The 5 best events this week

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 5-22: Arena en los Bolsillos: Little Max

Founded in Granada, Spain in 2008, Arena en los Bolsillos is a professional theater company specializing in puppet and object theater for babies and toddlers. This time, they will present a show called Little Max, which focuses on a 2-year-old girl with a flipper for a foot. The show will impress you by its amazing setting as well as bring you and your little ones some food for thought.

Apr 5-22, times vary; RMB240. Art Space for Kids. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Apr 5-22: French Musical Romeo and Juliet

Romeo & Juliet is a hit musical show bringing a timeless story and mythical characters to life. This French musical has been delivered around the world, for more than 15 years. The story and message of Romeo & Juliet talks to all generations, and everyone is bound to enjoy this well-rehearsed version.

Apr 5-22, times vary; RMB180-880. Shanghai Culture Square. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Apr 6-8: Pet Expo 2018

Pet lovers rejoice, the Pet Expo 2018 is just around the corner. Here you can purchase discounted pet supplies from around the world, collect free gifts and samples from exhibitors, meet cats and dogs of different breeds, and view rare pets.

Fri Apr 6, 9.30am-5pm; Sat Apr 7, 9am-5pm; Sun Apr 8, 9am-3pm; RMB50. Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center. See event listing.

All Month: NBA Playzone

For the first time, NBA China will host a basketball-themed indoor attraction created especially for kids. NBA mascots Clutch from the Houston Rockets and Benny the Bull for the Chicago Bulls will make regular appearances to play, and the zone features 10 signature games, including trampoline dunk zone, arts and crafts area and interactive halftime live exhibit.

10am-8pm; RMB150 per adult and child. NBA Playzone. See event listing. Book tickets here.

The 5 best upcoming events

April 21-29: Puppet Show - Little Wizards

Brought to you by Varna State Puppet Theatre from Bulgaria, the puppet show is about a weird old man who cannot smile and seldom talks to others. He keeps his eccentric lifestyle until one day he meets four little wizards. Premiered in 2014, the show has been put on hundreds of times in Bulgaria and abroad, and has won numerous international awards. 

Apr 21-22 & 28-29, 10.30am & 3pm; RMB180. Ciro's Performing Arts Theater. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Apr 21: Laputa: Castle in the Sky Concert

Japanese animation lovers will adore this multimedia concert, which features compositions from a variety of Hayao Miyazaki’s greatest movies. From classics like Castle in the Sky, to My Neighbour Totoro, to Princess Mononoke and the Oscar-winning Spirited Away, the whole audience will feel a wave of nostalgia upon listening to these stunningly crafted songs—all due to the immense talents of composer Joe Hisaishi and director Hayao Miyazaki.

Sat Apr 21, 7.30pm; RMB120-380. Shanghai Centre Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.

May 19: KIBUBU by Marie de Jongh

In this Spanish show, you will meet Xebas and Cocó. The clown duet decides to introduce a real gorilla to their new show to impress the audience. However, things may not go well as they expected. More than merely a comedy, both children and adults will be brought to laughter and given meaningful content to think about.

Sat May 19, 10.30am & 3.30pm; RMB180-380. Daguan Theater. See event listing. Book tickets here.

July 5-8: Dora the Explorer Live - Search for the City of Lost Toys

Everyone's favorite explorer is embarking on a live musical adventure in Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys. Dora the Explorer has lost her teddy bear Osito, and the search is on to retrieve him. Dora the Explorer fans will delight in the story, which invites them to think, sing and play along.

English version: Thu Jul 5, 7.30pm; Sat Jul 7, 10.30am; Sun Jul 8, 3.30pm. Chinese versions: Fri-Sat July 6-7, 3.30pm & 7.30pm; Sun July 8, 10.30am & 7.30pm. RMB180-480. Shanghai Children's Art Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Jul 11-15: Kinky Boots

As the winner of six 2013 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Kinky Boots has taken over Broadway and The West End for over 6 years, as well as stage performances all over the world. Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you through the story of Charlie Price, who struggles to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business. This performance is a joyous musical celebration about the friendships we discover, as well as the belief that you can change the world with as long as you have the right mindset.

Jul 11-13, Jul 15, 7.30pm; Jul 14, 2pm or 7.30pm. Shanghai Culture Square. See event listing. Book tickets here.