Sep 5-7: Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery

Forever a family classic, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles has been adapted for many radio, television, and stage performances. This month, see a theatrical showing of this quintessential detective drama. Created by playwright Ken Ludwig, Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery features five chameleonic actors playing 42 different roles, all lighting up the stage with humorous dialogue and a comedic atmosphere. 

Thu Sep 5-Sat Sep 7, 7.30pm; RMB320-880; NCPA, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Sep 7: MadeinTYO 

MadeinTYO is not your average hip hop artist – as the son of a naval officer, he has moved many times throughout his childhood, finally landing in Tokyo for his school years. Immersed in this vibrant culture, he began to make music, uploading his work to Soundcloud not long after. Blood Orange, A$AP Ferg and Tinashe are featured in his star-studded line-up of collaborating artists. Presenting his unique music style, with playful lyrics and bass-heavy beats, MadeinTYO is here to turn up. 

Sat Sep 7, 9pm; RMB180 (presale), RMB250 (door); Arkham Beijing, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Sep 7: Sugar House’s Say My Name! Say My Name! R&B Party

Beijing’s “vibiest” party is back again for another lively night of nothing but funky R&B hits – Sugar House takes over underground club Dada early this month with a stacked lineup of DJs. Catch Dirty Dishes (aka boss woman of Sugar House), Watermelon, JustSYD and Puzzy Stack bringing the beats all night long. 

Sat Sep 7, 10pm-late; free entry; Dada Beijing, see event listing.

Sep 7: Queen Real Tribute Concert 

Get ready for a revival of one of the greatest rock bands in the world. Established in 2006, Queen Real Tribute gained traction playing concerts throughout Eastern Europe, later touring countries such as Brazil and Switzerland. The tribute band members are talented musicians and avid fans of Queen as well, with the guitarist even playing with a coin just as Brian May did. There is no doubt you will be rocked. 

Sat Sep 7, 7.30pm; RMB162-1,152; Beijing Exhibition Center Theater, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Sep 11: The Twilight Sad 

Born out of a group of school friends, Scottish indie-rock and shoegaze band The Twilight Sad has been critically acclaimed for their moody, layered tunes and experimental creativity. They have played all over the world in concerts and festivals, notably supporting The Cure in their North American and European tours. Expect an intense live show. 

Wed Sep 11, 8.30pm; RMB120 (presale), RMB150 (door); Omni Space, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Sep 12: Kamasi Washington

Trailblazing jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington and his band hit the Blue Note stage. Defined by his funky improvisational style and soulful compositions, the American bandleader has stunned audiences across the globe. Celebrated for his, well, epic record The Epic, the masterful musician will perform two energy-packed sets for Beijing audiences in the middle of the month.

Thu Sep 12, 7.30pm & 10pm; Blue Note Beijing, see event listing. 

Sep 12: Softer Still 

Surrey-based quartet Softer Still create dreamlike indie-pop to bop your head, tap your feet, and open your mind. Performing their 2018 album Nuances, you will be treated to a lush soundscape of summery shoegaze, with nods to progressive rock of the ’80s and ’90s. 

Thu Sep 12, 8.30pm; RMB 120 (presale), RMB150 (door); Omni Space, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Sep 12 & 13: Pee Wee Ellis Funk Assembly 

Pee Wee Ellis, the renowned saxophonist, composer and arranger, will be bringing his distinctive brand of jazz-funk to Blue Note Beijing this month. His 65-year career has taken him from leading jazz bands in Florida to being a member of the James Brown Revue and Van Morrison’s band, establishing himself as an essential figure in the realm of funk and soul. Take a trip back to the groovy times at this gig. 

Thu Sep 12 & Fri Sep 13, various times; RMB420-500; Blue Note Beijing, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Sep 13: The Sleeping Beauty 

Be enthralled by the magic and fantasy of the ballet The Sleeping Beauty. The critically-acclaimed Russian State Ballet are no strangers to Beijing stages, having performed a number of their repertoire here in past years. Composed by Tchaikovsky and brought to life by the Russian State Ballet, The Sleeping Beauty tells a classic tale of love and innocence, featuring amazing choreography, lavish costumes and detailed sets. 

Fri Sep 13, 7.30pm; RMB180-880; Mei Lanfang Grand Theater, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Sep 13-15: 2047 Apologue 3 

Acclaimed multi-award-winning director Zhang Yimou returns with the third series of his stage series, 2047 Apologue. This conceptual performance combines traditional Chinese folk arts with modern production equipment, exploring a dialogue between humans and technology, their intertwining nature, and their future. Zhang Yimou also collaborates with 20 local and international teams in this sprawling show. Cross the boundaries of time and culture at the NCPA this month. 

Fri Sep 13-Sun Sep 15, 7.30pm; RMB168-1,280; Opera House @ NCPA, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Sep 14: Mooncake Making and Tea Tasting Course 

Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with a special mooncake making course and tea tasting at The Hutong. Learn all about the history of the festival and how to choose the perfect tea to pair with mooncakes of various fillings. There will even be a chance for you to make your own handcrafted tea. Stay tuned for our full guide on Mid-Autumn Festival events.

Sat Sep 14, 2.30-5pm; RMB200, RMB180 (members), RMB150 (children under 13); The Hutong, see event listing.

