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

Dec 14: Spartan Kids Race

It's time to get down and dirty. The Spartan Kids Race is held for children between the ages of 4 and 13. Your little ones are encouraged to jump, run, get muddy, help each other, and have a great time while conquering a range of obstacles. Your kids are bound to have a fantastic time!

Dec 14, 7am-3pm; RMB469-569. Yang Cheng Hu Peninsula National Tourist Resort. 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.

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.

Mondays: Chris Classic Movie Club

Image courtesy of promoter

Chris Classic Movie Club and The Butcher’s Hook proudly present Movie Mondays: The Star Wars Saga. Every Monday at Butcher's Hook until December 16, they will be showing one Star Wars film. Attend all nine screenings for the chance to win a free movie ticket from Sherpa’s to see the latest Star Wars film, Rise of Skywalker, in theaters.

Mondays, 8pm-late. The Butcher’s Hook, see event listing.

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: 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 & 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:

Until January 5: Bob Dylan's 'Retrospectrum'

Bob Dylan is well known as one of the world’s most influential and groundbreaking musicians. But did you know he has a long history as an extremely talented visual artist? The first retrospective exhibition of Bob Dylan’s visual artworks – Retrospectrum – debuted at the Modern Art Museum (MAM) in Shanghai on September 28 and will run through January 5. Spanning five decades of the artist’s career, and seven series of works, Retrospectrum will mark the artist’s most comprehensive art exhibition to date, enabling visitors to experience Dylan’s artwork in a uniquely immersive and interactive environment.

Until January 5, Modern Art Museum. Purchase tickets here. 

Through Jan 5: 365 Degrees: The Immersive Experience

Image courtesy of promoter

One of the most Instagrammable exhibitions that we have seen in Shanghai in quite a while comes in the form of Eugenio Recuenco’s fantastic 365 Degrees: The Immersive Experience photography and installation exhibition at Uni Elite, and tickets are on sale over on thMart right now. 

Until Jan 5, RMB69-399. Uni Elite. Tickets. 

Dec 6: Beatrich

Image courtesy of promoter

Tickets to see Lithuanian Eurodance pop phenom Beatrich at Bandai Namco Shanghai Base Dream Hall on December 6 are now on sale! Beatrich, who taught herself how to play the piano as a child, rose to global stardom after the release of her 2017 smash hit single ‘Superstar.’ According to Clash magazine, the 21 year old is riding high on the back of over 1 billion streams of her music in China. This is her second tour through China this year, after she arrived in the Middle Kingdom in May. Her most recent single, ‘Runaway’ was released in early 2019 and has already racked up close to 2 million views. 

Dec 6, 8pm; RMB380. Bandai Namco. See event listing. Tickets. 

Dec 6: University Quiz

It's time to gather the alumni together and bring glory on your university, as The Camel hosts a contest to see which college members have retained the most knowledge. Whether you are Ivy League, Oxbridge or went to a normal school like the rest of us mere mortals, get a team together to do brainiac battle. RMB50 gets you entry to the quiz, where there will food specials and, as always, great prizes on offer. And if all that is not enough, it will be happy hour for the duration of the quiz! The quizzes generally sell out though, so book your spot by visiting the e-ticket site. 

Fri Dec 6, 7.30pm; RMB50. The Camel. See event listing. Buy tickets.

Dec 6-29: Matilda the Musical

The Royal Shakespeare Company's award-winning musical based on the classic children's book by Roald Dahl is coming to Shanghai! It tells the story of a special young girl named Matilda. Matilda is an incredibly intelligent and curious child who loves books and uses her whit to cope with her mean parents and tyrannical school principal. Based on the 1988 novel, the musical made its debut in 2010. Matilda: The Musical now holds the record for most Olivier awards for a musical and has toured around the world. With writing by Dennis Kelly and songs by the Tim Minchin, the musical is a stand-out of the genre. It's the perfect outing for parents and their little ones. 

Dec 6-29, times vary; RMB580-1,080. Shanghai Culture Square. See event listing. Tickets.

Dec 7: Crocodiles/A Place to Bury Strangers

Noisey, post punk revivalists Crocodiles are coming to China for the first time. The San Diego band will be joined by fellow merchants of noise rock A Place to Bury Strangers at Lofas on December 7, and you can grab tickets to that show on thMart now. Crocodiles seventh album, Love is Here dropped at the beginning of this year, and has been hailed for blending discordant noise with a certain romanticism. While it's hard to ever pin down their musical style, as it varies between garage rock, post punk and indie pop, the group are perhaps best known for their sunglasses and leather jacket combinations. 

Dec 7, 8pm; RMB220 presale, RMB280 door. Lofas. See event listing. Tickets. 

Dec 7-22: Secret Cinema’s Casino Royale

If you’ve always dreamed of entering the action-packed world of 007, then Secret Cinema’s Casino Royale is the perfect event for you. Secret Cinema is all about putting together immersive events that bring your favorite flicks to life and put you right in the heart of the action. And they’ll be hosting their Bond-themed event in Shanghai this December! As always, the location is secret. But upon arrival you will be assigned your mission, given an alias and provided with further classified information… just like a real spy! Spend the evening sipping on martinis in the casino and engaging in high stakes deception with the most infamous criminal organizations. The night culminates with a unique screening of Casino Royale. This is the closest you will get to living the film.

Dec 7-8, 11-13, 18-19 & 21-22, times vary; RMB788-1,288. See event listing. Tickets. 

