What's On in Shanghai: June 2018

That's Shanghai takes a look at the best events of the month:
(Have a listen to our Playlist of musicians hitting Shanghai this month while you scroll through.)Ju

Jun 1: Hedgehog

The quirky Beijing trio, who are one of the capital's longest running and most popular bands, returns with their latest album, Sound Of Life Towards... Experience their warm and catchy noise pop live at Mao Livehouse as part of their latest China tour.
Jun 1, 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse, see event listing.

Jun 1: Jay Prince

East London producer and vocalist Jay Prince mixes elements of grime and garage music from his native UK with LA hip-hop and chilled-out R&B. He's touring through China to promote his latest EP, Cherish. Catch him dropping his poetic verses live at Arkham.
Jun 1, 10pm, RMB90 presale, RMB160 door. Arkham, see event listing.

June 1: Zuk Bar Grand Opening - Shake and Pour

Come discover the new sophisticated and stylish bar, The Zuk. Try unique cocktails and be entertained by different performers throughout the evening. Dress to impress and make sure to RSVP!
June 1, 10pm, Free entry. The Sukhothai Shanghai, see event listing.

Jun 1: DJ Queenie

UNICO hosts Shanghai DJ Queenie for a night of funk, soul, deep house and Afrobeat with Thomas Dyani on live percussion. The night also features UNICO's Nine ThirSty promotion, with free flow gin & tonic from 9.30-10.30pm.
Jun 1, 9pm, no cover. UNICO Shanghai, see event listing.

June 2: Open Air Cinema for Italian National Day

Camelia's terrace is the perfect location for an open-air cinema. From 7pm on Italian National Day, enjoy Italian movies with a snack package priced at RMB488 plus 15 percent for two people, including two glasses of prosecco. Guests dining in Camelia on June 2 in the evening will each get a free prosecco on the terrace.
June 2, 7pm-late, RMB488 (for two people). Camelia, see event listing.

June 2: SCREW IT! BottlesXO 3rd Anniversary Party Bash

BottlesXO  is turning three years old and they're celebrating big by throwing a  massive garden party at Cotton's on Xinhua Lu. As usual, they'll be  generous with the deals: one hour free flow beer from 4.30pm and free  canapés from 6-8pm. They'll also be preparing games and more surprises  throughout the day. Tropical vibes and summer beats by Heatwolves (Love  Bang), Kin.J and KORAMA.
June 2, 4pm-late, from RMB40. Cotton's (Xinhua Lu), see event listing.

June 2: White Castle Pop-up 

DEUS Cocktail Club welcomes White Castle for a one-day event! Enjoy one of their famous double cheese burgers and beer.
June 2, 5-11pm, Double cheese burgers and a beer for RMB38 and free flow beer and wines for RMB99. DEUS Cocktail Club, see event listing.

Jun 2: Drag Extravaganza II: Tucked and Reloaded

One of the biggest and baddest drag events of last year returns for a night  of performances from the fiercest kings and queens Shanghai has to offer, including Dorian T. Fisk, Fantasia Valentina, Cocosanti, Ariana Grindr, Hazel Rockafella and more. Price includes a drink. Check out our interview with drag king Dorian T. Fisk here.
Jun 2, Happy hour from 6pm, show starts at 9pm. RMB180 presale, RMB220 door. The Pearl, see event listing, buy tickets.

Jun 2: Upstream Gaze Part 1

This excellent showcase of Chinese psychedelic indie bands features der Berliner Nebel, an '80s rock-influenced band from Ningbo alongside post-punk band Absolute Purity, and krautrock/pysch rock band Shuimending. Brand new Shanghai psych rock band Loft Beach, founded in March 2018, rounds out the line-up.
Jun 2, 8,30pm, RMB60 presale, RMB80 door. Modern Sky Lab, see event listing.

Jun 2: Dominos Hip-Hop Night

This hip-hop night hosted by MAO Livehouse showcases Gali, a rising star Shanghai rapper who participated in the first season of notorious TV show The Rap of China. Joining him onstage are fellow rappers KT and JCool.
Jun 2, 8pm, RMB180-200. Mao Livehouse, see event listing.

Jun 2: La Grande Bellezza

Bar Rouge and MVP throw a party in honor of La Festa della Repubblica, Italy's national day. Expect Italian disco from DJ Maxindabooth and a special performance by Alessia Raisi. Free entrance until midnight if you RSVP to events@mvpshanghai.com. Otherwise, RMB100 door charge.
Jun 2, 9pm. Bar Rouge, see event listing.

