Last Chance To Visit Dada Beijing This Weekend
Nightclub Dada is saying goodbye to Beijing this weekend, shutting its doors after a 13-year run in the capital.
It’s another blow to Beijing’s nightlife scene, following on the heels of fellow nightlife stalwart ByeByeDisco, which is also closing this weekend after a brief revival.* Even though the Dada brand will live on with pop-up shows around China and in their final standing brick-and-mortar location in Kunming, the club will be sorely missed here up north.
In what is Dada Beijing’s final week, a whilrwind of shows allows frequent clubgoers – or those who haven’t yet experienced it – to get one or a few last nights before it’s gone for good.
We caught up with club owner Michael O., aka DJ Ozone, to find out how he feels about Dada’s last hurrah in Beijing, what surprises are in store for the last two nights, and a bit on what’s next.
What are you feeling now that the final nights of Dada Beijing are here?
Whirlwind of emotions. I've been through this a few times with other locations, other cities... But this one feels like a more dramatic book-end. Club closures are happening globally right now; the industry is changing. It feels like the end of an era.
Since we announced we'd be closing a month back, there's been so much love and memories and kids flying from around the country to party again here. It's a lot to digest.
This isn't the first time Dada Beijing has shut; it moved from Gulou to Ritan with a big relocation a few years back. Would you consider reopening in Beijing if it came to it, or is it on to pastures green?
Still negotiating what will happen with the space and the Dada brand. We will be doing pop-ups, at the least. We've been doing this in other cities.
Speaking of pastures green, what's going on at Dada Kunming these days for those who want to trek down south?
Dada Kunming is still going strong. It's a very nice space, actually. We have the club room and a craft beer taproom space next door called The Dude. Very nice in summer in Kunming, and we'll be having our anniversary party on the weekend of Jul 18-19, so come escape the Beijing heat then.
Any surprises in store for Friday and Saturday?
I'll be playing all night Friday, and I'm flying in my favorite singer, S.O.S (Sandra), to join me. She'll do a few sets with me during the night – some disco and funk classics, and a few surprises.
Saturday will be six DJs who were a big part of Dada's story over the years, from Shanghai and Beijing, with the party tied in with music collective Lovebang's 15th anniversary party. Expect all kinds of music.
We'll be giving out some free merch to the best dancers, so come with positive energy! Please arrive EARLY. Doors open 8pm. Last time we did a closing night, it was already at full capacity before 11pm.
Also, we'll be giving some prizes to the best pics/videos posted on Redbook or Instagram. Just @ us.
Thanks, Beijing. It's been a blast!
Ozone's '80s Disco Nonsense with S.O.S is happening on Fri, May 30, from 8pm onwards. Tickets are RMB 88 at the door. Click here to read more.
Dada Beijing's Closing Party in conjunction with the Lovebang 15th Anniversary Tour is happening on Sat, May 31, from 8pm onwards. Tickets are RMB 100 at the door. Click here to read more.
Dada Bar Beijing
B1/F, Block A (North Gate), Ritan Intl. Trade Center, Nanyingfang Hutong, Chaoyang District
朝阳区南营坊胡同日坛国际贸易中心A座北门B1
*Although ByeByeDisco found a new home at The Box following the closure of its Liangmaqiao location, the brand announced they'd be shutting things down and will subsequently be throwing their own closing party from tonight (May 30) until Jun 1. Click here to read more and see their full final lineup.
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Images: Dada Beijing, the Beijingers
