Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids’ social platforms!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

Morning Cuppa by British Club Beijing, May 14
China may have invented tea, but the British definitely invented the cuppa! At this month’s cuppa, the British Club Beijing will be mixing it up a bit with a brief warm-up from Eris Fitness as an introduction to Fascial stretching and how it can energize you and help relieve stiffness and joint pain. So come and enjoy a light brunch and prosecco, win exciting prizes in a fabulous raffle, mingle, make new friends, and enjoy! All ages. RMB 150. Scan the QR code on the poster to register. 10am-noon. The Westin Beijing Chaoyang.

Relationship Workshop, May 14
Life coach Caneisha Berry conducts a workshop on May 14 to empower couples and help them create stronger and healthier relationships. She will discuss the truth about relationships, give tips on communicating effectively, and help you understand the reason behind disagreements. Adults. RMB 300 (early bird price before May 12), RMB 350 (regular price). Price includes workshop, workbook, and a free coaching session scheduled after the event. 6-9pm. The Bookworm.

i(COLOUR) – DCB’s Super Fun Colour Run, May 17
Be doused in happy summer colors! Join Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) on May 17 for i(COLOUR), the school’s super fun color run! Run, walk, or jog with friends and family, throw color, listen to music, and take part in special mini activities. Food, drinks, and more color will be available on site, and all proceeds go to support student STEM projects at DCB. All ages. RMB 100 (includes a branded event tee, two packets of color, and admission). Dulwich College Beijing. (rsvp@dulwich-beijing.cn)

Elisabeth Koch Millinery Hat Making Workshop, May 17
China’s only classically-trained milliner, Elisabeth Koch is conducting another hat-making workshop this week. Bring your children and come on over to Sunny Dental Clinic in Shine Hills to create a fashionable designer headpiece from scratch. All ages. RMB 500 (includes materials and hat box). 10am. Sunny Dental Clinic, Shine Hills. (WeChat ID: amazinghats, 15611224937)

IMC Sports First Aid Training, May 17
If you are doing sports, recreationally or professionally, as an athlete or a coach or audience, the International Medical Center (IMC) Beijing welcomes you to this course led by Elite Squash Academy to learn first aid techniques in case of sports injuries. Adults. RMB 300 per person. Scan the QR code on the poster to register. 1-4pm. The City, F2 West Tower, World Financial Center. (play@elite-squash.com)

京Sing-A Capella Concert, May 17
Jing Sing is a vibrant, long-standing international a cappella group in Beijing. With an eclectic mix of songs from swing to pop to Disney favorites, Jing Sing has entertained Beijing audiences for the past 5 years. Be cheered by Jing Sing’s renditions of contemporary songs as well as old classics from bands such as the Temptations at their concert at The Bookworm on May 17. Adults. RMB 60 (entrance only). Scan the QR code on the poster to register. 8-10pm. The Bookworm.

The Forbidden City Tour, May 17 and 30
Beijing’s premier tour operator, Bespoke Travel Company, is organizing a trip to the Forbidden City on May 17 and 30. It’s no surprise Beijing’s most fascinating sight, has inspired an Oscar-winning movie and countless Chinese soap operas: there’s enough murder, betrayal, and intrigue woven into its 500-year story to fuel hundreds more. With its rich cast of characters – concubines, court officials, eunuchs, the Emperor – and wildly changing fortunes (to say nothing of its stunning architecture and symbolism), this is one Beijing bucket list sight you need a professional to help you appreciate. Ages 12+. RMB 385 (including entrance ticket and tour guide). 2-5pm. Participants should bring their passport to enter the Forbidden City. Meeting point at TRB Hutong, Forbidden City East Gate.