Jun 2: Mehmet Aslan

Mehmet Aslan is a Swiss DJ who grew up listening to traditional folk music from his Turkish immigrant parents before incorporating those sounds into his own electronic music, which also blends everything from post-punk to disco to Afrobeat. Spend on a night on the dance floor with him at Dada.
Jun 2, 10pm. Dada, see event listing.

June 3: Moka Bros' Yoga in the Park and Brunch 

Begin your morning at a de-stressing event. Certified instructor, Julie is returning to host a yoga session in the park. Refuel afterwards with a 15 percent discount for a Moka Bros brunch. Don't forget to sign up through their offical WeChat.
June 3, 10-11am, RMB50. Moka Bros, see event listing. 

Jun 5: The Queens

Head over to El Ocho for Cointreau Queens, a night celebrating female bartenders. These lady boss mixologists will be making drinks that show off their amazing skills. Moe, Misa and Yoyo will each be showcasing their craftmanship with two unique cocktails that you won't  want to miss.
June 5, 8pm-midnight, cocktails RMB100. El Ocho, see event listing. 

Jun 3: Alter Rooftop Party Vol. 3

The latest installment of daytime dance party Alter returns to Pop's rooftop space. Head their to dance to disco and house while the sun goes down with the Shanghai skyline. The line-up includes Shanghai DJs Lindberg, Altieri, Thomas Futoso and Clef G. Cover includes a drink.
Jun 3, 2pm. RMB100 presale, RMB120 door. POP, see event listing.

Jun 3: National Theatre Live: Twelfth Night

The Huangpu Theater screens the National Theatre Live's modern reinterpretation of Shakespeare's classic comedy of mistaken identity, Twelfth Night. Notable BBC and UK stage actress Tamsin Greig stars as upright housekeeper Malvolia, and all the action is set in the present day.
Jun 3, 7pm, RMB100-200. Huangpu Theater, see event listing, buy tickets.

Jun 8: Sleep Party People

The solo project of Danish musician Brian Batz explores themes of anxiety and alienation through incandescent dreampop. Known for the signature bunny mask he wears onstage, Sleep Party People passes through Shanghai for a show at Mao Livehouse to support his latest album, Lingering.
Jun 8, 8.30pm, RMB120 presale, RMB150 door. Mao Livehouse, see event listing.

Jun 8: Devendra Banhart

Venezuelan American singer-songwriter Devendra Banhart is known as a member of the ‘New Weird America’ movement for his freewheeling folk music, which is by turns romantic and psychedelic. Catch the charismatic performer, who has performed at gay weddings and opened for Sonic Youth, at Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall.  
Jun 8, 8pm, RMB80-680. Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall, see event listing, buy tickets.

Jun 8: Uluru

Elevator's resident party crew Co:Motion bring over their latest guest, Berlin-via-California producer Uluru. On the decks, he's known for a bold mix of throwback Detroit and Chicago tracks with cutting-edge modern house. Catch his set at Elevator, with Michael Cignarale back-to-back Mau Mau, Finascia & Neho in support.
Jun 8, 10pm, RMB60 presale, RMB80 before midnight, RMB100 after. Elevator, see event listing.

Jun 8-9: Mike Vecchione

Kung Fu Komedy's latest guest performer is Ohio-born comedian Mike Vecchione. A former star college wrestler who has a degree in Criminal Justice, he moved to New York and turned to comedy in 2003. He's won the People's Choice Award for the New York Comedy Festival, was a semi-finalist on NBC's Last Comic Standing, performed on the Tonight show and has had his own Comedy Central Half Hour Special. Catch him live at KFK.
Jun 8-9, 9pm on Jun 8, 7pm & 9pm on Jun 9, RMB170 presale, RMB200 door. Kung Fu Komedy, see event listing, buy tickets.

Jun 8-10: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Three beloved stories by award-winning children's book author and illustrator Eric Carle, including his modern classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar, are brought to life onstage through the magic of black light and puppetry. Experience this imaginative approach to storytelling through theatre, which is narrated by Dashan, a Canadian performer and TV personality well known for his Chinese language skills.
Jun 8-10, times vary. RMB180-380. ET Space, see event listing, buy tickets.

Jun 8-18: ShanghaiPRIDE

The city's annual festival celebrates its milestone 10th year in 2018 with the theme of 'Our Community | Our Identity | Our Pride.' Expect 10 days of parties, workshops and activities, plus an art show honoring ShanghaiPRIDE's history and the annual traditions of ShanghaiPRIDE Theatre Festival and Film Festival. See our full preview of ShanghaiPRIDE events here.
Jun 8-18, various locations. (shpride.com).