Dec 8: Luke Thompson

Image courtesy of promoter

Tickets to see New Zealand folk singer Luke Thompson at VasLive on December 8 are now on sale! Thompson, a songwriter and self-managed artist, first rose to fame in late 2005 with his debut single “Morning Light,” which spent 11 weeks on the NZ Radio top 40 charts. His first full-length album, 2007’s Here On The Ground, was a huge success, with songs like “Perfect Drive,” “Bleed” and “Morning Light” winning over audiences for their intimate acoustic sound. Thompson went on to release more solo works, including The Water EP in 2011, To The Common Dark in 2012, ‘Strum Strum’ EP in 2015, Hosts in 2016 and Other Lost Songs in 2018. Fans have come to enjoy Thompson’s gentle songs that are stripped bare and self-sufficient, the sound of a songwriter with only himself for company.

Dec 8, 8pm; RMB180. VasLive. See event listing. Tickets.

Dec 14-15: Florent Mothe 

From performing in theatrical musicals to performing in bands, Florent Mothe has done it all. The French native is best known for his role as Antonio Salieri in Mozart, l'opéra rock. However, he's also an accomplished musician and solo artist. Mothe began studying music at the early age of seven. Over the years he became proficient in a variety of instruments, from guitar to piano to synthesizer. However, his voice is where he really shines. Before taking to the theatrical stage, Mothe played in two bands in France before moving to Toronto to take up a solo career. It was there that he was serendipitously discovered by the producers of Mozart, l'opéra rock in 2009. But it didn't take long for the singer-songwriter to turn his interests back toward his music career. In 2013, Mothe released his first solo album, Rock in Chair. This was followed up by his second album Danser Sous La Pluie in 2016. If you're interested in checking out this ultra-talented pop musician, he'll be touring around China next month and stopping off in Shanghai on December 14-15.

Dec 14-15, 8pm; RMB480-680. Modern Sky Lab. See event listing. Tickets.

Dec 14-28: PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure

Flyer via promoter

Based on everybody’s favorite animated TV series on Nickelodeon, PAW Patrol Live! is stopping off right here in Shanghai this December. PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure brings everybody’s favorite pups to the stage for an action-packed musical adventure. PAW Patrol Live! is not only fun and entertaining, but the show shares lessons about social skills, problem solving and teamwork. The performance features up-tempo music and captivating stories perfect for kids. The Great Pirate Adventure takes place on Pirate Day in Adventure Bay, and Mayor Goodway is getting ready for a big celebration! But first, Ryder and his team of pirate pups must rescue Cap’n Turbot from a mysterious cavern. On the way, they also discover a secret pirate treasure map. The PAW Patrol set out over land and sea to find the treasure for Mayor Goodway’s celebration before Mayor Humdinger finds it first. The pups will need all paws on deck for this pirate adventure, including some help from the newest pup... Tracker!

Dec 14-15, 21-22, 25 & 28, times vary; RMB180-580. Yihai Theatre. See event listing. Purchase tickets here.

Dec 21-April 5: Frozen

Your kids will go crazy for this magical Frozen-themed exhibition. The exhibition brings the 2013 Disney film to life. Tag along as Anna, the fearless princess of Arendelle, sets off on a journey with a rugged iceman, a pet reindeer and a snowman to find her sister and escape from eternal winter. The exhibition will be held at Shanghai Global Harbor Mall from December 21 until April 5. The 1,500-square-meter space will be transformed to recreate nine of the movie's most classic scenes and feature nine interactive areas. Your little ones will also be able to check out over 200 original production drawings from the movie and shop for over 1,000 limited edition Frozen products. It's every kid's dream! Presale tickets are offered for a limited time only for just RMB78. Make sure to get yours before December 20!

Dec 21-April 5, times vary; RMB78 (early bird price available until Dec 20). Shanghai Global Harbor. See event listing. Tickets.

Dec 26-Jan 5: The Blue Man Group

Image courtesy of promoter

That’s right. Everybody’s favorite blue men are coming to Shanghai this year. The Blue Man Group will be performing at 1862 Theatre from December 23 until January 5, 2020. So yes, you will have to wait a few more months to catch them, but we’re guessing tickets will sell out fast so we highly suggest snagging some tickets while you still can! You never know what to expect when it comes to the Blue Man Group. Expect to laugh, rock out and have a blast as the bald, blue men entertain through music, art and comedy. You know a show is popular when over 35 million people of all ages, languages and cultures have seen it. It’s going to be a masterful and musical trip, led by three of the boldest, baldest and bluest guys on the planet. 

Dec 26-Jan 5, RMB80-1,080. 1862 Theatre. See event listing. Tickets. 

Dec 27: Shanghai Avant-Garde Festival 

Lofas have put together a stellar round-up of noise artists, avant garde musicians, sound artists and more for its Shanghai Avant-Garde Festival on December 27, and tickets for that are now available on thMart. Bringing together some of the leading lights in noise music and sound experimentation, such as Torturing Nurse, Li Jianhong, Mii and more. Torturing Nurse (aka Junky) is iconic in underground Chinese music. His live shows are legendary for their harsh, unpredictable nature, while the man behind the mask is one of the most prolific musicians in Shanghai, knocking out over 400 releases since Torturing Nurse started releasing music back in 2004. Praised as “the best noise musician in China” by Polish composer Zbigniew Karkowski, Li Jianhong is another artist who has gained legendary status in the experimental rock scene. Mii is fronted by Dee and A Ming (Liang Qiming), both of whom will also be on hand to play solo sets. Other performers at the day-festival include Wang Ziheng, Zhu Songjie, Li Ping, Raying Psychedelic Coalition, Zhang Zhongshu, Li Yangyang, Yang Xiu, Vavabond, Ankar Arken, Acid and Le Crabe Et Le Mecano. 

Dec 27, 8pm; RMB150 presale, RMB200 door. Lofas. See event listing. Tickets. 

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

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