36 Awesome Upcoming Events in Shanghai

By That's Shanghai, May 17, 2023

First Up, It's 520 Lover's Day on Saturday

Scan the QR Code Below for Lots of Romantic Options

Featured Event: Saturday & Sunday

Sport, Entertainment & Carnival Family Festival

It's that time of year again when That’s Shanghai and Urban Family take over Green City in Jinqiao for our Annual Family Festival. This year's theme will be Sport, Entertainment & Carnival!

It will all take place this weekend, May 20-21, and will be packed with all sorts of exciting activities, from music to sport to delicious treats from Shanghai’s favorite restaurants.

Expect glorious sunshine and numerous festivities, including bouncy castles, trampolines, sports, a carousel, arts & crafts, a football tournament and some fantastic musical performances... including a high school Battle of the Bands!

Tickets are just RMB120 a day per adult, while under 16s are completely free! Oh, and that price also includes two RMB10 vouchers to purchase food and drink.

Get yours now by scanning the QR below:

Sat & Sun May 20 & 21, 10am-4pm; RMB120, includes two food and drink vouchers.

碧云路和蓝桉路路口 Biyun Lu & Lan'an Lu.

Wednesday

Return of the King El Willy @ Tomatito

The King of Spanish Shanghai makes a triumphant return. Expect majestic amounts of sexy tapas!

Wed May 17, from 5.30pm.

Tomatito, Infinitus Mall, 3/F Room W08-10, 168 Hubin Lu, by Jinan Lu 湖滨路168号3楼W08-10，近济南路.

Adele & Amy Winehouse @ The Pearl

A night of music from Adele, along with that most soulful of songstresses of recent times, Amy Winehouse.

Scan the QR to get your tickets now:

Wed May 17, 6pm doors, 8pm show; RMB150 presale, RMB180 door.

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

Thursday

Jie Guest Shift @ La Mezcaleria

Champion bartender Jie is coming to La Mezcaleria for a guest shift, using using many Wuhan local elements and concepts of Western culture to create five cocktails.

Jie hopes to combine his experience with the mellowness of mezcal to start a unique and interesting taste adventure for you. Head along and taste the cocktail that suits you best.

Thu May 18, 8pm-Midnight.

La Mezcaleria, #201-2, Bldg 5, Lane 273 Jiaozhou Lu, by Xinzha Lu 胶州路273弄60号5幢110室，近新闸路.

Avril Lavigne & Ladies Rock @ The Pearl

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Avril Lavigne & Ladies Rock, featuring the music of Alanis Morrisette, Joan Jett, Pink, Tina Turner, No Doubt, Evanescence, the Cranberries and – of course – Avril Lavigne!

Scan the QR to get your tickets now:

Thu May 18, 8.30pm show; RMB120 presale, RMB150 on the door.

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

Thursday & Friday

Three Men and a Lady @ Post No Bills

Creepy flyer alert!

The people who pasted their faces on this here poster above are taking over Post No Bills Thursday and Friday, with beers by Sad Gorilla Club and Brewlosophy and cocktails by Mr Mark Lloyd and his... baby(?)... little lady(?!).

Anyway, if you can look past the horrors of the flyer, they promise it will be fun. So... trust them?

Thu & Fri May 18 & 19, 4pm-Late.

Post No Bills, 970 Wuding Lu, by Jiaozhou Lu 武定路970号，进胶州路.

Friday

Charity Bingo Night @ Abbey Road

Head along to Abbey Road and play bingo for a great cause, raising money for heart surgery for disadvantaged kids. It's RMB50 for a set of bingo cards, with great prizes on offer, and happy hour from 7.30-9.30pm.

Fri May 19, from 7.30pm; RMB50 per set of bingo cards.

Abbey Road, 3 Taojiang Lu, by Fenyang Lu 桃江路3号, 近汾阳路.

Imagine Dragons vs Cp @ The Pearl

An imaginary battle of the bands at The Pearl sees American pop rockers Imagine Dragons take on post-Britpop alternative rockers C***p***.

Scan the QR to get your tickets now:

Fri May 19, 9pm doors, 9.30pm show; RMB150 presale, RMB180 on the door.

