Oct 5: Studio Ghibli Symphony Concert 

Studio Ghibli, one of the most acclaimed animation studios of our time, has changed the face of animated feature films. This month, Tokyo-based NHK Symphony Orchestra is in town to perform music from beloved works such as My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away. Join singers Azumi Inoue and Youmi Kimura, voice actress Yoko Honna and a host of other artists as they evoke a sense of wonder and nostalgia in audiences young and old. 

Sat Oct 5, 7.30pm; RMB280-680; Beijing Exhibition Center Theater, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Oct 5: Calligraphy Workshop 

Learning calligraphy is not just a way to appreciate one of China’s cultural treasures, it’s also a means by which to practice the virtues of patience, control and focus. Cultural Keys invites you to their monthly workshop, where you will be informed of the history of calligraphy, learn to write characters and phrases with the guidance of an expert calligrapher and have the chance to explore the unique Xiaopu Artists Village. Lunch, tea and transport to and from Tuanjiehu subway station are included. 

Sat Oct 5, 9am; RMB388; Cultural Keys, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Oct 6 & 7: Great Wall Retreat 

Let Taozi Tree Yoga take you on a journey through movement, nature, and awareness with vegetarian cuisine and like-minded yoga fans. Relax in a Chinese farmhouse-style homestay, enjoy scenic hikes along the Great Wall, and explore local villages, all in an open and accepting environment. Accommodation and pick up and drop off at Dongzhimen are included. 

Sun Oct 6 & Mon Oct 7; RMB850 (shared room), RMB1,050 (single room); Miyun Great Wall, see event listing. Search Taozi Tree Yoga on WeChat for more information.

Oct 10 & 11: Harvey Mason Chameleon 

Image via Harvey Mason/Facebook

Nicknamed “the Chameleon” for his ability to perform a multitude of music styles, acclaimed session drummer Harvey Mason has also moonlit as a producer and composer throughout his celebrated career. He has worked with a stellar cast of artists, such as Frank Sinatra, Beyoncé and John Legend, just to name a few. Catch “the Chameleon” and his alluring blend of R&B and cutting-edge jazz at Blue Note this month. 

Thu Oct 10 & Fri Oct 11, various times; RMB360-460; Blue Note Beijing, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Oct 10-27: Oktoberfest 

Not only does October herald the coming of autumn, it also brings Oktoberfest back to Beijing. Held at Kempinski’s Paulaner Bräuhaus, you are invited to take part in a lively mix of activities, such as singalongs and dance-alongs, as well as performances by the Alpine Bavarian Band. Of course, there will be classic German fare and free-flow Paulaner beer to pair with the Oktoberfest set dinner and free-flow soft drinks with the Oktoberfest Sunday buffet brunch. 

Thu Oct 10-Sun Oct 27, 11.30am (brunch), 6pm (dinner); RMB290 (brunch), RMB498 (dinner); Paulaner Bräuhaus, see event listing. 

Oct 12 & 13: Three Stories of Yimeng 

As a tribute to the women of the Yimeng Mountains in present-day Shandong province, the National Ballet of China is bringing a three-part story to Beijing stages. Follow these women as they sacrifice their lives and families for the revolution that brought about the birth of a new China. Three Stories of Yimeng is the culmination of two years of preparation, with a cast of artists capturing the poignant themes of dedication and perseverance. 

Sat Oct 12 & Sun Oct 13, 7.30pm; RMB100-600; National Center for the Performing Arts – Opera House, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Oct 16: Carly Rae Jepsen

After performing at Beijing’s Grammy Festival last year, Canadian pop star Carly Rae Jepsen returns to China for a full tour supporting her latest release, Dedicated. The album adds a layer of sultriness to the standard Emotion, which was the release that transformed her from ‘Call Me Maybe’ girl to a critics’ darling with a cult following.

Wed Oct 16, 8pm; RMB480-780; Beijing Century Theater, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Oct 16: Nothing 

Philadelphia band Nothing strikes an uncanny balance between distorted heavy metal and shimmering shoegaze. Founder Dominic Palermo writes songs of cynicism, pain, and lost youth – homage to Palermo’s turbulent past. Nothing’s well-received albums have made waves both online and on tour, so join them on a darkly introspective trip through the illogical and absurd. 

Wed Oct 16, 7.30pm; RMB120 (presale), RMB150 (door); Dusk Dawn Club, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Oct 18 & 19: Jing-A’s 8x8 Brewing Project 

Get ready for a boozy two days of craft beer. Famed Beijing brewpub Jing-A teams together eight breweries from Greater China and eight breweries from around the world to create eight special brews. Last year, the 8x8 Brewing Project featured collaborations with Northern European breweries, while this year’s iteration brings in brewers from Northeastern US and Canada. Get a three-hour session ticket for a taste, or an all-session pass to explore the world of brewing. 

Fri Oct 18 & Sat Oct 19, various times; RMB150-688; Langyuan Vintage, see event listing. Buy tickets here. For more information, follow Jing-A on WeChat: jingabrewing.

Oct 18-20: Wuthering Heights 

UK-based touring troupe Chapterhouse Theater Company brings you a fiery and gothic stage rendition of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights. Experience the tempestuous relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff, set against the enigmatic Yorkshire moorland. This adaptation by award-winning writer Laura Turner is sure to set pulses racing with its lavish sets and costumes telling a classic tale of passion, revenge and tragedy. 

