April 14-17: What’s Happening Beirut?

Despite the odd drop in temperature these past few days, life in the city keeps getting hotter. Here’s your list of must-see events this weekend:


The Great Outdoors


Free Happy Hour Meditation – Thursday 14, 7 PM



Not an outdoor session, but a great chance to clear your mind from the week’s stress. Save your spot with Art of Living.



Bike Route Night Ride in Batroun – Friday 15, 8:30 PM



This easy level 15 KM ride along Batroun’s coast is a small tour of the city’s gems: the old souks, the Phoenician wall, and of course, Colonel Beer Brewery. Check the Facebook event for more details (and to reserve your bike).



Nahr el Kalb Beach Rescue – Saturday 16, 9 AM



Join Recycle Lebanon in their last beach cleanup before summer, racing against time (and Sukleen) to sustainably pack as much washed up waste for recycling. You can read the story of this collective initiative here.



The Art Scene


BIPOD 2016 – Wednesday Apr. 13 – Apr. 30



The Beirut International Platform of Dance returns with a fresh lineup of performances and workshops. It runs till the end of the month and brings together 15 international dance companies. You can find the complete schedule here.



KOLLECTIV Opening Night – Thursday 14, 6 PM



Running until May 20, this design exhibition at Art Factum is the collaborative effort of local designers.



الجنرال – Friday 15 to Sunday 17, 6:30 PM



For three nights only, the satirical performance on justice and freedom in the hands of the powerful lands at Theatre Monnot after successful progressions in New York and Saida.



Secret Walls x Beirut – Sunday 17, 3 PM




A live art battle in the middle of Badaro! For Round 8, Secret Walls x Beirut will see Moe and Pieces, a calligraphy street artist and an illustrator, face off, striking black paint on white canvas in a 90 minute clash.



The Cultural Front



Tripoli’s Modern Architecture, Seaside, and Train Station – Saturday 16, 11 AM



Discover one of Lebanon’s oldest cities, its International Exhibition Fair, Old Mina, and Train Station in a 5 hour guided tour. The ride to and from Beirut is provided.



Souk Abou Rakhousa – Sunday 17, 10 AM



The most affordable souk in town is back in Martyr’s Square, continuing its protest against turning Downtown Beirut into an elitist ghost town.



Global Week for Syria – Sunday 17 to Monday 18, 9 PM



A proactive platform aiming to shed light on Syria and call for peace. It kicks off at Metro al Madina with performances by Tanjaret Daghet, El Darwiche, and El Rass on Sunday night.



The Intellectual Agenda


Screening/Round Table – “Bala Sabab” – Thursday 14, 6 PM



A short contemporary dance film by Emma Humphris featuring a 5-year detainee without judgement. The film is a catalyst for the subsequent discussion (in Arabic) about the flaws in the Lebanese judicial system. Held at the new Lebanon Support office.



Love between Poetry, Songs, and Languages – Friday 15, 8:30 PM



Love may know no language, but at Onomatopoeia it takes the form of Classical Arabic poetry meshed with contemporary love songs.



The Food Sector


Souk el Akel – Thursday 14, 5 PM



Binge on some of the best street food around at Downtown Beirut’s weekly market.



Celebrate Spring in Zouk Mikael – Friday 15 to Sunday 17, 5 PM



Explore Zouk’s old Souk in all its blooming colors with this special weekend edition of Souk el Akel.



The Seventh Art


Screening of the documentary “Gebara” – Thursday 14, 7 PM



ة commemorates one year since modern Lebanese theater innovator Raymond Gebara’s passing, followed by a discussion with the film director.



Screening/Fundraiser of “3000 nights” – Friday 15, 8 PM



This award-winning film will be screened at Metropolis Empire Sofil, followed by a Q&A with its director. All proceeds are in support of Ana Aqra’s programs for disadvantaged learners.