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

Friday & Saturday

Into the Wonderland @ The Pearl

Get ready to step into the enchanting world of Alice in Wonderland! This is a journey that will transport you to a magical dreamland filled with wonder and whimsy, as Alice falls down the rabbit hole and discovers an all-singing, all-dancing world like no other.

Scan the QR to get your tickets now:

Fri & Sat May 19 & 20, 6pm doors, 7-8.45pm show; RMB200 presale, RMB250 door.

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

Unmasked: Humor, Hubris, & Self-Discovery @ Yugo Bar & Grill

UNMASKED is a new-concept, interactive storytelling event uncovering one man’s improvised journey from small-town America to building Shanghai’s largest and longest-running improv theater community, the Zmack Family.

Unmasked tracks Curt Mabry’s upbringing in rural Mississippi, his quest for mental and emotional health, and his path out of trauma into a chosen family of art and expression in China.

Through true stories, improvised scenes with surprise guests, and songs created on the spot, you’ll ride the rollercoaster of one unique life and find you’re part of the story.

All proceeds donated to Lifeline to aid those in need of emotional support. Scan the QR on the poster above to get your tickets now.

Fri & Sat May 19 & 20, 7pm doors, 8pm show; RMB130, includes a drink.

Yugo Bar & Grill, 365 Kangding Lu, by Shaanxi Bei Lu 康定路365号，近陕西北路.

520 Party @ La Suite

La Suite welcomes you to join the most loving party in town!

Celebrate the Day of Love with that special someone... or why not with your best friends? If you're single, don’t worry – there’s always a big chance of finding your boo on the dance floor.

Free entry, drinks and canapes before 11pm, so make sure you arrive on time. RMB100 after 11pm, which includes one drink.

Fri & Sat 19 & 20, 9.30pm-Late; Free before 11pm, RMB100 after, includes one drink.

La Suite, 1111 Wuding Lu, by Yanping Lu 武定路1111号, 近延平路.

Saturday

Blood Donation Drive @ Meilong Blood Donation Unit

On May 20, Bloodline, with the blessing of Shanghai Blood Center and in partnership with the Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Minhang District Blood Management Service Center, and Shanghai People’s Association of Friendship with Foreign Countries, is organizing a blood donation drive dedicated to children with blood cancer and blood disorders.

Bloodline encourages eligible donors to give blood or platelets to support kids and teens battling cancer and other blood disorder diseases. "We can be the miracle for such children. Our blood has the power to change the lives of some of those children of the Children's Hospital of Fudan University."

READ MORE: Give Blood & Save a Child's Life

Scan the QR Code to join the crew and be superheroes for those children in need.

Sat May 20, 9am-3.30pm.

Meilong Blood Donation Unit, 7388 Humin Lu, by Lianhua Lu 沪闵路7388号, 近莲花路

Escape to Paradise – Rooftop Opening Party

After creating Euphoria of emotions, Nova Events and Paramount Events presents to you an ultimate rooftop opening party, Escape to Paradise, from 4-10pm on May 20 at The Roof Garden - Shanghai Edition Hotel.

Be transported to a tropical oasis in the heart of the city. With stunning views of the skyline and lush greenery, this urban garden rooftop is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening of fun and relaxation.

Indulge in delicious cocktails and gourmet cuisine, dance to the beats of the hottest DJs, and mingle with a diverse crowd of partygoers from all over the city. Whether you're looking to let loose after a long week or celebrate a special occasion with friends, Escape to Paradise is the place to be.

For VIP Table bookings call 152 2147 2779.

For More Information, Click Here

Sat May 20, 4-10pm.

Roof Garden, 8/F, Heritage Building, The Shanghai EDITION, 199 Nanjing Dong Lu, by Jiangxi Zhong Lu 南京东路199号上海艾迪逊酒店辅楼8楼, 近江西中路.

90s Alt Rock @ The Pearl

A night of 90s Alt Rock from The Pearl’s Red Star Band, featuring the music of Radiohead, Nirvana, Linkin Park, Foo Fighters, Metallica, Oasis, Green Day, Alice in Chains and more.

Oh, and alsoit is just the small matter of Papa G AKA Grant-oh! Buchwald's birthday... this one could get wonderfully, magnificently messy!

Scan the QR to get your tickets now:

Sat May 20, 6pm doors, 8.30pm show; RMB120 presale, RMB150 at the door.

