These are the best free events in Beijing this September

No money? No problem!

FILM

Lili

In September, Pop-Up Beijing ventures behind the scenes of the circus, where all's not what it seems. In Lili, an orphaned young woman becomes part of a puppet act and forms a relationship with an anti-social puppeteer. Pop-Up Beijing. Tue 12

Beijing Bastards

One of China’s first indie films, Beijing Bastards is a melancholic look at the ’90s Beijing rock scene, featuring a series of episodes into disenfranchised youth living in contemporary China and starring a young(ish) Cui Jian. A blend of fact and fiction, it’s a cool slice of history. Watch it at Time Out's open-air screening at Capital M, overlooking Tiananmen Square. Capital M. Sun 24

PARTIES

The Boogie

Every Wednesday Cad 73 helps you groove over the hump with a broad selection of smooth tunes. Head to Migas for some feel-good vibes to keep you moving through the rest of the week. The Bar at Migas. Every Wednesday

Club Paradise Temple Takeover

The tropical, disco-loving party monsters of Club Paradise have been given the keys to Temple Bar for the night. Expect an all night disco dance party of drunken proportions with DJs Saucy, Ted Dancin' and Gary Boozy. Temple Bar. Fri 8

Bubbles 'n' Beats

Relax at Bottega Jinshang's huge outdoor terrace while sipping on half-priced beers, spritzes, wine and G&Ts every Sunday throughout the month of September. Club Paradise DJs and Ludo V will also be hitting the decks to keep the party going all through the evening. Bottega Jinshang. Sun 10; Sun 17; Sun 24

THINGS TO DO

Beijing Roller Derby

Roller derby is a contact sport played on wheels with a distinctly feminist bent – it's probably most famous these days from the 2009 film Whip It. Strap on your skates (or borrow some from the team) and release your inner Ellen Page. Tuanjiehu Park. Every Tuesday

Women in Leadership: Mentor Talks Asia

Beijing Mentor Walks is a series held in collaboration with Capital M, AmCham, AustCham, the Australian Embassy in Beijing, VIVA and the Beijing Women's Network. The programme brings together established and emerging women leaders in the community for a relaxed, informal morning walk to discuss professional and personal successes, challenges and aspirations.

Ritan Park. Fri 8

Open Mic Comedy Night

Get your laughing gear ready for live stand-up in the hutongs, featuring regular four-minute spots from China Comedy Club comedians and open-mic spots for the thick-skinned. Hot Cat Club. Every Wednesday

ART 

10 Years of Dumb

Ballistic Architecture Machine (BAM) is a design collective whose members believe that each project they create forms part of a larger event, rather than being stand-alone pieces of art. This exhibition showcases the work of the artists alongside the emotional and cultural events that inspired them, including many mistakes along the way, making for an honest exhibition that demonstrates the messy way in which art is created. Tabula Rasa. Until Fri 15

Huan Zhong: Nature Follows Abstraction

KWM presents Huan Zhong - Nature follows Abstraction, a group exhibition of 14 artists. Taking its title from 4th century BC philosopher Zhuang Zi’s concept of ‘Huan Zhong’ in his essay ‘On levelling all things', ‘Huang Zhong’ refers to the space within a circle. Through committing to abstraction, can an artist have a better understanding of nature? We don't know, but head over and see what you think. KWM Art Center. Until Fri 22, weekdays

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