11 spectacular things to do this week

Featuring Paul van Dyk, a Studio Ghibli concert and more

Another week, another bumper crop of brilliant events heading our way. Check out our picks of the best things to do this week. It's Monday, get planning now!

MONDAY

Thor: Ragnarok

On general release until Dec 6

Picking up two years after the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron, we find a lost and hammer-less Thor washing up on Sakaar, where the now perma-furious Hulk is a gladiatorial hero. Helmed by What We Do in the Shadows director Taika Waititi, Ragnarok is a riotous, screwball threequel.

TUESDAY

Beijing Ducks vs Beikong Fly Dragons

Olympic Sports Center. Tue 7. Tickets tbc

The early rounds of the Chinese basketball season see a spicy Beijing derby, with Ducks legend Stephon Marbury lining up against his old team for the first time since making the switch across town to the Fly Dragons this summer.

WEDNESDAY

Buffalo wing-eating competition

The Local. Wed 8. Free

Head to The Local this Wednesday for its autumn buffalo wing-eating contest. Sandwiched between Halloween and Thanksgiving, The Local is giving you yet another excuse to live excessively. And if you don't want to compete, there are still reasons to come along, including 3RMB wings and free bottles of The Calling IPA.

THURSDAY

Itzhak Perlman

NCPA. Thu 9. 200-1,200RMB

Living legend Itzhak Perlman returns with a solo recital programme of Strauss and Schubert. Having performed at a White House State Dinner and Presidential Inauguration, the Israeli-American violinist was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. A violin recital not to be missed.

FRIDAY

HVOB

Omni Space. Fri 10. 150RMB

Performing at Omni Space this Friday, the Austrian electronic-pop duo are performing music off Silk, their latest studio album which was also a joint collaboration with Mumford & Sons' lead guitarist Winston Marshall. Their unique style of music has prompted an invitation to perform a Boiler Room set and they've also been touted by American Thump magazine as a contender for its 'Album of the Year' award.

DJ Die

Dada. Fri 10. Tickets tbc

The legendary Bristol drum 'n' bass producer's career boasts hits such as ‘Clear Skyz’ and ‘Drop Bear’ as well as a classic remix of labelmate Roni Size’s ‘Watching Windows’. In the game for over 25 years, DJ Die is also known for mould-breaking collaborations with the likes of DJs Krust and Break and running record labels Clear Skyz and Gutterfunk.

An Iliad

Inside-Out Theatre. Fri 10-Sun 12. Tickets tbc

One-man wonder Joseph Graves returns with a solo take on Homer’s Iliad and mankind’s bloody history. If you've ever seen his seamless transitions between his six-year-old self, his pastor father and his alcoholic professor, you know that no one solos like Graves, and this much-lauded show comes with plenty of high-powered contributors.

SATURDAY

Sean Nicholas Savage + Molly Nilsson + Better Person

Dusk Dawn Club. Sat 11. 120RMB; 100RMB (presale)

This huge night of indie music features lo-fi rock from acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Sean Nicholas Savage, dreamy pop from Swedish singer Molly Nilsson and '80s synth-inspired tracks from Polish-born musician Better Person.

Foodies crawl

China World Shopping Mall. Sat 11-Sun 12. 380RMB

Organised by BJ Foodies, this November's event is spread out over an entire weekend and features four Guomao favourites – Xiao Susu, Migas Mercado, Hana and F Bistronome. For 380RMB, each of the featured restaurants will be showcasing one signature dish alongside a beverage for a total value of 690RMB.

SUNDAY

Laputa: Castle in the Sky concert

Beijing Concert Hall. Sun 12. 100-880RMB

A captivating tribute to some of Studio Ghibli's most iconic animated films, this multimedia concert features compositions from Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Kiki's Delivery Service, My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke and the Oscar-winning Spirited Away – all created by the immense talents of composer Joe Hisaishi and director Hayao Miyazaki. A stunning must-see for fans of the Japanese animation studio.

Paul van Dyk

Elements. Sun 12. 250RMB

During a set last year, the legendary DJ plummeted off stage, breaking his spine and smashing his head. However, despite doctors fearing he would never recover properly, Paul van Dyk slowly recuperated, began gigging and released his new album, From Then On, last month. Witness his triumphant return this Sunday.

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