’s BADBADNOTGOOD is introducing their musical virtuosity to Beijing. They’ve counted Kendrick Lamar and Frank Ocean amongst their collaborators and can include Glastonbury and Coachella in their touring history. Words don’t do them justice – let BADBADNOTGOOD’s genrebending jam session wow you. They’ll be joined by supporting act BowAsWell, the first musician signed to the new label by party promoters Mastermind. 

Thu Nov 21, 9pm; RMB180 (student), RMB220 (presale), RMB260 (door); Tango, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Nov 21: Yogee New Waves 

Japanese quartet Yogee New Waves performs a sunny and funky brand of pop-rock. Having released their debut album in 2014, the band has since reached great levels of success – they were part of the Fuji Rock Festival lineup later that year and have completed a series of sell-out tours across Asia. Their consistently popular EPs have also delighted listeners around the world. Catch Yogee New Waves’ shimmering guitar riffs and upbeat vocals at the Omni Space this month. 

Thu Nov 21, 8.30pm; RMB200 (presale), RMB280 (door); Omni Space, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Nov 21-Dec 1: Matilda 

Roald Dahl’s magical heroine arrives in China to delight audiences young and old. This multi-award-winning musical tells the story of an imaginative young girl who refused to back down when faced with adversity, and found laughter every step of the way. 

Thu Nov 21-Sun Dec 1, various times; RMB280-1,080; Beijing Poly Theatre, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Nov 22-28: Evita

Don’t cry for me Argentina! Follow the impactful story of Eva “Evita” Peron, wife of Argentine president Juan Peron, as she rises from humble beginnings to become the spiritual leader of the nation. Evita is a star-studded iconic work composed by Andrew Lloyd Weber, written by Tim Rice, and directed by Harold Prince. Journey into the canon of Broadway; don’t miss this hit musical full of beloved songs and characters. 

Fri Nov 22-Thu Nov 28, various times; RMB280-1,180; Beijing Century Theatre, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Nov 27-Dec 8: Blue Man Group

The world’s wackiest blue-themed show makes its way to Beijing this month. Audiences of all ages and cultures can appreciate this show, which will be mainly in English with Chinese subtitles. Prepare for a truly indescribable musical, comedic and surprising experience as three bald, blue men will surely have you leaving without the faintest idea of what you’ve just watched. 

Wed Nov 27-Sun Dec 8, various times; RMB280-880; Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Nov 28: Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching... Keep an eye out for our complete guide on where to celebrate the turkey-filled holiday in the city.

Thu Nov 28; various venues

Nov 28-30: Don Quixote 

Recognized as one of the world’s greatest, the legendary Mariinsky Ballet has been at the center of the realm of ballet, featuring worldclass dancers and a wide repertoire. At the end of the month, this leading ballet company is performing Don Quixote, an equally comedic and tragic study in idealism and chivalry. Be treated to dazzling costumes, a riveting narrative, and spectacular performance. 

Thu Nov 28-Sat Nov 30, 7.30pm; RMB280-1,280; National Center for the Performing Arts – Opera House, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Nov 28-Dec 1: Chicago 

Murder, corruption, treachery and sass… what more do you need? Multiple Tony and Academy Award-winning musical Chicago is landing in Beijing for a long weekend of magic and thrills. Set in the Roaring Twenties of Jazz-age Chicago, this long-running production revolves around celebrity criminals Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly as they navigate the legal system with the help of smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn. Take a trip down to the cell block and enjoy a well-loved Broadway classic. 

Thu Nov 28-Sun Dec 1, various times; RMB280-1280; Er Qi Theater, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Through November

Taco Tuesday @ Pebbles

Loading up on tacos no longer needs to empty your wallet when you can get them for a fraction of their regular cost at Pebbles on Tuesdays. Try the barbacoa, chorizo or woodfire mushrooms from the large selection (minimum order of three tacos), and add two salsas of your choice. Just what we need to get us through the mid-week slump. 

Tuesdays, 5-10pm; Pebbles Courtyard, see event listing.

Sangria Wednesdays @ Migas Mercado 

Ever since its opening at China World Mall, Migas Mercado has been the go-to place for Guomao urbanites to wind down after work. The Sangria Wednesday gives even more reason to take a break midweek, while enjoying view of the CCTV building and the bustling hub downstairs. In addition to the classic sangria spices, three different kinds of Gran Reserva Sangria are infused with five Chinese spices and aged for three days for richer flavor, great to mix and match with Migas’ food offerings. 

Wednesdays, from 9pm; Migas Mercado, see event listing.

Brunch Italiano @ Bottega 

Italian favorite Bottega may be known for its Romana style pizza, but that’s not the only thing drawing hungry diners to their weekend brunches. If free-flow prosecco, cocktails and spritz aren’t enough to tempt you, their Italian brunch options should hit the spot. 

Weekends, 11.30am-2.30pm; Bottega Xinyuanli, see event listing.

88 After 8 @ Burger Box 

China’s luckiest number just got luckier. Nali Patio fast-food joint Burger Box is offering any two burgers of your choice for only RMB88 after 8pm – every night of the week. Wash it all down with a homemade pink lemonade (spiked with vodka, perhaps?). 

Daily, 8pm-close; Burger Box, see event listing.

New Menu @ Tribe

Tribe’s 2019 Autumn/Winter menu is titled The Food Dynamic, inspired by life changes, keeping active through movement and seasonal ingredients. Salad tossing is no longer boring with dehydrated figs, purple cauliflower, orange and pecan bringing colorful, artsy mix to the table. Cauliflower also comes as cauliflower rice for grain bowls with prawns or tuna, and pizza crust topped with smoked salmon or orange. Yes, cauliflower crust pizza topped with orange. Try it. 

Daily; all Tribe locations, see event listing.

[All images courtesy of promoters]

Have an event to list? Head here to list your upcoming event. We’ll choose the best new additions to feature on next month’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.