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Shanghai Weekender: Our Picks for the Best Events this Weekend

All the good stuff worth doing with your weekend out there in the city…
2023-10-12 19:00:00

Concerts & Stage

"The Last Five Years" explores a five-year relationship between Jamie Wellerstein, a rising novelist, and Cathy Hiatt, a struggling actress. The show employs a unique form of storytelling: Jamie's story is told in chronological order, while Cathy's unfolds in reverse chronological order. After premiering in Chicago in 2001, it has been hailed as an emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the span of five years. The original production from the West End's Garrick Theatre will run in Shanghai from October 12 to October 15. Ticket prices range from 180rmb to 680rmb.  

Daily except Mon & Tue until Oct 15

Musical: 'Titanic The Musical'

A different interpretation than the famous James Cameron movie, 'Titanic The Musical' (which won five Tony Awards) is based on real people aboard the legendary ship. Its characters are constructed from historical records. The narrative delves into the stories and fates of passengers from various classes on the ship, examining how they confronted the unfolding tragedy. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of its London production, the musical has been rebooted, and the English-language production is set to return to China for a national tour.

The China Shanghai International Arts Festival kicks off with an outdoor gala concert. Star conductors Christoph Eschenbach and Xu Zhong are the music directors. The performance will also feature renowned violinist Maxim Vengerov and soprano Angela Gheorghiu, sharing the stage for the first time. The Festival Orchestra is composed of outstanding musicians from China's premier symphony orchestras, including the China National Symphony Orchestra, the National Center for the Performing Arts Orchestra, and the Shanghai Opera House Orchestra, among others. The concert takes place on October 14 at 7:30 pm. Please note: To purchase tickets for this event, attendees must provide ID/passport details and present their ID at the venue.

Live Music

London-based Chinese musician Caslean kicked off her new remix EP 'Sweet Adventure' China tour this Thursday at YYT Shanghai. She performed live alongside Soda from Cheesemind, with an opening act by QuanQuan from Peach Illusion. LATENINE6 and Xiyue Peng also took the stage, followed by DJ Xiaolaba. The event maintained a colorful early-party vibe throughout the night, all in celebration of the unique 'Sweet Adventure'.

SweeT is a fusion band with members hailing from both Asia and Europe. The lead singer, Sherry Xie Wenjing from Shanghai, has graced stages across the country. Her extensive stage experience, combined with her solid and versatile singing skills, consistently transports audiences into her musical universe. Gao Yue Tobias, born into a classical music family, is a multifaceted musician. He brings a unique touch to music, often infusing it with quirky and playful elements. Together, they promise a night filled with Acid Jazz.

On October 13 and 14 (Friday and Saturday), Colombian-born saxophonist Alvaro Cardenas, who specializes in Latin jazz, will present classic Spanish repertoire alongside multiple musicians. He will also experiment with new pieces. Enjoy a night filled with original Spanish jazz and pop music.

Ladies, gentlemen, and lovers of all rock and heavy music, prepare for a special night of darkness and intense energy as we gather on this fateful Friday the 13th. The stars have aligned to bring you a lineup that will send shivers down your spine and electrify your soul. Four bands—Syren, Headive, End Theory, and Soulitude—will come together to unleash a musical storm as unpredictable as the date itself. Expect a mix of hardcore, rock, and metal that is sure to keep you entertained throughout the night.

As the night of Liederabend, Jaguar Shanghai Symphony Hall invites Sun Zhuohan to perform the classics of Schumann, Brahms and Wolf. Tenor Zhuohan Sun is the winner of the Special Prize and Audience Award at the 2021 International Robert Schumann VIDEO Competition, and Gold Prize at the first International Singing Competition for Chinese Art Songs in 2018. Check the program details on SmartTicket page.

Gravity & Other Myths is an Australian contemporary circus group that utilizes an honest approach to performance, creating shows with a focus on human connection and acrobatic virtuosity. Be ready to enjoy a performance that is simultaneously raw, frantic, and delicate. The show runs from October 4 to October 22 and has a duration of 75 minutes without an intermission. Ticket prices range from 180rmb to 580rmb.

After nearly 6 years, this American band is returning to China for a new tour. Boasting hundreds of millions of streams, including 448 million views on their YouTube channel, over 4 million monthly Spotify listeners, major collaborations, and packed shows, the trio—comprising Chrissy Costanza on vocals, Dan Gow on guitar, and Will Ferri on drums—will take the VAS Shanghai stage to perform for their fans. The tracklist includes songs from their new EP, 'blindfolded'.

Nightlife & Clubbing

Every Thu, Fri, Sat until Oct 28

Shanghai Oktoberfest 2023

The 2023 Shanghai Oktoberfest will be held at the Holiday Inn Pudong, featuring a large festival tent set up in true Bavarian style. Guests can enjoy Bavarian food by Zeitgeist and dance to the hottest hits played by a live band. Table bookings, which accommodate up to 8 people, include free-flowing imported Paulaner Beer and soft drinks, as well as a 3-course dinner. Vegetarian options are available but must be booked in advance. The event runs from October 12 to October 28. On Thursdays, regular tables are priced at 3200rmb, while VIP tables are 4200rmb. On Fridays and Saturdays, regular tables cost 4200rmb and VIP tables are 5200rmb.

