The Story of Qixi, AKA Chinese Valentine’s Day
Where to Celebrate Qixi in Shanghai
Featured Events
Gasolina Fest @ Ática X La Diosa X La Social
On August 29, Shanghai’s first Latin music festival ignites across three venues.
One wristband unlocks two stages—rooftop Latin House at Ática and Reggaetón at La Diosa—plus a welcome cocktail and La Social afterparty entry.
From sunset grooves to perreo beats, Gasolina Fest turns Xinle Lu into a non‑stop Latin carnival.
Don’t miss it.
Scan the QR to get your tickets now:
Sat Aug 29, 3pm-Late; RMB100 presale, RMB120 on the door, includes a welcome cocktail
Ática & La Diosa, 82 Xinle Lu, by Xiangyang Bei Lu, Xuhui District 新乐路82号, 近襄阳北路
La Social, 5/F, 90 Shaanxi Nan Lu, by Julu Lu, 陕西南路90号五楼,近巨鹿路.
Highland Games @ NAIS Pudong
The pipes are calling once again!
After a fantastically fun first edition last year, Shanghai Scottish is proud to present the second annual Shanghai Highland Games.
Expect a vibrant day of traditional Scottish athletics, kilts, bagpipes, and community spirit at this iconic cultural celebration.
READ MORE: Kilts, Cabers & Bagpipes – Shanghai Highland Games are Back!
Tickets are priced as follows, with a limited number of Early Bird tickets being released:
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Adult: Early Bird RMB130 | Pre-sale RMB150 | Door RMB180
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Child: Early Bird RMB85 | Pre-sale RMB100 | Door RMB125
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Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Child): Early Bird RMB300 | Pre-sale RMB350 | Door RMB425
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Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Children): Early Bird RMB380 | Pre-sale RMB400 | Door RMB500
Scan the QR to get your tickets now:
Sat Sep 12, 11am-5.30pm; RMB85-500
NAIS Pudong, 2888 Junmin Gong Lu, by Henghe Zhong Lu, Pudong District 军民公路2888号, 近恒和中路
Mamma Mia! The Festival! @ Olympos Cafe & Garden Restaurant
July’s electric, sold-out extravaganza had the whole crowd singing, swaying, and spinning under the stars.
Now, Laowaijie is officially transforming back into a sun-drenched Greek island paradise, and this time, it is gonna be even bigger, even brighter, and even more unforgettable—Mamma Mia! The Festival!
For one glorious, glittering day, Olympos Cafe & Garden Restaurant is throwing open the gates to the ultimate feel-good festival of the season.
The energy kicks off at 4pm sharp, and from the very first beat, you’ll be swept away into a world of pure nostalgia, dazzling sunshine (or dancing-in-the-rain spirit!), and the unmistakable magic of ABBA.
READ MORE: ‘Mamma Mia! The Festival’ is Back at Laowaijie
Early Bird Tickets are priced as follows:
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Standard Ticket | RMB200: Includes one seat for the performance, one drink, and one meal
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Family Ticket | RMB500: Includes four seats to the performance, two drinks, and four meals (for 2 adults and 2 children under 12)
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VIP Table | RMB1,000: Includes four front-row exclusive seats to the performance, a meat and cheese platter, one jug of cocktail, and one bottle of white wine
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Kids under 5 are FREE!
Scan the QR code on the poster below to get yours now:
Sat Sep 19, 4-9pm; RMB200-1,000
Olympos, No. 2, Lane 3338 Hongmei Lu, by Hongxu Lu, Minhang District 虹梅路3338弄2号, 近虹许路
Wednesday
FOTO LIVE @ Fotografiska Shanghai
Fotografiska Shanghai hosts FOTO LIVE, showcasing avant-garde jazz musicians on the fourth-floor lounge stage.
Enjoy captivating performances and meticulously crafted cocktails, and spend quality time with friends in a modern art-enriched ambiance.
The ticket price includes a general admission pass to Fotografiska Shanghai, providing access to all current exhibitions, in addition to an evening of live music.
READ MORE: 2 New Skateboarding Shows at Fotografiska Shanghai
Scan the QR code to get your tickets now:
Wed Aug 19, 8-10pm; RMB80, ticket covers all ongoing exhibitions in Fotografiska Shanghai
Fotografiska Shanghai, 4/F, 127 Guangfu Lu, by Jinyuan Lu, Jing’an District 光复路127号, 近晋元路
Thursday
Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks @ The Rooster
Football season is almost here!
