Our thoughts (and prayers) are turning to Xingfu Lu this weekend as two of the street's nightlife names are highlights in our events reel. Excellent open format dive club Dada Shanghai is sadly going into that good night, with a final blowout party on Saturday night. Expect the whole city out for that. We'll see if they can make it past the 50-minute mark before getting axed. (Anyone remember that last night at The Shelter?)

Maybe say your goodbyes on Thursday or Friday night instead?

Meanwhile, Celia, roving tech house club, is doing a pop-up night at their old digs on Xingfu Lu, at the basement venue that is now Roza. If you've got fond memories of that incarnation of Celia, that's one to check out.

Shanghai soldiers on. In addition to the 90 leaving parties you have to go to this weekend, here is a bunch of other stuff you might want to check out. Roll film.

Nightlife and Clubbing

Dada Shanghai enters its last weekend on planet Earth with an all-night set from local DJ / producer Zean. The big party is on Saturday night -- we've got that information listed as well -- but if you want to sneak in one more night at the iconic club before it closes and not do so with the entire rest of Shanghai, go on the Thursday or Friday. Eclectic bass sounds from Zean on Thursday; legacy disco from El Toro on Friday, and the last bash on Saturday night. 10pm. 

A huge line-up -- especially for a Thursday -- of experiemental blips and bleeps, heading up by electronic / synth wave duo on the rise Frankfurt Helmet. They're doing a live set, joined by EBM / industrial producer Hei Mu, Sky, dBsheep, Yichen, KnDlta, and more. Chin scratching esoteric-ness to get your weekend going.  Real NIN album cover art vibes. 100rmb at the door. Starts 9pm.     

All hosts in Japanese artist/producer Prettybwoy for a night of forward moving UK garage and grime. Since 1999, he has been a regular at early Japanese bass parties such as Drum'n'Bass Sessions and Back To Chill, bringing his uniquely British style to the dance floor. In 2016, he showed a more experimental side with two EPs released on Polaar and SVBKVLT. In 2021, his first album "Tayutau" was released on SVBKVLT, bringing his musical expression into a more open and colorful introspective world. Check him out at the former SVBKVLT home base ALL Friday night. Start 10pm.

Specters favorite DJ (Choker, Brit Pop Nite, All the others) bid adieu to Vietnam, but not without one last themed part at the punk rock dive. End of the world decor and entertainment, fit for the zombie hordes that wander Jing'an like the desolate wasteland it is. Dress them: Shanghai filth, post-apoc chic, sexy cannibals. Do with that what you will. Special guest DJ Hello Shitty in from Japane to play Specters tunez (rock, punk, synth, 80s, everything). Starts 10:30pm. No entry fee. 

Every era has a few clubs. And every club comes to an end. ”Same as it ever was.” That era is over for Dada Shanghai - A club open to all kinds of good music. No genres, no bpms. Sticky floors, sweat, love, smoke, and gin. It was the start to many journeys. Or maybe just the end to a nearly-forgotten night. Either way, Dada Shanghai is finished. 2009-2023. RIP. There will be no sequel this time. 14 years of fun. One last dance. July 1. 8pm-8am 88rmb all night Go early.

Dark Techno club Abyss hosts a nostalgic party dedicated to that Y2K spirit. How old are we now that people are getting nostalgic for the '00s. Expect retro music and flare -- technology, metal, leather, and viral aesthetic. Music is high energy. Starts 10pm. Dress the part with the stuff in the back of your closet. Maybe an N64 controller around your neck. 

It all started back in 2016. That's the year when Celia began its journey at the location on Xingfu Lu, where Roza club is now located. On July 1, they are bringing back old vibes to refresh your memories of good old Celia nights. The night will kick off with residents Lina K and Tys warming up the crowd. Then, Celia's favorite Marcos Godoy will treat the crowd to his signature vinyl set. By midnight, we will have a special guest, Diva Li, who will deliver a not-to-be-missed live performance. Finally, the closing set will be performed by guest DJ Josh K from Vietnam. All colors of deep tech, organic house, melodic techno, and indie dance, all in one place. 10pm. 

Live Music, Concerts, Stage

Almost 55 is developed by the up-and-coming choreographer, Chou Shu-yi, tailored to Qiao Yang at her age of fifties, a milestone moment towards realizing spiritual maturity and her purpose in life. To embark the project, the creative team - Lin Ching-ju, Lee Chi-wai, Maurice Lai, Steve Hui and Qiao Yang undertook a 400-day journey of root tracing, exploration and creation. Narrating through the dance, the performance imprints Qiao’s years of precious dedication and devotion to dancing through life, while envisaging and embracing a new chapter of her dance career. The show will start from June 30 to July 2. Price ranges from 80 to 380rmb.

The Pearl is inviting you to join them for a big celebration of Canada and USA birthdays, featuring the Red Stars band, drag queens Miss Liberty and Miss Maple, and many more to reveal. The event will showcase the very best of both countries, combining live music, electrifying performances, and a fusion of cultures.

