Thursday, Jun 11
Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Beijing International Theatre Experience (BITE) performs a “contemporary bilingual adaptation” of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream set in modern-day Beijing. Co-directed and produced by Anna Grace and Kris Chung. In English and Chinese with subtitles in both languages. Runs until Sunday, Jun 14. 7.30pm (Thurs, Fri and Sat). 3pm (Sunday). Peng Hao Theatre. www.penghaoren.com
United States National Symphony Orchestra
Officially founded in 1931, the NSO presents Kellogg’s “Western Skies,” Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D, and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 7 on the first night. The next night, the program includes Wagner’s “Meistersinger Overture,” Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. The show will be conducted by the world-renowned Ivan Fischer, while the orchestra will be joined by master violinist Leonidas Kavakos, winner of the Sibelius and Paganini competitions. Runs until Friday, Jun 12. Tickets at 6417 7845. RMB 180-780. 7.30pm. NCPA (6655 0000)
Friday, Jun 12
Breastfeeding and Nursing Lecture at Counting Sheep Boutique
Join us at the Counting Sheep Boutique for a very informative lecture on breastfeeding and nursing by Bronwyn Smith, a qualified lactation consultant and nurse from Australia who has worked in China for many years. Representatives from Medela will also be on hand to answer your product questions. This is a free event, and open to all, but best to rsvp as spaces are limited to 10 adults and their accompanying children (kris@countingsheepboutique.com / 6508 2388). Light refreshments will be served. www.countingsheepboutique.com
Saturday, Jun 13
Story Time: The Gold Scissors with Nina Tao
Children’s author Nina Tao reads aloud from her Enchanted Tales of China series. A little girl who makes the best paper-cuts in town finds a pair of scissors that brings to life everything that she cuts out of paper. Free. 3.30-4.30pm. Garden Books (6585 1435)
Gymnastics Training Class
Professional gymnastic coaches teach girls and boys between ages 4 and 8 to build up strength, balance, coordination and flexibility in this series of weekly gymnastic classes. 10am-11.30am (every Saturday). Rm 0737, Zone C, Chaowai SOHO, Chaoyang District. (5900 0369, 135 2145 5287 reform@reformtherapystudio.com
www.reformtherapystudio.com)
Black Sesame Kitchen Cooking Class: Beijing Snacks
Learn to make popular Beijing snacks (Zhajiang noodles, Chinese flatbread, and stuffed lotus roots) in our courtyard kitchen with the master chefs who taught founder Jen Lin-Liu (author of Serve the People: A Stir-Fried Journey Through China) how to cook. Reservations required. RMB 300. 1-4pm. Black Sesame Kitchen (136 9147 4408) www.blacksesamekitchen.com.
Hilton Hotel Thai Cooking Class
See details here.
Eton Kid’s Beginning Father’s Day Celebration
Celebrate Dear Old Dad’s special day at this free event, where children aged 18-36 months can make a special gift for their fathers. 10-11.30am. Eton Kids Palm Springs Campus, Palm Springs International Apartments, 8 Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District. RSVP at 6539 8300 or gracewan@etonkids.com
Two-day Camping Trip at the Jinshanling Great Wall
Travel 120km out of Beijing, and get a view of the Great Wall in relative isolation. Camp overnight on the Wall in sleeping bags in a centuries-old watchtower. RMB 1,200 (includes transportation, all meals and tickets). Coach departs on Saturday afternoon. CCC (6432 9341) www.chinaculturecenter.org
Family Sailing Weekend
Hit the high seas with the kids on Saturday and Sunday. RMB 1,700, RMB 1,360 (members). Beijing Sailing Center (150 0118 9580)
Great Wall Horseback Riding
Take a 9am bus out to the Great Wall and visit a local farmhouse and orchard, where you can enjoy a home cooked country meal. Then ride horseback up a mountain to an un-restored section of the Great Wall. Event is also on Sunday, Jun 14. RMB 400 (per person). 9am (bus departs, meet at 8.45am at the Bus Transfer Hall of Dongzhimen Subway Station, directly opposite of Mcdonald’s) ptpbj_cn@yahoo.cn, 136 9302 6428 (George)
Sunday, Jun 14
Book Talk: Beijing Eats with Eileen Wen Mooney
Local food writer Mooney introduces you to 140 restaurants and 31 different cuisines around the capital, all detailed in her new book, Beijing Eats: A Food-Lover’s Companion to China’s Culinary Capital. RMB 40 (includes one free drink). 3-5pm. Garden Books (6585 1435)
Sunday Brunch at City Wall Bistro
Enjoy numerous Western and Asian cuisines. All adults get a glass of Mumm Champagne on arrival. Kids 12 years and under enjoy a free brunch with one paying adult, as well as their own exclusive buffet including a kids cooking class where they will learn to make pizzas and cookies. RMB 188 net per person. 1.30-3.30pm. Marriott City Wall. 7 Jianguomen Nan Dajie, Dongcheng District (5811 8255)
