The 5 best events this week

Oct 31: Wine & The City Presents: Sancerre vs Nelson Valley

Flyer via promoter

Be your own judge during this friendly wine dinner. France with its Loire Valley's Sancerre and New Zealand's Nelson Valley are two of the go-to regions when you want to drink Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir. But do you know which are your favorites? Are your taste buds more excited about a mineral-forward Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc or a fruitier New Zealand variety? Figure it out over five delicious courses with 20 other food and wine lovers at the iconic M on the Bund. Dress up because the party will roll straight into the M Glam 'Welcome to the Circus' event.

Wed Oct 31, 7pm, RMB550. M on the Bund, see event listing. Book tickets here.

Nov 2: Thumbelina (Puppet Show)

Image via 247tickets

Once upon a time, there was a little girl who was as small as a thumb and could float on a lily pad or ride on the back of a dragonfly. Now revamped in the form of a puppet play, the show will present you with the world-renowned tale from Hans Christian Andersen in a whole different way. Come and join Thumbelina in her adventure in the micro world and feel the magic of puppet play.

Fri Nov 2, 2pm or 7pm, RMB150-180. Ciro's Performing Arts Theater, see event listing. Book tickets here.

Nov 3-4: Scottish Dance Theatre: Innocence

Image via 247tickets

Innocence is a unique playroom performance where little ones are invited to enter a realm of mystery, fun and adventure. Presented by Scottish Dance Theatre, a contemporary dance company based at Dundee Repertory Theatre, the dance combines elements of live music, songs, giggles and animal noises to provide kids with a beautiful and engaging dance experience.

Sat Nov 3, 2pm; Sun Nov 4, 10am or 2pm; RMB150-600. Shanghai International Dance Center Experimental Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.

All Month: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Shanghai

Image via LEGOLAND

It might take another couple of years until Shanghai opens its own LEGOLAND theme park, but for the time-being, brick-aholics can visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Center to get their fix. With attractions like hands-on play area, jungle gyms and fun rides, this interactive play center inside the Changfeng Joy City makes a fantastic weekend destination for families to visit.

10am-8pm; RMB200. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Shanghai. Book tickets here.

All Month: Peppa Pig World of Play

Image via Peppa Pig World of Play

Peppa Pig World of Play is an indoor family theme park built especially for preschoolers and their families. Here, children have the chance to enter into the world of Peppa Pig, to explore, discover wondrous adventures with Peppa and her friends, and interact with them to make their trip unforgettable.

10am-7pm (Mon-Fri), 10am-8pm (Sat-Sun), From RMB158 (one child plus one adult). Peppa Pig World of Play, see event listing.

The 5 best upcoming events

Nov 6: Melbourne Cup Luncheon at Hooked

Image via promoter

It's time to pick out your hats, as Tuesday, November 6 sees Australia's most prestigious annual Thoroughbred horse race, the Melbourne Cup. Hooked is hosting a Melbourne Cup Seafood Luncheon, with RMB588 securing you a three-course seafood meal with free-flow Prosecco, Aperol Spritz, wine, beer, gin and tonics and vodka mixers. The big race will, of course, be shown on the big screen and there will be sweepstakes and prizes for best dressed. Reserve your seat right here by scanning the QR code.

Tue Nov 6, 11am-3pm, RMB588 or RMB2,999 for a table of six. Hooked. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Nov 7: Jermann Wine Dinner by Wine & The City

Image via promoter

Wine & The City is hosting yet another wine-and-food-filled dinner. This time around Alojz Felix Jermann, the son of one of Italy's most iconic winemakers, will co-host a special dinner at Isola. Along with Wine & The City, Felix will go through some of the most iconic Jermann wines and pair them with a special four-course menu made for the occasion by Isola. Dishes will include a creamy lobster bisque, seafood risotto, beef stew and soft polenta and so much more. You will spend the evening with 20 other food and wine lovers, so grab a date, a partner or fly solo and enjoy a toast with new friends. Space is limited, so get your tickets while you still can.

Wed Nov 7, 7.30pm; RMB550. Isola, see event listing. Book tickets here.

Nov 9-11: China Shanghai International Children's Book Fair 2018

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Gathering nearly 300 publishers, writers and illustrators from over 50 nations, the China Shanghai International Children's Book Fair is an epic event that any bookworm should not miss. The fair will present more than 60,000 new books from 50 countries and regions for kids and adults to immerse themselves in. There will also be a range of activities including lectures, exhibitions and workshops to inspire your little one's interest in literature.

Nov 9-11, 9am, RMB50 single-day entry, RMB78 weekend pass. Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Dec 13-16: TAP DOGS

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The tap dance sensation Tap Dogs is coming back to Shanghai! Blending live music and tap dancing as you've never seen before, the stage show has been a hit ever since its debut 23 years ago. Created by award-winning dancer and choreographer Dein Perry, Tap Dogs has taken the world by storm with its display of strength and precision in tap dancing. What are you waiting for? The show will run for a limited time, so book your tickets for this tap dance phenomenon now. 

Dec 13-14, 7.30pm, Dec 15-16, 3.30pm or 7.30pm, RMB180-680. ET Space. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Dec 24-25: Antonio Andrade - Mi Carmen Flamenca

Image via 247ticekts

Dance lovers rejoice, as Carmen, the world-renowned opera about love, death and individuality, is coming to town this Christmas. Brought by Antonio Andrade and his Andalusian Flamenco Company, the latest adaption of the opera combines jazz, Arabic music, Salsa and Flamenco. Come and enjoy this powerful and passionate show. After all, you can't go wrong with the classics.

Dec 24-25, 7.15pm, RMB80-880. Shanghai Oriental Art Center, see event listing. Book tickets here.

[Cover image by Mandy Tie/Urban Family]