8 spectacular things to do this weekend

This is your weekend forecast for the capital's best events

It's shaping up to be a slightly subdued weekend in the capital, with the majority of our beloved nightlife haunts and livehouses closed for business over the next week due to the National Party Congress. The good news is, there are still plenty of excellent ways to spend your weekend. Take a look at our picks of the best films, ritzy stage productions, food events and more.

FRIDAY

Joshua Redman Trio

Blue Note Beijing. Fri 20-Sat 21. 320-520RMB

American saxophonist Joshua Redman has been nominated for three Grammys and garnered top honours in The Village Voice and Rolling Stone. In addition to his own projects, Redman has recorded and performed with musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Chick Corea, The Rolling Stones, Quincy Jones, Yo Yo Ma and countless more.

Hugoeast screening: The Levelling

UCCA. Fri 20. 30RMB

In order to promote cultural exchange between China and abroad through film, Beijing Hugoeast Media Co Ltd is collaborating with the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA) to present a series of screenings of new foreign arthouse films, with a different theme for each month. Inspired by The Second Sex by philosopher Beauvoir, October's theme focuses on the contemporary social climate for women with a selection of films shot only by female directors.

In The Levelling, when Clover Catto receives a call telling her that her younger brother Harry is dead, she must return to her family farm and face the man she hasn't spoken to in years: her father Aubrey.

SATURDAY

Sofar Sounds

Unspecified venue. Sat 21. Free

Sofar (Songs From A Room) Sounds, also known as the secret gig movement, returns to Beijing this Saturday. Taking pride in curating relatively secret gigs in small, intimate settings, these gigs are a unique chance for music lovers to listen to emerging artists.

The 20th Food and Wine Experience

Hilton Beijing. Sat 21. 168-308RMB

For years the Hilton Beijing has been throwing one of the best food and wine festivals in Beijing, and having finally reached the big 2-0, this year's festival is shaping up to be the biggest and booziest yet. Last year's Food and Wine Experience featured more than 400 local and international wine labels and gourmet food suppliers with over a 1,000 locals and expats attending. This year, a new batch of renowned food and wine purveyors are arriving in Beijing for another impressive line-up of wine tastings, masterclasses, live music plus a lunch and dinner buffet. Don't miss the chance to taste, indulge and savour all the latest culinary joys available in the capital.

Brunchin' and Munchin'

Hatchery. Sat 21. 188RMB (adults); free (kids)

This weekend, Hatchery's bringing together your favourite Beijing artisans for some delectable brunching and munching. Expect generous grazing platters, grilled meats plus a decadent array of desserts — all washed down with a pint of Jing A.

Beijing Flea Market

Pop-Up Beijing. Sat 21. Free

With more than 35 vendors selling some of the best local designs and crafts from both established and emerging makers, shoppers are sure to find something unique and one-of-a-kind at this market. And if all that browsing gets you peckish, check out the food stalls which will be selling gourmet baked goods, wine and loads more.

SUNDAY

011 Brunch and Day Party

The Bookworm. Sun 22. 200RMB (brunch); 30RMB (afterparty)

011 is a bimonthly brunch party that aims to bring together lovers of good music, good food and chill vibes. Made up of two parts, 011 starts off with brunch in the afternoon, then an afterparty till 8pm. With the weather starting to get colder, this gathering's also set to be the last brunch party at The Bookworm's terrace, so don't miss out!

Beijing Music Festival: Beethoven Cycle I Eroica

Forbidden City Concert Hall. Sun 22. 80-380RMB

The BMF hosts Paavo Jarvi and the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen in the city’s first Beethoven symphonic cycle. Beethoven’s symphonies changed music forever; they were so intimidating to his contemporaries – not to mention his musical descendants – that the number nine became a curse. Now you can see why yourself.

For full event details and even more awesome things to do, hit '阅读原文'.

More from Time Out Beijing