That's Shanghai takes a look at the best of the week:
Nov 22: A Full Belly and a Full Heart
Liquid Laundry hosts this charity dinner with 10 percent of sales going to the WILL Foundation - an organization supporting left behind children who are raising funds to build a learning center.
Nov 22, 5pm, free entry. Liquid Laundry, see event listing.
Nov 22-25: Masters of Food and Wine
Gourmands and vinophiles descend on the Park Hyatt Shanghai for the sixth annual edition celebrating the finest in French food and wine. Michelin-starred restaurant chefs George Blanc, César Troisgros, Michel Rostang and Jean-Pierre Vigato will prepare gala dinners. Celebrity masters in fields ranging from desserts to floral arrangements will share their insight, into their field through public classes held throughout the day from Nov 23-25 from 10am-6pm.
Nov 22-25, 7-10pm (gala dinner), prices start at RMB3,288 plus 15 percent (dinner) or RMB488 plus 15 percent (master class). Park Hyatt Shanghai.
Nov 22-Dec 4: Blue Man Group
25 years ago, three newly graduated friends wanted to somehow parlay their interest in design, science, comedy, drumming and music into careers. Shockingly, they’ve succeeded with this hit show that has infiltrated the world’s biggest stages and Arrested Development. They’re making their Chinese mainland debut with a huge tour that stops off at Shanghai Culture Square for an extended run. Also, make sure to check out the music sideproject of members of the show, Tinnitus, who bring their array of metal and hard rock covers to Inferno on December 1. For more, check out our feature on The Blue Man Group.
Nov 22-Dec 4, 7.15pm (Tues-Sun) and 2pm (Sat-Sun), RMB158-688. Shanghai Culture Square.
Nov 22-Dec 25: X-Tree Christmas Celebration at Xintiandi
Following last year’s Kissmass Tree, Xintiandi is upping the game for the holidays with this brand new 3D light and art installment that was created in collaboration with renowned French design studio 1024 Architecture. The 25-meter-tall installment is a marvel designed to raise awareness to the environmental cost of cutting down traditional Christmas trees for the season.
Nov 22-Dec 25, 7pm, free entry. Xintiandi South Lane Plaza, see event listing.
Nov 23: Birdy Nam Nam
Pioneers of turntablism in France, the DMC World DJ champions are lauded for using the form to create inventive beats. After a four-year break, they’re back as a trio with a new high octane electro sound in place of the smokey abstract hip hop they were previously known for. As their new album states, Dance or Die. Sun Glitters opens prior to his headlining show at The Shelter on November 24.
Nov 23, 9pm, RMB180-240. MAO Livehouse, see event listing.
Nov 23-26: Matt & Ben
An experienced producer with Urban Aphordite, Brandi Burtts (The 39 Steps, The Last Five Years) has started a new company, The Theater Underground. In their debut show, Awesta Zarif (Fight Club) and Sarah Wun star as Matt Damon and Ben Affleck – two struggling actors plugging away at a screen adaptation of Catcher in the Rye whose lives change for the better when the screenplay of Good Will Hunting mysteriously drops from their ceiling. Hijinks ensue. The 2002 Fringe Festival Audience award winner was co-written by Mindy Kaling (The Office, The Mindy Project) shortly after she graduated from Dartmouth.
Nov 23-26, 7pm (Wed-Thurs and Sun), 8pm (Fri-Sat), RMB150-180. The Market, see event listing.
Nov 24: Thanksgiving
It’s turkey time. Stuffing season. Pie-o’clock. Americans and non-Americans alike can embrace this holiday where the only requirement is a strong appetite and an ability to fight off the tryptophan long enough to get to dessert. There are plenty of restaurants across Shanghai hosting massive Thanksgiving feasts and others offering hampers for those who want to celebrate at home. For more, check out our Thanksgiving in Shanghai guide.
Nov 24: José González
Split Works and Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (SSO) Hall kick off the third season of their perpetually sold out Contemporale series with the award-winning Swedish soulful troubadour. Known for his sparse mix of classical guitar and his soft voice, González has scored hits like ‘Crosses’ and his cover of The Knife’s ‘Heartbeats.’ He’s collaborated with Zero, been remixed by Tiësto and won last year’s Impala’s Independent Album of the Year for his third album, Vestiges & Claws. For more, check out our feature on the Contemporale series.
Nov 24, 7.45-9.30pm, RMB80-180. Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall.
Nov 24-25: Pudong Shangri-La's Christmas Market
A European styled Christkindlesmarkt is coming to Lujiazui as the Pudong Shangri-La, East Shanghai transforms its outdoor space into a bustling Christmas market. Soak in the festive ambiance while stocking up on gifts and enjoying traditional Christmas treats. Santa will be there and each adult will receive a complementary glass of mulled wine with admission.
Nov 24-25 and Dec 1-2, 5-9pm, RMB50. Pudong Shangri-La, East Shanghai, see event listing.
