TGIF: Hot & Spicy Fest, Forbidden City Walking Tour and Lunch, Stand Up Comedy Tour, Jindafit Elengi

The weekend is here! Time for fun, relaxation, and recharging the ol' batteries ahead of *gulp* Monday morning's alarm clock. Luckily enough, there’s plenty of fun stuff to keep you occupied over the weekend that doesn't necessarily involve getting blitzed. Our weekend roundup offers you some of the best.

May 15-16: Hot & Spicy Fest 2021

Arriba el picante! Is your tongue ready for the hottest weekend of the year? That's right, it's time to start hitting the hot sauce in preparation for the pile of peppers you'll pour down your pipe with the arrival of Hot and Spicy Fest 2021, from May 15-16, 11pm-8pm. This year, the event will adopt a Latin American theme in honor of the region that gave us the chile pepper, but as always, there will be spicy food and drink from all over the world, plus live entertainment, and of course, the annual chile eating contest! Can you handle it? RMB 30 (advance), RMB 40 (on the door). 11am-8pm. InStreet Sanyuanqiao

May 14/15: Two-day Tianjin photo walk

Want to get out of the city (but not *that* far out)? Join Cultural Keys for a two-day, overnight photo walk around Tianjin. You'll enjoy riverside walks, European architecture and delicious local Tianjin food. The price includes train travel between Beijing and Tianjin, shared accommodation at the Ibis Ancient Culture Street, four meals, guided excursions around Tianjin, and entrance tickets. RMB 1,488 two people, RMB 888 one person. Cultural Keys

May 15: Opera Bombana eighth anniversary gala dinner

In celebration of their eighth anniversary, Opera Bombana's executive chef Andrea Susto has invited Zhou Yi, head chef of Yangzhou Mountain Restaurant, and Tatsuya Nagataki, head chef of Japanese restaurant Takakura, to come together to create an unprecedented culinary experience spanning three cultures. RMB 1,988. 6pm. Opera Bombana

May 14/15/16: Comic League: Heroes of Comedy Tour

Comedy Club China is back for another three-night, three-venue stand-up comedy tour. Hosted by Alex Shi and featuring the likes of Kei Gambit, Charles Pellegrin, Sarah Qiao, Donnie Fan, and Eric Selley. Catch them at Haidian Noir cafe on Friday, Così Così on Saturday and XL Bar on Sunday. Scan the QR codes on the respective posters in the event listings to purchase tickets. RMB 135 (with drink). 9-11pm (Sunday show 7-9pm).

May 16: Jindafit elengi (master class)

Jindafit is a full-body afrobeats dance workout based on African moves and rhythms. It is a new, simple, and uniquely fun workout, suitable for all fitness levels and all ages. The up-tempo African rhythms will let you enjoy the moment and let go of any worries. This elengi (master class) will be followed by brunch by Bei Zhaolong Hotel. RMB 298. 10.30am. Bei Zhaolong Hotel

May 16: Walking Tour of the Forbidden City and Imperial Lunch

Learn intimate secrets of the Forbidden City with heritage preservation expert Mathew Hu. Afterwards, sit down to a 10-course lunch in the Black Sesame Kitchen courtyard, featuring dishes from the imperial past. RMB 498. 9.30am-2.30pm. Black Sesame Kitchen​​​​​​​

May 16: 'Game Changers' screening at Camera Stylo

Join Vegans of Beijing for screening of The Game Changers, a 2018 documentary film about the benefits of a plant-based diet for athletes, followed by a brief guided discussion. RMB 25. 8pm. Camera Stylo

Images:  __drz__ (via Unsplash), courtesy of the organizers, Gaohui/Shutterstock