Lots of great events going on this weekend out in the city if you're looking to get out of the house. The Great Shanghai Reopening 2023 continues with a DJ show from a frequent Shanghai clubbing calendar staple from the "good old days": Sasha is playing Electric Circus on Friday night. Scroll down for ticket info if you want to relive your youth.

Shanghai is also celebrating the... good weather... with a couple of rooftop parties, market events, and other outdoor activities that will absolutely be going ahead.

Studio Ghibli fans, don't forget to pick up your tickets for the Studio Ghibli Symphonic Concert happening next week for two nights only on September 22 and September 23. An orchestra will be performing soundtrack excerpts from My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and more. Pretty neat!

Clubbing and Live Music

Originally from North Wales, Sasha is a DJ who burst onto the scene in the late 1980s. He has worked with Madonna, Hot Chip and the Chemical Brothers, and he earned himself a Grammy nomination for his remix of Felix da Housecat’s “Watching Cars”. A familiar face in Shanghai clubbing calendar in the pre-Covid days, this show is something of a homecoming for the UK DJ. Get presale ticket at 200rmb on SmartTicket.cn, with one drink included. Door price is 260rmb.

"Subterranean Metal Madness" will bring you an electrifying underground metal extravaganza serving as a crucible for legendary underground metal, gathering three awesome bands who will take you into a dark and manic musical realm. The metal gods have spoken. Syren, Lithium, and Soulitude on the bill. No entry fee. Starts 9pm. 

The Pearl's All-Star Show on September 16 promises a night of glamour and entertainment. It will showcase the performing talents of at least 14 members from The Pearl's team, including some exciting new additions to the Pearl's family. Door opens 9pm, the show starts at 9:30pm.

"Witness the magic of a captivating sunset and embrace the allure of the fall season like never before." Party impresarios Space Panda host another rooftop party in the dwindling summer with a guest DJ from All Day I Dream - Gorje Hewek. This time at one of the swankiest venues in town, the Bellagio.  Toast the autumn early, starting at 3pm and dance until sundown. Tickets 128rmb to 188rmb, including a drink. 

Driven by vivid underground electronic music sound, four DJs are going to be playing at Roza, "here to paint an illusionary world with selected techno and psytrance. Is it reality or an illusion? Join the journey and find your own truth.” 80rmb cover before midnight; 100rmb after, both including a drink. 

This Saturday, Roxie is celebrating her 8th anniversary -- they've come a long way! "Let’s take a moment and recall all the beautiful memories that have been made with each other. We overcame hardship, where we stood side by side, and now we are thriving. On this special occasion ROXIE would like to invite everyone to come cheers together and spread the joy. No need to rsvp, just come and get down at ROXIE's birthday party!" Congrats to Roxie! Starts 8pm. 

Dining and Tastings

Popular contemporary Indian restaurant Anokhi celebrates its first birthday with a party on Friday night and special discounts for the rest of the weekend. Call ahead and mention Smartshanghai to reserve your spot on Friday night with deals, with complimentary drinks and canapes for guests from 5pm to 7pm. 10% off your food bill for Saturday night and Sunday night, with BOGO on all beverages. 

An electrifying afternoon atop Shanghai's skyline at "MUTE The Rooftop Party," hosted by MUTE, your go-to e-bike subscription service. DJ S.KIV spinning beats, complimentary bites from Smoking Hog, and free-flow drinks. Unleash your creativity with electric moped painting, shirt art, and graffiti. Every ticket purchase grants you a full month of FREE MUTE scooter subscription. Tickets: 280rmb pre-sale, 380rmb at the door, free for MUTE Members.

To welcome everyone back after a long summer Zeitgeist is throwing a “Welcome Back” Beergarden for everyone this Saturday, September 16 starting from 3pm until late. "Everyone is welcome; bring your families and friends along!" Enjoy their Daily Happy Hour or get your drink tokens for 40rmb to be redeemed for all standard drinks matched by their special priced “Biergartenschmenkerln”. Live music by The Wonderbrass from 6pm to 8pm and afterparty inside until late. No entry fee. Book ahead to ensure your table. 

