Dog days of summer, y'all! We're embracing any excuse to sit in an air-conditioned bar, drink beer, and watch television and for the next few weeks, we've got a good one: the FIFA Women's World Cup is on with games showing at a reasonable hour (Australia and New Zealand are hosting). We're looking at the schedule, and it's mostly afternoon and early evening games, with China starting their group matches this Friday at 7pm against Haiti.

Sort yourself out for a sports bar for that and ride on into the weekend with the rest of all this wonderful stuff...

Nightlife and Clubbing

With one of the best skyline views in Shanghai, Wanda Reign on the Bund and FoS will be hosting this party featuring 8 hours of Latino music under the sun and stars. Other than live DJs spinning Latino tunes, you can also expect a Salsa show, Latino cuisine and drinks. Join the party with your most colorful and festive wear. Early bird only costs 98rmb, and the presale price is 128rmb. All tickets include 1 drink.

One of the biggest names in hip hop to perform in Shanghai in like... forever, frequent Kanye West collaborator Ty Dolla $ign is at new club La Fin on the 6th floor of INS in Fuxing Park. He's got collaborations with basically everyone in modern hip hop and R N B from Ariana Grande to Rhianna to Nikki Minaj to Anderson .Paak. Pre-sales are 388rmb; 488rmb at the door.  

Big night of psy trance down at System with special guest DJ in from Japan DJ Morrieo (Parvati). Expect the massive outpouring of positive goa trance energy in the industrial club, with special decore, fire performances, and trippy visuals to help you along the freakout. 100rmb. Starts 10pm. 

Shanghai's most classic French National Day celebration returns to Mr & Mrs Bund. The Bingo Boum is back with amazing prizes up for grabs -- Niu scooters, Hermes gear, Dior sunglasses, caviar packages, gins, wines, dining vouchers to the city's top venues, and more. Late night menu from 380rmb. All guests at dinner and bingo are invited to the National Day party afterward. Starts 9pm. 

Party impressarios Space Panda hosts the Belfast-born house-head Dee Montero back to Shanghai! Releases on Diynamic, All Day I Dream, Anjunadeep and Knee Deep In Sound, Dee returns for "Welcome to After Dark at the Electric Circus", at The Shanghai EDITION. "Expect nothing but the best music by Dee and 6 of our supporting DJs for the best crowd." Tickets are  128rmb to 168rmb, including a drink. Starts 9pm. 

DJs and drag performers keeping things bouncey and provocative at the Queerest party down at beloved basement club Elevator. Performers, Chyna, Namalily, Amber Hurt, and Yihao are joined by DJs Huizit, Huan Huan and more. 119rmb at the door, includes a shot. Starts 10pm. 

Unleash your very own Herculean and Aphrodite spirits because it's time to go Greeeek! The Secret Greek Mansion awaits you, filled with opulence and ancient allure as Nova Events & Paramount Events presents this party at Brezza by Beach House on 22nd July from 8 pm until 2 am. White columns rise to the heavens, framing an open-air courtyard adorned with vibrant bougainvillea. Savor Greek delicacies, dance to traditional music, and bask in the elegance of Greek-style oasis. Delight in the flavors of authentic Greek cuisine, dance to lively bouzouki music and embrace the vibrant atmosphere adorned with olive branches and azure accents. 

Dining and Tastings

Balmy nights, festive vibes, flowing wines. A sagra is a local festival usually in a field or piazza, that is dedicated to a Saint Patron or food. Yaya’s has teamed up with natural wine purveyors Simple Drinks to celebrate one of the holiest foods, the mushroom, and throw their Sagra Dei Funghi (aka Mushroom Festival). Summer is the season of wild Yunnan mushrooms, and Chef Dan has created some special mushroom dishes to pair perfectly with wines from soulful Umbrian winery, Anne-santi. A party is not a party without music, an DJ Tatz (GARDEN) will be playing in The Pasta Room late into the night.