Montessori Nights: “Montessori Elementary Curriculum in a Nutshell” Workshop, May 17 and 31
Blossom Montessori is conducting four late afternoon workshops to introduce their elementary Montessori program to prospective parents and families. The following topics will be discussed in the workshops: a day in an elementary Montessori class; movements and learning; an overview of their Mathematics curriculum; and another overview of their Language curriculum. Adults. Free but reservation required. 5.30-7pm. Blossom Montessori. (135 8188 7792, admissions@blossom-edu.com)

BIBA Family Fair 2019, May 18
Bring the family along for a day of lively entertainment to Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) on May 18, when they celebrate their annual Family Fair for the community. The fair includes pony rides, water activities, sports, a fashion world, and music, plus a food court along with many more entertaining features. This is a day for the whole community to enjoy. All ages. Free admission, but there will be a charge to buy vouchers to join games and activities. 9.30am-1.30pm. Beijing International Bilingual Academy.

Ivy Education Group’s Unity Day 2019, May 18
Ivy Education Group proudly brings a spectacular afternoon sure to entertain, energize, and inspire the Beijing community. At their Unity Day, there will be everything including a raffle corner, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, STEM, sports activities, carnival games, face painting, and more! Non-stop entertainment on stage such as Daystar’s Got Talent, an acrobat show, and three live bands including Beijing’s award-winning favorite “The Hunters” will keep your feet tapping. Then there’s mouthwatering food to satisfy all cravings. All ages. Free admissions and activities. 3-8pm. Daystar Academy Beigao Campus. (jaw@daystarchina.cn)

The Children’s House Art Exhibition, May 18
The Children’s House students will showcase their expression, interpretation, and development as individuals and artists at the school’s very first art exhibition. The works will display a diverse range of skills and techniques, creativity, and dedication. During the exhibition, an interactive art work inspired by Japanese artist Kusama Yayoi will be displayed, offering children and parents to create a collaborative piece of art that will be auctioned for charity. All ages. Free. 9-11.30am. The Children’s House Oceanwide Campus. (RSVP: 8556 4611, info-oceanwide@montessoribeijing.com)

The Beijing Flea Market Spring Edition, May 18
Beijing’s one-stop shop, the Beijing Flea Market, is back this springtime on May 18 at noon-6pm at Tech Temple Sanlitun. Shop around and find great deals from more than 40 vendors with the best local, independent design and crafts from both established and emerging makers in Beijing. All ages. Free. Noon-6pm. Tech Temple Sanlitun.

Mad Dogs China Fundraiser, May 18
Join Mad Dogs China for their annual fundraiser in support of Shepherds Field Children’s Village. Your ticket gets you into a concert with more than 10 bands, tons of kids activities, Bitburger and Chimay beer, plus a chili cook-off, and there are fabulous raffle prizes to be won. All ages. By donation. From 1pm. Beijing Riviera.

BlackEXPO Africa Week Edition, May 19
BlackEXPO organizes another edition of this booming market that connects and celebrates the black and African diaspora in Beijing. The May event is organized by Kente and Silk, and expect world-class vendors, amazing performers, and a transporting atmosphere. Adults. RMB 30. Buy tickets here. 4-10pm. 27 Yuan, 27 Neiwubu Street, Dongcheng District. 东城区内务部街27号

Rumble in the Jumble – Buddha’s Birthday, May 19
This month’s edition of the expat-favorite bazaar Rumble in the Jumble will be transcendental as they mark the birthday of Buddha on May 19 at Modernista. Come join the Rumble team and an array of vendors with products, services, and food items that will lead you into pleasure and harmony! All ages. Free admission. Noon-6pm. Modernista, Baochao Hutong.

Cultural Keys: Sugar Art Workshop, May 19
Chinese sugar art – sugar blowing and sugar painting – has been a staple folk art at markets and fairs for hundreds of years. Both can be eaten but are usually just bought for fun! Join Cultural Keys at Culture Yard on May 19 and learn how to use sugar to create beautiful pieces of edible art in a workshop suitable for the whole family. Ages 8+. RMB 188 (adults), RMB 158 (children). 2-5pm. Culture Yard.

