Jul 3-14: Cats

Based on T.S Eliot’s collection of poems Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats (1939), the hit Broadway musical by Andrew Lloyd Weber makes its way to Beijing. Once the longest running Broadway show in history, Cats has been translated into 15 languages and won seven Tony awards for its original production, including ‘Best Musical.’ The delightful story, surrounding a tribe of cats, boasts crazy costumes and intricate dance routines. 

Wed Jul 3-Sat Jul 14, various times; RMB380-1380; Beijing Century Theatre, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Jul 4: 4th of July by Murrica

WeChat group Murrica is at it again, bringing you another round of their rowdy Independence Day bash. This year, it’s all going down at V Sports with a full buffet, free-flow drinks and lots of freedom for just RMB150. Get your tickets now by scanning the QR code on the poster.

Thu Jul 4, 6pm-late; RMB150; V Sports, see event listing.

Jul 5 & 6: Gong Xingxing’s ‘Inside’

Also known as by its Chinese name Meiyou Gudao, or “there is no lonely island”, this performance focuses on the challenges modern humans face in developing complex relationships in the information era, which makes its Chinese title even more apt. Defined by modern dance and a sense of optimism, Inside is punctuated by vulner- ability and yearning movements that reflect our own emotions and difficulties trying to connect with others in the digital era. The performance also includes an eclectic soundtrack that accompanies the sharp shifts of mood, including a Louis Armstrong cover of the classic song ‘La Vie en Rose.’ This month, enjoy Gong Xingxing’s dance performance as it dramatizes our loneliness and the power of love to overcome the human condition of being trapped inside ourselves as we reach out to form connec- tions in whatever way possible. 

Fri Jul 5 & Sat Jul 6, 7.30pm; RMB120-140; National Center for the Performing Arts, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Jul 6: AmCham Independence Day Party 

Image via Pexels

Come join the bustling expat community to celebrate America’s Independence Day with an American-style backyard BBQ, complete with enough food and drink to make you forget you’re actually celebrating two days late. Hosted by AmCham at the JW Marriott Hotel Beijing, the fun-filled event features activities for children, a live band and a raffle with prizes that include trips and toys for the kids. 

Sat Jul 6, 11am; RMB550 (adults), RMB250 (kids); JW Marriott Hotel Beijing, see event listing.

Jul 6: Calligraphy Course

Let’s be honest, we all wish we could draw beautiful Chinese calligraphy, but we’ve just never had the opportunity to try. Well, why not explore Xiaopu Artists Village in the Songzhuang Art District? Enjoy snacks and drink tea as you paint the day away and learn about Chinese language and the history of Chinese calligraphy, all in English (so there’s really no excuse). Oh, and there’s a dumpling lunch too (score!). The experience will run from 9am-6pm and includes pick-up and drop-off at Tuanjiehu. 

Sat Jul 6, 9am-6.30pm; RMB388; Cultural Keys, see event listing.

Jul 9: Lenka 

Growing up in Australia and studying acting at the Australian Theatre for Young People under actress Cate Blanchett, Lenka debuted her self-titled solo album in 2008. Her songs have been featured in films and TV shows such as Moneyball, Ugly Betty and Grey’s Anatomy. Currently touring to promote her fifth studio album, Attune, Lenka will be playing at Tango in the beginning of the month, so come join her and her unique and eclectic blend of music. 

Tue Jul 9, 8pm; RMB280 (presale), RMB380 (door); Tango, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Jul 10-14: Les Contes d’Hoffmann 

The Jacques Offenbach opera tells the story of German writer E.T.A Hoffmann as he navigates a series of three romantic relationships with three young students, all of which end in tragedy. Deeply affected by these experiences, he turns to art and poetry to express his lack of enthusiasm for love and all of its pitfalls. The show features romantic and fantastical stage sets and is accompanied by a brilliant array of musical pieces, including ‘The Doll Song’ and ‘Barcarolle.’ Produced by world-acclaimed French director Francesca Zambello and set designer Peter J. Davison, the opera is punctuated by its incredible set designs and flamboyant costumes that are sure to dazzle. 