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

The ALTER. Supperclub @ Jinqiao 535

The first ever ALTER. Music Festival is coming on Saturday May 20, and Supperclub have cooked up a unique dining experienceat the fest.

Take a break from dancing and re-energize with one-of-a-kind immersive meal surrounded by summer vibes and pulsating beats, with popular street yaki Chef Fifi, formerly from Joel Robuchon's Michelin-starred restaurant, cooking up a special menu featuring 10 limited-edition dishes. She is always hard to book so don't miss your chance to catch her in this unique setting.

To quench your thirst while you dine, there wll be a fun natural wine selection by Francois (SOiF), and a bespoke Peddlers Gin cocktail.

Get ready to sway to the music, sit around the BBQ grill, and enjoy the sweet sizzling sound of the food. With ice cold drinks in hand and good company, there's nothing better than living that moment!

Sat May 20, 7pm-Midnight; RMB888.

Jinqiao 535, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区金桥路535号EKA·天物.

Live Music: The Sanren Trio @ Abbey Road

Abbey Road's live music series continues with three-piece rock band The Sanren Trio in their garden this Saturday night.

Sat May 20, 7pm; Free Entry.

Abbey Road, 3 Taojiang Lu, by Fenyang Lu 桃江路3号, 近汾阳路.

Retro @ La Barra

Head along to La Barra for House of Babylon, with Awesome House, Afro House & Deep House music from DJs Roni Macedo, Tom William and Chris Willsman, and cool drinks and hot summer vibes.

Scan the QR on the poster above for tickets, or add LaBarraShanghai on WeChat for VIP Table booking.

Sat May 20, 10pm-Late; RMB120 presale, includes three drinks; RMB150 on the door, includes one drink.

La Barra, #110, Bldg 5, Lane 273 Jiaozhou Lu, by Xinzha Lu 胶州路273弄60号5幢110室，近新闸路.

YUGOSSR @ Yugo Bar & Grill

Saturday night sees a YUGOSSR DJ party at Yugo Grill with DJs Lina K and Stefano playing rock, pop, disco, rap and more solely from the former Soviet Union and Yugoslavia.

Expect to hear all the classics from the Balkan to the Urals, singing, dancing, lot’s of rakija (it's six shots for RMB150) and occasional table climbing.

If you're looking for a quiet night... this might not be your thing!

Sat May 20, 10pm-Late; Free Entry.

Yugo Grill, 365 Kangding Lu, near Shanxi North Lu 康定路365号，近陕西北路.

Let's Dance @ Yugo Bar & Grill

In the room next door, the Saturday night party at Yugo Bar is Let's Dance: Latin beats all the way with DJ Deepsy. Party starts at 10.30pm, with drink deals until midnight: house pours, wine and prosecco all RMB120 for three.

Sat May 20, 10.30pm-Late; Free Entry.

Yugo Bar & Grill, 365 Kangding Lu, by Shaanxi Bei Lu 康定路365号，近陕西北路.

Saturday & Sunday

Weekend Market @ Laowaijie

JS Markets is back with a family fun market at Laowaijie on Saturday and Sunday.

Kids will enjoy activities guided by Awesome Kids Club on Sunday, and the LWJ bouncy pumpkin either day, as Mom and Dad browse through the artisan crafts, pantry foods, and lifestyle goods.

Clown/magician Aleksei will delight kids and adults with his humorous antics.

A broad selection of international street foods and beverages offer something delicious for everyone's taste.

And Ricky Zo and friends roundout the afternoon with exceptional live music.

Sat & Sun May 20 & 21, 11am-8pm Sat, 11am-6pm Sun.

Laowaijie, 3338 Hongmei Lu 虹梅路3338弄.

5th Hippiest Rollerversary @ RIINK

RIINK is turning five, and fueled with flower power!

At RIINK, they believe that moments should be about building fun memories together. This year, on the weekend of May 20-21, they invite you to join them in this five-year ROLLERcoaster on their terrace.

Expect sunshine, DJs, canapés, lots of liquid, a festive atmosphere, a Hippie Rollerversary weekend celebration full of peace, love and skate️!

All ages and fluffy friends welcome, DRESS-UP to party and win a prize, hop on their hippie bus and keep the good vibes rolling!

FREE ENTRY! FREE RIDE! FREE DRINK!

Scan the QR code on the poster abovce to find out more.

