May 5: Marty Baller

Rapper, producer, songwriter, model, actor – there isn’t much Marty Baller can’t do. The A$AP Mob member’s profile has been growing over the past few years, especially after collaborations with his co-conspirators, such as A$AP Ferg. Expect to hear his song ‘From Brooklyn to China.’ 

Sat May 5, 10pm-4am; RMB80 (advance), RMB120 (door); WEST, see event listing.

May 6: Kate Willet

Internationally-acclaimed comedian Kate Willet has been described as ‘smart and filthy,’ a tantalizing combination. And after touring everywhere and back in the past few years, and publishing her own comedy album Glass Gutter, Willet’s career is about to reach new heights with her comedy special streaming on Netflix this year. But before all that, you can catch her live at The Bookworm. See for yourself why Willet’s brand of witty and raunchy feminist comedy has impressed comedians the likes of Margaret Cho. 

Sun May 6, 8pm; RMB180 (door), RMB150 (advance), RMB100 (students); The Bookworm, see event listing.

May 7: Fall Out Boy

Sugar, we’re goin down to the Cadillac Arena to dance, dance to Fall Out Boy. Known as the soundtrack to your emo phase in high school, Fall Out Boy are bringing their pop-punk-rock sound to Beijing for the first time. Achieving their breakthrough in 2005, their album From Under the Cork Tree gave us the hit singles ‘Sugar We’re Goin Down’ and ‘Dance, Dance.’ Known for their high-energy performances as well as their hits, the four-piece reformed after a hiatus in 2013 and recently released their seventh studio album, Mania. The 2018 release was their fourth No. 1 album. 

Mon May 7, 8pm; RMB 380-1,280; Cadillac Arena, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

May 9: Artificial Intelligence in China

Artificial Intelligence is so topical right now. But how does China fit into it all? Find out at IsCham’s AI and technology in China presentation, where industry leaders will chat about their experiences with AI in China. Followed by a panel discussion and Q&A. In conjunction with AustCham. 

Wed May 9, 6.30-8.30pm; RMB120 (non-members), RMB70 (members); DayDayUp, see event listing.

May 12: Rosé Beach Party

Spring is rosé season (the best season?) and Sureno is celebrating with a party at its beautiful sunken terrace in Taikoo Li North. Your ticket will get you access to free-flow pink stuff – plus rosé sangria and canapés. There is no better way to honor the moderate May weather than, well, drinking. 

Sat May 12, 3-6pm; RMB258/person; Sureno, see event listing.

May 12: The Beijing Flea Market Spring Edition

One of Beijing’s best markets is back for spring – and with a new location to boot. The popular market has all the best Beijing-made and designed vintage clothes and products. A great spot to pick up a gift or find a hidden treasure. 

Sat May 12; TechTemple Sanlitun, see event listing.

May 12 & 13: Creamfields Festival

Dig out your neon facepaint, your too-tight tank tops and hit the gym, bro, because the iconic UK music festival Creamfields is coming to China. With events all over the country, the Beijing festival is set to be the biggest and best of the lot. With huge stars leading the charge, Creamfields could turn out to be one of the best electronic music festivals in China. Diplo – known for his work with Major Lazer and Skrillex – is headlining, while Martin Garrix, Alan Walker and Don Diablo, among others, provide major support. It may be out in Huairou at a nice country club, but, going by the demographics at the UK Creamfields, this is going to be the furthest thing from classy entertainment. But who likes classy anyway? Expect wall-to-wall EDM bangers, bros and good times. 

Sat May 12– Sun May 13; RMB780; Topwin Golf and Country Club, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

May 13: Jewelry Workshop

Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to do something with your kid, or just yourself. And if it involves mastering Suzhou-style embroidery techniques, we think it’s worth it. Check out this bilingual workshop, where you can create a bracelet with the materials provided or make something new with an old charm. 

Sun May 13, 2-4pm; RMB358, RMB298 (advance), price for one parent and one child; Red Dog, see event listing.

May 13: The Cribs

Indie rock band The Cribs' popularity has as much to do with their punk ethos as it does with their knack for creating irrepressibly catchy and accessible songs, most notably anthems like ‘Men’s Needs’ and ‘Hey Scenesters!’ Catch the noisy rockers at Yugong Yishan this month.

