Back again for the super scientific round-up of all the best damn events you can get up to in Shanghai this weekend. All we can promise you is the best times of your lives. This is a promise. Don't stray from this path. If you end up going to something that's not listed here, expect a dire and meaningless experience. This is a threat.
So anyways, there are some rooftop and pool parties we've got listed, some clubbing stuff, some jazz, and more!
If you've been missing Dada like we have, check out Elevator on Friday night for their Dada pop-up party. They're hosting in DJ Ozone for a night of ‘80s feel-good hits and cheese. No, he didn't take a time machine to be with us, he's actually from the ‘80s!
Lots of good community spirit events this weekend too. There's a new Irish music and culture night happening down at Butler & White that sounds quite good. As does that "Shanghai Moto Bash"...
Anyways, you know what to do.
Clubbing and Live Music
The longest-running music platform in Shanghai -- NoiseShanghai -- invades the industrial chic environs of System for a Thursday night of chin-scratching chaos. An avant/harsh noise show now in its 9,000,000th edition, expect your entertainment to be visceral, whether it comes at you with shattered glass, exploding contact mics, or meat flying through the air. Torturing Nurse, Bad-Life, and more on the bill. Nice one for people who despise the idea of melody. Starts 9pm.
If you're missing the Dada bar vibes since the club's closure earlier this year after a decade of parties, slot Elevator into your Friday plans. The basement house club is hosting in Dada's main man DJ Ozone for a night of "80s Disco Nonsense". An actual veteran of the 80s, Ozone will be cycling through fun cheezes hits in multiple genres -- disco, new wave, electro, rock, and more -- strictly on wax. Get your British Knights dancing shoes on. 9pm to 3am. 80rmb before 11pm. 100rmb after. Both entry fees include a shot.
All hosts two nights of anniversary celebrations, with local DJs joining up with international acts to celebrate 6 years for the avant electronica club. The theme in installations and music is "Vagus Nerve" and the line-up is 14 DJs/musicians over two nights. Artist Tian Mu will also showcase an exhibition with the same title, aiming to "evoke and perceive our mutual connections". Two special guests: CIFIKA, the electronic pop singer-songwriter who's revolutionizing the Asian music scene, and YoungQueenz, a prominent figure in the Hong Kong rap scene. Starts 10pm both nights. 140rmb pre-sale; 180rmb at the door.
On August 05 at Purple Mountain Hotel, Nova Events is back again with Summer Splash pool party, Vol. 2. Nestled atop the urban skyline, the rooftop garden is a verdant oasis that captivates the senses. A sprawling outdoor pool, brimming with crystal-clear waters, beckons guests to indulge in leisurely swims. Feel the scorching sun kiss your skin as you dance to electrifying beats by DJs. Swimsuits, shades, and smiles are the dress code for this sizzling event. From noon to 9pm, Early Bird starts at 188rmb, Presale is 238rmb. All tickets include 1 drink.
Plastic party promoters are back with their traveling clubbing affair, Electric Power House. They're going upscale and dressy, with a night out at The Shanghai EDITION (you have to write it like that.) Rising funky house DJ Bryant is headlining, along with appearances from DJ FuFu, and the one and only Dai Nasty. Special performance by: humility in heels, Beaverhausen. Call ahead for VIP table packages. Early bird: 150rmb; 200rmb at the door. Dress code: "hot girl summer" -- AKA what you were wearing anyways.
Techno club of yore keeps the dream alive by hosting an international techno DJ at new Jing'an club Stardust. This one's anticipation of the club's reopening in the fall. Headliner is Monroe. He started his DJ career as a resident in different clubs and festivals in Middle Eastern countries and Europe. He's performed on stage with top artists such as Carl Cox, Chris Lake, Michael Woods, Antoine Clammaran, D. Ramirez, Funkagenda, Solomun, Mark Knight, Bob Sinclar Marco Sys, Marco Corolla, and many more. Rooftop buffet from 7pm; club from 9pm. Reserve tables in advance to secure entry.
Concerts and Stage
This Wednesday and Thursday, Japanese drummer Takeshi Sakamoto will deliver his avant-garde jazz to Shanghai audiences. Show starts at 7.30pm
The St.Petersburg Russian Classical Ballet is presenting two classics, Swan Lake and the Nutcracker starting from the end of July. Show times for the Nutcracker have 3pm and 7.30pm on different dates. Check the ticket calendar for the dates you want. The company is founded in 1992 with director Anatoly Nikiforov and artistic director Irina Safonova as former performers of the Mariinsky Theatre. They have united like-minded ballet teachers from the Mariinsky Theatre through the direct involvement of the administration of Kirovsky region of St Petersburg.
As one of the biggest dance shows in the world, Spirit of the Dance has smashed box office records in over 20 countries, and has won more awards than any other dance production. The top-level dance sounds like a runaway express train and their precision and artistic showmanship sends shivers down your spine. This show delivers the powerful rhythms of Irish Dance combined with the passionate Latino rhythms of Tango, Flamenco and Red-Hot Salsa to produce a thrilling, heart-pounding production. Their Shanghai dates this year is Aug 04-05. Two shows with price range from 80 to 880rmb.
