All Weekend
Brazilian Film Festival
Gear up for a weekend of the latest films coming from Brazil with a Friday lecture, "Discovering Brazilian Cinema," given by designer and Rio native Bruno Porto.
Then dive in with a Saturday screening of Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, the sexually-charged black comedy that swept the Brazilian national film awards in 2009, plus a bonus Q&A with lead actor André Abujamra at 7:30 pm.
Sunday's lineup includes brand new films, featuring Mother and Daughter at 5:30 pm and Welcome Back at 7:30 pm.
When, Where and How Much: 7 pm, BC Moma (8438-8258-8001), lecture is free, films 40 yuan ($6) each. Check the festival's full schedule at www.brffchina.com
Friday
The Marriage of Figaro
Come for an evening of mistaken identities, intrigue, jealousy and lots of plot twists all set to Mozart and hear how this comic opera has remained as fresh as when premiered in Vienna, 1784. Featuring soprano Ma Mei and Baritone Sun Li as Figaro.
When, Where and How Much: 7:30 pm, Beijing Concert Hall (400-610-3721), tickets start from 80 yuan.
Da Bang wants a hug
Competing for your indie rock affection, Da Bang (formerly Bigger Bang) is returning to tie off a tour promoting their first full-length, Bone Hug. For those who like Ting Tings, Crystal Castles and crisp electro indie with squealy female vocals. Helen Feng's new project Nova Heart and DJ Clir support.
When, Where and How Much: 9 pm, Yugong Yishan, 60 yuan on the door.
Raving like Rampling
In addition to pioneering Acid House and rave culture in the UK with his club Shoom, Rampling Djed on pirate radio before the BBC picked him up for his Radio 1 dance music show Lovegroove Dance Party, which ran for nearly a decade and brought techno to the masses.
When, Where and How Much: 10 pm, Punk at Sanlitun (6410-5222), free entry.
Saturday
Dennis the dog whisperer
Can't get your dog to stop (fill in blank)? Drop in for free canine training advice from Beijing's dog whisperer Dennis Schenk to rein in your pup at this free hour-long clinic.
When, Where and How Much: 2 pm, Doctors Beck & Stone, Europlaza, Shunyi district (135-010-305-72), free.
Marco Polo Bridge outing
Take this opportunity to check out where Marco made his Beijing debut before it either gets too cold or you move away. This Culture Yard tour also includes transportation, guide and visit to 1,600-year-old Tanzhe Temple.
When, Where and How Much: 9 am to 5 pm, Culture Yard (8404-4166 or contact@cultureyard.net), 380 yuan in advance, reservation required.
Mystery Shadow Theater
Did China invent movies back in the Han Dynasty? Find out with an introduction to shadow puppetry, the world's first moving picture, all while showing support for the Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Center (CHP), who are doing their best to keep the Beijing hutong from becoming merely a shadow of our past.
When, Where and How Much: 4 pm, Shichahai Hotel, 24 Song ShuJie, Xicheng district (6403-6532), 40 yuan. Demonstration conducted in English. Check out www.en.bjchp.org
Roundabout Book Fair
Over the years this local charity favorite has raised more than 120,000 yuan for children in need of medical attention, schooling, food and clothing. Now you have no excuse to find time for reading.
When, Where and How Much: 10 am to 3 pm, Beijing Rego British School, Shunyi district. Contact 137-187-777-61 or thecharitystore@gmail.com for more details.