What's On in Suzhou: August 2019

By Tom Lamming, August 5, 2019

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That's Suzhou picks the best things to do in the city each month.

Through Aug 17: Suzhou Arts Collective Exhibition: The First Spark

This summer, Suzhou Arts Collective will be hosting a month-long exhibition for 6-year-old Jessica's artwork at an art gallery. The gallery owners, Jeff and Bethany are so excited to help promote this up and coming young artist since part of the gallery's aim is to provide opportunities for emerging artists to display their artwork, thereby helping them develop their potential.

Daily until Aug 17, 3pm-9pm; Free entry. see event listing.

Through Aug 31: Dream of a State - Jade and Proto

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The exhibition displays nearly 300 works of jade and proto-porcelain wares from the Wu, Yue and Chu Kingdoms. The works come from 13 institutions from across China. 

Through Aug 31, 9am-5pm; free entry. Suzhou Museum, see event listing

Aug 7: The Window

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Performed by children aged between the ages of 4 to 13 years old, this fun musical play features absolutely no adult actors! With a combination of VR and sensory experiences, the performance aims to give a glimpse of the colorful world seen by children with autism.

Wed Aug 7, 7pm; RMB80-RMB480. Suzhou Culture & Arts Center, see event listing.

Aug 20: The Las Veredas Children's Choir

For one night only, The Las Veredas Children’s Choir will take over the Polygrand Theatre. Founded in 2005 by Enrique Martin, the choir has been developing choral performances with students from the ages of 11 to 16. This is a special performance you don’t want to miss out on!

Aug 20, 7.30pm; RMB100-480. Suzhou Polygrand Theatre, see event listing.

Aug 21-25: The Life Attitude of Two Dogs 

Calling all comedy fans! This drama-comedy duo is bringing their wry commentary on daily Beijing life to Suzhou for a special four-day stint. Liu Xiaoye and Han Pengyi will take audiences through the lives of two ‘dogs’ who leave home to chase their dreams. 

Aug 21-25, 7.30pm; RMB100-480. Suzhou Culture and Arts Center, see event listing.

Aug 23: InterNations August Event

Internations August Event

Join InterNations on Friday, August 23 for a pool party and Arabian-themed night at the Kempinski Suzhou. The pool party starts at 4.30pm and is exclusively for InterNations attendees only. After you dry off, head to the Sunset Lounge for a buffet, free flow drinks, live music and belly dancers. Head over to Paulaner afterwards for the official after party. 

Friday, Aug 23, 4.30pm onwards; RMB260 (albatross members), RMB320 (basic members), RMB330 (door). Kempinski Hotel Suzhou, see event listing. Registration open until Aug 22, visit www.internations.org for more details.

Aug 23: iSING! Suzhou International Young Artists Festival

It's back! Since 2014, this annual international music fest has invited vocal artists from all over the world to perform in Suzhou each summer. Expect plenty of talented young singers to grace the stage yet again.

Aug 23, 7.30pm-late; RMB80-880. Suzhou Culture and Arts Center, see event listing.

Aug 28-Sep 1: Slava’s Snow Show

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Entertaining crowds around the globe since 1993, Slava’s Snow Show is coming to Suzhou with a clown performance like no other. This playful show is perfect for the whole family and is guaranteed to bring a smile to your little one's faces!

Aug 28-Sep 1, 2pm-7.30pm; RMB120-880, Suzhou Culture and Arts Center, see event listing.

Daily: Morton's Power Hour

Get ready for the fall with one of the best power hours in town! Available every day from 5-7pm.

Daily, 5pm-7pm; prices from RMB28, Morton's Grille Suzhou, see event listing.

Daily: WOOBAR Afternoon Tea

Head over to WOOBAR every day to enjoy a special afternoon tea! Standard sets are RMB288 net, while sets including cocktails and bubbles are priced at RMB458 net.

Daily, 2pm-4.30pm; prices start from RMB288 net per set, WOOBAR W Suzhou, see event listing.

Mondays: Morning Coffee

Join the Expatriate Association of Suzhou every Monday morning for coffee. Enjoy great conversation and learn everything you need to know about Suzhou. It's a great opportunity to socialize and, of course, to get that all-important morning coffee fix. 

Mondays, 10am-midday. See event listing. Visit www.suzhoueas.org for more details.

Mondays: Craft Club

Interested in arts and crafts? Join the Expatriate Association of Suzhou’s Monday Craft Club to get in touch with your creative side as you socialize and make new friends. 

Mondays, 1.30pm-4pm; free entry. See event listingVisit www.suzhoueas.org for more details.

Tuesdays: Weekly Game of Mahjong

Interested in mahjong? Join the Expatriate Association of Suzhou every Tuesday to learn how to play this classic Chinese game. All skill levels welcome! 

