The 5 best events this week

Feb 12-23: Chinese New Year Sports Camps 

Sport for Life brings back their popular Mixed Sports Camps over Chinese New Year to keep your kids active over the holiday with a range of sports and activities. This year also features a swim camp in a heated pool in downtown Puxi. Two sessions (Camp 1: Feb 12-16; Camp 2: Feb 19-23) are on offer.

9am-3pm. Sport for Life. See event listing.

Feb 13-14: Shanghai Ballet - The Butterfly Lovers

The Shanghai Ballet has been dazzling audiences around the world since 1979, and one of their classic performances is this rendition of The Butterfly Lovers, a traditional Tang Dynasty story that is considered the Chinese equivalent of Romeo and Juliet. Catch their latest performance of this touching story at the Shanghai International Dance Center.

Tue-Wed Feb 13-14, 7.30pm; RMB580-680. Shanghai International Dance Center. See event listing.

All Month: MusicLAB

The aim of MusicLAB is to encourage kids to experiment, feel, enjoy and understand music so they can improve their skills based on their passion and willingness to learn. This experience will provide a platform for children to develop creativity, teamwork, emotional intelligence and self-confidence. It’s definitely worth a try!

9am-3pm; From RMB500. MusicLAB Academy. See event listing. Book tickets here. 

All Month: NBA Playzone

Being the first NBA-themed indoor attraction designed for children and their families in China, the NBA Playzone will bring NBA excitement through a variety of basketball-inspired play areas and activities. Still open during the Spring Festival, the 1,500-square-meter destination will be a great option for you and your little ones over the festival season.

10am-4.30pm (Feb 15), 11.30am-4.30pm (Feb 16-17), 10am-8pm (ordinary days); From RMB209 (One Adult + One Child). NBA Playzone. See event listing. Book tickets here.

All Month: Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland has caught many children and families’ hearts in China since it opened in 2016. Those based in Shanghai and tourists alike continue to line up at the gate every day, regardless of the weather. With Toy Story Land, the seventh unique and unforgettable theme land on the horizon, there’s now even more reason to keep going back.

9am-9pm; From RMB375. Shanghai Disneyland. See event listing. Book tickets here.

The 5 best upcoming events

Feb 19-20: Circus Nur Theatre: Alexander & The Dog

Alexander and the Dog is an adorable play where the characters are played by comical performance artists...and real dogs. Children will adore this show, and are even encouraged to interact with the cute lil pooches. Don't miss the photo opportunity at the end, and look out for your surprise gift!

Mon Feb 19, 7.30pm; Tue Feb 20, 10am, 3pm, 7.30pm; RMB 80-380. Shanghai PG Theater. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Feb 25: NT Live: Saint Joan

NT Live, a program from the National Theater of London that screens its performances for audiences across the world, kicks off a season of acclaimed theatric shows with Saint Joan. British actress Gemma Arterton gives an electrifying performance as the titular character in this experimental take on the classic play by George Bernard Shaw. Enjoy this blend of modern technology with 15th century France that makes history relevant for teens and adults.

Sun Feb 25, 2.30pm; RMB100-200. Huangpu Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Mar 16-25: La Petita Malumaluga: Beatles for Babies

In this lovely tribute to The Beatles, La Petita Malumaluga adapts classic songs like Yesterday, Let it Be and Hey Jude into new arrangements that the kids will love. Go and have a sing-song and introduce these timeless classics to your children. You'll also be encouraged to storm the stage and participate.

Mar 16-25, 9.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am; RMB340 (2 tickets). Shanghai Children Art Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Mar 21-25: Aga-Boom

The highly-acclaimed Aga-Boom is coming to Shanghai this March. Taking inspiration from European theatrics and clowning, Aga-Boom cuts through the barriers of language and culture by using the art of slapstick comedy. A truly delightful show for the whole family.

Mar 21-23, 7.30pm; Mar 24, 2pm, 7.30pm; Mar 25, 10.30am, 2pm. RMB180-580. Shanghai PG Theater. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Apr 20-21: Bruno Mars – 24K Magic World Tour 2018

Cheer up, Bruno Mars fans! ‘Cause the pop megastar will head to Shanghai in April this year. Since he first appeared on the scene in late 2009, the eleven-time Grammy Awards winner quickly takes the world by storm with his hit songs like ‘Just the Way You Are’, ‘Grenade’ and ‘Uptown Funk’. Whether you are his fan or not, it’s just a matter of time before you get influenced by his rhythm. Are you ready to feel his 24K magic? 

Fri-Sat Apr 20-21, 8pm-10pm; From RMB480. Mercedes-Benz Arena. See event listing.