Head to The Rooster for a special Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks viewing party.
Go behind the scenes, see the battles for roster spots, and get into football mode with cold beer, hot food, and fellow fans.
Before the first snap, it starts here.
Thu Aug 20, 7pm; Free Entry
The Rooster, 107, 445 Jiangning Lu, by Wuding Lu, Jing’an District 江宁路445号107, 近武定路
20% Off!
For a limited time, snag RMB100 The Rooster vouchers for just RMB80!
Scan the QR code below to get yours now:
Trivia Thursday @ The Shed Hongqiao
Thursday Trivia returns to The Shed on Laowaijie / Hongmei Lu in Hongqiao after the summer break.
Expect 10 rounds covering everything from current events, geography, history, pop culture, music, film, and more.
There are F&B vouchers, bottles of prosecco, and rounds of shots up for grabs every week, while it is happy hour all night and chicken parma is just RMB48!
At the end of each quarterly season, the champions win even more fantastic prizes.
The quiz kicks off at 7.30pm and is all wrapped up by around 9.30pm—scan the QR code on the poster below to sign up now.
Every Thu, 7.30pm; Free Entry
The Shed Hongqiao, No. 30, Lane 3338 Hongmei Lu, by Hongxu Lu, Minhang District 虹梅路3338弄30号, 近虹许路
Friday
Speed Networking @ RIINK
Alright, everyone—time for the second Shanghai Speed Networking event, because let’s face it: great connections shouldn’t be left to chance.
Too many networking events just throw people in a room and hope something meaningful happens. But real conversations need more than just proximity.
That’s where Third Place’s Shanghai Speed Networking comes in. They’ve built a structure that actually makes connecting easier:
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3-minute conversations that build momentum
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Guided prompts that go beyond small talk
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A format that gives everyone a fair chance to participate
Meet more people. Have better conversations. Discover new opportunities.
Fri Aug 21, 7pm; Free Entry
RIINK, Shankang Li, Building 18, Room 102, 358 Kangding Lu, by Shaanxi Bei Lu 静安区康定路358号陕康里18号楼102室
The Gooda Boys @ Abbey Road
The Gooda Boys are a three-piece pop-rock band featuring Paco Marcone (Perú) on lead vocals and guitar, Nathan Denny (US) on lead guitar and vocals, and Roberto (Perú) on keyboards.
Known for playing a wide range of styles—from rock to pop to country and beyond—they have staged shows in every kind of venue, from intimate gatherings to stadiums, and performed across China for more than 18 years.
Fri Aug 21, from 7.45pm; Free Entry
Abbey Road, 3 Taojiang Lu, by Fenyang Lu 桃江路3号, 近汾阳路
Saturday
Film Screening: The Matrix
VHS Revival has once again rented out an entire cinema for a special screening, this time The Wachowskis’ 1999 dystopian sci-fi classic, The Matrix.
Scan the QR code on the poster above to reserve your seat, or find out about more special screenings.
“Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself.”
Sat Aug 22, 2pm; RMB150
Scan the QR code for details
Awari Saturdays @ Journey to Africa
Your invitation into a world of wits, seeds, and strategy.
Wari (AKA awari, oware, or awale) isn’t just a board game—it’s Africa’s favorite brain sport, played for centuries across the continent and beyond.
Quick to learn, endlessly addictive, and guaranteed to spark trash-talk among friends.
No experience needed—just bring your playful spirit!
Sat Aug 22, from 3pm; Free Entry
Room 403A, Building A, Huailian Creative Plaza, 125 Jiangsu Bei Lu, near Changning Lu, Changning District 江苏北路125号
Big Lowe’s BBQ XXI @ The Rooster
Big Lowe’s BBQ is back for their 21st BBQ pop-up. Tender, slow smoked brisket plates and sliders.
Need we say more?
Sat Aug 22, 4pm-Sold Out; Free Entry
The Rooster, 107, 445 Jiangning Lu, by Wuding Lu, Jing’an District 江宁路445号107, 近武定路
20% Off!
For a limited time, snag RMB100 The Rooster vouchers for just RMB80!
Scan the QR code below to get yours now:
Welcome Back Party @ Tacolicious
Summer break is almost over, and Tacolicious is ready to welcome everyone back the right way—with tacos, drinks, music, familiar faces, and plenty of reasons to stay out a little later than planned.