Sun May 13, 8pm; RMB180 (advance), RMB220 (door); Yugong Yishan, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

May 18: Serge Teyssot and Xie Yugang 

This is a must-see for fans of Chinese rock, fans of French rock and, well, fans of music in general. Xie Yugang, of Chinese band Wang Wen, and Serge Teyssot, of Noir Desir, will be showcasing their contrasting, yet complementary, styles live in their joint China tour. The two musicians recorded and released their debut collaborative effort together in Paris last year and their gig at Yugong Yishan this May is your chance to catch the duo in action. 

Fri May 18, 8.30pm; tickets TBD; Yugong Yishan, see event listing.

May 18-20: Le Corsaire Ballet

Le Corsaire graces NCPA this month, courtesy of one of Russia’s best-known ballet companies. With a long history dating back to 1776, The Bolshoi Ballet’s performance of the show, which is loosely based on Lord Byron’s poem ‘The Corsair,’ is set to wow. 

Fri May 18-Sun May 20, 7pm; RMB500-1,280; Opera House ofNCPA, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

May 19 & 20: Great Wall Festival

EDM, dance, house, techno and… the Great Wall of China. This festival will be a showcase of top electronic music in one of the most unique settings on Earth, so obviously camping is the way to go. There is also a 5k run beforehand, for those who don’t mind emanating (extra) body odor during their festival experience. While the music may be similar to Creamfields, the vibe is undoubtedly different – the setting alone makes this a festival worth visiting. 

Sat May 19-Sun May 20; two day ticket from RMB580-980; New Great Wall Valley, see event listing. Buy tickets here. 

May 20: 'Run to the Beat' Marathon

Taking place at the beautiful Ming Tomb Reservoir scenic loop, Run to the Beat 2018, Beijing’s first music halfmarathon, is more than just a run, with live bands and DJs accompanying the event’s festivities. Choose between a 5, 10 or 21km route. After the prize ceremony, the live music continues. Plus, if you have the stamina, you can also visit one of Beijing’s archeological sites. 

Sun May 20, 8am; RMB138-238 (+RMB188 upgrade); Ming Tombs Reservoir, see event listing. Buy tickets here. 

May 20: Temple Fair

The three temples located at the top of Yaji Mountain, built during the Tang, Ming and Qing dynasties, are nice, but the true attraction is the colorful temple fair that’s held there every year. If this sounds like you, and you don’t mind climbing stairs, join Beijing Hikers for a one-day trip to the temples, where you can meet fortunetellers and performers. 

Sun May 20, 8am-5:30pm; RMB450, RMB405 (members), includes one meal; departure from Lido Hotel Starbucks (book via www.beijinghikers.com), see event listing.

May 24: 'The True Cost' Film Screening

Do you know where your clothes come from? And who really pays the price for it? Find out at a screening of The True Cost, a documentary about clothing, brought to you by The Beijing Clothing Auction Network, Live With Less and The Bulk House. From the runways to the factories, the documentary looks at the wide-ranging effects of clothing consumerism. The screening is followed by a short discussion. Ticket price includes a drink. 

Thu May 24, 7.30pm; RMB40 (advance), RMB60 (door); The Bookworm, see event listing.

May 24-27: 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time' Play

Since its publication in 2003, Mark Haddon’s novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has become a cultural touchstone.  It doesn’t seem like the most likely work to be adapted into a stage play, especially because Christopher tells the entire story as an inner monologue. Haddon himself once described the book as “unadaptable” for screen or stage. But playwright Simon Stephens disagrees. His 2013 West End adaptation was able to achieve what Haddon deemed impossible, thanks to innovative stage design.  Described as “A Beautiful Mind meets Billy Elliot,” the play became an international sensation, winning seven Olivier Awards before moving to Broadway and winning five Tonys, including Best Play. It’s been translated into Spanish and Hebrew and performed around the world, and there is a film adaptation in the works, with Brad Pitt and Warner Bros signed on as of 2017. The National Theatre production ofCurious Incident lands in China for the first time this month. It’s a good bet for even those who doze off during plays – when the strobe lights flick on and the numbers fly across the stage, they won’t know what hit them.

Thu May 24-Sun May 27, times vary; RMB280-880;Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, see event listing. Buy tickets here. 

May 25: Metz

If Fall Out Boy is too vanilla for you, then perhaps you’d like Metz. Performing at Yue Space, Metz are known for their loud, noisy and exhilarating sound. With each of their three albums has garnering rave reviews, the Canadian trio stand as one of the defenders and bastions of Punk Rock. The only thing that is certain about their Beijing gig is the fact that you will leave with your ears ringing and your shirt soaking wet. 