Kaos: Art In The Underground -- "just awesome live acts in a creative atmosphere, where you can compete in our live art contest for dope prizes and then just dance the night away in an artsy haze." Live tattoos by Smoke, or dare to compete in the night-wide arts contest -- use any materials provided to create a piece of art. Entries are labeled and hung in the art corner and judged and announced by the MC at midnight. "We are celebrating 3 years of art of sharing, dancing, expressing and connecting through music and art." No entry fee. Starts 8pm.  

Axis Neptune originally a personal project created by Joshua Cotterill, a producer from Scarborough, England. In October 2020, the addition of keyboardist David Yang brought new elements and deeper layers of expression to Axis Neptune. Joshua's boundless creativity, combined with David's sensitivity and understanding of music, created a highly efficient synergy in the music creation process, resulting in high-quality musical works. Later, guitarist Hikmat Yakha, AKA Binoy, and drummer Patrick Waldron joined the group, enriching Axis Neptune and bringing even more depth to their musical expression. On July 1, join Axis Neptune "on a soulful journey amidst the infinite realm, where the experience goes beyond the senses and sparks profound contemplation." 8pm. 160rmb.

Dining and Tastings

Laowine and Vinehoo Bar are throwing a big German wine tasting of some of the top German wineries. All spectrum of Rieslings and Pinot Noir, grand cru level sites, naturals, and more. Up to 40 different vinos to taste and enjoy together with small tapas on Friday night. This tasting is also dog-friendly. Opt for a 'human+pet' ticket if you want your furry friend to join you and savor dog ice cream while you taste all the wines. Scan the QR to get your ticket. Human ticket: 158rmb (incl. all wines and tapas); 188rmb (+ incl. dog ice cream). First come first served. Starts 7:30pm.

Experience this new restaurant at talk-of-town new F&B hub The Hive with a SmartShanghai exclusive special-priced tasting menu of 468RMB, original value 777RMB, for two people includes a starter, a main and a dessert, plus two glasses of wine(value 90RMB). Check the menu for details. Book ahead for reservations to get a table on their beautiful patio.

Bubba's Annual 'Que and Brew Fest, celebrating American Independence Day, takes place on Sunday, July 2, and features a Texas-style crawfish boil, succulent barbecue ribs and brisket, live music, and cold beverages. Reservations recommended. Starts at noon. No entry fee. 

Classes and Community Spirit

Every Thursday, Kawo -- a Shanghai-based company that helps marketers get data insights for their China social media campaigns -- hosts 45-minute webinars designed to help understand the social media landscape. Topics include WeChat Marketing, Weibo Marketing, Marketing to Gen Z in China and more. See this website for all details and registration: https://kawo.com/en/webinar-series-2023

The Expats Excel Series is a new, free, online webinar series brought to you by Globlue. Are you an international student or entrepreneur eager to learn from professionals who have successfully launched their careers and businesses in China? Their latest webinar in their Expat Excel Series features  Dr. Renata Thiébaut, COO, Professor, member of the Harvard Advisory Board and current advisor of Tencent Holdings with her topic of How To Build A Successful Career in China. "Join us as Dr. Thiébaut sheds light on the challenges and advantages of building your career in China. Learn from her insights on how you too can stand out from the crowd and explore ways to harness the opportunities in the e-commerce sector of the local market." Scan the QR code below and mark your calendar for a session that will guide you on the path to building a thriving and successful career in China.

As June draws to a close, RIINK gears up for an unforgettable celebration of Pride Month. Join them as they honor the diversity of love and encourage everyone to be their true selves. Come roll like who you are and party like nobody's watching while their talented DJ spinning the hottest tracks all night long. To make things even more fun, they're inviting everyone to dress/ accessorize in their most colorful rainbow attire. Show off your pride and you could even score free drinks or special gifts from our lucky wheel at the bar!

This is the official, family-friendly Canada Day event hosted by CanCham. Expect live music, plenty of activities, food and drink, raffle tickets, and sports. Bring your family and friends for a fun-filled day of Canadian festivities. Tickets for the event are priced at 100rmb for members and 150rmb for non-members. Tickets for children aged 6-12 are 60rmb, and children 5 and under get in for free. Runs 2pm to 9pm at the West Bund Wonderland, located at 1800 Longwu Lu, Xuhui, Shanghai. "Let's celebrate Canada Day together! A Canada Day cake will be provided by Vesta Baking Solutions! Don't miss out on this exciting event! Join us for a day of Canadian culture, music, and fun."

And We're Looking Forward to...

The National Ballet of China will bring its beautiful production of The Little Mermaid to Shanghai Grand Theater on July 4 and July 5. Created by John Neumeier in 2005 for the bicentenary of Hans Christian Andersen’s birth, the ballet is a modern interpretation of the fairytale that dramatizes all the sadness of the original. There will also be live music performed by the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra. Ticket prices are from 180-880rmb.