Friday

Lantern Club v 2.0

After a year of silence, Lantern is back to revitalize the Beijing electronic scene. Celebrate the club's re-launch tonight at its new Worker's Stadium West Gate location, where Acupuncture has called out some of the city's biggest guns to man the decks, including DJs Eddie Lü, Elvis T, Patrick Yu, Ou Yang, Eric Lee and Shen Yue. The party starts at 10 pm, free entry. Call 135-0134-8785 for more details.

Verdi: Rigoletto

NCPA teams up with the legendary Teatro Regio di Parma for a production of one of Verdi's most celebrated operas. Leading the cast is renowned baritone Leo Ruggi, who returns to Beijing with the company for a third time to present this operatic adaptation of Victor Hugo's drama. Performances daily through Sunday, start time 7:30pm. tickets start at 180 yuan (100 yuan on Saturday, cast does not include Leo Ruggi) Call 6655-0000 for more details.

Saturday

Purple Girl / Uniform Night at Mao Livehouse

Catch this matinee of pianist and composer Ning Keyi (aka Purple Girl) performing a set of her intricate, classically inspired pieces, where she'll show off her chops honed during studies at the Manhattan School of Music. Show starts at 2pm, 60/80 at the door.  Follow this up with a full night of bands dressed in uniform, including reggae outfit Longjin, lady punks Unionbunny, ska band Toyhead and Brit-poppers Magic Bus. 50/70 at door. Call 6402-5080 for details.  

Chi Fan for Charity at The Hutong

Chef Jeff Powell (Element Fresh, Flamme) whips up Mexican bocadillos, served with a side of wine and entertainment all for 100 yuan at this charity-raising event for The Dandelion School. Dinner starts at 6:30 pm, RSVP with erin@thehutong.com.  

Blackwater at VA Bar

Hit up this Wudaoying staple for an evening of traditional Irish tunes performed by some of Beijing's finest gigging musicians.  Show starts at 9:45 pm, 30 at door, call 139-1022-8025 for details.

Vic Anselmo/To Die For at Tango

How often do you get to hear a Latvian goth vocalist with stunning pipes in Beijing? This show promises as much costumes, props and theatrics as it does killer music. Finnish Metal group To Die For co-headlines and locals Voodoo Kungfu support. 180/240 at door, show starts at 8:30 pm.  

Sunday

Free Pilates class

Get fit with outdoor pilates classes at Chaoyang Park led by Alona from Alona Pilates. The group meets at West Gate 3 and starts at 4 pm, bring your own mat. Kids welcome.

Email alona@alonapilates.com or text 139-1029-0260 for more info.

Afternoon films at Hot Cat Club

Part of the continuing series of indie movie screenings at this Fangjia Hutong hotspot, Transamerica (2005) tells the story of Bree, who one week before her transsexual operation, suddenly discovers she has a 17-year-old son Toby, who is in jail in New York. Although she wants to move on with her life, her therapist refuses to approve her vaginoplasty unless she faces her past. Film starts at 2 pm, free entry (popcorn and drinks available) Call 6400-7868 for details.

Pool Party BBQ at Hilton Beijing

This is just a screaming deal - charcoal-grilled hamburgers, barbecue and seafood, full salad bar, and free-flow beer, wine and soft drinks, all for around 180 yuan. Kids half price. Enough said. Call 6338-1999 ext 1628 for details.

Frankenstyle China tour

Catch this group touting the "worst punk rock from Austria" headlining a full punk billing at Mao Livehouse. Show starts at 8:30 pm, 40/50 at door. Call 6402-5080 for details.