The Mullin Rundown: German Wine Queen, Sake Festival, Dinner & A Mixtape

This weekend promises an extravaganza of eclectic events: happenings for lovers of craft beer, wine, sake and more, not to mention a party that features both tapas and a turntable virtuoso.

It's my pleasure to highlight some of these fun weekend happenings for the first time, after recently stepping in as the Beijinger's newest editor. I'm taking over for the gloriously talented Kipp Whittaker, who has moved on to greener pastures and left me with gargantuan shoes to fill (as you can see, it's daunting enough to make me mix my metaphors).

You've likely followed this weekly events column closely under Kipp's purview, when he called it "Kipp's Picks." I won't dare use a similar title like "Kyle's Picks," not only because it doesn't rhyme as well, but also because I don't want to rip off Kipp's clever title (trust me, no one ever wants to incur the Wrath of Whittaker; you should've seen how miffed he got when my colleagues tried to create their own renditions like "Patrick's Picks" and "Margaux's Picks" ).

So, without further ado, I give you the "Mullin Rundown" of Beijing's top weekend events:

Jul 8: Drink with the German Wine Queen at Cheers
Get tipsy with royalty at Cheers' Fenghuanghui shop! Josefine Schlumberger, who has been dubbed this year's German Wine Queen will be in attendance to raise a glass with Beijing's most dedicated winos. The title of German Wine Queen is a more than 80-year-old distinction given annually to a women deemed best to represent the European nation's wine industry. As part of Cheers' Riesling Week promotion, attendees will be given a free glass of Riesling wine. Free. 4.30-6pm. Cheers Fenghuanghui

Jul 8: The Beauty's Indie Rock at DDC
This band truly lives up to its name, carving out gorgeously rhythmic tunes that will stick in your head long after the gig's over. RMB 30 presale, RMB 40 at the door. 9pm-Late. DDC

Jul 8: Yixi Vol 3 at Dada
The third entry of this series that promotes local underground electronic music innovators features techno acts like Punx FAR infinity, minimal techno artist VU, rising IDM stars 3HE and iimmune, and house act Muren. A statement from Dada describes Punx as a "Frankenstein who speaks via synthesizers, before noting iimmune's work as not only an electronic musician but also a producer and the guitar player for beloved Beijing band Glow Curve. Check out more information about the other acts at the link above. RMB 50 at the door. 10pm-Late. Dada


Jul 8-10: China International Craft Beer Festival at the China International Exhibition Center
This is a prime time for Beijing's beer lovers, with one craft suds festival after another being held in rapid succession. The China International Craft Beer Festival (housed at Sanyuan Qiao's China International Exhibition Center) just might excite local ale aficionados more than any of its predecessors, because it will showcase a whopping 50 craft beer brands from around the globe. For more info, read our blog about the event here. RMB 200 at the door (RMB 100 presale). July 8-9:10am-10pm, July 10:10am-3.30pm. China International Exhibition Center


Jul 9: Sake Carnival 2016 at the 21st Century Hotel
Booze fiends growing a bit weary of beer need fear not. A more unique alcohol filled event is slated for Saturday at the 21st Century Hotel. One hundred varieties of fine Japanese sake will be brought to Beijing for the event. What's more: ten famous sake makers will rub elbows with the local attendees, not to mention a sake class being given by Dai Ginjo master Taka Yamamoto. In short: this is a pricey, exclusive event for dedicated sake lovers. RMB 500. 1-5pm. 21st Century Hotel


Jul 9: Dinner & A Mixtape ft. Neil Armstrong at Migas
Numerous Beijingers are eagerly awaiting the arrival of DJ Neil Armstrong. That's understandable, seeing as he rose to fame while working as Jay-Z's tour DJ, before performing for the inauguration of none other than President Barack Obama. This turntable virtuoso will hit the decks at Migas beloved rooftop. Delicious eats will be served in what's being dubbed as a "street food market" fashion, with top notch restaurants like Buena Onda (Hatchery), La Social (Mosto), Traitor Zhou’s, Cacha Cacha, Palms LA, and Migas and chipping in. That makes this a prime event to both fill your tummy and leave your booty shaking. RMB 70 at the door. 7-10pm. The Bar at Migas


Jul 9: Metal Night at Hot Cat Club
If you're hoping to headbang and maybe even mosh a little this Saturday, then Hot Cat Club is your best bet. This hutong bar has been on quite a resurgance lately, hosting comedy nights, plenty of local music and even legendary punk vet DJ Scratchy. Metal is also part of the venue's eclectic repertoire, and Saturday's gig will feature local favorites like CKTP, Living In Lies, Lost In Space, Goodbye Sunset and Golden Rum. 8pm. RMB 70 (door), RMB 50 (advance), Hot Cat Club

Photos: The venues, o2lssports.com, Tastyislandhawaii.com, sakeinstituteofontario.com