Fest Fever! Eight Festivals To Hit Up Over the May Holiday
It's almost the May Holiday, and fest fever seems to have taken over the capital, with numerous festivals happening across the 'Jing in the coming days. From our very own Taco Fest to a jazz fest, a Gulou fest, a beer fest and multiple music festivals, there is plenty to keep you occupied if you're choosing to stay in Beijing over the holiday.
Taco Fest
Undoubtedly, the number one festival to hit up over the May holiday has to be our Taco Fest! Taking place May 3-4 at the National Tennis Center by the west side of the Olympic Forest Park, this is going to be one taco-filled fiesta you don't want to miss! This year we've got 25+ vendors, including special guest from Shanghai La Coyota, great entertainment, market stalls and more fun. So, grab your amigos and get your tickets now by scanning the QR code in the poster above.
Tickets:
- Early bird ticket: RMB 20 (free for children under 1.4 meters)
- On-site ticket: RMB 30 (free for children under 1.4 meters)
When: May 3-4, 11am-8pm
Where: National Tennis Center 国家网球中心
Click here to read more
CMH China Chic Festival
China Music House (CMH) will be putting on the CMH China Chic Festival from May 3 to 4 at Tanko Moofland Park in Mentougou District. CMH has been redefining traditional Chinese music and bringing it to the younger generation for over ten years. Blending everything from Chinese opera to Chinese folk music or ethnic minority songs with other genres like Latin, rock, electronic, trap and more. The festival's lineup features a range of top Chinese musicians, including artists behind soundtracks like Black Myth: Wukong and Ne Zha 2. Along with music, there will be a luxury camping area to relax in, interactive workshops, a fashion market, bar area and more. Tickets are RMB 69/per day and can be purchased by scanning the QR code below.
Tickets:
- One day ticket: RMB 69 (free for children under 1.2 meters)
When: May 3-4, 2pm-late
Where: Tanko Moofland Park 檀谷•慢闪公园
Click here to read more
5th Taihu Jazz Festival
From Apr 30 to May 5, the Taihu Stage Art Center in Tongzhou District will transform into a "Jazz Wonderland" for the 5th Taihu Jazz Festival. With over 200 musicians from over nine countries across seven stages, there will be a multitude of performances to choose from.
This year’s lineup includes legends like guitarist Mike Stern, drummer Dennis Chambers, Benny Benack III with his smooth vocals and trumpet, Canadian saxophonist Yannick Rieu, Latin America’s Saracotia Trio, Argentina’s Adrian Iaies Trio, and Austrian accordionist Christian Bakanic. Beyond the music, expect dance shows, film screenings, markets and plenty of food. Ticket prices vary (RMB 99-600) and can be purchased by scanning the QR code below and then clicking on the performance you want to attend.
When: Apr 30-May 5 (see full schedule details in the poster below)
Where: The Taihu Stage Art Center 国家大剧院台湖舞美艺术中心
Click here to read more
"Wo Zai Gulou" 2025 Life Festival
The "Wo Zai Gulou" 2025 Life Festival will be taking over the Drum and Bell Tower area in Gulou from May 1 to 5. There will be a range of themed activities to celebrate this ancient historic building, including hanfu parade, a Moving Museum-themed market, performances such as a Peking opera x rock fusion performance and a shadow puppetry x pop music fusion performance, exhibitions and more. Adult tickets to enter the festival are RMB 38 and can be purchased by scanning the QR code below. Certain activities also require an additional fee.
Tickets
Adult ticket: RMB 38 (includes a drink)
Adult and child ticket: RMB 56 (includes two drinks)
When: May 1-5, 9.30am-9pm
Where: Drum Tower North Gate 鼓楼北门
Click here to read more
Tomato Original Art Festival
THE BOX will be putting on their annual Tomato Original Art Festival from May 1-5. Taking place on multiple floors, including the rooftop, this festival will feature a creative market where numerous independent artists and handmade crafters, will showcase a range of creative accessories, bags, jewellery, decorations, toys, and more. Along with the market there will be interactive activities, games live music and other surprises. The festival is free to attend.