“Run to the Beat” Musical Marathon in the Ming Tombs Scenic Area, May 19
Run to the Beat Musical Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K will take place in the Ming Tombs Reservoir Scenic Area in Changping District on May 19, 2019. Live bands and DJs will be playing on course to cheer for the runners. The music party continues at the center stage after crossing the finish line. Ages 16+. RMB 248 (half marathon), RMB 178 (5k), RMB 218 (10k). Register here. Starts 8am. Ming Tombs.

Finding Ways to Be Eco-friendly, May 19
Join this workshop with Natalie Bennett at the Goethe-Institute and learn simple things you can do right now to reduce your personal carbon footprint. Participants must come willing and able to make real change to their personal habits, so check at the link for the screening questions. Visit this link for more info. Adults. Free but registration required. 11am-3pm. Goethe-Institut, 1/F, Bldg C, Haixing Mansion, southwest corner of Haidian Zhonglu and Haidian Nanjie Intersection, Haidian District. 海淀区海淀中路和海淀南街十字路口西南角海兴大厦C座1层

The Many-Faced Fan: Game of Thrones Costume and Viewing Party at Caravan (Season 8 Finale), May 20
Game of Thrones fans in Beijing, hear ye! You think it matters who sits on the Iron Throne? If so, come in with your entire GOT regalia to Caravan and join other fans for a costume and viewing party of epic proportions! The Sounds of the Seven band will enchant everyone with haunting tracks of the series during the party! Join the other fans to mark the glorious end of this TV series. Ages 18+. RMB 30 (for attendees in GOT costume), RMB 50 (at the door). Price includes a welcome beer from Vedett or a soft drink. Buy your tickets here. 6.30-10.30pm. Caravan. (WeChat ID: anp3rd)

WAB Fun Fair, May 25
Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) will be hosting a series of community events with endless amounts of entertainment and activities going on. Tiger Field turns into a wild theme park of inflatable play areas, water games, and activities. Sponsored by the Parent Link community, this is the perfect time for younger children and families to enjoy some fun in the sun while staying cool. Make sure that children are wearing water-friendly clothes and shoes, and a hat and sunglasses might be a good idea, too! For a complete list of activities, check out this link. All ages. 3-6pm. Western Academy of Beijing.

Piyesta Kultura: The Kusina ni Kabayan Philippine Culture Festival, Jun 1
Celebrate the bright colors of Philippine culture… in Beijing! Filipino community group Kusina ni Kabayan, together with Pan Pacific Beijing, invite everyone to Piyesta Kultura 2019, a festival where everything is more fun. Indulge in native and tropical treats, revel in the festivities that include a karaoke sing-off challenge and a cultural pageant, and join the Filipino community in Beijing in celebrating their 121st Independence Day! All ages. RMB 178 (includes 4 hrs of selected free-flow drinks from 11am to 3pm and a food voucher worth RMB 20), free for kids below 6. 10am-6pm. Pan Pacific Beijing, 2 Huayuan St., Xidan, Xicheng District. (WeChat ID: Kusina-ni-Kabayan) 

Photos: Pixabay (featured image), courtesy of event organizers

On March 30, a team of vendors, performers, and artists will join forces to bring Beijing an event that is much more than a market. This outdoor extravaganza promises to provide a cultural experience that will also serve as a platform for businesses, services, and talents that might otherwise go unnoticed. Olivia Nadine is a baker and a social entrepreneur from Washington DC. Nadine has lived in Beijing for almost three years and is a co-founder of BlackEXPO.

As the date of the first-anniversary edition of BlackEXPO approaches, we caught up with Nadine to find out more.

BJK: What is Black Expo?
Olivia Nadine (ON): BlackEXPO is a social enterprise that promotes and supports other businesses. When I first had the idea to organize BlackEXPO, I posted a message on a WeChat group to see who else was interested. James Sserwadda responded. James used his creativity and savvy to elevate the idea to what people now know as BlackEXPO. My idea was kind of small and just based on the other markets I had attended. James had the idea to make it into a full event that is proper, engaging, and entertaining. It was through him joining the team that we had the idea of adding entertainers.

