Lots of fun times out there in Shanghai Land this weekend, coming at you in a lot of different ways. We're looking forward to the new stage show opening at The Pearl, "A Six" which is a pop showcase inspired by the wives of Henry the VIII. Interesting! Maybe even educational!

International DJs continue to be a thing (check Heim on Friday) and for live music, you should hit up the Chaos Underground party at C's — rumor has it, this might be the last one of those for a little while. Soak in the chaos of art, live bands, and DIY market while you can.

For families, the Maker Faire is back on this weekend and the next: 3D printing, robotics, drones, and woodworking — one for brainy kids...

Have a good one!

Nightlife and Clubbing

Headlining DJ at Heim for Friday night is Toronto house and techno proprietor Ciel, whose single "Hundred Flowers" was included in Pitchfork's 30 best electronic music records of the year.  On support is Night Swimmer in from Wuhan doing a live set of blissed out vaporwave. Also on the bill is Offskii, BDG, Aunty Chen, Huizit, ANAL, and Chiyokoo. Big line-up of ecclectic sounds at the house party venue. Start 10pm. 100rmb at the door. 

Modular synthesizers have played a significant role in shaping the development of electronic music and have become essential tools for creators, providing endless creative potential. For Synth Crush, Ben Tian, Illsee, and Velvet Robot will selecting diversified genres of synth-inspired music. From midnight, Andrew brings Modular synthesizers live set, and co-founder of VOID, Nat Alexander unleashes a whirlwind mix of classic vinyl and the latest house and techno. 100rmb at the door. Starts 10pm. 

Saturday night disco party down at the basement club. Special high energy disco set from Ben Huang, joined by special guests who are also bringing some house-y sounds. Starts 10pm. 

Live Music

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A fitting environment for the Shanghai Beatles -- a local band that only does Beatles covers -- to make their long-awaited return. Abbey Road hosts the fab four for their "Get Back" show. Starts 8:30pm. No entry fee. 

Stage and Concerts

Reinterpreting the renowned Italian writer Italo Calvino’s novel Invisible Cities, dance theatre 'Invisible Cities 2.022' fashions an original style of retro sci-fi surrealism for the stage. It is a theatrical poem written in the name of the cities and in the form of dance, reflecting upon the past and the future of life. The show is presented by the Shanghai International Dance Centre, 2 nights only on May 26 and May 27.

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 unlike any other. The show starts from 7-9 pm. Pre-sale is 220rmb, the door sale price is 250rmb.

Students of the Shanghai Orchestra Academy combine with students from the Yang View Too Conservatory in Singapore to present classical works of Mozart at the Jaguar Shanghai Symphony Hall. On the playbill: Mozart: Horn Quintet in E flat major; Friedrich Kurau: Grand Quartet for Flute in E minor; and Mozart: String Quartet No. 15 in D minor. The performance is one night only on Sunday, May 26. Starts 7:15pm.

Dining and Tastings

Free-flow natural wine, tavern-style pizza, and snacks. DJ Rain and SpaceReturn spinning funk, soul, 80's synth wave, and old-school hip hop all night. Should be cray. Starts 9:30pm. No entry fee. 349rmb for the free-flow package, includes natural wine, highballs, tavern-style pizzas and snacks from ZUP. Drink tickets, 3 for 180rmb.

Family Friendly

Originating in California in 2006, Maker Faire is an immersive festival where you can join interactive workshops and hands-on activities. 3D printing, robotics, drones, and woodworking — really kid-friendly. After a year’s absence, it’s back at The Central. The previous 2021 event attracted more than 20,000 visitors. And it’s going to be bigger this year because they will do it two weekends back to back. The 2023 edition adds more science shows, entertainment, and a food market. So don’t worry if you get hungry. Kids under 1.2 meters have free access. Pets are not allowed during this event.

The Pearl has been receiving so many requests for family-friendly shows and is happy to oblige. They are pleased to create a series of shows on Sunday afternoons that fans of all ages are welcome to join as the Pearl believes it’s important for new generations to experience live entertainment. Along with the live entertainment, Chef Lung will be creating a special brunch menu featuring brunch staples like eggs benedict but also some of his specialties like Montreal smoked meat and poutine! The kitchen will be open at 12:00 noon and the show will start at 1pm.

Community Spirit

Join the Benelux Chamber on Friday, May 26, 2023, for a visit to Alibaba Hangzhou. Located in the center of the Alibaba Group headquarters in Hangzhou, the pavilion you will visit is one of the most important external windows of the Alibaba Group. During the visit, you will explore Alibaba Group and will be able to see an overview of its continuous investment in technology over the past two decades. The pavilion showcases its culture and technology development through innovative exhibition methods, including high-definition projection, LCD splicing units, and holographic projection. This visit will also provide insights into Alibaba's role in corporate digital transformation solutions, including the AI model revealed at the annual summit of Alibaba Cloud in early April. Reserve your seat now by clicking the link below/ scanning the QR code below, as there are only 30 seats available. ATTENTION! Make sure to register with your legal full name, corresponding to your ID/passport.

Social Supply's annual FEAST summer gastronomic festival returns with 50+ food and beverage stalls in a new location at TX Huaihai Lu. Meet your favorite chefs, bars and alcohol suppliers at this festival happening on two weekends. 120rmb includes entrance to the festival and 4 coupons for food or drinks. Check out their WeChat post for more details.

ASAS Archery Battle is played similar to dodgeball with bow and foam-tipped arrows, combining running, dodging, and shooting. "This exciting action-packed game offers the ultimate family-friendly experience that engages everyone. the game you never outgrow! Shooting, Dodging and Battle Game." The whole event lasts two hours, starting at 1:30pm. Scan the QR code on the flyer for more information and to sign up. Early bird: 95rmb; Regular: 110rmb.

...And one for the road.

A three-story water resort with 15,000 sqm of hot springs and outdoor swimming pools, massage services, rest areas, and activities to keep your kids entertained while you relax. Their special deal for SmartShanghai readers is back online from March 10 to May 31, 2023, one adult ticket is 108rmb with one fruit tea on weekdays or 128rmb with one fruit tea on weekends/holidays, one kid ticket is 49rmb. opening hours: Daily 24 hours.