Fri Oct 18-Sun Oct 20, 7.30pm; RMB120-380; Nine Theater, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Oct 19: 22th Wine & Food Experience 

Don’t let the one-day length of this event deceive you – attendees will have the rare opportunity to sample from over 400 renowned regional and international wine labels as well as countless other food and beverage producers and vendors. You’ll be able to engage with industry professionals and fellow foodies alike while on this tasting extravaganza. Enjoy an exclusive Southeast Asian-inspired buffet at the Hilton’s Makan Kitchen with the lunch and dinner package ticket. 

Sat Oct 19, 12pm; RMB108 (entrance ticket), RMB268 (entrance ticket plus lunch and dinner buffet);Hilton Beijing, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Oct 19 & 20: Songs of Lear 

Having first premiered at Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival in 2012, Songs of Lear is rooted in the energies of Shakespeare’s tragedy. However, award-winning and innovative theater company Song of the Goat Theater intertwines classical and world music with gestures and words, performing the story as a choral song cycle. Experience this emotionally compelling work as it captivates Beijing audiences with its drama and mind-bending artistry. 

Sat Oct 19 & Sun Oct 20, 7.30pm; RMB280-680; Tianqiao Performing Arts Center – Lyric Theatre, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Oct 25: The Drifter 

Toxic Entertainment presents The Drifter, a multifaceted underground DJ from Ireland. The electronic musician returns to Beijing with his melodic and emotive blend of house, disco, and techno, pushing the boundaries of dance music. He has cut his teeth playing at club nights all over the world, eventually becoming a founding member of a Berlin-based music label, Maeve. Lose yourself in the pulse of his hypnotic sets at Dada. 

Fri Oct 25, 10pm; RMB80; Dada Beijing, see event listing. 

Oct 25: We Lost the Sea 

We Lost the Sea, an Australian postrock band, is presenting their new concept album Triumph & Disaster on their China tour. Told through the eyes of a mother and son as they spend one last day on Earth, the lyrics tell a story of love, loss and letting go. The band’s dynamic performance provides a view into their profound exploration of environmental and existential themes, taking audiences on a grand sweep through their artistry. 

Fri Oct 25, 9pm; RMB120 (presale), RMB150 (door); Omni Space, see event listing. For tickets and info, visit newnoise.cn.

Oct 25-Nov 3: Le Rouge et le Noir 

French for ‘the red and the black,’ this musical is based on Stendhal’s 1830 historical psychological novel. It follows Julien Sorel, a provincial young man, as he tries to rise beyond his status and ends up getting entangled in scandalous affairs. Ultimately, his passions prove to be his downfall. This rock opera is reimagined for the stage by François Chouquet, along with a live rock band, 3D multimedia effects and lavish outfits. 

Fri Oct 25-Sun Nov 3, various times; RMB280-1,180; Beijing Century Theater, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Oct 26: The Color Run Beijing 

The world’s happiest and most colorful 5k marathon is hitting Beijing’s streets. Fret not if you have never run that far – The Color Run caters to all fitness levels and ages. Each ticket bundle comes with a white T-shirt; participants wear this from the starting line, and at each kilometer mark, runners will be covered head to toe in colorful powder. After the run, the fun continues with a massive party, where you can take part in music, dance, photo ops and activity booths. 

Sat Oct 26, 9.30am (morning start), 2.30pm (afternoon start); RMB208-498; Beijing Garden Expo Park, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Oct 31 & Nov 1: La Bayadere 

Allow the Czech National Ballet to sweep you away. Set to the compositions of Ludwig Minkus and staged by influential choreographer Marius Petipa, this is a tale of an Indian temple dancer and her ill-fated love. One of the oldest ballet companies in the world, the Czech National Ballet has a wide-ranging repertoire of traditional works and international classics. Catch them at the NCPA this month. 

Thu Oct 31 & Fri Nov 1, 7.30pm; RMB180-680; National Center for the Performing Arts – Opera House, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Nov 2: Sarah Lucas Solo Exhibition

Influential British artist Sarah Lucas will make her China debut with a solo exhibition at Red Brick Art Museum early next month. Featuring her early works, famous self-portraits and career-defining sculptures, the show will be on through February 2020.

Sat Nov 2-Sun Feb 16; Red Brick Art Museum, see event listing.

Through October

David Hockney – Works From the Tate Collection

Paintings by renowned British artist David Hockney are now on display at M Woods’ brand-new second location in the up-and-coming Longfusi compound. Taken from the Tate Collection in London, the works will be exhibited at the gallery through early next year.
Through January 1; RMB180 (Tue-Thu), RMB220 (Fri-Sun); M Woods (Longfusi), see event listing.

New Dishes @ Q Mex 

Q Mex Bar & Grill recently unveiled their fourth location in World City, and some exciting new dishes to match. Try dishes like spicy sausage and salami pizza, topped with Mexican pesto sauce, dried tomatoes and roasted pine nuts, and the spicy slow-roasted pork belly tacos. Wash it all down with a Blackflower Margarita, based with tequila and red sangria, or the Made in China gin & tonic, infused with dried peppercorn, orange slices and a cinnamon stick. 

Daily, 11am-2am; Q Mex (World City)

Venezuelan Arepas

Laid-back hutong eatery and bar Side Street is taking a detour from its classic burgers to excite diners with authentic Venezuelan arepas. Handmade from maize flour, a wide range of accompaniments is offered, catering to meat-lovers and vegans alike. There will also be great drinks and arepas combos each week. 

Saturdays, 4pm; Side Street, see event listing.

[All images courtesy of promoters]

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