Best Events This Week
Apr 29-May 2: JZ Spring Fest
Flyer via promoter
The 6th annual jazz festival will feature over a hundred local and international jazz musicians including some big names such as Laura Fygi, John Daversa and Journey drummer Steve Smith. Artists will play across multiple stages during the multiday festival. Ranging from blues to funk and Latin fusion to R&B, it's a diverse and impressive lineup that'll turn any pair of ordinary sneakers into dancing shoes. All outdoor concerts are free, but you can buy tickets for headliners like Fygi and Daversa.
Apr 29 - May 2, varying times, RMB680 (all outdoor performances free). Shanghai Center Theatre, see event listing. Book tickets here.
Apr 30-May 2: Spirit of Ireland
Image via 247tickets
Featuring top dancers and musicians from the hometown of RIVERDANCE and LORD OF THE DANCE, this stage production will present you with an unforgiving and mesmerizing experience of authentic Irish music and dance. Expect one of the most popular and astonishing shows from Ireland which will display the tradition and core of the country.
Apr 30-May 2, 7.15pm. RMB80-680. Shanghai Oriental Art Center - Opera Hall, see event listing. Book tickets here.
May 3-5: Longines Global Champions Tour
Image via promoter
The Longines Global Champions Tour is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. During the global tour, jumping horses from Europe and the Americas compete in cities all around the world. The event will stop off right here in Shanghai from May 3-5. Every year, the world’s top riders and nearly 100 top horses attend the Shanghai Longines Global Champions Tour. The three-day event will attract over 25,000 people and over 10 million viewers on Chinese TV. Just like last year, the China (Shanghai) International Horse Fair will be held at the same time for those who’d like to check it out.
May 3-5, RMB180-670. Shanghai World Expo Equestrian Park, see event listing. Book tickets here.
May 4-5: Magic Drama: One Starry Night: Out of the Blue
Image via promoter
This magical event is the perfect way to introduce your little ones to the world of art, music and culture. One Starry Night: Out of the Blue takes you and your family on a journey filled with art, music and education. By exploring such a fun and joy-filled environment, your children will be inspired to explore the beauty of art and music.
May 4-5, 10.30am & 3.30pm. RMB180-380. Lyceum Theatre, see event listing. Purchase tickets here.
All Month: Peppa Pig World of Play
Image via Peppa Pig World of Play
Peppa Pig World of Play is an indoor theme park built specially for preschoolers and their families. With 10 different play areas, children can immerse themselves in specific scenes and locations from the Peppa Pig TV series. This is an excellent choice for Peppa fans, young and old, to enjoy a special adventure with all the charters from the show.
10am-7pm (Mon-Fri), 10am-8pm (Sat-Sun). One adult plus one child: RMB158 Mon-Fri, RMB210 Sat-Sun; Additional adult: RMB50 Mon-Fi, RMB70 Sat-Sun; Additional child: RMB100 Mon-Fri, RMB140 Sat-Sun. Peppa Pig World of Play, see event listing. Book tickets here.
Best Upcoming Events
May 10-12: 2019 Shanghai Jing'an World Coffee Culture Festival
Image via promoter
Coffee lovers rejoice! The Shanghai Jing'an World Coffee Culture Festival is headed back to town this summer. Expect to sample goods from the best coffee brands, snack on delectable desserts and creative dishes, shop for one-of-a-kind goods, groove to jazz and electronic music, marvel at art installations and listen to cultural talks. Oh, and drink lots of coffee while you're at it!
May 10-12, 11.30am-8.30pm. RMB30-100. 4/F, HKRI Taikoo Hui, see event listing. Book tickets here.
May 10-12: Mixnanza Cocktail Festival & Beernanza Beer Festival
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Shanghai's booziest festival is headed to town. Both the Mixnanza Cocktail Festival and Beernanza Beer Festival will take place at the historical Okura Garden Park from May 10-12. Both festivals will take place simultaneously, so whether you're a beer person or a cocktail person, there's something to suit all tastes.
Fri May 10, 6pm-10.30pm. Sat-Sun May 11-12, 12.45am-10.30pm. RMB70. Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai. Mixnanza Cocktail Festival, see event listing, purchase tickets here. Beernanza Beer Festival, see event listing, purchase tickets here.
May 11-12: Young Botanist
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Tailored for kids between five and 10, Young Botanist offers children an opportunity to explore nature and obtain knowledge even adults are not familiar with. Through three specially-designed classes - Laboratory of Leaves and Fruits; World of Flowers; and Botanist's Perspectives on Delicacies - kids get to gain knowledge about botany from different angles.
May 11-12. RMB2,021 (sign up before Apr 19). Camphor Tree Valley Ningbo, see event listing. Book tickets here.
May 15: Jason Mraz
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Multiple Grammy Award winning artist Jason Mraz is bringing his Good Vibes Tour to Shanghai. Coming onto the scene in the early-2000s, the California-native quickly became known for his soulful folk-pop such as 'I'm Yours' and 'I Won't Give Up.' Over the years, he has won various awards and honors. Don't miss your chance at his exclusive one-night only concert.