Founded in 2019 by several francophone friends with the collective goal of promoting French electronic music in China, Cocarde assembles a team of enthusiastic artists who combine their knowledge and skills to "kick your ass at any party." Expect several of these highly creative DJs to play their favorite styles of music and fully showcase their savoir-faire in creating unique atmospheres. The experience is "halfway between the wildest rave parties and the most glamorous Parisian events." Prepare for colorful French House, Disco House, and Electro tracks from the Cocarde Collective.

on Oct 13 and Oct 14, 2023

BlackRiink Skate Party

K-pop Meets the Riink this weekend. The party kicks off at 7pm, with the bar and kitchen open all night long. DJs will spin a mix of K-pop hits, pop anthems, and hip-hop beats. Free lollipops will be given to those dressed in fabulous roller girl attire – think short shorts and long socks. Capture Instagram-worthy moments with your BFF, sing, dance, and skate. Immerse yourself in the energetic world of K-pop music as our pink neon lights set the stage for an unforgettable evening

On October 14, from 5pm to late night, a sugary experience awaits attendees at “Candyland.” FoS presents a vibrant party filled with a mix of colors and flavors. With an unbeatable DJ line-up that includes Roni Macedo, Kel, Baksheesh, Flowfire, and Josh, the CANDYLAND experience will be complemented by a deep dive into electrifying music. Join FoS for a unique and unforgettable experience in Shanghai.

To celebrate its 5th anniversary, Shanghai EDITION is hosting a 'Light the Beacon' party on October 14, offering access to three party stages within the hotel. From 4pm to 4am, an impressive DJ line-up, featuring over 10 DJs including the Burning Man Duo DJ - Chambord and Marcos Godoy, will be spinning live tunes. Presale tickets are priced at 188rmb per person, which includes one drink, while tickets at the door will be 228rmb.

Sat, Oct 14, 2023

Xingfu Boogie

Club Roza's popular XINGFU BOOGIE night is back to take you on a dance music journey. This weekend, they're featuring French and Bulgarian headliners guaranteed to keep you dancing. Charp, hailing from France, is a prominent figure in the Shanghai electronic scene, having held residencies at the legendary Mao Club and Lola Club. Factuaw, a dynamic DJ, producer, and musician from the Bulgarian electronic music scene, has released music on both vinyl records and digital EPs that have reached audiences worldwide. In 2022, Factuaw performed at the legendary club, The Block, in Tel Aviv, Israel, and aboard the Hoppetosse boat in Berlin.

Get ready for the grand finale of the rooftop season: Space Panda's ultimate rooftop festival at the Bellagio Hotel, designed to finish the season with a bang. Two stages of action promise an unforgettable day of music and celebration. They're thrilled to showcase 15 fresh, up-and-coming DJs poised to take the music scene by storm. As the sun bathes the city in golden light, join them for non-stop beats and electrifying performances, immersing yourself in a sonic journey like no other. The lineup of new DJs is sure to surprise and delight, providing the perfect soundtrack to your outdoor memories. This is your last chance to party on the rooftop this season, so make it count! For table bookings and more info, please add WeChat ID: Emilboo.

Community

It's time to clean out your closets and donate those unwanted clothes to The Renewal Center. This weekend, from Friday to Sunday, bring those clothes to The Rooster and receive a FREE Vedett White beer in return.

On October 15, the 9th Shanghai Healing Arts Festival will kick off in Shanghai with the theme "Healing oneself, healing your loved ones, and healing the Earth." The event will feature a variety of workshops and activities dedicated to healthy living and parent-child interactive experiences, as well as music and dance performances. Additionally, there will be a "Healing Market" and more soul-inspiring surprises. "We invite you to participate in this mind and body retreat, share your healing journey, immerse yourself in the stillness and lightness of life, and let your vitality bloom." Tickets are priced at 49rmb for a single pass and 199rmb for family tickets (two adults and one child). Workshops are available for separate purchase. Check the SmartTicket page for the workshop schedule.

Time to get spicy and sweaty Shanghai! Bubba's Hot Sauce Festival returns for its fourth installment. Hot sauce enthusiasts, homemakers, sadomasochists, and chefs will come together to sample, taste, experience the burn, and purchase their favorite sauces. A select group of judges will evaluate and award the best sauces of the day. Festival-goers can also look forward to a hot stuff eating contest and live music. Attendance is free, bring spicy friends.

Kids & Family

On October 4, the first day of Disney's Halloween celebrations, all the Mickey Avenue residents, including Mickey and Pals, will don their 2023 Halloween costumes for a special fashion show. Shanghai Disneyland will host its magical annual Halloween Carnival from October 4 to November 5. Bring your family and friends to create a special Halloween memory in Shanghai for 2023.

Small group travel operator, Mountain Cat Club, is organizing a beginner-friendly one-day hiking trip. The hike is approximately 8km with a 200m elevation gain, taking around 4–5 hours. The trail consists of paved paths and dirt tracks. Enjoy a relaxed hike where you can see an ancient temple from the Song Dynasty, take in lake views, and visit a water town. The day will be rounded off with dinner at a local eatery. Check out this WeChat post for more details and bookings: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/0cdIQhAW-4Sh-EgSqpvDbw

Dining & Deals

Alright, burger aficionados, brace yourselves. Tap House is rolling out its latest monstrosity: the Dead Guy Burger. Because nothing screams Halloween like a burger named after a corpse, right? This bad boy is stacked with a Wagyu beef patty (fancy, huh?), some ketchup they're calling 'Dead Guy' (probably because it's killer good), crispy fried onions, bacon (because, bacon), and a smear of blue cheese that's smoother than your best pick-up line. All this for just 98rmb, and they're even throwing in French fries and a Dead Guy Ale Beer. Because what's a Dead Guy Burger without its liquid counterpart? Find this beastly feast at both Tap House locations. Chow down... if you dare.

Homeslice is releasing a new pizza in collaboration with Yaya's (the pasta guys). Be the first to try the Yaya's x Homeslice Mapo Tofu Pizza this Sunday at Yaya's! Enjoy special deals on Sichuan Negronis & Salted Plum G&T for only 35rmb

TELL EVERYONE