So, you’re a parent now, and though you might not be partying till the early hours anymore, and probably aren’t rushing to have any drinking contests with your buddies, you would still like to attend (and enjoy) the awesome festivals that Beijing has to offer. With the annual Juicy Burger Fest just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get your family food fest ready!

We’ve got you covered! Thankfully, there are things you can do to make attending such fests with your babies a whole lot easier while making sure everyone is having a good time! Here are a few tried and tested hacks for bringing the babes to the bashes!

1. Beat the Heat

Nothing has babies (and parents) more irritable than being too hot to enjoy the fun of festivals, and while we grown-ups are better equipped to handle it, here are a few things I wish I’d done for the last festival I attended.

• Freeze a few small ice packs ahead of time for your baby to play with and stay cool. Babies love odd little things, and these work perfectly on hot days.
  

  Pro Tip: I always save the mini ice packs from frozen deliveries on Taobao, JD, or HeMa – they’re ideal for this!

• If you’ve got space, bring some water play! A mini blow-up pool (like the 50cm ones on Taobao for just RMB 20) or even a few empty containers for splashing can go a long way in keeping your baby both cool and entertained.
• Shade is your friend! A small tent, a large umbrella, or anything that creates a cool nook makes a big difference. It’s also great for breastfeeding, nappy changes, or a sneaky nap.
• Don’t skimp on sunscreen and sunhats – and don’t forget mosquito repellent.
  

  Pro Tip: If you’re unsure what to use, check out our article on baby-safe mosquito repellents!

• Pack outfit options for all weather twists – something warmer if it cools down, lighter if it heats up, and always spares in case of spills or messes. Keeping baby comfy is key.

2. Beat the Crowds

It truly helps to arrive as early as possible in order to make sure you can secure a nice spot to settle for the day. Being able to choose your spot early ensures that you can pick a place away from the booming speakers for sensitive little ears or temporary installations that your baby would love to pull over.

3. Beat the Queues

With all our favorite vendors pulling out all the stops to provide you with the most delicious yums, it is inevitable that there will be long queues for both food and drinks. Make sure to pack plenty of food and snacks for the young ones so that they can eat whenever they need, regardless of how long you are willing to wait for that gourmet grub.

The vendors and their dishes are often posted in advance, so a good idea is to take note of the dishes you would most like to have and plan ahead what to queue for, rather than indecisively wandering around for an hour first.

Then, of course, take turns to queue – while one parent entertains the baby bums, the other can grab what is first on your list. It also helps to pack some electrolyte drinks for the grown-ups (especially the breastfeeding moms) since you are bound to sweat … a lot!

4. Beat the Boredom

While these fests always have kids’ activities, there are seldom things that would cater to babies or small toddlers. Remember to pack your little one’s favorite toys and especially things that would make it easier for them to take naps. I’ve been gifted a wonderful backpack that can transform into a carry cot on demand, which works great. Make sure to remember your picnic blanket so that the little ones can play and the family can sit comfortably.

Bonus Tips:

• Other than the obvious baby-changing essentials, I like to bring along doggy pee pads for diaper changes as they are disposable and convenient for outside locations to avoid any messes. They come in different sizes, and you only really need one big enough for your baby’s bum and thighs.
• Depending on your baby’s age and what or how they eat, I always like to pack our rubber bib to avoid needing too many outfit changes (or stain removals later on).
• If your baby is sensitive to noise when it comes to nap time, you can get little ear protectors for them that cancel out a lot of noise. It would be a good idea, though, to start letting them wear it bit by bit, a few days in advance, to get used to it.

With so many awesome happenings in the ‘Jing, it’s good to know that having babies doesn’t mean you have to miss out!

Let us know in the comments: What are your go-to hacks for parenting at festivals

Images: Taobao, Janita Shahsavari, theBeijinger

This weekend is going to be the juiciest weekend all year, and it’s not just because it’s Halloween weekend. It’s because the Juicy Burger Fest 2023 is in town from Oct 27 to Oct 29, and it is set to be the tastiest party in town.

Brought to you by TABASCO® sauce, the Fest will be taking place at XIDIANJIYI FunsTown Creative Town in Gaobeidian, which has also been dubbed “Beijing’s Most Scenic Neighborhood” (I kid you not, there are signs). Now, you probably already know the extensive list of F&B vendors that will be hawking their delicious wares at the Fest, but did you also know that there will be plenty of entertainment as well as F&G (Fun and Games) for the whole family? Yes, indeed!