SpicyComedy is a stand-up comedy club in Shanghai that features some of the funniest local and traveling comedians. This time they will present the ‘Yangjingbang’ Chinese showcase, which is what you might guess from the title: people from all other places except Shanghai trying Chinese jokes. How funny will it be? We don’t know. Are we curious? Yes. The show features 5 - 6 comedians, you can check the ticket page for the newest line-up. Norah Yang will host on Aug 06.
Dinings and Tastings
The Rooster is your destination for Friday night if you want to try interesting drinks for cheap. They're getting the evening going with their First Friday Special, which is a free pint of craft beer from a featured brewery for all guests while supplies last. This month's brewery is !2-Square-Meters Brewing. Show up at 6pm for that. Afterward, mixologist Danica M. of Peddler's Gin is going to be serving up Salted Plum Cocktails. That start at 8pm.
RIINK is offering a special package for SmartShanghai users to skate, eat and drink all at once. It includes one admission of no-time-limit skating (that means if you want to, you can skate from 11am to 1am), 1 snack out of 21 choices, and 1 drink out of 32 choices. 2 additional shots for two persons package. This deal is available until end of Aug. Read our interview with Riink owners Ting Ting and Jordin here.
An outdoor concert on the North Bund with musicians performing movie theme songs and songs by Jay Chou on an open-air deck surrounded by candlelight. Good for taking photos and heartwarming music with the stunning backdrop of the Bund. This event is getting positive reviews on Dianping, primarily from a younger crowd that's new to classical concerts and enjoys Instagrammable events. For their inaugural show at the new location the theme is "Castle in the Sky" referring to the location and the music selection featuring songs by Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi. The ticket price includes access to a buffet with desserts and drinks. First arrive first serve. Please note tents and indoor space will be provided in case of a rainy day.
Community Spirit
The Benelux Chamber hosts their yearly Sino Benelux Business Survey event. Brian Blömer, Partner at Moore - MS Advisory will share the results of the 2023 Sino Benelux Business Survey. The purpose of the Sino Benelux Business Survey is to provide startups, SMEs and multinational businesses with information on emerging trends and the business climate in China. Additionally, the survey seeks to analyze the current market situation with aims to provide businesses with conclusive knowledge to make more informed business decisions. The presentation will be interactive so you will have the opportunity to share your opinion. After the presentation of the results of the survey, there will be the opportunity to network with a drink and some finger food. Entry fee: Members, 75rmb; Benelux University Alumni Members 90rmb; Non-members 200rmb.
Seisiún Shanghai is the city’s new monthly Irish Social starting Friday, August 4, for fans of Ireland’s famous musical sessions. There’ll be a drink deal, live music, and Guinness. They've partnered up with Irish Chamber member Butler & White with Guinness, at the Tavern Tianzifang, and Black Velvet Band, a two-piece spin-off from Shanghai’s long-standing Irish band Doctor Midnight, featuring Rory O’Neill (Cork, Ireland) and Richard Morris (Coventry, UK). They switch between mandolin, guitar, and accordion while singing stories of alcohol and romance from the Emerald Isle. Join them on August 4 (and the first Friday of each month thereafter) for the craic agus ceol. Free entry but table booking is advisable.
Experience the thrill and excitement of an exhilarating motocross event set to take place in Shanghai. This action-packed event will unfold at a premier motocross track situated in the south of Shanghai. Riders of diverse skill levels are wholeheartedly invited to partake in this thrilling experience. While prior experience with scooters or bikes is recommended, training sessions will be provided for those unfamiliar with clutch-operated bikes. Experienced staff will be on hand to instill confidence and assist participants in mastering the track. Two riding sessions, a BBQ, chill-out areas, and more. Reserve your spot now and get ready to rev your engines for an extraordinary motocross extravaganza in Shanghai. 200rmb-1200rmb. Insurance will be provided. More info at the ticket page.
Le Wagon's part-time students from batches #1178 & #1179 have worked very hard for the last months, giving their bests in our Web Development and Data Science Bootcamp. During this Demo Day Event, they will present their graduation projects created during their journey in Le Wagon. Plant Guardian, HotDog!, EUREKA! and a project about Predictive Modeling of Protein Functions will be presented. This time, FDM will host an Exclusive Hiring Session. Event is Saturday, August at 7pm. No entry fee.
Family Fun
Children Theatre Kun Opera: 'Havoc in Heaven'
Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, is up to no small amount of trickery: He's stolen the holy peach from the Peach Garden as well as all the wine. He's also eaten Lao Jun's elixir and fled back to the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit. Now, the Jade Emperor has sent 1000 heaven soldiers to catch Sun back. The Children's Theater version of this classic Chinese folk tale features a Kun Opera rendition of the telling, with traditional makeup and costumes. Kids in the lobby can also pose for photos with their own makeup and Monkey King costumes. Show time on 10:30am and 2:30pm on August 5 and August 6, with a ticket price of 180rmb.
...And Save the Date For...
Post No Bills celebrates humanity's finest achievement in the alcohol-crafting arts -- it's world baijiu day and they've got mixologist Logan in to serve up cocktails of that high quality, good decision stuff. Biujiu music on the stereo -- what's that, police sirens? And an air guitar competition with prizes for the hardest air rockers. Starts 7pm. No entry fee. Scan the QR code on the flyer for more info on the comp.