Can it Be? Woodstock of Eating Throw First Big Beijing Event Since Pre-Coronavirus, May 1-3

Joey Knotts, Contributing Editor | Apr 28, 2020 10:08 am | Add a comment | 506 reads

Since February, real-life events of all kinds have been off-limits in Beijing, or instead confined to the world of Zoom, like vegetation forced to hide their nutrients underground amongst networks of roots and tubers during a cold corona winter. Now, spring has sprung, and though the restrictions of the coronavirus era are very much still in effect, events are beginning to bloom – and just in time for the May Day holiday.

One of the first such events is organized by Woodstock of Eating. The three-day event, held in Longfusi from May 1 to 3, has been aptly dubbed the Recovery Block Blend and Book Market and will be a celebration of local coffee, alcohol, and food vendors. Additional stalls selling books and other non-consumables will be present as well.

Unlike previous years however, pets will not be allowed and the market won't include anything that could encourage gathering, so as to comply with the need for visitors to keep a distance of 1.5 meters at all times. On the other hand, there will be plenty of music to keep spirits high and even a film viewing from the organizers of the FIRST International Film Festival, now in its 15th year.

Though similar events have been planned as close as Tianjin, where guidelines are a little laxer, the allowance of a full-blown Beijing event comes as somewhat of a surprise. However, it is in line with the city’s policy of permitting outdoor fun while continuing to prohibit the opening of indoor attractions. If all goes well, it could be an indication that we're due more outdoor events this summer.