From live DJs to swing dance and an awesome fun zone for kids, the Juicy Burger Fest has got a great lineup of family-friendly merriment on the stage as well as off the stage. Guanto Family Sports Center, which provided the fun and games at Taco Fest, is back with their ever-popular mini trampolines, plus some new games like burger jenga and cornholes! They’ve even got a whole range of Journey to the West games to match our Juicy Burger Fest theme. Also, DARTSLIVE will be offering their super addictive game of electronic darts, where you can challenge your pals to a little friendly competition, or go solo and try to set a new record.

To add to the fun, we’re combining the Juicy Burger Fest theme of the classic Chinese legend Journey to the West with a Halloween twist in honor of the spooky season, so feel free to dress up like the Monkey King, or a zombie … or a zombie Monkey King!

Best of all for families, kids under 1.4m get in for FREE before 2pm on both Saturday and Sunday! And if you need more incentive to come earlier, we’re giving away a whopping 1,000 burger and drink vouchers to the early birds at the Fest!

There will be 400 vouchers given out on Friday, and 300 will be given out on both Saturday and Sunday. All you have to do to get some is be one of the first 300 or 400 people through the doors. Once you’re in, head to booth #4 (you’ll be able to search for it on a site map), then, all you’ve got to do is play a little game and get your vouchers!

Note on vouchers:

• Vouchers are accepted as payment at all vendor booths
• Only one voucher (valued at RMB 30 each) can be used per purchase
• Juicy Burger Fest reserves the right of final interpretation on how vouchers can be used
• Get ready to get some vouchers, and we’ll see you at Juicy Burger Fest this weekend!

Grab your early bird tickets through the QR code below!

To stay up to date with all things burger related you can ask to be added to our Beijing Burger Lovers group chat. Just scan the QR code below to add TBJButler and ask to be added to the group!

We can’t wait to see you and your family at Juicy Burger Fest 2023!

Images: True Run Media, Guanto Family Sports Center

The 2021 Beijinger Burger Festival is this weekend, Sep 19-21, at Langyuan Station Track-Field, and if your family enjoys delicious food and stellar fun then this is the place for you! The three-day festival extravaganza is stacked with an incredible lineup of the capital’s coolest musical acts, some whacky competitions, an incredible venue, and of course, mouthwatering grub fit for any and all dietary needs.

If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, scan the QR code below to purchase them now!

And here’s a helpful map for the day of…

Now onto the important stuff, like a list of the sizzling patty slingers at this year’s Burger Fest:

• Niu Burger
• The Circle
• Arrow Factory
• Shadow of the Cloud
• Slow Boat Brewery
• Fire Works
• Billy’s Fish & Chips
• Polaberry Amsterdam
• Slider Nation
• L’Fete de Bistro 105
• Side Street
• Burge’s Bistro & Bar
• Home Plate BBQ
• iGelato
• Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing
• Jancis
• Beyond Meat
• Kitty & Daniel Hollywood Grill & Bar
• Leo’s Butcher
• Brooklyn
• Turkish Feast
• Miam Miam
• QMex Grill & Bar
• Peach by Hulu
• Dinner Bell Creamery Cheese
• Zhen Meat
• JSS
• Salate Trading
• B13

And of course, all the entertainment to help you dance off those delicious calories:

This year’s Burger Fest is located around the corner from Haxxy Place, a gigantic indoor and outdoor play area. Suitable for kids 3-12 years old, it’s spread across three floors, and includes a variety of games, slides, ball pits, a rock climbing wall, and a foam pit!

Scan the QR code to check out the space:

Meanwhile, the second and third floors offer a variety of activity classrooms for pottery lessons where you can either make your own figurine or simply paint one that’s already made, plus toys and a reading room. It’s open from 10am-8pm, perfectly coinciding with Burger Fest so you can munch on burgers while the kids work off theirs in this massive play space. Tickets are RMB 398 for 1 child + 1 adult.

Remember those good old days at Color Me Mine?

Join the Beijing Burger Lovers WeChat group for all your Burger Fest FAQs and updates by scanning the QR code below.

If you encounter any difficulties joining the group or getting to Burger Fest this weekend, add the TBJ Butler on WeChat.

KEEP READING: Share Your Secret Burger Ingredient To Win Burger Fest 2021 Tickets!

Images: Pexels, the Beijinger

The long Mid-Autumn Festival weekend is quickly approaching and so too is the 2021 Beijinger Burger Festival at Langyuan Station Track-Field, Sep 19-21! Just like with years before, we’ll be bringing you the best burgers in town, with live entertainment and tons of fun! But we’re throwing in a little twist for this year’s festivities – the party will be entirely sheltered in a wonderful indoor venue! If you haven’t already purchased tickets, scan the QR code on the poster below!

