Seven Foodie Events to Hit Up This Weekend
Even though the temps have been steadily falling in Beijing for the past week or so, you’d be dead wrong to think the mercury dropping a few notches down on the thermostat is gonna stop the capital’s foodies and boozies from getting outdoors for a weekend of fun.
And what a jam-packed weekend of fun this is shaping up to be: a ton of food fests, China’s first ever Agave Spirits Festival, the return of the 8x8 Beer Project, plus a few anniversaries and small scale shindigs to keep things moving. Check it all out below…
2nd Rasa Malaysia Festival
Want to go to Malaysia but don’t want to pay for a flight? Then a visit to the Rasa Malaysia Festival, happening from Friday ‘til Sunday in Sanlitun Taikooli is your next best option. There will be all kinds of Malaysian food products, snacks, and imported goods, plus performances and more cultural exchange opportunities. Find out more about what’s in store here.
The 2nd Rasa Malaysia Festival is happening from 4-9pm on Friday, Oct 18 , and from 11.30am-9pm on Saturday, Oct 19 and Sunday, Oct 20. Tickets are RMB 9.9 early bird (available until tomorrow) and RMB 19.9 at the door. You can purchase early bird tickets by scanning the QR code in the poster.
Agave Spirits Festival
This first for the capital – and China! – will see over 40 agave spirits brands – think tequila, mezcal, and a few other surprises – gathering at The Grand Summit near Liangmaqiao to introduce the people of Beijing to agave spirits via direct tasting and talks throughout the weekend. It’s not all about drinks, though, as there will be Mexican delights from Moji, Las Musas, and Pebbles Courtyard available on site, as well as coffee, salsas for sale, and other stuff.
The 1st China Agave Spirits Festival is happening from Friday, Oct 18 until Sunday, Oct 20 from 5-9pm on Friday and noon-9pm on Saturday and Sunday. Entry is free. Check here for full event details.
Taste of Chaoyang Food Fest
A food fest dedicated to all the food and drink you can find in Chaoyang District, the Taste of Chaoyang Food Fest is taking over Olympic Park for not one, but two whole weekends starting this Friday (Oct 18). Over 70 vendors serving Chinese and Western fare from Chaoyang restaurants will be available, plus a light show and all kinds of entertainment.
The Taste of Chaoyang Food Fest is happening this weekend (Oct 18-20) and next weekend (Oct 25-27), from 3-10pm (Friday to Sunday) at the Central Axis Landscape Avenue south of the Olympic Tower’s West Gate. Entry is free.
Woodstock of Eating’s LuckyMart Fest
The Woodstock of Eating returns to the capital, this time with a lineup of over 60 eateries – including a few Beijing newbies – to try this weekend near Baiziwan. The massive event will see foods arranged by area and type, with a bagel street, tapping area, and more. There’s also a special commemorative beer in store from Dao Brewing.
LuckyMart Fest by Woodstock of Eating is happening from Friday, Oct 18 until Sunday, Oct 20 from 11am-9pm each day. Tickets are RMB 39.9 for one and RMB 79.9 for two people, and can be purchased by scanning the QR code in the poster.
Jing-A 8x8 Beer Project
Jing-A’s annual celebration of brewing collaboration is back, this time pairing eight Chinese breweries with eight breweries from the UK for 16 special beers to try for two days only. Along with these 16 collab beers, each brewery will be bringing a few of their flagship offerings, meaning guests can choose from over 130 beers to try at the event. That’s a lot to choose from, and we’re really digging some of the offerings, which you can read more about here.
Jing-A’s 2024 8x8 Beer Project is happening from Friday, Oct 18 until Saturday, Oct 19, at various times on each day at the C7 Light Theatre at Universal Creative Park (UCP). Tickets are RMB 248 for a single session ticket; RMB 328 for a session combo ticket; or RMB 888 for an all sessions VIP pass and can be purchased via the QR code in the poster.
El Nido’s 14th Anniversary Party
Although not really a festival per se, it’s going to be a real celebration at all four of El Nido’s Beijing locations, with 74 special beers on tap and all kinds of prizes on offer, from commemorative coasters to drinks vouchers and more. Click here to find out more and be sure to follow their official account for a coming beer list for the event.
El Nido’s 14th Anniversary celebrations are happening on Saturday, Oct 19 all day at all four of El Nido’s locations. Entry is free.
HooTong x Eatalia Italian Hutong Booze-Up
Italian hutong restaurant Eatalia is joining hands with food and drinks events organizers HooTong for a special autumn aperitivo of sorts, all at the Italian eatery's venue on Oct 18. There will be plenty of wine, other drinks, Italian snacks, and live music in store, with the potential for things to go well into the night.
The Eatalia x HooTong Hutong Italian Booze-Up is happening on Friday, Oct 18 from 7pm until late. Entry is free, but reservations are recommended.
Eatalia
18 Xilou Xiang, Xicheng District
西城区西楼巷18号
Hours: 11.30am-10pm
Phone: 185 1405 2816
READ: New Tacos, Burgers, Drinks and Other Autumn Specials
Images: Unsplash, courtesy of the organizers