Jun 9: Ladyfest Summer Concert

As a follow-up to their March festival, Ladyfest returns with this summer showcase of badass female-led bands in Shanghai. Highlight acts include feminist punk band Ugly Girls, rap duo Queen Diamond and Skinny OG, Heike Wyler, Zhao Dai, Minds of Billy and Elsa and the Fungs. Don't miss this night of riot grrrl feminism and empowerment.
Jun 9, 7pm, RMB100 presale, RMB150 door. Yuyintang, see event listing, buy tickets.

Jun 9: Brawl on the Bund

This Shanghai tradition celebrates its 10th year of putting on amateur boxing events in glamorous Bund-side spots. The anniversary event will be held at their founding partner venue Hyatt on the Bund, in an exclusive black-tie affair limited to 500 guests. Expect at least 8 white collar fights, a sumptuous 4-course dinner, unlimited cocktails and beer and a charity raffle for breast cancer foundation More Than Aware.
Jun 9, 6pm, prices vary. Hyatt on the Bund, see event listing, buy tickets.

Jun 9: Life in Color Shanghai

The self-described 'world's largest paint party' returns to Shanghai for a bonanza of EDM and neon paint splatters. Headliners this year include dubstep duo Knife Party, DJ Diesel (aka Shaquille O'Neal, EDM duo Krewella and lots more. Attendees are told to wear white, and leave the party covered in a rainbow of paint.
Jun 9, 2pm, RMB399-599. National Exhibition and Convention Center, see event listing, buy tickets.

Jun 14: Sophie Zelmani

In the course of her 22-year career, Swedish singer-songwriter Sophie Zelmani has become known for signature brand of folk-pop. Stripped down to the bare essentials of her unique voice and simple, moving, melodies with guitars and the occasional flute or saxophone, her songs are especially popular in East Asia and she's released 10 studio albums.
Jun 14, 8pm, RMB200. Modern Sky Lab, see event listing, buy tickets.

Jun 14 - Jul 15: Cages Fifa World Cup Party

With its 800-person seating capacity and over 70 TV screens, Cages is the place to be for watching the World Cup. New head chef Jason Oakley will be teaming up with some of Shanghai's best culinary talent, from Ling Huang to Austin Hu, to offer up a special menu of global cuisine from the different teams represented. Entry fee includes 6 food or drink tickets.
Jun 14- Jul 15 on game days, 8pm, RMB100. Cages Bar & Sports, see event listing.

Jun 15: Hiperson

One of Chengdu's most interesting and popular bands, Hiperson returns with their second album off Beijing label Maybe Mars. Called She Came Back From the Square, the record is notable for its stripped back sound and emotionally resonant lyrics. Catch them live as part of the album tour at Yuyintang.
Jun 15, 8.30pm. Yuyintang, see event listing.

Jun 15: Cornelia Jakobs

Swedish pop artist brings her soulful, emotional sound to Shanghai for the first time. After several years as one half DJ-vocalist duo Stockholm Syndrome, Jakobs broke out as a solo artist, and is releasing one single a month throughout 2018. Catch her Shanghai debut at newly opened live house Yuyintang Park.
Jun 15, 8.30pm. Yuyintang Park, see event listing.

Jun 16: Lightwire Theater: Darwin the Dinosaur

Darwin the Dinosaur was the recipient of the prestigious Jim Henson Foundation Grant and is the first feature-length theatrical production created and performed by Ian Carney and Corbin Popp. This glow-in-the-dark adventure is visually stunning and has been praised for its cutting-edge blend of puppetry, technology and dance by audiences all over the world.
Jun 16, 10.30am & 2pm, RMB180-380. 1862 Theatre, see event listing, buy tickets.

Jun 16: Protomartyr

A politically-minded post-punk band from Detroit, Protomartyr visits Shanghai for the first time as part of a tour for their latest album, Relatives in Descent. Known for their meaningful lyrics and vocalist Joe Casey's rich baritone voice, their songs explore everything from activism to the meaning of life.
Jun 16, 8.30pm, RMB120 presale, RMB140 door. Yuyintang, see event listing.

Jun 16: NüVoices Launch Party

Launched earlier this year in Beijing, NüVoices is a collective that empowers emerging and established women writers, artists and translators who are working on the subject of China today. Take part in the Shanghai launch of the initiative at Bitter this month. Cover price includes a summer spritz cocktail.
Jun 16, 3-6pm, RMB100. Bitter, see event listing.