Sat & Sun May 20 & 21, 2-8pm.

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

Sunday

The New Romantics: Taylor Swift 1989 @ The Pearl

The Pearl is excited to announce a new and original immersive dance musical experience, The New Romantics, based on Taylor Swift’s hit album 1989.

Consummate Pearl entertainer, Trenton, from their Queen and ABBA Tribute Concerts and many Broadway cabarets, writes, directs and stars in this nostalgic pop musical – one he has been dreaming of for more years than he cares to admit.

Twisting traditional musical theater performance into an active, one of a kind experience, The New Romantics is sure to be a show you’ll never forget.

Scan the QR to get your tickets now:

Sun May 21, 11am doors, 12-2pm show; RMB200 presale, RMB250 door.

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

Burnt Legend Pop Up @ Bubba's Food Co.

This Sunday, Chef Matty Waters of Smoke Kansas City BBQ will be teaming up as Guest Pit-Master to bring you Kansas City’s iconic BBQ Burnt Ends!

In 1972 this once discarded piece of BBQ was popularized by a Playboy magazine article about Arthur Bryant’s, one of KC’s historic BBQ restaurants. Today they are recognized as one of the most flavorful pieces of brisket and are a delicacy served all over the world!

And this weekend they will be breaking all the rules to bring you Burnt Ends 5 ways!

Ranging from the purist Beef Brisket Burnt ends, to Pastrami Beef, Pork Belly, Bacon, and even the Poor Man’s Hot dog Burnt ends, they will be serving up fresh BBQ on the Terrace along with Burnt Ends Bloody Marry with a special hand crafted Chili Lime Salt rim.

Free Flow also available for three hours at RMB188 from any time of your choosing! Live Music will also be going from 2-5pm.

Come out and enjoy the dog friendly terrace. There will be outdoor games and more.

Sun, May 21, from 12 Midday, Live Music 2-5pm

Bubba's Food Co., 808 Shaanxi Bei Lu, Bld 18, #103 陕西北路808号陕康里18幢103室.

R&B & Jazz @ Cotton's

Paul is a R&B/Jazz singer, songwriter and guitarist. Head along to Cotton's, where you can take in his music, and also have brunch in the beautiful villa garden, and enjoy three hours beer free flow for RMB168, or go classy with wine, Aperol or sparkling for RMB268.

Sun May 21, brunch 11am-4pm, Music 1-4pm; Free Entry.

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

Tuesday

We Love the 80s Quiz @ El Santo

This weeks' themed quiz at El Santo is a We Love the 80s Quiz. Entry is absolutely free, and there will be great prizes on offer.

If all that excitement is not enough for you, it is Taco Tuesday, with tacos – and Corona, and house wine, and frozen margaritas – all just RMB20!

The quiz starts at 7pm and is done by about 9.30pm, so everyone can all be fresh for work the next day.

These ones fill up fast though, so scan the QR on the poster above to reserve a spot.

Tue May 23, 7pm; Free.

El Santo. B/1, Found 158, 158 Julu Lu, by Ruijin Yi Lu 巨鹿路158号B1层, 近瑞金一路.

Movie Night: In the Mood for Love @ Yugo Bar & Grill

Tuesday is Shishah & Movie Night at Yugo Grill, with premium imported tobacco available in three strengths, as well as buy-one-get-one on highballs and selected cocktails.

This week's film is In the Mood for Love, starting at 8pm.

Tue May 23, from 8pm.

Yugo Bar & Grill, 365 Kangding Lu, by Shaanxi Bei Lu 康定路365号，近陕西北路.

Looking Ahead

May 24: Moves Like Jagger! @ The Pearl

A night of hits from the 2000s including Lada Gaga, Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Imagine Dragons, Pink and more.

Scan the QR to get your tickets now:

Wed May 24, 6pm doors, 8.30pm show; RMB120 presale, RMB150 on the door.

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

May 25: RedBox Broadway @ The Pearl

One for all you show tune fans – RedBox Broadway Cabaret dinner theater at The Pearl every other Thursday night, an immersive Cabaret-Broadway-Movie Show Tune Night, with the actual stars from Chinese Broadway shows!

Enjoy a selection of hits, from classics like Phantom of the Opera, Chicago and Singing in the Rain, right up to modern tunes from Hamilton, Lala Land and The Greatest Showman, all performed live and complimented by professional costumes, lighting, direction and choreography to ensure an unforgettable experience.