Buenos días, sexy amigos! Tomatito is back with another Pinoy Pop-Up Brunch on July 22. head down for a taste of the Philippines in the popular tapas restaurant. off-the-menu Pinoy tapas from 55rmb, available from 11:30am to 3pm. 

Popular creative modern Indian restaurant Anohki is serving half-price sparkling wine to all guests, ringing in the weekend in bubbling style. Kick off your Friday with a nice meal and discount wine, available from open till close, 11 am to 11 pm. 

Live Music and Stage

On the east coast of Taiwan, there is a young Taiwanese artist named Matzka, who blends reggae music with his indigenous tribal traditions and urban pop influences that he grew up with. He continuously incorporates elements of rock, electronic, afrobeat, and hip-hop, making him a unique presence in the Chinese music scene for decades. Since his debut, Matzka has reached the pinnacle of success with his award-winning album "Matzka." As a singer, songwriter, and producer, his music embodies a distinctiveness in conceptualization and exploration beyond that of a typical artist. Blue Note hosts him on a summer night for one performance only. Advance Tickets are 239rmb; on-site tickets are 299rmb.

1st Crescendo is the first in a new series - a festival highlighting the transporting, mystifying, and beguiling world of experimental, instrumental, and improvisational rock music. Acts include Dijiang by the Yang River - the sound collective that combines elements of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism with the globally-reaching aesthetics of world music. Dreaming Julie - the madcap Beijing freak jazz trio, as well as Changchun psych trio Rough Image, who hail from the bitter and rugged edges of northeast China, reveling in the underbelly of improvisational rock and roll. Rounding out the night will be the latest improvisational multi-media experiment from musician Zhang Jianfeng (guitarist of Qinghai post-rock outfit Tation. Presale 160rmb; door 180rmb. Start 7:30pm. 

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.

Welcome to the dark stage of ‘The Smile Off Your Face’, a performance that resolutely offers a totally different viewing experience. Actually it's not about viewing. You are blindfolded. You are tied up in a wheelchair. There is no stage. There's no audience, no place where actors perform under the lights. Actually you don't know where you are, but you have your suspicions. You are imagining something. Maybe you were here before. Maybe not. Originally created by Gent-based theatre company Ontroerend Goed, this new version is co-produced by Shanghai Culture Square, Tempest Projects and Fairchild Productions. The audience will be guided by the performers throughout the show in darkness. They’re offering an unexpected sensual experience, with a series of questions that touch your soul. Every time the audience lift the blindfold reveals a surprise.

Community Spirit

Listen to some riveting literature, have some drinks, and enjoy some company at I Love Shanghai. From poetry to non-fiction, you'll get to listen to literature written by Shanghai's awesome writing community. If you'd like to read your fabulous literary work on the mic, contact Tiana at We Chat ID TianaMinglan. Free entry. Starts 7pm. 

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. Their "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 Fun

Meet Piinky Riinkie - get ready to dive headfirst into the pinkest summer party in Shanghai! As always, RIINK is armed to the teeth with props, wigs and a whole lot of pink, all set to whisk you away to a dreamland draped in Barbie hue. DJ will be serving up a sizzling mix of surf rock and pop, imagine sun-kissed LA beachside vibes, but right here in the heart of Jing'an. Summer drinks and delicious bites, available to order from our bar and kitchen all day. And for those who want to roll in style, skate package deal is available.  Show up in your pinkest attire at RIINK for a chance to win some fantastically fun prizes. Scan code on flyer for more details. Starts 7pm every day this weekend. 

Mountain Cat Club is a Shanghai-based outdoor club that specializes in small-group hikes off the beaten path. Their goal is to explore the hidden gems of nature in the most exciting way, with activities including bouldering, rock climbing, river hiking, snow mountaineering, and more. They're hosting a dog-friendly day trip out to Ningbo: "KaoLao Moutain is only a two-hour drive away from Shanghai. It’s a 2km hiking trail with a breathtaking view and some nice pools along the way, making it a perfect destination for you to bring your dogs for some water activities." Contact the company directly for more information. Pricing is split by the amount of participants. (Around 300rmb.) 

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.

...And We're Looking Forward to...

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.