A real grab-bag of cultural diversions out there this weekend in Shanghai, my friends. Let's hope you don't have to fight your way through a typhoon to get to them...

ChinaJoy, the big cosplay and gaming event of the year is back in Shanghai — have you got your Demon Slayer outfits ready for that one? Elevator celebrates seven years of posi-house music vibes; a few interesting-looking international DJs are visiting clubs around town, if you follow that scene. For family-friendly entertainment, "The Ugly Duckling" is opening this weekend, with its timeless message of ‘be yourself'.

Or is that one, ‘love is all you need'?

... No, it's ‘be yourself'.

Which is a fine sentiment indeed.

Scroll on for details...

Clubbing and Live Music

Check your pulse cause LiveChinaMusic is putting together an incendiary lineup of post-punk acts that’ll shake you to your core and leave you gasping for air. On the docket you've got Nanjing's Dizzy Dizzy Yellow Puppy, twisting the knife deep into a delirium of art punk theatrics and charred post-pun- grooves; 0311 out of Jiaxing, who inject their punk sound with feverish psychedelic savor and sax-ingested breakdowns; and Yepusa, whose sound touches on everything from tender noise punk to nimble nu rhythms. 80rmb pre-sales; 100rmb at the door. 80rmb pre-sales; 100rmb at the door.

Beijing-based Gong Gong Gong is a minimalist group,  creating a drummer-less sound that is more than the sum of its parts -- inspired by back porch blues, Sahelian guitar music, New York No-Wave, Cantonese lion dance percussion, and, seemingly most incongruously, techno. They're joined by 刘舸 of The Molds and noise artist, Simon Frank. 120rmb pre-sale; 150rmb door. Starts 10pm. 

Shanghai's favorite basement house club Elevator celebrates seven years of ups and downs but always positive and inclusive dance floor vibes. They're hosting three nights of parties for you to drop in on, with virtually all their resident DJs coming by to play music. Highlights include a live set from experimental composer G0000se (how many zero's again?), acid house DJ Off-Ski flying in for the occasion, and a nice chill-out day on the Sunday evening to ease you out of your party weekend. 100rmb at the door each night, includes a shot. 

Long running Shanghai metalcore band Blood of Life headlines a show at YYT OG to celebrate the release of their new EP, "Rebellious Joker". Support acts are witness to the evolution of the metal genre -- a scarlet evolution, if you will -- with O.V.E., Rage Rabbits, and Chaos Mind bringing nu metal and thrash into the mix. Full dance card of Shanghai-based metal on stage at Yuyintang. One not to miss if you're interested in the local metal scene. Starts 7:30pm. 180rmb at the door. 

Potent kicks off the weekend with a big booking of house/techno talent -- Anthony Parasole. "Parasole is a name recognized by dancers old and new in New York's Deep House and Techno scenes. A longtime member of Halcyon, he also runs Deconstruct Music with Levon Vincent. Anthony's keenness and dedication to music has given him frequent opportunities to be on stage in famous clubs such as Berghain. In 2012, Anthony stood out with the song "TYSON". In the same year, he launched the label The Corner. One year later, he gained a firm foothold in the world's techno field. Each release received high expectations and recommendations. You can see The Corner appearing on the year-end lists, and Resident Advisor even listed it as the best record company of the year." 100rmb at the door. Starts 10pm. 

DJ Kasimyn and Ican Harem are Gabber Modus Operandi one of the most unique club acts from this side of the world. With vocals and mixing, they serve up flavors of trance, gabber techno, grindcore, footwork, with traditional Indonesian music forms.  With releases on SVBKVLT, this show is a bit of a homecoming for them, playing at the label's formal home turf, ALL. Expect total uniqueness on the stereo. One to check out for people into experiemental club and electonic music. 10pm. 150rmb at the door. 

Dining and Tastings

A brunch and then some at the 1000 Trees location of Eduardo Vargas' Xouk. From 11:30am to 4pm on Saturday, they're celebrating Peruvian independence day with national specialties in food and drink, with music --live band -- and entertainment to match. 200rmb for the buffet and 150rmb for the free-flow. 

Loggia by Bonica has a cheesy event coming up this Saturday - the "Wine Market & All You Can Eat Cheese." For 148rmb, you can indulge in unlimited cheese and enjoy two glasses of wine. Good deal. If you're looking for an even more lavish experience, the "All You Can Eat Cheese + Free-Flow Wine" option is available for 298rmb. The event kicks off at 2pm at Loggia by Bonica. 

Concerts and Stage

‘Xilin River’ is choreographed by the Mongolian artist Sharina and ‘ZUN MO, choreographed by Suolang Zhuoma, KelsangDolker, and Degyi Yangzom. The performance is dedicated to showing the ancient soul of dance from the snowland and grassland with a contemporary style. It is different from the usual powerful Mongolian and Tibet dances, with unique feminine anima and creativity. Two nights only from July 27 to 28. Ticket price ranges from 80-280rmb.

[event:63474]

SpicyComedy is an English stand-up comedy show in Shanghai that features some of the funniest local and traveling comedians. With shows held throughout the week at the SpicyComedy Lounge in Xintiandi, audiences are in for an unforgettable night of laughs. The event showcases 5-6 talented English-language comedians, each performing 8-15 minute sets. The event format varies with everything from spotlight specials with featured comedians and open mic nights for newcomers. See the flyer below for details. Seating is first come, first served, so head down early to get a good spot.

Mezzo-soprano Li Ying performs the chanson classics adored by famous fashion designer Coco Chanel. An international prize-winning vocalist, Li Ying is the principal mezzo-soprano singer of the Paris Opera House, They will be performing selections of classic French chansons in a bill that includes works from Edith Piaf, Francis Poulenc, Debussy, Stravinsky, Joe Dassin, and more. Performance is one night only, 7:30pm.

Led by the talented guitarist and singer Kaysar, the Roman Band will perform modern music that blended with folk music, flamenco, Latin and gypsy jazz at the Lincoln Jazz Center, bringing a summer romantic jazz performance to the audience. All tickets include 1 drink.

Community Spirit

Shanghai's big gaming exhibition returns with showgirls, cosplayers, otaku, fanboys, photographers, and companies running their games on the latest hardware. It's not as sleazy as it used to be, but that's good if you're coming for the games instead of the cosplay. Ticket info at the China Joy WeChat Mini Program 'CJ魔方' , passport and ID information required.

ASAS Dodgeball and water battle is back in the summer. It's time to duck and dodge your way to victory in a good old fashioned game of dodgeball at ASAS. Join the ultimate summer experience with them this Saturday. The "Weapon"：Splash Water Ball, Dodgeball and Dodgebee. The whole event lasts two hours, starting at 5:30pm. Scan the QR code on the flyer for more information and to sign up. Early bird: 90rmb; Regular: 105rmb.

Family Friendly

"We are Riinkie, a version of Barbie! We don’t have anything big planned, just a giant blowout party with all you Barbies, unplanned roller dance choreography, and a mix of bespoke retro songs by our DJs." Well, it sounds like they have something planned! Shanghai's favorite roller rink throws a Barbie-themed party for the weekend with food, drink, skate packages, and plenty of room to roll. Dress as your own version of Barbie or Ken to get into the fun. Starts 7 pm on Friday and Saturday.  

A warm, neon adaptation of the world's most classic fairy tale: The Ugly Duckling. Expect electroluminescent ducks and glowing animals in this show that's suitable for ages five and up. The production has been on tour in the US since 2012, and is now coming to Shanghai for the second time. Tickets range from 180 to 480rmb, delivered to your door.

...And we're looking forward to...

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.