Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Aug 27-Sep 2

Our Events Watch series aims to highlight happenings 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.
 

Monday, Aug 27

Dream • Preconscious: Bugong Ceramic Art Exhibition
An exhibition of over 40 artworks and major ceramic sculptures by artist Li "Bugong" Wenchao, Dream • Preconscious is like "a kaleidoscope that can be interpreted as incarnations of how life motivates and disappoints." Free. Thru Sep 9 10am-9pm. Bentu One, 77 Culture Park
 

Tuesday, Aug 28

Kinky Boots
Having won every major Best Musical award (including a Tony for Cyndi Lauper’s score) in its five-year run, Broadway’s Kinky Boots heads to Beijing’s Tianqiao Theater this Tuesday for two weeks of drag, singing, dancing, and of course, more thigh-high boots than you can shake a stick at. Based on the unlikely true story of a factory owner who takes an entertainer up on her harebrained scheme to go into the stiletto trade, the musical has won accolades around the world for its big heart and larger than life production. RMB 180-1,080. Aug 28-Sep 6, 7.30pm; matinee 2pm. Beijing Tianqiao Theater
 

Wednesday, Aug 29

Free Saddle for Bike Riders
Ok, not so much an event than a complete steal, Natooke, one of Beijing's primo bike shops is giving away free colorful saddles for every person that drops by this week. Not only will this event leave you very unhungover, it's absolutely free, and you get a sweet new seat to boot. Free. Tue-Sun 11.30am-7pm. Natooke

Thursday, Aug 30

Cracking the Conversation Code: Networking for Introverts
Though nothing may scare an introvert more than the idea of an evening of networking, that's exactly what this event is designed to help the shyer among us overcome. Given that networking is such an important part of business and success, this seminar will help attendees learn how to channel their strengths as an introvert when networking, learn how to enjoy networking events, and learn how to develop a professional network. Sounds intimidating? Perhaps this is the event for you. RMB 100, RMB 85 (advance, with food), RMB 60 (advance, no food). 7-9pm. InnCube
 

Friday, Aug 31

NCPA Production of Bellini's Opera La Sonnambula
Enjoy a little opera this Friday with Vincenzo Bellini's classic of the genre La Sonnambula. Bellini's second opera, The Sleepwalker, as it is known in English, is a story of jealousy, apparitions, and love. This version is directed by Gilbert Deflo, designed by Alessandro Camera, with costume design by Carla Ricotti, and conducted by Daniel Oren (pictured above), joined by influential singers from at home and abroad. RMB 180-680. Aug 28-Sep 2 7-10pm. National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA)
 

Saturday, Sep 1

Doggy Day at Side Street
Straying into "Events That Won't Leave Your Dog Hungover" territory, Side Street invites Beijing's mutt lovers to revel with them in the dog days of summer. There'll be special canine-friendly snacks on offer and dog-safe burgers as well as doggy tracks courtesy of DJ Peter Stone. Free. Midday onwards. Side Street
 

Sunday, Sep 2

Vegan Outreach Dinner
Mosto hosts the latest of Vegans of Beijing's Outreach Dinner this Sunday with a five-set meal consisting of tasters from the venue's new plant-based menu, including tomato gazpacho, aubergine mousse, tofu ravioli, vegetable tagine, and berry crumble. RMB 288 (shh! Includes a glass of wine). 7-9.30pm. Mosto

For a comprehensive list of this week's events (to keep you sober or otherwise) click here.

Photos: Pinterest, courtesy of the promoters