Scan the QR to get your tickets now:

Thu May 25, 6pm doors, 7.30-9pm show; RMB200 presale, RMB250 on the door.

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

May 25: Cocktails & Skewers on the Roof @ Charbon

Mark Lloyd will be hitting up Charbon roof bar and terrace to make cocktails to eat skewers with. He has 100% promised there will be a sundae cocktail. There will also be a DJ, as this one goes on late.

Thu May 25, 6pm-Late.

Charbon, iapm Mall, L6-606, 999 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Shaanxi Nan Lu 环贸iapm商场, 淮海中路999号环贸广场L6-606, 近陕西南路.

May 25: Diamond Divas @ The Pearl

An evening of hit songs by Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Pink, Beyonce, Rihanna, Madonna, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish and Meghan Trainor, expertly played by The Pearl's Red Stars Band.

This evening is more than just a night of hits; it is a celebration of women and their contributions to contemporary music.

Scan the QR to get your tickets now:

Thu May 25, 9pm doors, 9.30pm show; RMB120 presale, RMB150 on the door.

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

May 26: The Shanghai Beatles: Get Back @ Abbey Road

The Shanghai Beatles are back!

The four mop tops from Japan had been rocking Abbey Road from as far back as anyone can remember. But then they were gone. But now they're back.

Get Back!

Fri May 26, 8pm; Free Entry.

Abbey Road, 3 Taojiang Lu, by Fenyang Lu 桃江路3号, 近汾阳路.

May 27: Doctor Midnight @ Abbey Road

Abbey Road are on a live music roll, with live Irish music from Doctor Midnight on the Saturday night.

Sat May 27, 8pm; Free Entry.

Abbey Road, 3 Taojiang Lu, by Fenyang Lu 桃江路3号, 近汾阳路.

May 26 & 27, Jun 3 & 4: Maker Faire Shanghai 2023 @ The Central

Maker Faire Shanghai is the biggest family-friendly festival of invention and creativity, celebrating science, technology, engineering, arts, crafts & the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) spirit.

An immersive festival for the whole family with unlimited fun and opportunities to take part in interactive workshops and DIY activities covering topics such as 3D printing, robotics, science experiments, AR/VR/AI, Drone's, hands-on activities like wood-working, pottery and many more…

To make the event even more fun this year, they have added exciting science shows, fun entertainment and a food market.

Sat & Sun May 27-28 and Jun 3-4, 10am-6pm; Adults RMB80, Kids RMB70.

The Central, 123-139 Nanjing Dong Lu, by Sichuan Zhong Lu 南京东路123-139号, 近四川中路.

May 26 & 27: A SIX The Musical Tribute @ The Pearl

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Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived… Come join the SIX wives of Henry the VIII as they take to the stage and remix a beat to the soundtrack of their lives. Watch these Queens turn into pop divas to sing and dance the house down, in a competition like no other.

Scan the QR to get your tickets now:

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Sat & Sun May 26 & 27, 6pm doors, 7pm show; RMB220 presale, RMB250 on the door.

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

May 26 & 27: Queen Tribute Concert @ The Pearl

Freddie has been brought back to life! Without doubt one of the best nights of entertainment this city has to offer, and your chance to sing along with all of Queen’s biggest hits. This show is always packed, so be sure to buy your tickets before they sell out!

Scan the QR to get your tickets now:

Sat & Sun May 26 & 27, 9pm doors, 9.30pm show; RMB180 presale, RMB220 on the door.

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

June 6: MKW Championship Supercard @ Mao Livehouse

The MKW Championship Supercard from Shanghai premium live event will feature a stellar lineup of eight pro wrestling matches, including seven official championship matches that add a must-win element to every match on the card.

MKW has been the premier pro wrestling organization in China since 2015, and are excited to showcase exactly why this is still true at this event.

Don't miss your chance to join the Chinese pro wrestling revolution and get your tickets now for MKW Championship Supercard from Shanghai by scanning the QR on the poster above!

Tue June 6, from 7pm; RMB198.

Mao Livehouse, 3F, 308 Chongqing Nan Lu, by Jianguo Zhong Lu 重庆南路308号3楼, 近建国中路.