When: May 1-5, 11am-10.30pm
Where: THE BOX 朝外年轻力中心
Click here to read more
Craft Beer Festival
The Beijing Craft Beer Festival will be returning to the Shoungang Park from May 1 to 5. 120 breweries from across Beijing, China and abroad will be on-site offering over 800 different types of craft beer along with plenty of food. There will also be live DJ sets each day to keep the mood pumping. Single tickets are RMB 79-99 (see more details below) and can be purchased by scanning the QR code below.
Tickets
- Presale single ticket: RMB 79
- Presale two-person ticket: RMB 139
- Standard ticket (after Apr 30): RMB 99
- Standard two-person ticket (after Apr 30): RMB 198
When: May 1-4, noon-10pm
Where: Beijing Shougang Convention and Exhibition Center Halls 11 & 12 首钢园11和12号大棚
Click here to read more
Strawberry Music Festival
Strawberry Music Festival will be returning to Beijing over the May holiday from May 2 to 4 at the Flying Campsite in Beijing Expo Park in Yanqing District. First launched in Beijing in 2010, Strawberry Music Festival now takes place in multiple cities across China and this year will also see its first venture outside of China, debuting in Yokohama, Japan, from Jun 7 to 8.
This year's Beijing edition is even bigger and better than ever, with four stages, 72 performance slots and over 20 international performance groups/artists. The festival will showcase new faces such as AKASAKI, Cornelius, Peremotka, SHORTPARIS, I Don’t Like Mondays., and Vanishing Queen, who will make their festival debuts, alongside returning acts like chilldspot, ShowHand, and Sweet Sister Session. The festival will also welcome international sensations, including Japanese dance-pop group ATARASHII GAKKO!, K-pop collective tripleS, Thai girl group 4EVE and Japanese singer Koda Kumi.
There will also be veteran Chinese artists such as Zuo Xiao Zu Zhou, Tongue, and Zhao Lei making return performances at the festival. Along with performances, there will also be the Modern People Flea Music Market, which offers an interactive space for music lovers to explore records, books, and hands-on music creation experiences. You can see ticket prices below, and they can be purchased via the Modern Sky mini program by searching "正在现场" or via this link.
Tickets*:
- Presale Single-Day Ticket RMB 469
- Full-Price Single-Day Ticket RMB 569
- Presale Two-Day Combo Ticket RMB 939
- Presale Three-Day Combo Ticket RMB 1,399
- Full-Price Two-Person Single-Day Ticket RMB 999
- Premium Single-Day Ticket RMB 669
- PRO Single-Day Ticket RMB 769
When: May 2-4, 1.30pm-9pm
Where: Flying Campsite, Beijing Expo Park 北京世园公园飞行营地
Click here to read more
*Tickets for May 2 are currently sold out, but as of press time there are still tickets available for May 3 and 4.
Yuanqi Forest Music Festival
Yuanqi Forest Music Festival will be happening from May 1 to 2 at Beijing Laffitte Castle Park in Changping District. Included in the lineup is Beijing legend Cui Jian, aka "Father of Chinese Rock," and Taiwanese band The Last Day of Summer 831 (八三夭), known for their high-energy punk anthems. Indie and alternative vibes will be brought by bands like Orange Ocean (橘子海) and jazz-influenced synth-pop band Sunset Rollercoaster (落日飞车). Tickets can be bought via the WeChat mini program "票牛票务平台" – just search for 元气森林音乐节 (Yuanqi Forest Music Festival).
Tickets:
- Presale RMB 288
- Standard RMB 388
- VIP Presale RMB 488
- VIP Standard RMB 588
When: May 1-2, 2pm-late
Where: Beijing Laffitte Castle Park 拉斐特城堡
Click here to read more
Infinite Music Festival: CANCELED
The Infinite Music Festival had been scheduled to take place in Beijing over the May holiday, however it has been canceled as per this announcement on their official account. It has not been stated whether it will be rescheduled to another time, but you can keep up to date with all related news by following the festival's official account "无限音乐节" on WeChat.
READ: Tennis-Themed Fun, Kids Zone, Market Stalls & More at Taco Fest
Images: Canva, the Beijingers, courtesy of the organizers