Wed Jul 10-Sun Jul 14, 7pm; RMB100-680; National Center for the Performing Arts, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Jul 13: Brickyard Great Wall Skewers and Beer 

What better way to spend a hot summer day than with some skewers and cold beer? Join other food and beverage enthusiasts at The Brickyard Retreat Center with a backdrop of the beautiful Mutianyu section of the Great Wall for a unique and low-key dining experience. This all you can eat and drink buffet features live folk music. The Brickyard Retreat Center was once “a run down, smoke-belching glazed tile factory” that has since been remodeled and “transformed into a lush and private eco-retreat” – a perfect setting for a beer-filled summer getaway. 

Sat Jul 13, 6-8pm; RMB178 (adults), RMB99 (kids); The Brickyard at Mutianyu, see event listing.

Jul 17: Mitsume

Based in Tokyo, Mitsume began as a four-piece band back in 2009, when they self-recorded their first album. They began performing live a year later and haven’t slowed down since. While touring for their 2014 album Sasayaki, the indie rockers recorded a live DVD at Ebisu Liquid Room in Tokyo which was incredibly well received, gaining them fans all over Japan and beyond. Discover what the fuss is all about for yourself at their gig at Omni Space. 

Wed Jul 17, 8.30pm; RMB160 (presale), RMB200 (door); Omni Space, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Jul 20 & 21: Romantic as It Is III 

Clocking in at about two hours in length, the NCPA Orchestra is set to charm audiences in Beijing with a love letter to the bard himself, William Shakespeare. The NCPA Orchestra was established in 2010 and boasts a lineup of accomplished musicians from all over the world. They perform over a dozen opera productions every year and contribute to ballets and orchestra concerts during its own season. The show will feature various Shakespeare-influenced compositions, including an ode to Romeo and Juliet. 

Sat Jul 20 & Sun Jul 21, 7.30pm; RMB 100-480; National Center for the Performing Arts, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Jul 20 & 21: Kodo ‘Evolution’

Japan’s preeminent taiko drumming troupe is coming to Beijing. Kodo, a traditional Japanese word, simultaneously means ‘heartbeat’ and ‘children of the drum’, which in essence reflects the troupes desire to play the drums with the innocence of a child. Embarking on a tour to celebrate its 35th anniversary, this brand new production is directed by Tamasaburo Bando and is appropriately entitled ’Evolution‘ as it intends to push the boundaries with a new generation of drummers that have their own creative ambitions to explore. Come and join this long-standing drumming troupe preform what the New York Times calls “a celebration of music, of physicality, of life.” 

Sat Jul 20, 7.30pm & Sun Jul 21, 2.30pm; RMB280-1080; Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Jul 20 & 21: Bigyuki 

One of NYC’s best-kept secrets, Bigyuki combines elements of jazz, classical, hip-hop, soul, rock, dance and electronica to create a unique sound that is truly his own. Having captured the attention of Grammy Award-winning and nominated artists such as Q-Tip, Kamasi Washington and Marcus Strickland, his debut album Running for Chiron was released last year. He’ll be joined on guitar by Randy Runyon, a Berklee College of Music graduate and recipient of the Jimi Hendrix Scholarship, and on drums by Tim “Smithsoneon” Smith, a songwriter, producer and fellow Berklee graduate – a talented trio you won’t want to miss. 

Sat Jul 20, 7.30pm, 10pm & Sun Jul 21, 6.30 pm; RMB200 (side seat), RMB300 (table seat); Blue Note Beijing, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Jul 23: Courtney Barnett

Moody Australian artist Courtney Barnett became an indie starlet quite out of the blue. She put out her first EP, I’ve Got a Friend Called Emily Ferris, through her own Melbourne-based record label dubbed Milk! Records in 2012, and quickly followed it up with another stellar EP How To Carve A Carrot Into A Rose in 2013, which garnered rave reviews and included the excellently droll lead single ‘Avant Gardener.’ Her songs are introspective stories, incredibly witty and inescapably relatable, often depicting abstract characters and eccentric scenes that melt into personal reflections on life. Catch her at Omni Space at the end of the month.

Tue Jul 23, 8.30pm; RMB240 (presale), RMB300 (door); Omni Space, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Jul 26-Aug 1: Jane Eyre

An adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s classic 19th-century novel, Jane Eyre tells the story of a young and shy protagonist that works as a tutor for her eventual love interest Rochester. Set in the mysterious setting of an old Victorian manor, the classic love story shows Jane transform the gloomy and overtly serious Rochester into a love-struck gentleman. For fans of classic literature, live theatre and timeless love stories, this is not an event to be missed. 