Fri May 25, 8.30pm; RMB120 (advance), RMB140 (door); Yue Space, see event listing.

May 26: The 2018 Oyster Shuck Off World Cup

It’s 2018 and it’s World Cup year. No, not that one – we’re talking about the Oyster Shuck Off World Cup at XIAN Bar. With an already legendary selection of oysters from all over the world, XIAN will be hosting the best shuckers in Asia for a day jampacked with activities. Watch master shuckers do their thing, and also cheer them on in cocktail-mixing challenges and a beer pong tournament. Beyond the massive selection of oysters from all over the world, there will be beer deals at the Craft Container, as well as great burgers and pizza. Make sure you get a presale ticket, which will get you six oysters and a drink for RMB120 (or grab your mates to share 24 oysters and four drinks for RMB360). 

Sat, May 26, noon-9pm; XIAN Bar @ EAST Beijing, see event listing.

June 2: Children's Day Flea Market

The Children’s Flea Market is a special one this year. Hosted by The Local, the flea market has an exclusive partner: The World Wildlife Fund). With more than 30 vendors, you’ll find everything from organic food to English-language books and more. Plus, children will have the chance to volunteer for WWF with gifts and activities provided by WWF representatives. As well as vendors, look out for workshops, like paper folding. For vintage lovers young and old. 

Sat Jun 2, 11am-6pm; The Local, see event listing.

Through May

Flavors of Mexico

As part of its ‘Cuisines of the World’ series, The Peninsula Beijing is having a fiesta of Mexican cuisine all month long in The Lobby. Stop by for quality Mexican food with a touch of elegance, including ceviche and grilled black tiger shrimp. Expertly mixed margaritas, as well as Corona beers, are on hand to wash it all down. 

Daily, all month; The Lobby @ The Peninsula Beijing, see event listing.

Angels' Wings Tea Time

W Beijing Chang’an are working with X+Q Art to launch a new afternoon tea this month, combining art from renowned contemporary Chinese artists Xiang Jing and Qu Guangci with delectable bites of deliciousness. For RMB228, you can try elaborate cakes and snacks with fun artistic names set around the themes of fairy tales. Don’t skip the “I Miss You for Mascarpone” cheese and red bean roll. 

Daily, 2-5pm; W Beijing Chang’an, see event listing.

Brew Brothers at Beersmith

Hotel Jen Beijing and Hangzhou’s Midtown Brewery are teaming up this month for a special edition ‘Brew Brothers Summer Ale’ at Beersmith. Every Tuesday will be buy-one-get-one free, and you can even enjoy a power hour of free-flow pours between 6-7pm. Brew Brothers is the perfect session ale for all-day drinking as we head into summer with its sweet mosaic hops and hints of coconut and pineapple. Tuesdays at Beersmith are about to get rowdy (and delicious). 

Tuesdays; Beersmith, see event listing.

'La Belle Epoque' Ladies' Night

Take a trip to 19th-century Paris at MEI Bar every Thursday, where they’ll be serving free drinks to ladies from 9-11pm. Options include free-flow bubbles and signature cocktails, and there will also be a lucky draw and live entertainment. Don’t be surprised if you end up taking Friday off. 

Thursdays; 9-11pm; MEI Bar, see event listing.

Through June: 'Painting Degree Zero' Art Exhibition

Born in 1946, Wang Gongyi has been creating art for decades. The Tianjin native studied printmaking at Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts, and went on to teach there, before studying art education in France in the late-80s. The artist’s latest works show Wang turning away from the anger and grief that marked his youth, towards a more euphoric future where life is to be cherished. Take his abstract ‘Blue’ series for example, where the blue watercolor represents floating water and mountains. The spare, minimalist works are striking in their simplicity and beauty. 

Through Jun 10. Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm; Chambers Fine Arts, see event listing.

Through Sept: Yoga in the Park

Spring is here, and what better way to enjoy it than an outdoors yoga session, held by the consummate instructor Taozi laoshi. After exercising your mind and body, reward yourself with brunch at Moka Bros (discounted for yoga practitioners). Lets hope the weather keeps looking good (the event will be cancelled if the AQI is above 200 or if it rains). 

Sundays through Sep 18, 9.30-11am; RMB50; Chaoyang Park, see event listing.

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.