Nov 24-25: Zai Live
Live Nation presents the second edition of this concert series dedicated to celebrating diversity in music. On November 24, Japanese indie-pop giants Sekai No Owari returns after headlining the Concrete + Grass Festival. They’ll be presenting their fantasy-like show, End of the World. The next night, singer-songwriter Yen J makes the trip up from Taiwan to showcase his skilled mix of jazz and pop that have made him a favorite in the Mandopop world.
Nov 24-25, 8pm, RMB180-680. Yunfeng Theatre, see event listings.
Nov 24-26: Punchline Comedy
What happens when an Englishman (Barry Castognola), an Irishman (Andrew Stanley, pictured above) and a Scotmsman (Mark Nelson) try to topple each other for laughs? Hilarity in the last Punchline Comedy tour that brings top comics from the UK on Asian tours. Tickets available through That's here.
Nov 24, 8.30pm, RMB290. The Exchange, see event listing.
Nov 25, 8pm, RMB290. The Camel, see event listing.
Nov 26, 8pm, RMB290. Blossoms, 2/F, Kerry Hotel Pudong, see event listing.
Nov 25: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Harry Potter fans in China, rejoice! This prequel and first in a spinoff franchise of five taking place at various times in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World has scored a rare same day global film release. Eddie Redmayne (Les Miserables) stars as the eccentric Newt Scamander who has arrived in 1926 New York just as dark wizarding forces have emerged.
Nov 25: Moana
In Disney’s 56th animated feature film, Auli’I Cravalho voices Moana Waialkiki, the strong-willed 16 year old daughter of a Polynesian tribe who is chosen to set sail to search for the legendary demigod Maui, voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Nov 25: Mischa Maisky
The world renowned cellist returns to Shanghai to perform renditions of classics from Debussy, Franck, Poulenc and Piazzola.
Nov 25, 7.30pm, RMB180-580. Shanghai Oriental Art Centre.
Nov 25: Low Wormwood
The standout Lanzhou folk rock group have cultivated a national following thanks to acclaimed discs released on China’s two biggest indie labels, Maybe Mars and Modern Sky.
Nov 25, 8.30-10pm, RMB100. MAO Livehouse.
Nov 25: Rolling Bowling
After spending part of the year touring Europe, the Beijing rockabilly trio are bringing some old school rock and roll chaos across China to celebrate their Modern Sky debut, Love, Don’t Have Tomorrow. The Psyders and DJ B.O. support. For more, check out our 2015 interview with Rolling Bowling.
Nov 25, 9-11.30pm, RMB80-100. Yuyintang, see event listing.
Nov 25: Elijah & Skilliam
The grime masterminds held a weekly residency at London’s pioneering radion station Rinse FM for six years and founded the always hip Butterz label that has produced Royal-T and Flava D. They’re back to rock Shanghai with support from Cavia, Esa, Jay K and MC Jado.
Nov 25, 10pm-late, RMB70-100. Arkham.
Nov 25 -26: Sub-culture Shanghai 9-Year Anniversary
While we’re still reeling from the news that The Shelter will close after New Year’s Eve, the show must go on. Formed the same month that the club opened, Sub-Culture celebrates its anniversary with two nights of parties. On Friday, the Rick Owens approved producer Jlin shows off her bold new sound captured on her acclaimed 2015 debut album, Dark Energy. Choreographer and performance artist Avril Ungar, who founded Bangalore’s The Storm Factory, will perform live during Jlin’s set. On Saturday, it’s Hyperdub’s Ikonika (pictured) returning to unleash her melodic twisted take on UK underground dance music. Rising Beijing producer Shackup supports.
Nov 25-26, 10pm-late, RMB80 (per show). The Shelter.
Nov 25-27: That's Shanghai Christmas Shindig
Christmas is coming and That’s Shanghai is taking over Found 158 to toast the ‘new Yongkang Lu.’ JZ Club is supplying live music, neighborhood vendors like El Santo, Zapfler, Xixi Bistro and Boteca will be serving up grub, and there are barrels (and barrels and barrels) of beer courtesy of Goose Island, Leffe and Blue Point. Other performers include the awesome illusionist Anson Chen who will be opening the Blackstone Magic Bar in the area too. For more, check out our interview with Anson Chen.
Nov 25-27, 6-10.30pm (Fri) noon-10.30pm (Sat) noon-10.30pm (Sun), RMB50-80 (RMB100 for three day pass) with one beer. Found 158 (Datong Mill), see event listing.
Nov 26: Split Works 10th Anniversary Party
Celebrating a decade of bringing top acts from Kurt Vile to A$AP Ferg to China, Split Works are throwing a warehouse party at a secret location with a killer trio of bands. The godfathers of mainland art-punk P.K. 14 will play their first Shanghai show of the year. They’re joined by rising UK post-punk group Eagulls and raucous hometown heroes, Dirty Fingers. For more, check out our 2015 feature on P.K. 14.
Nov 26, 6pm, RMB150. Location will be revealed to those who purchase pre-sale tickets.
Nov 26: The St. Andrew’s Ball 2016
Celebrate Scotland’s national day with this British Chamber organized fun-filled night of haggis, neeps, tatties, bagpipes and whisky. Dress code: kilts or black tie. Proceeds will go to support CereCare Wellness Center, a residentail treatment center that currently accommodates up to 30 children with cerebral palsy.
