Oct 24-25 Weekend: Run, Bike and Gobble, plus the Green Cow Harvest Festival

Don’t miss this week’s five excellent events that are fun for the whole family. This weekend is chockfull of great family-friendly events – read on for carnivals, outdoor festivals, and more! E-mail newsletter@beijing-kids.com to get each issue sent to your inbox. Check the beijingkids website for full event listings, www.beijing-kids.com.

Saturday 24 October – Fun Run

Head over to Shunyi’s Pinnacle Plaza for the Third Annual Pride in Beijing Fun Run, which includes 10k and 5k races as well as a 3k walk. Reward yourself after at the mini carnival in Pinnacle Plaza – chow down on food, listen to a student rock band and more. Advanced online registration (RMB 50) and on-site registration (RMB 80) until 10.30am the day of the event. Kids 5 and under are free.

Don’t forget: Dress in layers as the autumn Beijing winds can cool things down!

Saturday 24 October – Bike for a Cause & Climate Action Carnival

Saturday is the International Day of Climate Action so join 350 bicyclists as they pedal their way through the hutongs of old Beijing from the Drum Tower to the Beijing Museum of Natural History, where the Jane Goodall Institute will be holding a Climate Action Carnival. Activities will include educational games, green installation art and student environmental groups from across China. Free entrance; RMB 50 donation is suggested for the bike ride. Bike race begins at 12.30pm between the Drum and Bell Towers at Gulou.

More details here.

Don’t forget: Teach your children about climate change with this cool animated short and find out more about Jane Goodall’s Beijing-based Roots and Shoots organization.

Saturday 24 October – Turkey Day, Canadian Style

You don’t have to be a Canuck to enjoy the 6th Annual Canadian Thanksgiving Formal! Revel in tradition with a full turkey dinner buffet (can you say roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry relish, maple-glazed ham, pumpkin pie?)guilt-free – it’s for a good cause! Proceeds go to the Special Olympics. David Mulroney, Canadian Ambassador to China, will be the guest of honor and keynote speaker. RMB 700. 6pm to midnight, St. Regis Hotel. Details at canadianalumninet@yahoo.ca

Don’t forget: Get your family involved as a supporter or volunteer with the Special Olympics in Beijing … visit their bilingual English website here http://www.specialolympicseastasia.org/English/

Saturday 24 October – Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir

The world-renowned Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir in this evening of music for the whole family. This choir has performed in venues such as the Sydney Opera House and The Royal Albert Hall and this will be their first-ever concert in Beijing. Oh and did we mention? Choir members are 60+ years old and perform everything from classics from the movies to Britney Spears! Dulwich’s very own Chamber Choir will also be on hand. RMB 60/adults, RMB 40/children. 7.30pm, Dulwich College Beijing

6454-9000 info@dulwich-beijing.cn

Don’t forget: Get yourself a web proxy (http://www.witopia.net is a reliable one and costs USD 60 a year) and preview the choir’s performances on Youtube!

Saturday 24 October – Live Comedy Date Night!

Leave the little ones home with a video and a babysitter while you and your Significant Other relieve Beijing stress with live stand-up comedy from the US of A! Headliner Dennis Regan’s recent appearances on The Tonight Show with David Letterman and performances at Carnegie Hall have helped him become one of the most highly sought-after touring headline acts today. Precede the show with dinner at one of Beijing’s best Japanese restaurants right inside Block 8 – Haiku by Hatsune. Reserve a pre or post show table at 6508 8585. If you are looking for western fare, check out Beijing’s very own New York City Style bistro, the intimate Chef Too (less than 1km from Block 8). 9pm at Block 8 in Chaoyang West Gate. Details at Chopschticks site. Book in advance at 6591 8676 (limited dining space). Shunyi residents may prefer the just-announced early evening show (7pm) at the Orchard.

Don’t forget: This show is not suitable for children! Get a babysitter! Book before the end of the day Thursday, October 22 and save yourself RMB 70 a ticket. For tix call 158 1026 1614.

Sunday 25 October – Green Cow Harvest Festival

This organic farmers festival was a hit with Shunyi families last year, and we expect it to be just as popular this year. This family-friendly romp in the fields will include organic farmers’ stalls, pumpkin rolling and potato sack racing. Sample local honey, Yellow Valley artisan cheeses and Arabica Roasters organic coffee. Bring some old clothes and join the scarecrow-dressing contest, and enter your ticket stub to win organic products and produce. Tickets from Mrs Shanen’s Bagels (8046 4301) or e-mail thelovelygreencow@gmail.com. RMB 50. For directions to the venue, call 139 1088 3775 (English and Chinese). October 25 at 11am – 4pm

More details on thebeijinger.

Don’t forget: With arts and crafts, sack races and opportunities to get up-close-and-personal with farm animals, best not to dress your little ones in their Sunday finest as farm life can get a bit messy!