Whether everyone has been traveling, hiding from the Shanghai heat, or simply waiting for the city to come back to life, this is the night to get the crew together and start the next chapter of summer.
No homework, no uniforms, no excuses. Just show up hungry, grab a drink, find some friends, and make the first big night back count.
Sat Aug 22, from 6pm; Free Entry
Tacolicious, Room 104-105, 34 Yuyao Lu, by Xikang Lu 余姚路34号1幢104-105室, 近西康路
20% Off!
For a limited time, snag RMB100 Tacolicious vouchers for just RMB80!
Scan the QR code below to get yours now:
Behzod Abduraimov Piano Recital @ Shanghai Concert Hall
Phenomenal technique, breathtaking delicacy, and immense musical depth—these are the hallmarks of Behzod Abduraimov, one of today’s most commanding pianists.
The Uzbek-born virtuoso brings a richly contrasting program to the stage, opening with Brahms’s autumnal Four Piano Pieces (Op. 119), followed by Czerny’s dazzling Rode Variations and Liszt’s monumental Dante Sonata—a thunderous vision of heaven and hell.
After intermission, Debussy’s dreamy Suite bergamasque yields to Stravinsky’s explosive Three Movements from Petrushka, a tour de force of rhythmic intensity.
Abduraimov performs with the world’s leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and Royal Concertgebouw, and records for Alpha Classics to critical acclaim—his most recent album earning a Gramophone Editor’s Choice.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear “a pianist who simply transcends his instrument.”
Scan the QR code to get your tickets now:
Sat Aug 22, 7.30pm, RMB180-480
Shanghai Concert Hall, 523 Yan’an Dong Lu, by Jinling Zhong Lu, Huangpu District 延安东路523号, 近金陵中路
K-POP Skate Night @ RIINK
Saturday K-POP girls and boys, assemble!
Get ready to roll—K-POP fans, hold off on making other plans for Saturday night just yet. RIINK is bringing together K-POP, summer energy, and roller skating all in one place.
From the songs you have loved since childhood to the tracks that make you hum the moment the intro hits—they have got them all covered.
Come lace up your skates, blast your favourite K-POP hits, and sing and dance as much as you want.
When your legs need a break, grab a bite and a drink, recharge, and roll right back out. Whether you are a fan of 1st gen, 2nd gen, 3rd gen, 4th gen, 5th gen, or 6th gen—there is something for everyone.
Sat Aug 22, 8pm-Late; Free Entry
RIINK, Shankang Li, Building 18, Room 102, 358 Kangding Lu, by Shaanxi Bei Lu 静安区康定路358号陕康里18号楼102室
South Africa v All Blacks @ Guinness Social
Saturday night, and the All Blacks take on the Springboks in the first test of their tour of South Africa.
You can also catch the All Blacks playing the Lions at Guinness Social next Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, with a 1am kick off.
Sat Aug 22, 11.10pm; Free Entry
Wed Aug 26, 1am; Free Entry
Guinness Social by Butler & White’s, No. 7-7, Tianzifang, Lane 210 Taikang Lu, by Sinan Lu, Huangpu District 田子坊7号7室, 泰康路210弄, 近思南路
20% Off!
For a limited time, snag RMB100 Guinness Social vouchers for just RMB80!
Scan the QR code below to get yours now:
Sunday
We Love Geography Quiz + Carvery @ BNC
The quiz theme at BNC this Sunday is We Love Geography!
Family-friendly, entry to the quiz is absolutely free and there are great prizes on offer.
The carvery is just RMB128 for adults, and RMB68 for kids, lasts from 1-4pm, and includes two meats (which change each week), two types of potato, three veg, and—of course—Yorkshire puddings with your choice of beef or onion gravy and horseradish.
Better still, you can add three hours of free flow drinks for just RMB168!
Scan the QR code on the poster above to reserve your spot.
Sun Aug 23, from 1pm; Free Entry
BNC, 685 Xikang Lu, by Changping Lu, Jing’an District 西康路685号, 近昌平路
Summer Afternoon Jazz Duo @ Cotton’s
A Sunday afternoon of jazz in the beautiful Cotton’s garden.
