27 Awesome Upcoming Events in Shanghai

By That's Shanghai, September 16, 2025

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Featured Events

Hot Sauce Competition @ Parlay

The annual Hot Sauce Competition is back this Saturday for its sixth edition—bigger, spicier, and louder than ever.

Over 50 sauces, people’s choice voting, spicy specials, and the legendary pepper-eating contest.

This year’s highlight: a live stage with a DJ pumping rock'n'roll all day long.

Free entry, fire on every plate, and a festival vibe from noon till 5pm.

20% Off!

For a limited time, snag RMB100 Parlay vouchers for just RMB80!

Scan the QR code below to get yours now:

Sat Sep 20, 12-5pm; Free Entry

Parlay, Shankang Li, 808 Shaanxi Bei Lu, Bld 18, #103 陕西北路808号陕康里18幢103室

Britpop Social Club @ Azul SKL

Get ready to brunch like it's 1995. Britpop Social Club is taking over Azul SKL on Sunday, with DJ King Fontaine spinning the anthems.

Guests can dive into a Full English Breakfast Buffet for RMB146, grab a package of three standard drinks for RMB98, or go all-in with a three-hour free flow for RMB198.

This isn't just a meal; it's a full-blown throwback experience. The ultimate Sunday session.

This one is booking up first, scan the QR code below to reserve your spot now:

Sun Sep 21, from 12-4pm; RMB146

Azul SKL, Shankang Li, Building 6, 358 Kangding Lu, by Shaanxi Bei Lu 康定路358号, 近陕西北路

Wednesday

High Yaki @ Tomatito

Enjoy an innovative menu from High Yaki's Chef Carlos, blending Spanish and Japanese influences with dishes like Wagyu and Sea Urchin Tartare, Octopus 'al ajilo', and a signature Fish Sando.

The event also features a two-hour free flow of white wine, red wine, and highballs for just RMB198.

Reservations recommended on 021 6259 8671.

Wed Sep 17, from 5.30pm

Tomatito, 3/F, W08-10, 168 Hubin Lu, by Jinan Lu, Huangpu District 湖滨路168号无限极荟购物中心3楼W08-10, 近济南路

Strings N’ Smoke @ Parlay

The first edition of Strings N’ Smoke brings Southern eats, live acoustics, and a full lineup of whiskey.

The Shanghai Whiskey Club is curating a special flight just for the night, alongside four more flights featuring Bourbon, Scotch, Whiskey, and Mezcal.

Food runs Southern-style with Nashville hot chicken, smoked catfish, cornbread, and more.

Music by Pax Americana—dobro and guitar, low lights, and the smoker rolling in the back.

20% Off!

For a limited time, snag RMB100 Parlay vouchers for just RMB80!

Scan the QR code below to get yours now:

Wed Sep 17, from 6pm; Free Entry

Parlay, Shankang Li, 808 Shaanxi Bei Lu, Bld 18, #103 陕西北路808号陕康里18幢103室

Gong Gan Guest Shift @ Bar Bud

Bar Bud is bringing back another night of Bud’s Friends, this time featuring Evan from Gong Gan!

Ranking No.63 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars Awards 2025, Gong Gan of Seoul is celebrated for distilling cherished childhood memories in a glass and its zero-waste approach to cocktail crafting.

Head along for this one-night only guest shift!

Wed Sep 17, 7-11pm; Free Entry

Bar Bud, 52 Yongfu Lu, by Fuxing Lu, Xuhui District 永福路52号，进复兴中路

From Friday

tick, tick…BOOM! @ Shangyin Opera House

tick, tick…BOOM! is the semi-autobiographical masterpiece by musical theatre legend Jonathan Larson, best known for his iconic work Rent. Larson poured all his anxieties, passion, and creative struggles leading up to age 30 into this one piece.