Tuesdays, 1.30pm-4pm; RMB10 per player. See event listingVisit www.suzhoueas.org for more details.

Tuesdays: The Camel Pub Quiz

Every Tuesday, James Brown, the Hardest Working Man in Show Quizness, challenges with 10 rounds testing a wide variety of subjects ranging from general knowledge, film and current affairs questions. Camel vouchers are up for grabs, plus plenty of shots to keep the atmosphere lively and competitive.

Tuesdays, 8pm-late; free entry. The Camel Pub Quiz, see event listing.

Wednesdays: Ladies Night

Calling all Ladies! Wednesday night is all about you. Head over to Gastro Lounge 1/2 Azucar for fine Italian Prossecco and French artisanal ice cream. But the best part is that you can enjoy 50% off on a range of fancy cocktails. There will also be a DJ on site and beats for you to groove to.  

Wednesdays, 8pm-1am. Gastro Lounge 1/2 Azucar, see event listing

Wednesdays & Saturdays: Sunset Vibe at WOOBAR

Enjoy some chill time with live tunes at Sunset Vibe at WOOBAR (W Suzhou) every Wednesday and Saturday night. There will also be 2-for-1 on select cocktails and red, white and bubbles.  

Wednesdays and Saturdays, 6.30pm-8.30pm WOOBAR. W Suzhou, see event listing

Thursdays: Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic

Looking for a laugh? Well, you're in luck because Suzhou Comedy Club is hosting a weekly Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic event every Thursday from 8-9pm. And it's free so there's no excuse not to go!

Thursdays, 8-9pm; free entry. Zhangmen Craft Brewery, see event listing. 

Thursdays: Acoustic Night

Calling all acoustic music lovers! Head over to Feeling Bar 188 every Thursday evening for a night of 'Purely Acoustic.' Ranging from folk, country, pop, rock to Latin and everything in between. There is music for everyone's taste. Don't miss it!

Thursdays, 9pm-1am. Feeling Bar 188, see event listing.

Fridays: Jinji Lake Music Fountain

After a two-month hiatus, Suzhou's famous Jinji Lake Music Fountain is back in action. Located in the city's Industrial Park, this gorgeous display combines music and light. It's the perfect activity for the whole family. The show takes place every Friday from 8-8.30pm.  

Fridays, 8pm-8.30pm; Free. Jinji Lake Music Fountain, see event listing

Fridays: Amigos Tex-Mex BBQ Buffet

Amigos Tex-Mex has a new all-you-can-eat BBQ at RMB148 per person (RMB98 for kids) happening every Friday evening. Expect to dig into some beef brisket, pulled pork, smoked ribs and much more! Plus, there will also be free flow options available. Reservations are recommended. 

Fridays, 6-9pm; RMB148 (RMB98 for kids). Amigos Tex-Mex, see event listing.

Fridays: El Social

Live it up every Friday night at El Toro Loco! Party with El Toro's resident DJ, DJ Nao. From 8-10.30pm, enjoy free flow wines, cava, beer, cocktails and tapas for only RMB248. From 10.30pm-midnight, the party continues (only without the tapas) for RMB158.

Fridays, 8pm-late; prices start from RMB158. Toro Loco W Suzhou, see event listing.

Fridays & Saturdays: DJ Gin at WOOBAR

Say hello to the weekend by jamming to house, nu-disco, deep house, funk, bass, pop and more with WOOBAR's DJ Gin every Friday and Saturday night. 

Fridays and Saturdays, 9pm-1am. WOOBAR W Suzhou. see event listing.

Events worth traveling to Shanghai for:

Aug 7-10: Au Bonheur des Vivants

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Image courtesy of promoter

This mime duo is France’s answer to the Addams Family, combining slapstick comedy with wacky tricks and sensational acrobatics. The name of the show translates as 'to the happiness of living', and this energetic and positive outlook on life ensures hysterical laughter throughout in this feel-good extravaganza. The absurd comedy alongside dazzling illusions is the perfect way to kick back and enjoy something of a lighter nature after a tough day in hectic Shanghai.

Aug 7-10, 2/7.30pm; RMB180-580. 1862 Theater. see event listingPurchase tickets here.

Aug 9: DJ Lizzy


Flyer courtesy of Bar Rouge

Lizzy is the first female DJ to perform at world-renowned festival Ultra China, and she’ll be behind the decks at Bar Rouge this weekend. Since her 2016 debut, Lizzy has played at top festivals all over Asia. Her talent caught the eye of many hit DJs, and she’s opened for everyone from Steve Aoki to KSHMR. Head down to the Bar Rouge dance floor for what is sure to be an epic night of seriously good beats on August 9. 

