Chicago, UFC, Rent: The best events to book on Time Out Tickets

The best concerts, films, comedy shows and more on Time Out Tickets

Some amazing stage shows, bands, DJs, exhibitions and so many more great events are happening in Beijing soon, and we've got the hot tickets. Take a look at our top picks and book them, right here, right now. It really couldn't be any easier.

UFC Fight Night 2018

Cadillac Arena. Nov 24. 280-16,880RMB. 

This November, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heads to Beijing for the first time ever (and returns to Mainland China for its second time). As it stands, the main event is set to feature heavyweight Curtis Blaydes (number 3) fight for his ranking – and revenge? – against Francis Ngannou (number 4). An electric McGregor bout this past week raised the profile of the sport even higher – and a few eyebrows too – now see the UFC Fight Night fuss for yourself, right here in Beijing.

A History of China in 50 Objects

National Museum of China. Daily (closed Monday). 290RMB (adults); 240RMB (children).

Inspired by the New York Times bestseller and wildly popular radio series, Newman Tours has created a tour that explores the human history of China through 50 of the most celebrated art objects in Beijing’s National Museum of China. Their guide will take you on an informative and entertaining journey of 4,000 years, using the most venerated objects of the museum’s collection to illustrate the principal developments of China’s epic history.

Tennyson

Yue Space. Oct 11. 120RMB; 90RMB (presale). Canadian siblings Luke and Tess Pretty make up Tennyson, an outfit that blends jazz with electronica and seemingly every sound in between. The duo has made waves in the music scene for their young start and eclectic sounds, producing hits such as 'Lay-by' and 'Fault Line'.

Knxwledge & J Rocc

Playhouse. Oct 13. 160RMB; 140RMB (presale). 

Knxwledge is a hip-hop producer known for a unique style that melds soul, jazz and hip-hop. He's produced tracks with numerous artists over the years, including 'Momma' with powerhouse Kendrick Lamar on platinum album To Pimp a Butterfly. He brings his critically acclaimed beats to China alongside J Rocc – the co-founder of Beat Junkies and an instrumental force in the turntable world of hip-hop.

Wednesday Campanella

Tango. Oct 19. 360RMB; 300RMB (presale). Wednesday Campanella is a Japanese music group that combines EDM, J-Pop, and hip-hop. The trio consists of KOM_I, Kenmochi Hidefumi and Dir.F, garnering a huge following in Japan and now worldwide, especially since featuring on Chvrches' single 'Out Of My Head'.

The Fratellis

Tango. Oct 21. 580RMB; 480RMB (presale). 

'Der der der, der der der, der der der di-er der der, der der der, der der der, der der der di-er. Der der der, der der der, der der der di-er der der, der der der, der der der, der der der di-er der der.'

Sam Smith

Cadillac Arena. Oct 25. 480-1,880RMB. Having started out as a guest on dance-pop records, soulful Sam Smith made his own mark on the music world when he began pumping out chart-topping, heartstring-pulling solo ballads. He's got a string of number-one hits to his name at the ripe old age of 26, so, fair to say the solo venture went rather well. Latch onto the dreamboat this October and find out for yourself how good he is at goodbyes. 

Zombie Chang + Siamese Cats

Omni Space. Oct 25. 280RMB; 180RMB (presale). Japanese Yung Meirin, aka Zombie-Chang, is a model and lo-fi musician making waves in alternative scenes around the world. She came to the stage back in 2013 with debut EP Atashi wa Nan Desu ka, following it up with 2015 release Koi no Vacances. She's joined at Omni Space this October by Japanese rockers Siamese Cats.

Blossoms

Omni Space. Nov 2. 280RMB; 220RMB (presale). 

Since forming in 2013, Stockport-based Blossoms have enjoyed consistent success. They were on the BBC's Sound Of New Music list for 2016, and their 2016 self-titled debut album scored number one on the official UK albums chart. In 2018, the Blossoms announced the details of their second album Cool Like You, a cinematic joyride through the best movie you've never watched. They'll be making their Mainland China debut with shows in Beijing and Shanghai this November.

The Vaccines

Tango. Nov 13. 480RMB; 380RMB (presale).

Infectious London-based indie rock outfit The Vaccines formed in the late 2000s around the talents of Justin Young, Árni Arnason, Freddie Cowan and Pete Robertson. With hits such as 'If You Wanna' and 'Post Break-Up Sex', the group brings their catchy stufff to Beijing with new release Combat Sports.

Scorpions

Olympic Sports Center. Nov 17. 180-1,980RMB. 

Founded in Germany over 50 years ago, these rockers have enjoyed a half-century of international success. With chart-toppers including 'Wind of Change', 'Rock You Like a Hurricane' (number 18 on VH1's 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs) and 'Still Loving You', Scorpions have won multiple awards, and apparently even have an honorary postage stamp in Brazil. Get your rock on this November and s(t)ing the night away.

Four Tet

Omni Space. Nov 17. 300RMB; 220RMB (presale). 

Formerly of the band Fridge, Kieran Hebden, aka Four Tet, has since established himself as a solo artist, remixing tracks for artists such as Super Furry Animals, Radiohead and Ellie Goulding. Having recently collaborated with the likes of Thom Yorke and Burial, Four Tet was also nominated for a Grammy last year for his remix of The xx's 'Violent Noise'.

Rent

Century Theatre. Oct 11, 14, 16, 17. 80-880RMB.

A re-imagining of Puccini's La Bohème, Rent follows a year in the lives of seven impoverished artists struggling to survive in the thriving days of New York City's Alphabet City, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. This Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant twentieth anniversary touring production. 

The Australian Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty

NCPA. Oct 11-Oct 14. 100-800RMB. 

Set to Tchaikovsky's celebrated score and featuring breathtaking designs by Gabriela Tylesova, artistic director of the Australian Ballet David McAllister's production stays true to the magic and majesty of the original and showcases the talents of the entire company in iconic moments like the Rose Adage and the Bluebird Pas de deux. An opulent, reawakened adaptation that's not to be missed.

Chicago

Tianqiao Performing Arts Centre. Nov 1-Nov 18. 180-1,180RMB. 

A huge Broadway hit that has toured the world and was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film, sassy musical Chicago is set in the 1920s, Prohibition-era Windy City, telling the story of rival vaudevillian murderesses Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart and their battle to avoid death row while simultaneously striving for the fame they oh so desire. It's also got a suitably killer soundtrack, including the awesome 'Cell Block Tango' and 'All That Jazz'.

Now You See Me

Beijing Workers' Gymnasium. Nov 2-Nov 3. 280-880RMB. 

Seen the movie? Now you can see the live stage show. Now You See Me comes to Beijing with cutting-edge technology, surprise twists and never-before-seen illusions. Enjoy a magic and stage show from some of the world's best magicians.

For even more tickets to great events in Beijing, hit 'Read more'.

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