It tells a story that resonates with every dreamer. Jon, a young composer of musical theater, is about to turn 30 but finds himself stuck between dream and reality. Living in a cramped New York apartment, he waits tables by day and works tirelessly on his musical by night.

Meanwhile, those around him choose more conventional paths—his girlfriend longs for a stable life, and his best friend has left the performing art industry for a corporate career. With time running out, Jon faces the ultimate question—should he give in to reality or risk everything for his dream?

Featuring explosive rock music and emotionally resonant lyrics, the show paints an honest portrait of a young artist fighting to stay true to his vision.

Scan the QR to get your tickets now:

Sep 19-28, 2pm & 7.30pm; RMB280-880

Shangyin Opera House, 6 Fenyang Lu, by Huaihai Zhong Lu, Xuhui District 汾阳路6号，近淮海中路

Friday & Saturday

Enowate @ Shanghai International Dance Center

A dancer of extraordinary power and grace, Dickson Mbi summons multiple identities in this mesmerizing solo performance inspired by a life-changing journey to his ancestral home in Cameroon.

The symbolic presence of a two-headed snake, the tiger whose roar vibrated as part of a funeral ritual, the knowing touch of a blind elder… it was these unnerving encounters that profoundly affected the London choreographer during a recent trip to his family’s village.

They have all brought him closer to the animistic practices of his African heritage and to the mystical place where they meet with his modern East London upbringing.

Enowate, meaning ‘truth stands,’ draws on sinuous elements of hip-hop and contemporary dance in combination with original music and otherworldly animated projections.

In asking the relatable question ‘Who am I?’ he connects with enigmatic forces to reveal himself and emerge from the shadows.

Scan the QR code to get your tickets now:

Fri & Sat Sep 19 & 20, 7.30pm & 2pm; RMB180-680

Shanghai International Dance Center, 1650 Hongqiao Lu, by Shuicheng Lu 虹桥路1650号, 近水城路

Saturday

Great British Day Out @ Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong

BritCham Shanghai’s biggest community event of the year is back, and it’s a double celebration!

To mark their 110th anniversary, the iconic British Day and Sports Day are merging into one giant bash: the Fortnum & Mason Great British Day Out 2025.

Join the fun at Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong for a full-blown British-style festival featuring live music, sports, over 80 international brands, global food and drink, STEM activities, kid zones, an automotive showcase, picnic areas, health workshops, and even a Battle of the Bands.

Sat Sep 20, 11am-6pm; RMB48

Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong, 266 Lan'an Lu, by Biyun Lu, Pudong District 蓝桉路266号, 近碧云路

Harvest Festival @ Concordia Shanghai

Concordia’s annual Harvest Festival returns!

This year’s theme, Where Community Gathers, Fairytales Unfold, will transform the grounds into an autumn wonderland with giant seasonal veggies and miniature animal friends.

Guests can look forward to lively kids’ games such as pumpkin rolling and the donut challenge, plus creative activities including bubble shows, magic, clown acts, face painting, handicrafts, and live music.

The festival also features a sustainable market, student-led showcases, and vendors with an array of global cuisines.

Gather family and friends for a joyful day of community, fun, and autumn celebration.

Sat Sep 20, 11am-4pm;

Concordia Shanghai Visitor’s Entrance, 345 Huangyang Lu, Pudong 上海市浦东新区黄杨路345号

Tupatane Jikoni Kenyan Kitchen @ RIINK

As part of RIINK`s tradition of Cultural Home Cook, Q-Kreatives presents 'Tupatane Jikoni,' which will be bringing the Kenyan vibes to Shankang Li this Saturday.

Tupatane means 'Let's meet' in Kiswahili, and is an initiative by Q-Kreatives to bring people together for cultural interactions.

Now, together with RIINK, they bring you 'Tupatane Jikoni' which means 'Let's meet at the kitchen,' where foodies get to enter the Kenyan kitchen to savor the tastes that are dishes like chapati, kachumbari, mokimo, the famous kikuyu stew, as well as have fun at the Kenyan popup market and party.