May 15, 8pm. RMB480-1,580. Mercedes-Benz Arena, see event listing. Purchase tickets here.
May 17: Daya
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Ultra-popular American singer and songwriter Daya is all set to perform in Shanghai this May. Daya – which means 'compassion' in Sanskrit – released her first album Sit Still, Look Pretty in 2016 and it's been uphill from there. In 2017, her smash hit "Don't Let Me Down" won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording. Daya's Shanghai show is bound to be popular, so you might want to snag your tickets ASAP.
Fri May 17. RMB380-680. VAS Livehouse, see event listing. Purchase tickets here.
May 18-19: Sound of Spring
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It's that time of year again where Urban Family and That's Shanghai will take over Green City in Jinqiao for our annual Sound of Spring festival. This year’s event will be held on the weekend of May 18-19, and will packed with all sorts of activities from music to luxury camping.
May 18-19, 10am-4pm. One-day pass: RMB120 (free entry for kids under 16-year-old), early-bird: one-day: RMB 100. Purchase tickets here.
May 23-24: Sophie Zelmani: Sunrise Tour
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Swedish singer/songwriter Sophie Zelmani lands in Shanghai this spring as part of her Sunrise Tour. Since the release of her self-titled debut album in 1995, audiences around the globe have lauded Zelmani's whispery folk-pop songs about life and love. She'll be performing the heartwarming classics along with new hits from her 2017 album My Song at Modern Sky Lab in May.
May 23-24, 7.30pm. RMB280-480. Modern Sky Lab, see event listing. Purchase tickets here.
May 24: Der Elefantenpups - Ein Tierischer Geheimplan
Image via promoter
If you're looking for a fun, interactive and kid-friendly event, you're in luck! The music-filled Der Elefantenpups - Ein Tierischer Geheimplan will be held at ET Space on May 24-25. This time around, a new animal joins the zoo: a young female panda named Mei Yue. Being in a new place means she's suffering from homesickness and would do anything to be able to return home to China. The zoo animals work together and hatch a secret plan to cheer up Mei Yue. They make music for her with their instruments. In the end, the panda cub is able to happily settle into her new home with her new friends. Throughout the journey, kids can learn about various musical instruments and their unique timbres through a fun and sweet story. Your little ones are sure to love it!
May 24, 7.30pm / May 25, 10.30am & 3.30pm; RMB120-380. ET Space, see event listing. Purchase tickets here.
May 26: Emma the Snail
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If you're looking for something fun to do with your little ones, this might just be the perfect event. It's a touching, bilingual German-English tale of a snail named Emma who wants nothing more than to find a new home. Unhappy with her current broken home, she starts a long and adventurous journey for a perfect replacement. She is finally able to find the perfect home in the most unlikely place. It's fun for the whole family.
Sun May 26, 10.30am 3.30pm. RMB180-480. ET Space, see event listing. Purchase tickets here.
Jun 1-2: SAMAjAM 2 - Super Djembe
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The sequel to China's most popular musical kids' show is headed to Shanghai. With brand new musical instruments, improved settings plus more vibrating rhythms, SAMAjAM 2 - Super Djembe is sure to grant families with 200% participation and 200% fun.
Sat Jun 1, 7.30pm. Sun Jun 2, 10.30am or 3.30pm. RMB180-480. Majestic Theatre, see events listing. Book tickets here.
Jun 2: Toyota AFL Premiership Season St Kilda vs. Port Adelaide
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The Aussie Rules Footy League returns this June! And it's a real doozy: Melbourne's St. Kilda FC taking on Port Adelaide at Shanghai's Jiangwan Stadium. Whether you're new to the game and looking for a whopper of an introduction to AFL, a devout Saint, or a diehard Prison Bar there's only one place to be this June. This matchup is not to be missed!
Sun June 2, 12.20pm. RMB100-2,980. Adelaide Arena at Jiangwan Stadium, see event listing. Purchase tickets here.
Jun 13: Maki Ohguro
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Japanese singer and songwriter Maki Ohguro is all set to perform in Shanghai in June. Maki got her start in the music industry in 1989 as a backup singer for a whole slew of famous artists. She finally got her big break in 1992 with the single 'Stop Motion.' Her next single, 'Da Ka Ra' was a huge hit, selling over a million copies. She's gone on to have a successful career with 13 studio albums under her belt. Her latest record, Music Muscle, was released in 2018. Check out the pop singer in Shanghai on June 13 at Bandai Namco Shanghai Base Dream Hall.
Thu Jun 13, 7.30pm. RMB480-680. Bandai Namco Shanghai Base Dream Hall, see event listing. Purchase tickets here.
Jul 11-14: PAW Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue
Image via promoter
Based on everybody's favorite animated TV series on Nickelodeon, PAW Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue brings everybody's favorite pups to the stage for an action-packed musical adventure. PAW Patrol Live! is not only fun and entertaining, but the shows share lessons about social skills, problem solving and teamwork. The performances feature up-tempo music and captivating stories perfect for kids.
July 11-14, times vary; RMB280-580. Shanghai Culture Square, see event listing. Purchase tickets here.
[Cover image via 247tickets]
