The best things to do this week + win tickets to see Chicago

Your weekly guide to the best of Beijing

Get ready for a week of international music stars, international beers and international comedians. We know – Beijing is such a hub. There's also a whole load of Halloween events coming up before the big day too, as well as markets, movies and murder-mystery tours. Spookily fun.

Halloween

Events around Beijing. From Fri 26. 

We know, Halloween's next week... But with parties and dining events happening across the city from this weekend on, we're hitting you with all the Hallows' Eve-nts early. Head online to check out our roundup of all the spooky events and things to do.

Icelandic Comedians

The Great Outdoors. Fri 26. 100RMB; 80RMB (presale). 

Four comedians, all hailing from Iceland – but luckily coming to us with an English set – bring European comedic timing to Beijing. Head to The Great Outdoors for the show, enjoy drink deals, then stay for the Halloween after party.

WISE: The Future Think Tank

UCCA. Fri 26. 320RMB; 260RMB (presale or UCCA member)

WISE gathers a group of domestic and international thinkers for a series of keynote speeches and discussions on a series of hot, pressing topics – thinkartificial intelligence, the future of design, ever-changing media culture, environmental consciousness and more. For more information and the full programme, scan the QR code below. 

The Beijing Flea Market

Tech Temple (Sanlitun). Sat 27. Free. 

The Beijing Flea Market is back for the end of fall. This is Beijing's one-stop shop for all things made in Beijing, with more than 40 vendors featuring some of the best local, independent design and crafts from both established and emerging makers.

Midnight in Peking Walking Tour

Unspecified venue. Sat 27. 388RMB. 

For fans of Paul French's bestselling murder mystery, this is a tour not to be missed. Walk the footsteps of those embroiled in the grisly death of Pamela Werner (a British diplomat’s daughter) in 1930s Peking, with newly uncovered Chinese police reports on the case detailing several characters not mentioned in the book, offering critical new perspectives on the murder.

8x8 Brewing Project 

Langyuan Vintage. Fri 26-Sat 27. 258-988RMB. 

Returning for its second year, the 8x8 Brewing Project pairs eight knockout Nordic breweries with eight exemplary breweries from China. The teamed-up beer wizards have worked together to produce some truly special brews, which will be consumed alongside companion pints from all the breweries involved in one satisfyingly hoppy haze. Also (available to purchase) comes Pak Pak doing Thai street food, Jing A with burgers, BBQ and fried chicken, and Arcade picking back up the Zhang Mama collaboration menu with dandan nachos.

Sam Smith

Cadillac Arena. Thu 25. 480-1,880RMB. 

The heartstring-tugging moment is finally here. Sam Smith, with his wondrous voice and soulful melodies, brings his chart-topping hits to Beijing crowds this Thursday. Get ready to sing along to 'Stay With Me', 'Too Good At Goodbyes' and so many more.

Zombie-Chang

Omni Space. Thu 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 Thursday by Japanese rockers Siamese Cats.

The Predator

Trailer via QQ

In cinemas around Beijing from Fri 26.

Earth's most vicious predators are back, with evolved genes making them even deadlier than ever. Can a mismatched bunch of humans really defeat the universe's scariest creatures? 

Sneak peek to next week: Hit musical Chicago is coming to Beijing! The show opens next week, and we are giving away two pairs of tickets for the show on Friday 2 November at 7.30pm. For your chance to win tickets for you and a plus one, simply share this post on your WeChat Moments with some lyrics from your favourite Chicago number. Then send a screenshot of your Moments post to our WeChat account (TimeOutBeijingEN), along with your name and phone number. Entries must be in by 6pm on Monday 29 October, and winners will be notified by Tuesday morning.

For more great things to do in Beijing this week, hit 'Read more'.

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