Jun 17: Mr. Big

First formed in 1988, glam metal band Mr. Big was a force in the 90s, producing a slew of hits and becoming especially popular for their romantic ballads, like 'To Be With You' and 'Wild World.' The band broke up in 2002 but reunited in 2009 and recorded their 9th studio album, Defying Gravity, last year. Catch the vocal harmonies live this month at Modern Sky Lab.
Jun 17, 7.30pm, RMB680 presale, RMB780 door.  Modern Sky Lab, see event listing, buy tickets.

Jun 17: Robb Bank$

Born in NYC and raised in Florida, Robb Bank$ is an up-and-coming rap artist known for sampling old school R&B beats as well as Japanese anime. He released his latest mixtape, Molly World, earlier this year. A very fun fact about the rapper is that he's the oldest child of 'It Wasn't Me' artist Shaggy.  Catch him perform live at Arkham.
Jun 17, 10pm, RMB200 presale, RMB260 door. Arkham, see event listing, buy tickets.

Jun 17: Skylar Spence

First gaining prominence for his self-released vaporwave tracks, Skylar Spence is a Brooklyn-based electronic musician and vocalist. He's rapidly gaining acclaim for his brand of future funk and nu disco, as displayed on his debut album Prom King and hit single 'Fiona Coyne.'
Jun 17, 8.30pm. RMB120 presale, RMB150 door. Mao Livehouse, see event listing, buy tickets.

Jun 20-21: AMP Trio Ft. Li Xiaochuan

First formed in 2011 at the University of North Texas, AMP Trio has released a full length jazz record called Flow and performed at several major jazz festivals in the American South. This visit to Shanghai sees them team up with renowned local jazz trumpeter Li Xiaochuan for a 2-night JZ Club performance.
Jun 20-21, 10.30pm, RMB80 presale, RMB100 door. JZ Club, see event listing, buy tickets.

Jun 21-24: Shanghai Dance Theatre: Crested Ibises

Also known as the bird of good fortune, the crested ibis is a symbol of happiness and luck in China. This dreamy, sumptuous show by the Shanghai Dance Theatre is a tribute to the honored bird, which was near extinction until scientists found a flock of them thriving in Shaanxi Province back in 1981.  
Jun 21-24, 7.30pm, RMB80-480. Shanghai International Dance Center Theater, see event listing, buy tickets.

Jun 21: Azure Ray

American dreampop act Azure Ray comes to Shanghai for a show at Modern Sky Lab. First formed in Athens, Georgia and known for their emotionally rich pop songs, the duo's poignant track 'Sleep' was highlighted by Taylor Swift on a break-up mix she made for a fan.
Jun 21, 8pm, RMB380-680. Modern Sky Lab, see event listing, buy tickets.

Jun 22: Suuns

Montreal band Suuns are acclaimed for their unique breed of electronic art punk, a dark aesthetic explored through catchy yet sinister songs. Catch their Shanghai debut as part of a world tour for their new album, Felt, from Split Works at Yuyintang.
Jun 22, 8pm, RMB147 presale, RMB167 door. Yuyintang, see event listing.

Jun 22: Ansome

Local DJ Misloop revives her inclusive techno night STIR with a live performance from UK producer Ansome. Known for his blistering, uncompromising techno, he's been praised as 'a modern master of a hard-edged, industrial-leaning sound.' Catch him at Elevator with Misloop spinning in support.
Jun 22, 10pm, RMB60 presale, RMB80 before midnight, RMB100 after. Elevator, see event listing.

Jun 23: Deniz Tek & Keith Streng 

The latest tour organized by Shanghai-based punks Round Eye is led by Deniz Tek, guitarist of 1970s Australian punk pioneers Radio Birdman. Keith Streng, guitarist for NYC legends The Fleshtones, joins him on the tour. This is also the final Shanghai show for band Pinball City, who are playing in support.
Jun 23, 9pm. Yuyintang, see event listing.

Jun 26-30: TNT Theatre Britain: Notre-Dame de Paris

The UK's TNT Theatre brings their stage adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic Gothic romance to Shanghai. Set in Paris in the late Middle Ages, the novel (which is better known to some by its English name, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame), tells the ill-fated love story of Esmeralda and the hunchback Quasimodo. See it live at the Shanghai Grand Theatre.
Jun 26-30, 7.30pm, additional show on Jun 30 at 2pm, RMB120-380. Shanghai Grand Theatre Buick Theatre, see event listing, buy tickets.

For more things to do in Shanghai, check out our Events Section.

Get more Shanghai event guides sent directly to your phone (along with restaurant reviews, giveaways and other goodies) by adding Thats_Shanghai on WeChat, liking us on Facebook or subscribing to our weekly newsletter.

If you have an event, upload it to our site through our User Center. It's free, it's easy and it's the best way to get into one of our Event Guides.