Send a message to RIINK on WeChat with the secret code 'That’s How I Roll' for a special RMB88 Skate & Shot Deal for That’s Shanghai readers ONLY!

Sat Sep 20, from 12 noon; Free Entry

RIINK, Shankang Li, Building 18, Room 102, 358 Kangding Lu, by Shaanxi Bei Lu 静安区康定路358号陕康里18号楼102室

South African Heritage Day Charity Braai @ Guinness Social

Carnivore Club hosts a South African Heritage Day Charity Braai at Guinness Social, featuring a succulent meat selection including sirloin steaks, BBQ ribs, and spit-roasted chicken, alongside vegan options.

A three-hour free flow of Savanna cider, Hunters, brandy & coke, house wine, spirits, and draught lager is also available for RMB198.

Entertainment includes rooftop music and activities for kids, while a portion of each ticket sold is donated to Community Center Shanghai, making it a celebration for a cause.

20% Off!

For a limited time, snag RMB100 Guinness Social vouchers for just RMB80!

Scan the QR code below to get yours now:

Sat Sep 20, 2-5pm; RMB228 adults, RMB148 kids

Guinness Social by Butler & White's, Room 3, No. 7, Lane 210, Taikang Lu 货架小妮子泰康路210弄7号3室H2光烤肉

15+ Year Veteran Party III @ Phat Rabbit

Back by popular demand, this is the third edition of the 15+ Years China Veterans Party!

It's a gathering of a wide range of foreigners from all walks of life who spent at least 15 years in the Middle Kingdom, with local residents who spent at least 15 years in China welcome to join as well, of course!

Three DJ veterans who all arrived in the 1990s are in charge of entertainment. This time the event is held at Phat Rabbit, whose owner arrived in 1995 and also happens to be one of the DJs.

Party starts at 3pm, happy hour until 9pm, food specials.

Sat Sep 20, 3pm-Late; Free Entry

Phat Rabbit, aLa Town, 66 Xianfeng Jie, by Jinhui Lu, Minhang District 先锋街66号, 近金汇路

22 Year Anniversary @ Cotton's

Cotton’s, one of Shanghai’s most iconic and longest-running garden restaurants, is proud to celebrate its 22nd anniversary.

Best known as a beautiful outdoor garden paradise in the heart of Shanghai, Cotton’s combines great food, warm service, and the city’s best live musical talent.

Affectionately remembered as the 'Fabric of Shanghai,' Cotton’s has always been a place where friends meet—whether for after-work drinks, intimate dinners, or legendary parties that last until dawn.

This year’s anniversary promises to be one of the best yet, with the glamorous theme 'You are the Star' inviting guests to shine for the occasion.

Entertainment Lineup:

4–7pm | Etienne & Jing Jing — Dazzling, soulful jazz
7–10pm | Alec Haavik & Dave Stone — High-energy blues rock
10pm–1am | DJ Big Mac & DJ Wataru — Late-night grooves

Head along to celebrate 22 years of music, memories, and magic at Cotton’s—where friends meet.

Sat Sep 20, 4pm-Late; Free Entry

Cotton's 294 Xinhua Lu, by Panyu Lu 新华路294 号, 近番禺路

Dating Sucks! @ Soda Comedy Club

From cringy small talk that goes nowhere to dates where they bail without a word—modern dating is a wild rollercoaster, and we’re turning the chaos into laughs.

Join a group of blunt, gut-busting comedians as they spill all about their most facepalm-worthy love stories.

Whether you’re stuck swiping with no luck, tangled in a “not quite dating” mess, or just here to laugh at how messy love gets—this show’s for you.

No sweet nothings. Just secondhand awkwardness and hilarious disaster tales.

Swipe right on Dating Sucks—because if love’s gonna be this chaotic, we might as well laugh till it hurts.

