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

Oct 5: French Kiss

Looking for something to do over the National Holiday? Head over to Hong for a French-inspired fete. Expect good times, lots of sparkling wine and epic beats. 

Sat Oct 5. Hong, see event listing. 

Oct 9: Art Lab

Calling all art enthusiasts! It doesn't matter if you're a professional or a complete novice. Art Lab is all about having fun and getting creative. 

Oct 9, 10.30am-12.30pm; RMB288. Modern Media Plaza, see event listing.

Oct 18-Nov 30: Finding Joy

When children sit down to create, they aren’t concerned about the end product. They make choices based purely on what they like and how they feel. Even as adults, art can create this same carefree kind of space. There are no boundaries of right and wrong, good or bad. You are free to simply do whatever you like. This show is a manifestation of that process, so feel free to lean into your feelings.

Mon-Say, 3-9pm; free entry. Suzhou Arts Collective, see event listing. 

Oct 26: SSIS Suzhou Amazing Race

Image courtesy of SSIS

Inspired by the television show, the SSIS Suzhou Amazing Race is a fun-filled day where teams of 3-4 people race around Suzhou completing a series of tasks and challenges. The winning teams receive an amazing range of prizes. The 2019 SSIS Suzhou Amazing Race promises to once again be an exhilarating day with mind boggling, exhausting and just plain embarrassing tasks and challenges. Registration has closed. However, everyone is welcome to join in on the fun. There will be plenty of food, photos and prizes! 

Sat Oct 26, 9am; free entry. Suzhou Singapore International School, 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 listing. Visit 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 listing. Visit 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:

Oct 3-4 & 6-7: Le Rouge et le Noir - L’opéra Rock

Image courtesy of promoter

The French rock-opera musical Le Rouge et le Noir - L’opéra Rock (The Red and the Black - The Rock Opera) is heading to Shanghai in early-mid October this year. Experience stunning music and visuals as audiences witness the rigid religious and social structures of nineteenth-century France. Written in 1830 by the famous French author Stendhal, Le Rouge et le Noir tells the story of Julien Sorel. Sorel is the son of a carpenter, who is trying his best to work his way up in society, despite coming from a very humble upbringing. His view on the world starts out naive, romantic and idealistic. Although, things quickly change. Sorel and his adventures serve as a metaphor for the societal structure of France at the time. Along his journey, Sorel masquerades as a devout Catholic and finds work as a tutor for the children of Monsieur de Rênal. Despite his pious demeanor, he begins a scandalous and ultimately disastrous affair with the wife of Monsieur de Rênal. The historical psychological tale, Le Rouge et le Noir, will be performed at Shanghai Culture Square this October.

Oct 3-4 & 6-7, 2pm & 7.30pm; RMB280-1,080. Shanghai Culture Square, see event listing. Purchase tickets here. 

Oct 5-6: Martial Dance

Martial arts and modern dance might seem entirely different, but they actually share many of the same qualities. By mastering both offense and defense, martial artists seek a connection between the self and the outside world. And, by creating balance between motion and stillness, dancers use their bodies to express themselves and interpret the world around them. Through the Martial Dance performance, Chinese martial arts are shown to the world through the medium of modern dance, with the aim of passing on, developing, innovating, and promoting a unique aspect of Eastern cultural identity. Come experience the Martial Dance at 1862 Theatre on October 5-6 to see an elegant and thrilling display of martial arts and modern dance. 

Oct 5-6, 7.30pm; RMB280-580. 1862 Theatre, see event listing. Purchase tickets here. 

Oct 12-13: That Physics Show

Looking for something fun and educational to do with your kids? In that case That Physics Show is the event for you. Professional physics demonstrator David Maiullo is the man behind the ultra-fascinating off-Broadway show that combines the fun of science with a riveting performance. During the show, he'll go over all sorts of different experiments that demonstrate just how incredible our world is – think motion, momentum, energy, sound waves and more. According to Eric Krebs, the show's producer, That Physics Show is "a cross between Stomp and Blue Man Group with a little Bubble Show thrown in."  

Sat-Sun Oct 12-13, times vary; RMB180-480. ET Space, see event listing. Purchase tickets here.

Oct 19: Austin Mahone

American singer and songwriter Austin Mahone got his start in 2010 singing cover songs on YouTube. In 2011, his video covering Justin Bieber's ‘Mistletoe’ gained all sorts of attention and it didn't take long for him to amass a loyal group of followers known as 'Mahomies.' It seems like the 23-year-old has done it all. He's collaborated with bigwigs like Flo Rida and Pitbull, opened for superstars like Taylor Swift, filmed commercials for big-name brands like McDonald's, was featured in a song for The Smurfs 2 soundtrack, won an award for ‘Artist to Watch’ at the MTV EMA awards and gone on multiple tours around the world. Earlier this year, he signed with Elektra Records and released his brand new single ‘Why Don't We.’ The highly acclaimed single is a mix of pop and ’90s-style R&B. We have good news for all you Mahomies in China – Austin Mahone will be going on tour in October. He'll be stopping off in Shanghai on October 19.

Oct 19, 7.30pm; RMB488. Mao Livehouse. See event listing. Tickets. 

Oct 19: Bubba’s 7th Annual Barbecue Cook-Off 

Calling all barbecue fans in Shanghai! Bubba’s 7th Annual Barbecue Cook-Off is right around the corner. Head on over to Sam’s Club Qingpu on October 19 to celebrate all things meat. Some of Shanghai’s top barbecue chefs will go head to head for top honors across a number of barbecue categories: Best Sausage, Best Chicken, Best Pork Ribs, Best Beef and Best Pulled/Chopped Meat.

Sat Oct 19, 11am-5pm, RMB50 (presale), RMB100 (door). Sam’s Club Qingpu, see event listing. Purchase tickets here.

Oct 20-21: Carly Rae Jepsen

We really, really, really, really, really, really like Carly Rae Jepsen and we are delighted to announce that tickets to her shows in Shanghai are now on sale over on our thMart platform. The singer, who is best-known for tracks like ‘Call Me Maybe’ and ‘I Really Like You’, will be playing for two nights at Bandai Namco Shanghai Base on October 20 and 21. Earlier this year, the Canadian singer came back with her first album in four years. Critically acclaimed upon release, Dedicated features 13 tracks and was inspired by everything from ’70s disco to the calm Swedish countryside. With Grammy nominations, No. 1 hits and Zeitgeist-defining songs in the bag, we’re sure these tickets will fly off the shelves, so make sure you pick yours up fast! 

Oct 20-21, 7.30pm (Oct 20), 8pm (Oct 21); RMB520 presale. Bandai Namco Shanghai Base. See event listing. Tickets. 

Oct 26: That's Shanghai's Halloween Party 

Spooky music. Spine-chilling shows. Creepy drinks. Prizes for the best dressed. And even a haunted house. It’s that time of year for ghoulish get-ups and we couldn’t be more excited. Once again, That’s Shanghai is hosting a hell of a bash as we join forces with Cages and Budweiser on October 26. Pre-order tickets are just RMB100, which includes entry to all of the above freaky fun, and three drinks tickets. Budweiser will be decking the place out, including a full-on haunted house, while prizes to be awarded for the best dressed. Last year over 1,000 people rocked up in full costume, people were dancing on tables well into the small hours.

Saturday October 26, 8pm until hell freezes over at Cages. Pre-order tickets are RMB100, which includes three drinks tickets, and they can be purchased right here. Tickets will be RMB200 at the door, so buy now to avoid disappointment.

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

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