The 5 best events this week

March 31-Apr 1: Urban Family Shanghai Young Scholars' Day and Easter Brunch

Easter is almost upon us and we invite all families to join this festive event over the weekend. We have prepared delicious brunch menu with entertainment for you and your little ones to indulge. After the feast, there will be workshops which will deliver a myriad of valuable information on topics such as early childhood education, debating, mathematics and technology. What are you still waiting for? Book now to enjoy an Urban Family Easter.

11.30am-3pm; RMB428 (adults) and RMB214 (child aged 4-12). InterContinental Shanghai Expo. See event listing.

Mar 30-Apr 1: Hofesh Shechter Company: Grand Finale

Internationally celebrated choreographer, Hofesh Shechter's latest work is bold and ambitious, featuring ten dancers and six musicians. The piece combines dance, theatre and comedy to form a performance full of energy and fun. The show has been nominated by the Olivier Awards as one of the best new dance productions, and you have to experience it yourself to understand why.

Mar 30-31, 7.30pm; Apr 1, 2pm; RMB280-1,080. Shanghai International Dance Center. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Mar 31-Apr 1: Commune Market Spring Market 

Commune Market is back to showcase the many talented and diverse movers and shakers in Shanghai. Bringing you a blend of gourmet food, international culture, unique retail, music and drinks for a fun and vibrant weekend. Come to Commune Market, a creative platform for local designers, entrepreneurs and unique brands to develop awareness and to grow their businesses.

Noon-6pm; free entry. naked Hub (Hunan Lu). See event listing.

Apr 4: James Blunt Afterlove Tour

Brace yourselves, Blunt fans! The one-and-only British heartthrob is coming to Shanghai this spring. The visit is part of the recording artist’s Afterlove Tour, a global, multi-month whirlwind that will span four continents. While the circuit is primarily intended to promote the singer-songwriter's latest album, The Afterlove, fans in China can still expect to hear plenty of their favorite classics.

Wed Apr 4, 8pm; RMB380-980. Mercedes-Benz Arena. 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.

The 5 best upcoming events

Apr 21-22: Baby Loves Chinese Opera - Sichuan Opera & Pingtan

Shanghai Children’s Art Theatre brings the third series to the stage in 2018: Baby Loves Chinese Opera. In these four plays staged throughout the year, combined with exhibitions and workshops, the theatre will immerse children in the charm of Chinese opera, to ignite their interest in these traditional performing arts.

Sat Apr 21 (Sichuan Opera) or Sun Apr 22 (Pingtan), 10.30am or 2.30pm; RMB80. Shanghai Children's Art Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Apr 30-May 1: Puppet Show - The Ugly Duckling

You may know the story of The Ugly Duckling, which was written by Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen and became a fairy tale beloved by people around the world. But have you seen the story presented in the form of puppet play? Brought to you by Shanghai Puppet Play Company, your little ones will not only gain some food for thought, but also feel the charm of puppet play.

10am or 2pm; RMB80-100. Ciro's Performing Arts Theater. See event listing. Book tickets here.

May 9-13: Fireflies: Shadow Kingdom

In the show, actors will tell vignettes from various cartoon worlds, using actors behind a semitransparent screen to illustrate lovable, well-known characters living different scenes from their lives. Prepare to go on an adventure with characters including Alice, Elsa and Aladdin and explore the mysterious world of shadows.

May 9-11, 7.30pm; May 12-13, 10.30am or 2pm; RMB80-380. ET Space. See event listing. Book tickets here.

May 11-13: Guess How Much I Love You

Based on Sam McBratney’s beloved children’s classic, the show is about the tale of Little and Big Nutbrown Hare, who compete to measure their love for each other in what has become a classic, lovable story. Join the two bunnies as they jump off the pages and onto the stage, in a live, magical journey that is perfect for tiny theatergoers.

May 11, 7.30pm; May 12, 10.30am or 2.30pm or 4.30pm or 7.30pm; May 13, 10.30am; RMB100-380. Shanghai Centre Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Jun 3: Family Comedy Show: ¡Muu!2 

¡Muu!2 is a satire about the world of bullfighting. The sense of honor, the macho posturing, the bravery, the national festival and animal cruelty, wrapped up in the sacred values continuing well into the 21st century that pit man against beast.

Sun Jun 3, 10.30am or 4.30pm; RMB144-304. Daguan Theater. See event listing. Book tickets here.