Nov 26, 6.30pm, RMB1,380-1,750. Grand Hyatt Shanghai, see event listing.
Nov 26: Ruihong Bistrot Under Construction Party
Jiashan Bistrot is giving a sneak peek to their Ruihong Bistro where guests will enjoy charcuterie and cheese, as well as Bordeaux wine for RMB100.
Nov 26, 7pm, RMB100. Le Bordelais (Jiashan Lu), see event listing.
Nov 26: Elenore
The Beijing trio mixed Britpop pomp with hazy classic rock to great effect on last year’s, King of the Circus. The Tree Records affiliated group bring their epic sound to Yuyintng for a rare Shanghai appearance.
Nov 26, 8.30-11.30pm, RMB80-100. Yuyintang.
Nov 26: Mr Bubble's Foam Party
Dogtown is collaborating with Asahi, Jameson, Vans, Dope Shifu, Sherpas and Boom Boom Bagels for a foam party at E-U Club. The party starts at noon at Dogtown before a party bus arrives at 9pm to whisk guests for a night of dancing. Zikawei, Heatwolves, Tommy Hendriks and Laobang spin.
Nov 26, 9pm, RMB100-150. E-Universe, see event listing.
Nov 26: J.Rocc
Le Baron welcomes the turntablism original who co-founded the seminal Beat Junkies crew. Despite his legend status, J.Rocc remains a vital force in instrumental hip-hop, thanks to his production work for Stones Throw, his DJ work for Mos Def and Talib Kweli’s duo Black Star and his role on Dr. Dre’s Beats 1 radio show, The Pharmacy.
Nov 26, 9pm-late, RMBTBA. Le Baron.
Nov 26-27: French Christmas Market
The Pearl hosts the third edition of this weekend holiday market featuring French Christmas specialties like traditional hot wine, foie gras and waffles. Around 50 vendors will be peddling unique or homemade products and there will be live music and performances throughout the day. Kids will also get a chance to meet le Père Noël (aka. Santa).
Nov 26-27, noon-10pm (Sat) noon-8pm (Sun), RMB20 (free entry for kids under 5). The Pearl, see event listing.
Nov 26-Feb 27: Beyond Rubik’s Cube
Created by the Liberty Science Museum, Google and the cube’s Hungarian inventor, Ernõ Rubik, this exhibition celebrates the world’s most popular puzzle. During its world tour, Beyond Rubik’s Cube has delighted guests with interactive physical and digital challenges. Other highlights include a giant Rubik’s Cube the size of a car and the world’s most expensive toy, a jewel-encrusted Rubik’s Cube.
Nov 25-Feb 27, 10.30am-9.30pm, RMB70 (weekday), RMB100 (weekends). Shanghai Global Harbor Museum.
Nov 27: Charity Santa Run
Spread some festive cheer as the Pudong Shangri-La, East Shanghai holds its second Charity Santa Run with proceeds going to Fudan University Children’s Hospital to aid children suffering from leukemia. Runners can choose between a 5K and a 10K with a complimentary T-shirt, duffel bag, festive cookies, Santa hat, breakfast and a hotel gourmand passport valued at RMB1,000 all included.
Nov 27, 7.30am, RMB188 (RMB128 for kids between 8-16). Pudong Shangri-La, East Shanghai, see event listing.
Nov 27: heArts Charity Fundraiser
Bumbu and CNCreate team up with heArts to raise funds and awareness for the organization dedicated to empowering people with special needs through art through free classes. RMB100 donation includes snacks from Bumbu and Spread the Bagel, dreams from Brander Urstoff and G’Vine and a raffle ticket where prizes like vouchers to Egg and clothing from COB Originals are up for grabs.
Nov 27, 2-6pm, RMB100. Bumbu, see event listing.
Nov 27: Beardageddon 2016
Move over Movember. Throughout the month, over 20 Shanghai beards of note are raising money for a charity aiding displaced persons in the city by sacrificing their stubble. It all comes off live at this official showdown celebration that also includes live music, pop-up food vendors and raffle giveaways with sweet prizes like concert tickets and a Peyton Manning signed football up for grabs.
Nov 27, 2-8pm, RMB50. Inferno.
Nov 27: Shanghai Bili Bili vs Sichuan Blue Whales
The hometown Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) team may be ridiculed online for their new name but excitement at Yuanshen Stadium should be high when they welcome the defending league champions. It’s part of a packed opening month for the season that also includes matches against perennial contenders Guangdong (Nov 11) and Xinjiang (Nov 30). While Shanghai may have missed the playoffs the past couple years, the team is hoping that former Sacramento King Jimmer Fredette finds the scoring touch that made him a sensation in America when he led all college players in scoring with 28.9 points per game.
Nov 27, 7.35pm, RMB50-300. Yuanshen Stadium.
Nov 27: Sisu
Fronted by Dum Dum Girls drummer Sandra Vu, the LA indie group is known for mixing psychedelic pop with electronic elements. They bring their inaugural China tour to Harley's Underground.
Nov 27, 9pm-late, RMB130-160. Harley's Underground, see event listing.
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