After successfully holding two themed parties, Stiller is keeping the good vibes rolling with the Sunday Seafood Lunch Feast. They've got a combo of premium seafood dishes with endless pours of German Rieslings. And little extra magic – they have brought several signature dishes from Taian Table onto the Xintinadi menu. (Seared Scallops and Sea Urchin.) For the free-flow, they are introducing Rieslings from three German regions: Pfalz, Rheingau, and Rheinhessen, which have been carefully selected to perfectly complement the seafood dishes. 688rmb net per person. Starts 11:30am.

From September 20 to 24, Tam Chudaree Debhakam, owner and head chef of the one-Michelin-starred ‘Baan Tepa’ in Bangkok and one of ‘Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023’, will be the guest chef at The 1515 West Chophouse & Bar in Jing An Shangri-La, Shanghai, to present guests with modern Thai gastronomy. Three-course lunch is 358rmb, and seveb-course dinner is 1088rmb per person. Check the menu in the event listing for more details.

Concerts and Stage

The Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra is known as one of the oldest and best chamber orchestras in Europe and the most famous chamber orchestra in Germany. On September 14, the orchestra will come to the Shanghai Oriental Art Center again, bringing the works of composer Chen Qigang, and presenting the classic works of Bach, Mendelssohn, and Beethoven. The well-known and celebrated European violinist and conductor Jan Bjøranger will be the guest concertmaster, conducting and performing with the orchestra members. The famous Austrian pianist Gottlieb Wallisch will also join the performance.

The French Musical Gala Concert is led by renowned French producer Nicolas Talar and features the original production team of from Notre-Dame de Paris. Mikelangelo Loconte, Robert Marien, and Gian Marco Schiaretti, together with Chinese and French musicians, present a selection of "Notre-Dame de Paris", "Romeo and Juliet", "Rock and Roll Mozart", and "The Musical". The show will feature a selection of some 30 classics from famous French-language musicals such as "Les Miserables", "Les Miserables", "Don Giovanni" and "La Rouge et le Noir", and will show the glorious history of French-language musicals. Currently, very few tickets are available from Area B and Area A -- going fast. Available on SmartTicket.cn. 

A generous and seductive performer of dizzying power, Manuel Liñán has long been praised for the showmanship and sincerity with which he breaks the rules of flamenco. ¡VIVA! features male dancers clad in traditionally female costumes, exposing the many identity expressions alive within every human body. He does it with six bailaores-bailarines, who will be in charge of exploring and diving into this fascinating universe of flamenco queerx. The show is two nights only on September 14 and 15. Tickets from 180 to 880rmb.

On September 17 and September 19, Wagner's opera Lohengrin will be performed at the Shanghai Grand Theater. This is the first time that the Bavarian State Opera, one of the world's famous theater groups, has cooperated with a Chinese theater platform. They are collaborating on a modern version of the story, with state-of-the-art stage effects and modern technical modifications.  Of note: Xu Zhong, famous conductor/pianist, and president of the Shanghai Opera House, will be the conductor of this show and leading the orchestra through Wagner's classic. Tickets are 280rmb to 1,280rmb.

Community and Classes

On Thursday, September 14 from 5 – 6:30 pm, experience a free demonstration class by the SIY Teacher, Olivia Xiao, who will guide the audience on experiencing some social and emotional intelligence skills that have made SIY a go-to leadership course on actualizing emotionally intelligent leaders. Over 100,000 people have taken the SIY program in more than 150 cities and 50 countries around the world.  Global well-known enterprises and international organizations including the United Nations, 3M, Ford, etc. have undergone the SIY program.

The Miguel de Cervantes Library in Shanghai organizes a roundtable discussion on the significant advancements that artificial intelligence has experienced in recent years and its impact on society from both Spanish and Chinese perspectives. Experts Guillem Alenyà (artificial intelligence) and Lou Yongqi (social impact of technology and sustainability) will be discussing the upcoming challenges and issues. Xavier Ferré, a Ph.D. in Computer Science and co-director of the Sino-Hispanic Campus at Tongji University, will moderate the event. Starts 7pm. No participation fee.