So, not only are we helping the businesses, but now we’re giving young performers a space to shine. Last year, BlackEXPO featured dancers, singers and poets. James’ role is absolutely invaluable. A lot of people may see me more as BlackEXPO but he is just as much, if not a little bit more, BlackEXPO as me. I could not do it without him.

BJK: Why did you decide to create BlackEXPO?
ON: Being a baker, I’ve done markets for going on two years now. I saw really good products that are out there and they’re making an impact but I wouldn’t see that many vendors of color. Part of it is just a space thing. When you’re new or less known it’s harder for you to break in because the people who are known and established will get the spots at the markets first.

What I would also see on WeChat was people asking, “Do you know anyone who has shea butter?” “Do you know anyone who has this?” “Do you know anyone who has that?” In the WeChat groups you share the contacts back and forth or maybe you share a picture, but then they expire, or no one wants to scroll through 500 past messages just to find that one person. So people kind of just give up and go with that second best thing that they didn’t really want.

Knowing that there are really great people out there who have quality products and knowing that you can’t blame the other markets because they can’t fit everyone… why not make a new space? And why not do it in a way that is fun and positive and engaging, but also helps solve a problem where people want to get their businesses out there and they want to grow and they want to have a market impact?

BJK: Tell me about the vendors that will be at this year’s BlackEXPO.
ON: We have several vendors specializing in fashion. This includes African-inspired apparel, custom clothing, backpacks, and purses. There will also be vendors selling beauty and haircare products. There’ll be a lot of all-natural, organic lotions, creams, and deodorants; everything you need to achieve that beautiful glow. There will also be really good food and beverages. You can find pretty much whatever you want.

BJK: Is the BlackEXPO just for black people?
ON: I’m glad you asked because that is a super common question.  A lot of people hear BlackEXPO and they say, “I’m not black and so I can’t go”. I think 40 percent of our attendees have realized that it’s BlackEXPO but I’m interested or I’m intrigued or I just want to know more. We have vendors who are not black, we recognize that quality products are just quality products. From a purely business standpoint people have seen that BlackEXPO is a well-produced, well-managed brand and the event is successful and so they want to be a part of it.

BlackEXPO is open to everyone. One of the great things about it is that you get to learn new cultures and you get to see new traditions, and you get to see, maybe, people breaking any stereotypes. We want everyone to come. We want everyone to experience the joy and the fun and the positivity that is BlackEXPO.

BJK: Should I bring my children to BlackEXPO?
ON: Absolutely! Kids have a great time. Everything is family friendly. There’s just lots of great things for them to see and do.

BJK: What were some of the highlights of last year’s BlackEXPO?
ON: Not only did we have vendors who were selling out and so were able to make this really great contribution to their community and really push their own dreams forward, but then people just also had fun while doing it. What I thought would happen is that people would come, buy and then leave. That didn’t happen. We had people who got there at noon, when we opened the door, and they didn’t leave until 6pm. People came, saw, and had a good time and through that a lot of people have been inspired to start a business.

BJK: What advice would you give to somebody who desires to start a business but is hesitant?
ON: Just start, but start small. I started by just making a pan of brownies. You don’t have to jump out there and have a logo and a website. You just have to have a great idea and you will get clearer as you go deeper into the process. We didn’t see everything that BlackEXPO could be when I first had the idea, but we are seeing more and more each day.

Black Expo, Mar 30
All ages. RMB 20. 11am. Chaoyangmen Cultural Center, Neiwubu Jie 27, Dongcheng District.东城区内务部街27号.

For more of Pamela’s writing about life in Beijing, go to her blog www.itisreal.net.
Photos: thebeijinger.com, Twitter