The 5 best events this week
Mar 8: John Legend
Singer-songwriter extraordinaire John Legend comes to Shanghai for a major stadium show at the Mercedes-Benz Arena to promote his latest album, Darkness and Light. Over the course of five albums, Legend has won a whopping 10 Grammy Awards for his pop-inflected R&B, as well as an Academy Award and a Tony. He’s also worked with everyone from Ariana Grande to Kanye West to Lauryn Hill, and co-starred in La La Land.
Thu Mar 8, 8pm, RMB380-1,280. Mercedes-Benz Arena. See event listing. Book tickets here.
Mar 8 – Apr 1: Up & Over It: Into the Water
Into the Water is a foot-stomping, hand-tapping show set in a magical wasteland, where anything is possible and friendship is everything. Packed with dance and percussion, this show sees hands and feet fly at breathtaking speed, in a cheerful jumble of rhythmic precision and folk-filled fun.
7.30pm; RMB240. Art Space for Kids. See event listing. Book tickets here.
Mar 10-11: Baby Loves Chinese Culture: Mongolian Gala
To bring kids their beautiful cultural heritage and spark their cultural confidence, Shanghai Children's Art Theatre, in conjunction with the top-level ethnic performing groups, created this brand new series. Through the song and dance performance, kids can not only enjoy the combination of stage show and costumes and instruments exhibition, but also get to appreciate the rich and diversified Chinese ethnic culture.
10.30am or 2.30pm; RMB180-380. Shanghai Children's Art Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.
Mar 11: Laputa: Castle in the Sky Concert
This multimedia concert features songs from Studio Ghibli animated classics including the Oscar-winning Spirited Away. One for slightly older kids as it starts at 7.30pm, but definitely worth staying up past their bedtime for.
Sun Mar 11, 7.30pm; RMB120-380. Shanghai Concert Hall. See event listing. Book tickets here.
All Month: Lettres du Voyant
The exhibition, which is titled Lettres du Voyant ('letters of the Seer'), is brought by German artist Joseph Beuys and Korean-American artist Nam June Paik. Joseph Beuys is the most radical and influential performance artist and political activist in the second half of the 20th century, while Nam June Paik is widely credited as one of the most important visual artists in the world in addition to the pioneer and founder of new media art and video installation art. Together they will bring you a visual feast you've never seen before.
10am-10pm (closed Mondays); RMB40-80. How Art Museum. See event listing.
The 5 best upcoming events
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.
Mar 25: Samajam: Kids Show
A music show where the kids become the stars. Each child will receive instruments to become involved in making some amazing music together. What are you still waiting for? Book now and take your children to this creative event and uncover their inner musical potential.
Sun Mar 25, 1.15pm or 4.15pm; RMB180-350. ET Space. See event listing. Book tickets here.
Apr 13-15: F1 Family Package - 2018 FORMULA 1 (F1) CHINESE GRAND PRIX
This spring, don’t miss the greatest racing show on earth, as the pinnacle of racing technology hurtles around China’s finest track, at breakneck speeds. You know what’s even better? Some pretty amazing deals for parents who want to bring their kids along!
Fri-Sun Apr 13-15; From RMB1,462 (1 adult + 1 child). Shanghai International Circuit. See event listing. Book tickets here.
July 5-8: PAW Patrol Live! "Race to the Rescue"
If your kid is a diehard PAW Patrol fan, then you are in luck because the live show is coming to Shanghai. Featuring action and practical knowledge, the series is popular among kids all around the world and has been aired in over 160 countries. What are you waiting for? Grab your kids to the adventure packed with surprises and laughters.
English version: Sat July 7, 3.30pm. Chinese versions: Thu-Fri July 5-6, 7.30pm; Sat July 7, 10.30am; Sun July 8, 10.30am or 7.30pm. RMB180-580. Shanghai Culture Square. See event listing. Book tickets here.