16 awesome things to do in Beijing this weekend

Your weekend guide to the best of Beijing

Happy Thanksgiving, Beijing! Whether you celebrate with a turkey and all the trimmings or not, it's never a bad thing to think about the things for which you're thankful. Why not show your thanks to your loved (and tolerated) ones this weekend by doing one of these excellent things with them? Thank us later.

As well as these highlights, there are many more things to do in Beijing this weekend: explore, enjoy and don't forget to Instagram us your snaps with #timeoutbeijing.

Christmas markets

Various locations. Nov 24-Dec 23. 

Yes, we know, it seems far too early to bring out the tinsel, but with some of these markets starting this weekend, you can get started early on your holiday present shopping. Check out our round-up of all the festive fêtes coming in the next few days, and pencil in the dates for the wintry bazaars happening next month. 

UFC Fight Night 

Cadillac Arena. Sat 24. 280-1,280RMB. 

This weekend, UFC comes to Beijing for the first time to bring the infamous fighting championship to our backyard. Get ready for what is sure to be an explosive Beijing debut with the world's number three (Curtis Blaydes) and four (Francis Ngannou) facing off in the main event. 

Thanksgiving

Various locations. Thu 22. 

Turkey time has arrived and with it a whole host of venues across Beijing offering traditional Thanksgiving meals to either take away or eat in store – prep that extra belt hole now, as you'll need some room to expand. If planning's not been your strong point, check out our round-up of the best places to eat in town and snag yourself a last-minute feast.

A Clash of Crus

The Opposite House. Sat 24. 888RMB.

Can the romance of French champagne topple the passion of a rich Italian red? Two of the greatest wine producing regions of the old world go head to head in this instalment of Clash of Crus, including ten French and Italian wines tasted blind, as well as a five-course menu – tasted with eyes open – inspired by both French and Italian cuisine. Reserve your spot by sending an email to [e-mail] or contacting 183 1117 0611.

Little Creatures 18-Year Anniversary

Little Creatures. Sat 24. Free. 

Aussie hopheads Little Creatures are marking their 18-year anniversary this month (of their existence in Perth, not Beijing), and to celebrate, they're throwing a weekend of festivities. Head on down on Saturday night to enjoy an all-night happy hour, before returning on Sunday for a special brunch menu priced at 180RMB (including free-flow beer).

Virgin Suicide

Omni Space. Thu 22. 120RMB; 100RMB (presale). 

With nothing to do with the novel or movie of a similar name, Virgin Suicide is a Danish band with sunny vibes and no death-riddled mysteries. With influences from bands such as The Smiths, The Cure and Slowdive, the indie-pop band brings dreamy melodies to the stage with warmth and sweetness.

90s Rave

Dada. Fri 23. 50RMB. 

Suanpan present a one-off return to the golden age of underground electronic music. Expect some of the most important tracks of that era and the unearthing of some forgotten gems, with plenty of hoover noises, piano stabs and breakbeats in between.

Naduve & Graz

Zhao Dai. Sat 24. Tbc.

Head to Zhao Dai this Saturday night for an evening of beats from Israeli and Australian DJs. Naduve's bubbly beats complement cosmic sounds, while Graz's music spans the eras. Support from Pei.

Feeder

Tango. Sat 23. 480RMB; 380RMB (presale).

Now onto their tenth album and third decade in action, Welsh rockers Feeder are still at it. And they still don't wanna talk about that guy who's got a brand new car that looks like a Jaguar that's got leather seats and a CD player player player.

Oddisee

Blue Note. Sat 24-Sun 25. 220-360RMB.

Catch this Sudanese-American rapper as he heads to Beijing this weekend. Known for his soulful hip-hop beats and insightful lyrics, Oddisee brings even more commentary to his rhymes with his latest album The Iceberg, which sees him question individuality and identity in a modern world.

RO x Konoba

DDC. Sun 25. 100RMB; 80RMB (presale).

RO x Konoba is a collaboration between Raphael Esterhazy (Konoba) and Olivier Rugi (RO), two Belgian musicians that realised their work together turned heads. Their first single 'On Our Knees' gained quite a few million views online, leading to further collaborations including 'Get Home'.

Tao Dance Theater: Weight x 3, 9

Tianqiao Performing Arts Centre. Sat 24-Sun 25. 99-480RMB. 

Tao Dance Theater, founded in 2008, is the boldest, gutsiest, most unfettered, non-commercial Chinese company operating today. Unlike many of its Mainland contemporaries, the shockingly flexible, seemingly boneless Tao has a coherent, identifiable dance vocabulary and a clear vision. Catch the mesmerising dancers this weekend as they perform Weight x 3 as well as 9.

Ivo Pogorelich 

NCPA. Sun 25. 180-480RMB. 

This acclaimed pianist has won competitions the world over, but his loss in the 1980 Chopin Piano Competition sealed his fame. Believing the young pianist to be a genius, one of the judges walked out of the competition on hearing of Pogorelich's loss, causing a controversy that ensured (classically savvy) households around the world remembered his name. Years later, Ivo continues to make waves with his unusual, individual playing that has entranced audiences and critics alike.

Replicas

Trailer via QQ

In cinemas around Beijing from Fri 23. 

This newest sci-fi flick takes a look at what it means to lose those we love and how far we'd be willing to go to bring them back. William Foster (Keanu Reeves) faces the challenge of resurrecting his family after a tragic car accident, using his pre-standing lab experiment involving the transference of human consciousness to create replicas from his cloned relatives.

Johnny English Strikes Again

Trailer via QQ

In cinemas around Beijing from Fri 23. 

With an attack on all undercover agents in Britain releasing the names of spies, Johnny English must return to the world of espionage to uncover the hacker. Starring Rowan Atkinson (obviously), as well as Emma Thompson, this newest flick in the franchise is sure to unite all of Britain, once more, around a common foe.

Ralph Breaks the Internet

Trailer via QQ

In cinemas around Beijing from Fri 23. 

From the creators of Frozen and Zootopia, comes the second round of wreaking fun. Ralph bumbles through an internet maze in an attempt to save a game. Starring the voices of Gal Gadot, Kristen Bell, Mandy Moore, John C Reilly and Sarah Silverman.

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

You might have missed

More from Time Out Beijing

Check out our latest issue