For all the latest show details, and to purchase tickets, scan the QR code:

Sat Sep 20, 9pm; RMB128

Soda Comedy Club, 7/F, Block A, 830 Nanjing Dong Lu, by Xizang Zhong Lu, Huangpu District 南京东路830号A馆7楼, 近西藏中路

Saturday & Sunday

Jiashan Lane Market @ Jiashan Lane

Jiashan Lane Market returns for its 13th year!

The award-winning market celebrates Shanghai's creative spirit by bringing together artisan entrepreneurs with discerning local and expat shoppers.

Head along for a two-day weekend market held in the enchanting courtyard of a repurposed textile factory in the former French Concession.

Attendees can browse unique handcrafted goods, enjoy tasty bites, and soak in the vibrant community vibe.

Admission is free and the market is pet-friendly.

Sat & Sun Sep 20 & 21, 11am-5pm; Free Entry

Jiashan Lane, Lane 259 Jiashan Lu, by Jianguo Xi Lu, Xuhui District 嘉善路259弄, 近建国西路

Sunday

Apiary Open Day @ Urban Beekeeping Shanghai

Urban Beekeeping Shanghai apiary tours offer a truly 'hands-on' experiences. The aim is for guests to fully immerse themselves in the intricate and balanced world of a honeybee colony's social life.

Each tour begins with a concise introduction, especially emphasizing how to read a beehive frame, meaning participants learn to identify various elements on a frame—which they'll extract themselves from one of the hives, with guidance from the beekeepers.

Worried about getting stung? Don't be; they ensure everyone is well-prepared, providing thorough training on using personal protective gear and approaching hives safely, and managing bee stings—and the bees are so docile that they have not recorded a single sting among over 400 guests to date.

Scan the QR code on the poster below to sign up:

Sun Sep 21, 10am-12.45pm; RMB388 one person, RMB699 parent + child

Urban Beekeeping Shanghai, 200 Lianyue Xi Lu 上海市闵行区联跃西路200号

Caring for Newborns @ Jiahui International Hospital

This weekend, Jiahui Health will host a special 'Caring for Newborns' class that expecting parents will not want to miss.

Walk away with practical strategies on how to help your little one (and you) sleep well as a new parent.

You’ll also hear from other parents who’ve been there, who will share the newborn stage tips that actually worked for them.

Following the Baby Sleep Class, join a panel of bicultural families from the Jiahui Health community.

These parents blend traditions, languages, and parenting wisdom to raise happy and curious children.

They will share real-life tips on everything from establishing bedtime rituals to encouraging bilingual play, helping every child get the best of both worlds.

Dads are, as always, welcomed to the classes!

Sun Sep 21, 1.30-3.30pm; Free

Jiahui International Hospital, 689 Guiping Lu, by Qinjiang Lu, Xuhui District 桂平路689号, 近钦江路

Family-Friendly: Imagine Dragons vs Coldplay @ The Pearl

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The ultimate rock face-off: a tribute concert pitting Imagine Dragons against Coldplay. This performance features two of the biggest stadium rock bands of the last decade in one explosive show.

Experience the best of Imagine Dragons' anthems and Coldplay's emotional ballads, all performed in an unforgettable musical showdown.

Who will win the battle of the bands? You decide!

Scan the QR to get your tickets now:

Sun Sep 21, 5pm; RMB100, Kids RMB60, Under 5 Free

The Pearl, 471 Zhapu Lu, by Wujin Lu 乍浦路471号, 近武进路

Orchard Guest Shift @ Bar Choice

At Hong Kong's Orchard, the cocktail experience not only satisfies the palate, but all five senses through an environment that seamlessly immerses you in an orchard.

The mastermind and man behind the bar, Alex Pun, will cultivate an elevated cocktail experience through his innovative use of fruit spirits, with four exclusive cocktails on offer.