Fri Jul 26- Sat Aug 3, 7.30pm; RMB580-880; National Center for the Performing Arts, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Jul 27: Thin City

Popular Shenzhen post-punk band Thin City brings its boisterous and energetic act to Beijing this month. Adopting an unconventional approach to music, like recording music organically through jam sessions and through organizing shows, Thin City sings songs in both English and Chinese, capturing the mundane and absurd situations of everyday life in China. Touring to support their follow-up to last year’s debut album Rock City Baishizho and EP Spring Watermelon, their newest album O 不 OK is out now in Shenzhen. Make sure to catch them on the last leg of their tour as they rock out with their organic and evolving style. In the meantime, check out our recent interview with the band. 

Sat Jul 27, 9pm; RMB60 (presale), RMB80 (door); Dusk Dawn Club, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Jul 30: American Football and Chinese Football

American Football are making their way to China, and have chosen their namesake, Chinese Football, as support. Chinese Football were founded in Wuhan in Central China, also known as ‘China’s Thoroughfare,’ a pretty good analogy for the American Midwest, where a tight emo scene established the stereotypes that we find associated with that brand of music, emo rock, today.

Tue Jul 30; 9pm; RMB220 (presale), RMB260 (door); Omni Space, see event listing.

Jul 31: La Vie en Rose 

Nice-based director Gil Marsalla brings her adaptation of the award-winning film La Vie en Rose to Beijing. The show, starring Anne Carrere, tells the story of a young singer in Paris whose career struggles bring her from a relatively unknown performer to stardom. It also boasts never-before-seen photographs and images of the famous Parisian locations where Edith Piaf performed to give the show an organic and nostalgic atmosphere. La Vie en Rose debuted at Carnegie Hall in January 2017 and is now coming to Beijing to continue the celebration of her life as a performance artist. 

Wed Jul 31, 7.30pm; RMB280-880; Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Aug 1: Anne-Marie

Having recently vaulted to stardom, Anne-Marie is set to bring her charismatic and female-centric message to Beijing on early next month. Her first single,‘Alarm,’ reached No. 2 on the UK charts and was eventually certified platinum. Her true breakout came when she was featured on Clean Bandit’s hit song ‘Rockabye,’ with Sean Paul, which went on to be certified multi-platinum. Since then, she went on to release her debut album Speak Your Mind in 2018. Get down to the rising star’s dance-infused beats early next month. 

Thu Aug 1, 8pm; RMB 280 (presale), RMB380 (door); Tango, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Through July

Summer Oyster Fest @ Mosto

For oyster lovers in Beijing, it can be pretty difficult to find a good place to get your shuck on. However, Mosto is determined to solve this conundrum – a daily summer deal featuring imported French oysters for RMB20. Shuck yeah! 

Daily; Mosto, see event listing.

New Summer Menu @ TRIBE

TRIBE is getting tropical this summer with new dishes that give major island vibes. Featuring seasonal and fresh ingredients like mangos, zucchini and pineapple, these brand-new dishes are sure to beat the summer heat. Choose from seriously tasty plates like the grilled nectarine salad, cauliflower-based Hawaiian pizza, juicy pineap- ple and shrimp skewers, along with sweet and light offerings like the coconut yogurt smoothie bowl. Sip on chill drinks like A Gentle Buzz, made with coffee liqueur, oat milk, lychee vodka and coffee ice cubes. 

Daily; various TRIBE locations, see event listing.

Daily Happy Hour @ Slow Boat Dengshikou

In lieu of Slow Boat’s new Dengshikou taproom opening this summer, daily happy hour options are now available through the season. Drop by between 4-7pm to take advantage of RMB10 discounts on all draft beer. 

Daily, 4-7pm; Slow Boat Dengshikou, see event listing.

‘Picasso – The Birth of a Genius’ Exhibition 

China’s largest-ever art exhibition of Pablo Picasso is on display in Beijing. This exhibition sees work from Picasso’s first three decades – 103 pieces in total that include paint- ings, sculptures and works on paper. Specially curated for UCCA by the Head of Collections at Musée National Picasso-Paris, the event promises to showcase one of the true modern art heavyweights and his formative years. 

Sat Jun 15-Sun Sep 1, 10am- 7pm; RMB60; Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA), see event listing. 

[All images courtesy of promoters]

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