Sun Aug 23, 2-5pm; Free Entry
Cotton’s, 294 Xinhua Lu, by Panyu Lu 新华路294号, 近番禺路
Family Show – Pop Queens @ The Pearl
The same great lineup as above, but family-friendly!
Scan the QR code to get your tickets now:
Sun Aug 23, from 4pm
Adult Free-Flow RMB199, includes 3 hours free-flow drinks
Adult Standard RMB100
Ages 6-12 RMB60
Under 5s free
The Pearl, 471 Zhapu Lu, by Wujin Lu 乍浦路471号, 近武进路
New Art Shows
Making a Scene | Inside China’s Skate Culture & Almaty Skate Girls @ Fotografiska Shanghai
Fotografiska Shanghai’s major group exhibition Skate of the Art: Skateboarding Across Cultures features 21 global artists exploring the international skate landscape.
It highlights how photography goes beyond documenting skate scenes to actively construct their cultural imagination—forging transgenerational icons, myths, and collective identities.
Until September 6, Fotografiska Shanghai and Nike SB will also jointly present two special projects—Making a Scene: Inside China’s Skate Culture and Hailun Ma’s solo exhibition Almaty Skate Girls—showcasing photography’s role in cultivating local skate culture and its emerging expressions in Central Asian cities.
READ MORE: 2 New Skateboarding Shows at Fotografiska Shanghai
Until Sep 6
Daily, 10.30am-11pm
RMB80-100, ticket covers all ongoing exhibitions in Fotografiska Shanghai
Ongoing
50% Off!
Taixu Dreamscape @ 1862 Theatre
In 1940s occupied Haicheng, an opera troupe is forced to stage The Dream of Red Mansions by foreign powers using five travel passes as bait.
But as betrayals unfold and the truth emerges, the passes reveal themselves as fiction—everyone, including the city, exists only as preordained code in a vast program.
Taixu Dreamscape revolutionizes traditional theater. Wearing Apple Vision Pro, six live performers merge with virtual characters as you explore a 360° world where reality and illusion coexist.
Powered by the world’s first theatrical deployment of 4D Gaussian Splatting, this 60-minute walking immersive experience has no fixed seats. Wherever you stand becomes your private camera angle.
Normally priced at RMB298-398, we are selling tickets to August performances of TAIXU Dreamscape for just RMB199.
READ MORE: 50% OFF! World’s 1st Mixed Reality Immersive Theater
Age: 16+.
Language: Chinese.
Note: No eyeglasses under the headset (contact lenses recommended). Not suitable for pregnant women, those 65+, or individuals with epilepsy, heart conditions, or hypertension. No late entry after 15 minutes.
Scan the QR code to get your tickets now:
Daily, 3.30pm, 5pm, 7pm & 8.30pm
RMB199
1862 Theatre, 1777 Binjiang Dadao, by Rizhao Lu, Pudong District 滨江大道1777号, 近日照路
New F&B Deals
Pasta & Pizza Club @ La Strada
Head to either La Strada Westbund Central work days 11am to 5pm for a RMB68 pasta or pizza.
Then, from 5pm, head to either La Strada location below for their Pasta Club RMB98 Work Day Set Dinner, that runs to 7pm.
READ MORE: La Strada Brings Authentic Italian to Westbund Central
La Strada, Westbund Central, 869 Xiaomuqiao Lu, by Zhongshan Nan Er Lu, Xuhui District 小木桥路 869号1楼, 近中山南二路
La Strada Taikoo Li, 1/F, Wood Zone, Taikoo Li, 500 Dongyu Lu, by Yangsi Xi Lu, Pudong District 前滩太古里木区1楼, 东育路500弄, 近杨思西路
20% Off!
Early Bird Xmas Discounts
Not quite time for Mariah Carey yet, but order in August and take advantage of a 20% discount on a whole lot of Christmas goodies from Butler & White’s and Jerry’s Christmas.
READ MORE: Gavin White – Shanghai’s King of Comfort Food
Looking Ahead
Detroit Pizza @ Homeslice
Homeslice’s monthly Detroit Pizza special returns!
Detroit Pizza is a unique (and uniquely delicious) style of pizza. A light fluffy focaccia style base, with a crazy frico cheese crust that goes right down the edges and will have you elbowing your friends out the way to get those corner pieces for yourself.
Available for one day only. Guests are encouraged to reserve theirs before they sell out.