This year’s event takes place at Langyuan Station Track-Field. Where’s that, you ask? We know, we know… it’s not a famous and instantly recognizable spot, but we chose this indoor venue so that we can keep the party going, rain or shine! And if the weather app is trustworthy (like it usually isn’t), we’re in for a bit of a drizzle on Sunday, Day 1 of our burger space mission.

Located a mere 20 minute Didi ride from the CBD, Langyuan Station is not as far as you might think! It’s past Indigo Mall, and filled with fun activities for kids of all ages, with extremely Instagrammable backdrops for those pics that’ll show off your perfect family fun weekend.

Just to be clear, attendees should be forewarned that there are multiple places with 郎园 Langyuan in the name. The Burger Fest is NOT happening at the following places:

• 郎园Vintage
• 郎园Park
• 郎园公园

It IS, happening at：

• 郎园Station

Beijing’s best burger restaurants are all making an appearance this weekend including past Burger Cup winners Slow Boat and Side Street along with Home Plate BBQ, Slider Nation, newcomers like Kitty & Daniels, and many many more.

The entire weekend is chock full of live music, dance competitions, rap battles, and other performances and activities to keep the whole family entertained. But if you’re concerned that your slider-sized kiddos won’t be satisfied with delicious food all day long, we’ve got great news!

Click to see video of Haxxy

Langyuan Station is home to Haxxy Play Place. This gigantic indoor and outdoor playpark is suitable for children ages 3-12 years old. Spread across three floors, it includes a variety of games, slides, ball pits, a rock climbing wall, and a foam pit to keep them occupied for hours!

The second and third floors offer a variety of activity classrooms for pottery lessons where you can either make your own figurine or simply paint one that’s already made, plus toys and a reading room. It’s open from 10am-8pm, perfectly coinciding with our Burger Fest timing so you can munch on burgers while the kids work off theirs in this massive play space. Tickets are RMB 398 for 1 child + 1 adult.

Premade ceramics to color

Join the Beijing Burger Lovers WeChat group for all your Burger Fest FAQs and info by scanning the QR code below.

If you encounter any difficulties joining the group or getting to Burger Fest this weekend, add the TBJ Butler on WeChat.

KEEP READING: Share Your Secret Burger Ingredient To Win Burger Fest 2021 Tickets!

Images: Mina Yan, Michael Wester

What is it about burgers that make them so devoutly loved by all? Well, whatever the reason, we couldn’t be more thrilled that back in the 1800s, Sir Ham Burgerston* – inventor of the hamburger – decided to combine his bread, salad, meat, and cheese into one easy-to-eat combo. Because if it weren’t for this intrepid foodie’s daring and innovative mind, the Beijinger never would’ve had the opportunity to host its annual, not to mention highly-anticipated, Burger Festival!

Every summer the Beijinger’s Burger Fest brings together the city’s most beloved slider slingers for a weekend of food-filled fun. Folks get to eat, play games, dance, listen to great music, watch ridiculously silly entertainment, and simply enjoy some amazing summertime vibes with friends and family all weekend long.

This year’s theme is “A Burger Oddyssy” so think everything space-related. However, if a full spacesuit in August sounds a bit too sweaty, feel free to take some inspiration from your favorite cosmic flicks such as Star Wars, Guardians of the Galaxy, or perhaps even Marvin the Martian.

This year’s Burger Fest will take place Aug 6-8 from 11am-8pm at Wangjing Walk. That’s three days of Beijing’s biggest, juiciest, most mouthwatering beef-on-bun belly busters – not to mention plenty of live entertainment, games, drinks, and all-around awesome times. It will be one small bite for a burger fan, one giant chomp for burger kind.

Per tradition, the fest will also mark the start of the Beijinger’s 2021 Burger Cup, an all-out battle royale to decide who will be elected best burger of the year! There’s no better way to decide who you’re voting for than to come out to the fest and give each patty a try!

Tickets are on sale now and you can snag an early bird for RMB 30 by scanning the QR code below.

Or better yet, win tickets to Burger Fest by simply telling us where your favorite burger is in the comments below! Then get your community to agree with you by liking your comment before 6pm Sunday July 18. The top three most liked comments will win 3 tickets each to Burger Fest 2021!

*There is no Sir Ham Burgerston.

KEEP READING: Day 1 of Burger Fest – Don’t Miss Out on The Fun!

Images: Uni You