"Together we will journey into wholeness and sacred sexuality through the myth of Baubo: Belly Goddess. This retreat is for those who- like us - are seekers. Together through the vehicle of movement, breath, nature, and depth psychology, we will help you tap into the wisdom of your body. This retreat invites you to explore yourself as a woman – your desires, fears, challenges, body, mind, spirit, and power – while immersed in nature." More information on the retreat at the QR code on the flyer. All-inclusive price starting from 2900rmb per person.

Don't miss an incredible opportunity to delve into the world of viral marketing with an exclusive lecture by China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) Associate Professor of Marketing, Hyun Young Park, on September 16. This is your chance to get a taste of the transformative MBA experience offered at CEIBS, one of Asia's premier business schools. Professor Park will scrutinize the ins and outs of viral marketing, shedding light on its impact, reach, and effectiveness. For those curious about life at CEIBS, current students and members of the MBA admissions team will offer a guided tour of the stunning Shanghai campus, providing answers to any questions you might have. Join for an enriching afternoon packed with insights, networking opportunities, and the chance to envision your future at CEIBS. Contact CEIBS directly for more information. 

FC Club and Wanda Reign on the Bund present the Returnees & Expats Mixer & Tango on September 16, from 7pm to 12am. This event gathers more than 100 elite professionals from many different backgrounds. Socialize and connect with a stylish and trendy crowd of professionals. There will be ice-breaking games, winner awards, and other on-site interactions, expanding contacts, and meeting with hundreds of elite returnees from prestigious universities around the world. The presale price is 128 per person, and 2-3 people together have a discount. 158rmb per person at the door.

Family Friendly

An interactive music creative show for families produced by Supertonic Entertainment Canada. This is a new way to learn basic theories of music production and create live music on your own, suitable for kids over 5 years old. Kids also have the opportunity to interact with performers and unexpected characters in a surprising way. Each audience member will be equipped with a SonicTuner, a special electronic music device from the future. Each of you can become a ‘music hero’ and transform into masters of melody, beat, and lyrics. Go on a fun-filled musical adventure in the modern and futuristic ‘Supertonic Studio’. Two shows on September 16, 10.30am and 2.30pm.

A 100% interactive musical experience where the audience is the show. Canadian performance troupe "Samajam" performs a show for families, creating musical happenings with the help of their young audiences. After a successful tour last year, they're back in China and sweeping their audience through the culture and music of South America. Lively show leaders on stage will teach the audience basic music theory and lead parents and kids in percussive group performances with instruments provided. Tickets are 180rmb-380rmb. Two shows on Sunday, August 13. 

The 2023 Head of Shanghai River Regatta are confirmed to be held in Suzhou Creek from September 16 to September 17. The scale of this event is expanded. On the basis of the original college group and club group, competitions in the elite group and youth group are added. The registration deadline for the competition is August 27. Cambridge University Rowing Team, Oxford Brookes University Rowing Team, Australian National Rowing Team and other international teams and the Chinese national team were invited to participate.

Yunfeng Theatre will present Disney’s 'A Dream Is a Wish', with only two live performances on September 17 and 18, featuring four Broadway-caliber vocalists, clips from iconic Disney movies including Frozen, The Little Mermaid, Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, The Princess and the Frog, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Aladdin, and some of the best-known film in music in cinematic history. Fans and families in town are invited to experience a magical performance that will immerse audiences into the musical world of classic and contemporary Disney animated feature films. Ticket price ranges from 280rmb to 680rmb. Please note: Full price for all age groups.

And Save the Date for...

Fans' favorite soundtracks from iconic Studio Ghibli films My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and more will be performed live by original Japanese singers and the NHK Symphony Danyu Orchestra. The concert is in Japanese. Recommended to audience above 14 years old.