Events Watch: Beijing's Best Weekday Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Nov 29-Dec 3

Our Events Watch series aims to highlight events that aren't focused on alcohol and drinking, but instead take a more educational or productive approach. Events include comedy, talks, networking events, markets, and dinners etc.

Tuesday, November 29

Christmas Walkabout
Come join ANZA for a fun Christmas shopping adventure at Tianyi Market. You’ll find Christmas trees, tons of ornaments, wrapping paper and lots of gifts to buy. There are some cafeterias and local restaurants for an easy Chinese lunch. Bring cash as there is no ATM and they do not accept cards. RSVP at enquiries@anzabeijing.com. 10am-1pm. Tianyi Market​

Until Wednesday, November 30

French Documentary Month
As the international partner of this event, organized in France by Images en Bibliothèques, the Institut Français offers a rich, diverse program of fresh and festival-nominated films, tackling various cultural themes and new perspectives in French cinema. For its 17th edition, the focus of this year’s program is real-life tragi-comedies. Check full listings here. RMB 20. Various Times

Wednesday, November 30

Future of Food
In order to celebrate the return of Startup Grind in Beijing, the team decided it would be good to dive straight into a great topic, namely the "Future of Food." A good event without awesome food and drinks is usually just an average one, which is why they have paired up with Hatchery, to offer the audience not just great insights about food and food in tech, but also an outstanding gourmet experience. RMB 100. 6-10pm. 5Lmeet

Friday, December 2

Mini North Korean Film Festival
The Bookworm and Koryo Tours present this mini North Korean Film Festival, spanning two weeks and five movies discussing travel in the Hermit Kingdom, propaganda, as well as Dennis Rodman's controversial visit. After the movies, there'll be Q&A sessions with a representative from Koryo Tours. The other films are scheduled for December 5, 9, and 14. RMB 200 (all movies), RMB 50 (per individual movie). 7.30pm. The Bookworm

Saturday, December 3

Handel's Messiah
On Saturday December 3, for the 14th year running, International Festival Chorus and Peking Sinfonietta continue their annual tradition of performing the immensely popular Christmas classic, Handel’s Messiah, at Harrow International School Beijing. Donations from the event will go to chosen charity Future Forest, tasked with planting trees in Inner Mongolia’s Kubuqi desert to stabilize the sands and improve the local ecosystem. With every two tickets sold, one tree will be planted during the group's expeditions next year. RMB 380 (adults), RMB 280 (students will receive an additional RMB 180 refund at the door upon presentation of student ID). 7pm. Harrow International School