Sun Sep 21, 8pm--12 midnight; RMB118 per cocktial, RMB458 for a 4 cocktail set

Bar Choice, 777 Huashan Lu，Jing‘an District 静安区华山路777号

Sunday & Tuesday

Cut! 48-Hour Film Project Screenings

The 48-Hour Film Project challenges creative teams to write, shoot, and edit a complete short film in just two days. This adrenaline-fueled weekend ran September 12-14, and was a thrilling test of storytelling and collaboration.

The resulting films will now be showcased in exclusive screenings on September 21 and 23, where the audience votes for their favorite to win the Audience Choice Award.

It’s a celebration of raw creativity and a must-see for filmmakers and cinephiles alike.

Sun Sep 21, 9.30am-12.30pm & 2-5pm; RMB48

Tue Sep 23, 2-5pm; RMB48

197 Fumin Lu, by Changle Lu, Jing'an District 富民路184号, 近长乐路

Tuesday

We Love Sci-Fi Quiz @ BNC

Next week's Tuesday quiz at BNC is We Love Sci-Fi. Entry is absolutely free and—as always—there will be great prizes on offer.

If all that excitement is not enough for you, it is Pie & Mash Club (RMB68) and Happy Hour until 8pm!

Scan the QR on the poster above to reserve a spot!

Tue Sep 23, 7.30pm; Free Entry

BNC, 685 Xikang Lu, by Changping Lu, Jing'an District 西康路685号, 近昌平路

Ongoing

The Choir of Man @ Shanghai Centre Theatre

After electrifying audiences around the globe, the Olivier Award-nominated, worldwide smash, The Choir of Man Is coming to Shanghai!

Set in a traditional British pub, The Choir of Man is a raucous, heartwarming celebration of community, brotherhood, and the joy of letting go.

Nine outrageously talented men take the stage—not only singing and dancing, but playing instruments, pulling pints, and sharing their stories.

Brimming with hits from artists such as Queen, Luther Vandross, Sia, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns N’ Roses, Avicii, and Katy Perry, this is a pub like no other.

Expect laughter, powerhouse vocals, cold beer, and a full-body dose of happiness. Whether you’re craving a break from work stress or just want a fun night out, this show is your ticket to let loose.

No plot. No pretension. Just 90 minutes of foot-stomping, beer-splashing, soul-lifting joy. Cheers!

Scan the QR code to get your tickets now:

Sep 11-28, 2pm & 7.30pm; RMB280-680

Shanghai Centre Theatre, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, Jing 'an District, Shanghai 上海市静安区南京西路1376号

68% Off @ AZUL italiano Weave

Adding to their two locations in Sinar Mas Plaza and 1000 Trees malls, a brand new AZUL italiano has opened downtown, taking over the former AZUL Weave space at 277 Wuxing Lu.

The menu features a wide range of options, from traditional antipasti and artisanal pizzas to handmade pastas and premium grilled meats, as well as indulgent desserts—all designed for sharing and savoring.

Looking for an AZUL italiano introduction at a (very) wallet-friendly price?

Why not purchase their two-person set above, featuring a selection of some of their most popular dishes, and priced at just RMB188.

Better still, show them the above poster and get and additional two complimentary cocktails, value RMB136.

For reservations, call 021 6628 8882

All Sep

Open Tue-Sun, 11am-2.30pm & 5-11.30pm

Azul italiano Weave, 2/F, 277 Wuxing Lu 吴兴路277号, 2楼

Looking Ahead

Wok-N-Roll Wednesday @ Parlay

Rock'n'roll playlists meet retro Chinese-American takeout. Fortune cookies with prizes, zodiac placemats, pagoda boxes, and a rotating menu featuring General Tso’s chicken, beef & broccoli, lo mein, fried rice, egg rolls, and more.

Special cocktails with Julu Gin seal the deal.

It’s loud, it’s nostalgic, and it’s only one Wednesday a month.

20% Off!

For a limited time, snag RMB100 Parlay vouchers for just RMB80!