Wed Aug 26, from 11am
Homeslice Kitchen, Shankang Li, 358 Kangding Lu, Bldg 3, Unit 103, by Shaanxi Bei Lu 康定路358号3幢103室
20% Off!
For a limited time, snag RMB100 Homeslice vouchers for just RMB80!
Scan the QR code below to get yours now:
XCHANGE TALKS — MARKET CHALLENGES @ VOXFLOR Showroom
What is really happening in Shanghai’s architecture, interior design, and construction market?
Are projects becoming harder to deliver? Are budgets, timelines and technical demands pushing teams to rethink how they work? Where are the real opportunities—and what challenges are we still struggling to solve?
XCHANGE TALKS — MARKET CHALLENGES brings together seven architects and interior designers to share real projects, experiences and the frustrations behind the work.
Beyond the talks, the event creates a valuable space to connect with people across the industry—from academia and corporations to top talent, suppliers and decision-makers.
Join an evening of ideas, honest conversations, and meaningful connections.
Thu Aug 27, 7pm; RMB100, includes two drinks
VOXFLOR Showroom, B9-201, 800 Show, 800 Changde Lu, Jing’an District, Shanghai, China 静安区常德路800号 800秀园区 B9-201
Paul Lewis Piano Recital @ Shanghai Concert Hall
Legendary British pianist Paul Lewis makes his highly anticipated Shanghai solo debut.
A reigning master of the Central European repertoire and CBE recipient, Lewis launches his global Mozart+ tour with a program that challenges the notion that Mozart’s piano sonatas are overshadowed by his concertos.
The evening pairs two contrasting Mozart masterworks—the radiant ‘C major Sonata K.330’ and the dramatic ‘C minor Sonata K.457’—with Poulenc’s witty and translucent ‘Improvisations’ and Debussy’s shimmering ‘L’Isle joyeuse.’
Lewis reveals how Mozart’s keyboard inventions echo through later composers, finding traces of his spirit in Poulenc’s crisp playfulness and Debussy’s sensuous fluidity.
A former Cliburn and Leeds jury chair, Lewis brings his signature clarity, depth, and unfussy eloquence to this carefully curated 90-minute journey—an unmissable opportunity to hear one of today’s foremost pianists.
Scan the QR code to get your tickets now:
Fri Aug 28, 7.30pm; RMB180-480
Shanghai Concert Hall, 523 Yan’an Dong Lu, by Jinling Zhong Lu, Huangpu District 延安东路523号, 近金陵中路
Healing Arts Festival @ The Living Room by Octave
Discover the 12th Healing Arts Festival, where heritage meets AI. Explore 80+ workshops across sound, movement, and craft. Reconnect mind, body, and spirit in an urban sanctuary.
An immersive journey into timeless wisdom and future wellbeing.
READ MORE: Healing Arts Festival | An Urban Sanctuary for Mind, Body & Spirit
Sat & Sun Aug 29 & 30; RMB49-299
The Living Room by Octave, 357 Jianguo Xi Lu, by Taiyuan Lu, Xuhui District 建国西路357号, 近太原路
7th Annual Hot Sauce Showdown @ Parlay
The 7th Annual Hot Sauce Showdown will take place on Saturday, September 12, with the organizers recruiting:
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Contestants to compete with their best hot sauces
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Judges to sample and crown winners
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Challengers for the eating competitions, including a new hot wings contest
Those interested can scan QR codes on the posters above to apply.
The Block Community Market is also seeking vendors to sell products at the event.
Be a part of this spicy gathering of food lovers and local businesses!
Sat Sep 12, 11am-Late; Free Entry
Parlay, Shankang Li, 808 Shaanxi Bei Lu, Bld 18, #103 陕西北路808号陕康里18幢103室
20% Off!
For a limited time, snag RMB100 Parlay vouchers for just RMB80!
Scan the QR code below to get yours now:
Chi Fan for Charity @ Around Town
On September 12, 26 of Shanghai’s finest restaurants will unite for Chi Fan for Charity. Each crafts a special 10-person menu, with proceeds supporting three local charities.
With prices starting at RMB400 and afterparty tickets included, this meaningful evening blends world-class dining with community impact.
Click the link below to find out more, check out the restaurant options, and reserve your seats now!
READ MORE: 2026 CFFC SH | 26 Restaurants Revealed
Sat Sep 12, 7pm-Late; RMB400-780
Around Town
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