Sep 14: Full Moon Hike Over the Silver Pagodas 

It’s a full moon on the night of September 14 and Beijing Hikers are organizing an exciting outdoor trek under the moonlight. The relatively basic hike features a climb to the peak of Silver Mountain and down through the pagodas. Don’t forget to bring your own dinner and a flashlight. 

Sat Sep 14, 2.45pm-late; RMB360, RMB325 (members); Beijing Hikers, see event listing. For more info and booking, visitbeijinghikers.com or email info@ beijinghikers.com.

Sep 19-21: The Comedy of Errors & Twelfth Night 

London-based arts venue and education center Shakespeare’s Globe brings you two Shakespearean favorites, The Comedy of Errors andTwelfth Night. The world-renowned theatre company celebrates Shakespeare’s unmistakable impact on the world, staging selected plays internationally. Both of the plays to be performed in Beijing feature comedy revolve around mistaken identities and skilled wordplay – a must-see for all Thespians. 

Thu Sep 19-Sat Sep 21, various times; RMB180-680; Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Sat 20 & 21: U-Theatre ‘The Colours’ 

Taiwan-based troupe U-Theater is bringing a new performance concept to Beijing. A meditative mix of zen contemplation, martial arts and impeccable percussion techniques puts a never-before-seen spin on contemporary theater. Established in 1988, U-Theater combines the concepts of Tao and Art to elevate their work, broadening their artistic horizons. Discover a new way of life and expression at the NCPA this month. 

Fri Sep 20 & Sat Sep 21, 7.30pm; RMB100-580; NCPA, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Sep 23: Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra 

Founded in 1982, the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra is among the best of China’s orchestras. They have been touring the world for decades and is becoming more well-known internationally, having performed in Berlin and Prague. Over the years, the orchestra has welcomed several guest conductors and collaborated with prominent composers and musicians. You are invited to a night of auditory opulence with their large repertoire of classics. 

Mon Sep 23; TBD; NCPA, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Sep 26-28: The Three-Body Problem I 

Be a part of China’s rich sci-fi scene at Tianqiao Theater this month. Adapted for the stage from the first Hugo Award-winning novel from Asia, The Three Body Problem by Liu Cixin, this work explores the expansive notions of conspiracy, humanity, and sacrifice. This Lotus Lee Drama Studio production will wow you with an array of groundbreaking multimedia special effects alongside a complex narrative. 

Thu Sep 26-Sat Sep 28, various times; RMB180-880; Tianqiao Theater, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Sep 28 & 29: Mastering Your Handstand 

Handstands – yoga pose or party trick? Do away with the distinction at this two-day workshop at Yoga Yard. Teacher Victor Chau will put you through pair work, core strength conditioning, shoulder exercises and more, so you can walk away having learned a new acrobatic skill. Don’t worry if you’re not up to scratch – the workshop will focus on the foundations as well as the handstand itself. To enjoy a RMB50-100 discount, book before September 14. 

Sat Sep 28-Sun Sep 29, 1.30pm-4.30pm; RMB550 (single day), RMB1,000 (full weekend); Yoga Yard, see event listing.

Through September

Hainan Chicken Rice Pop-Up 

Southeast Asian eatery Kup Kup Kup hosts a Hainanese chicken rice pop-up for a limited time, in collaboration with Singaporean restaurants Koo Kee and DongDong Chicken Rice. Now through the middle of the month, get your fill of the set lunch meal for just RMB78, which also includes chicken soup, rice and a drink. 

Through mid-Sep, 11.30am-4pm (set lunch menu); RMB78 (extra quarter chicken RMB88 each); Kup Kup Kup, see event listing.

Happy Hour @ Migas Mercado 

With the weather cooling down, Migas Mercado’s gorgeous terrace is the place to be. To make it all the merrier, they’re bringing you a daily happy hour featuring all red and white sangria, mojitos, gin & tonics and house wine for just RMB40 a glass. 

Daily, 4.30-6.30pm; RMB40; Migas Mercado, see event listing.

Special Menu @ Azur 

Upscale French restaurant Azur is celebrating chef Mauro Colagreco’s worldwide success. With Colagreco’s three Michelin star restaurant Mirazur ranking first in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants of 2019, the esteemed chef is offering a specially-crafted menu for Beijing patrons. Indulge your senses with signature starters, such as fresh oysters with a pear reduction, and delectable entrees, like Kaluga caviar butter-topped wagyu tenderloin. 

Mon-Sun, 11.30am-2pm & 5.30pm-10pm; RMB1,288/person; Azur, see event listing.

Sunday Brunch @ Zarah 

End your weekend with a sumptuous brunch at Zarah, tucked away in a renovated Beijing-style courtyard. Offering a new selection of brunch options each week, you can expect to be treated to a range of cheeses and cold cuts, freshly-baked pastries, artisan salads, and even DIY jianbing and egg-cooking stations. All-you-can-eat brunch (including a drink) is RMB198 per person, while RMB298 will get you brunch plus free-flow Jing-A beers, wine, prosecco and cocktails. Kids can tag along too for RMB98. 

Sundays, 10am-3pm; RMB98- RMB298; Zarah, see event listing.

[All images courtesy of promoters]

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