Scan the QR code below to get yours now:

Wed Sep 24, from 6pm; Free Entry

Parlay, Shankang Li, 808 Shaanxi Bei Lu, Bld 18, #103 陕西北路808号陕康里18幢103室

Fireworks: Philharmonic String Quintet Berlin @ Shanghai Concert Hall

Shanghai Concert Hall will ignite with the symphonic brilliance of the Philharmonic String Quintet Berlin—an elite ensemble of Berliner Philharmoniker principals whose unconventional lineup (featuring a double bass) expands the colors and power of chamber music.

Their program, Fireworks, blends classical mastery with virtuosic sparks, from Dvořák’s lush String Quintet No. 3 to Paganini’s dazzling La Campanella (arranged for viola) and Bottesini’s Mendelssohn-inspired Grande Allegro for double bass.

Celebrated for their "symphonic abundance" (Wiesbadener Zeitung), the quintet transforms Mozart’s Figaro Overture and Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasy into electrifying miniatures, while Bernstein’s West Side Story and Janis Joplin’s Purple Haze reveal their playful versatility.

Each member—including cellist Tatjana Vassiljeva (Royal Concertgebouw principal) and violinist Luiz Filipe Coelho—brings soloistic prowess to this rare collaboration, offering a concert that’s "an absolute delight from first note to last."

Scan the QR code to get your tickets now:

Wed Sep 24, 7.30pm; RMB180-580

Shanghai Concert Hall, 523 Yan'an Dong Lu, by Jinling Zhong Lu, Huangpu District 延安东路523号, 近金陵中路

Muerta de Amor @ Shanghai International Dance Center

Following the sensational ¡VIVA!, Spanish National Dance Award-winner Manuel Liñán returns to Shanghai with his audacious new flamenco masterpiece, Muerta de Amor.

Premiered at the Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla, this all-male production deconstructs love’s paradoxes through raw vocals, thunderous footwork, and the haunting strains of traditional Copla music.

Twelve artists blur gender and tradition, weaving desire and defiance into a visceral tapestry. Dark costumes slash against a pink-black set, embodying love’s duality—fragile yet fierce.

Liñán’s choreography, drawn from his own romantic history, interrogates intimacy: How does love live? How does it die?

The answers unfold in a whirlwind of clapping, stomping, and soul-baring dance.

Scan the QR code to get your tickets now:

Fri & Sat Sep 26 & 27, 7.30pm & 2pm; RMB180-880

Shanghai International Dance Center, 1650 Hongqiao Lu, by Shuicheng Lu 虹桥路1650号, 近水城路

Devils & Angels: Ning Feng × Xuefei Yang Violin & Guitar Duo Recital @ Shanghai Concert Hall

A rare collaboration between two of China’s most celebrated virtuosos: violinist Ning Feng (2006 Paganini Competition winner) and classical guitarist Xuefei Yang (Gramophone-listed “top guitarist”).

United by their shared roots and decades of friendship since studying at London’s Royal Academy of Music, the duo presents a program blending Western masterpieces with Eastern tributes.

At its heart lies Paganini’s fiery Sonata Concertata—a showcase of technical brilliance by the “devil’s violinist”—paired with Schubert’s lyrical Arpeggione Sonata, inspired by the composer’s awe of “angelic” music.

The concert also features solo interludes, including Yang’s rendition of Paganini’s Caprice No. 24 and Feng’s take on Tárrega’s Recuerdos de la Alhambra, alongside Chinese classics like Fisherman’s Song at Eventide.

A night of passion, precision, and cross-cultural dialogue, Devils and Angels promises to captivate with its fusion of intimacy and virtuosity.

Scan the QR code to get your tickets now:

Sat Sep 27, 7.30pm; RMB80-580

Shanghai Concert Hall, 523 Yan'an Dong Lu, by Jinling Zhong Lu, Huangpu District 延安东路523号, 近金陵中路