Aug 9, 9pm; RMB100 pre-sale. RMB200 at door. Bar Rouge, see event listingTickets.

Aug 10: Native American and Gansu Tribal Music Concert

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Come hear the sounds of Native South America and tribal soul from the Gansu Sangemao tribe, with special guest Dave Stone on Saturday, August 10. The concert will be held at The Pearl Bar & Cabaret from 9pm to midnight (doors open at 6pm). Bone Lhamo Kyap, a native of Gansu, will be playing music from his Sangemao tribe. Starting in 2010, Kyap has brought the healing sounds and culture of his grandmother’s homeland to popular live music venues and music festivals around the world. Ricardo Meza has been playing Andean music for over 30 years. Originally from Lima, Peru, he has specialized in everything from mindfulness to stress management to immersion therapy and healing methods using the Andean Incan traditions of Peru. John Lee, a native American drum artist from Longxi, Gansu, will also be joining. In 2017, he and Kyap formed the Sreina band, playing in concerts all over Shanghai.

Sat Aug 10, RMB150. The Pearl, see event listing. Purchase tickets here.

Aug 13: 80s Tribute Night with the Red Stars

The Pearl is hosting their house band live show ‘Back to the 80s’ with the Red Stars every Thursday until the end of the year. Doors open at 6pm with happy hour till 8pm. The band will take the stage at 9pm with full dinner services all night. Expect tons of tributes to your favorite 80s stars from Tina Turner to Bon Jovi.

Thursdays, 6pm (doors), 9pm (show); RMB100 (presale) RMB120 (door). The Pearl, see event listingPurchase tickets here

Aug 16-17: Samajam Kids Show 2 (Djembe)

China’s most popular musical kids show is headed back to Shanghai. At Samajam: Kids Show 2 (Djembe), everyone in the audience receives a SAMAJAM Music Bag which contains drumsticks, tambourines, a musical tube and an African djembe. Throughout the show, kids and the entire family learn and play with the instruments, as they are led by SAMAJAM performers on stage. 

Aug 2 at 7:30pm, Aug 3 at 10.30am & 3.30pm, Aug 16 at 7.30pm, Aug 17, 10.30am & 3.30pm. RMB180-480. ET Space, see event listingPurchase tickets here

Aug 23: Tensnake Bar Rouge

Bar Rouge Shanghai welcomes acclaimed German-born DJ / Producer Tensnake for a night of distinctly contagious and highly precise modern disco music swaying the dance floor at the top of Shanghai's Bund. Born in Hamburg (Germany), Tensnake grew up listening to disco, soul, boogie, funk and 80s pop and embracing dancefloor-inspired influences from Larry Levan to Junior Boys Own, Romanthony to Masters at Work.

Aug 23, 9pm; RMB100 (presale), RMB200 (door). Bar Rouge, see event listing. Purchase tickets here.

Aug 23-25: Junior Valley Ecologist

During the weekend of August 23-25, the Hong Kong-based Eco Education and Resources Center's environmental school will be hosting four special classes focusing on the exploration of Ningbo Valley in a way that's both fun and enjoyable for your little ones! The classes are specially tailored to kids aged 6-12 years old. They will learn things they can't learn anywhere else. By the end of the weekend, they'll have gained all sorts of knowledge that will even impress adults. The weekend excursion will be held at the beautiful Camphor Tree Valley in Lijiakeng Village, where visitors will spend two nights. Kids will get hands-on experience and learn about the plants, forests and streams of Ningbo. They'll learn all sorts of factoids from how plants grow to how they are affected by climate change. 

Aug 23-25, 3pm; RMB4,081 (early bird before August 5), RMB4,490 (package price). Camphor Tree Valley, see event listingPurchase tickets here

Aug 30: DJ Pinko Bar Rouge

Topping off the month of August with the hottest finale, Bar Rouge Shanghai welcomes China-based DJ Pinko to take the decks for a night of Electronic Dance Music like no other on Friday August 30. Ranking number #14 in Asia Top100 by DJane Mag and number #3 in China, Pinko has made a name for herself in the music scene with a contagious mix of electronic beats and dancefloor hits that keep all fans coming again and again to her DJ sets.

Aug 30, RMB100 (presale), RMB200 (door). Bar Rouge, see event listing. Purchase tickets here.

Wednesdays: Red Bull Live Music

Looking for something to do mid-week? The Pearl’s ‘Red Bull Live Music Wednesdays’ are the perfect way to put a little pep in your step. Expect lots of special Red Bull cocktails, 2-for-1 specials all night long and great music from a live band.

Wednesdays, 9.30pm; RMB80. The Pearl, see event listingPurchase tickets here


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

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