Here's a big ole list of the holidays and marquee events to watch out for in 2026. For all public holidays in 2026, click here. We love it when a plan comes together
January
New Year's Day – Jan 1–3
Three-day national holiday to ring in the year.
FEBRUARY
Lantern Festival & Lunar New Year Events – Feb (Exact Dates TBD)
Lantern installations, temple fair vibes, and traditional snacks light up Yu Garden and public parks as the city winds down from the Spring Festival rush.
Public Holiday: Spring Festival – Feb 15–23
The year's biggest national holiday. Expect shuttered shops, packed trains, and firecracker nostalgia (where still legal).
MARCH
FORMULA 1 Chinese Grand Prix – March (Exact Dates TBD)
Jiading Circuit hosts the return of the Chinese GP — a major player on the global F1 calendar.
Design Shanghai (Exact Dates TBD)
One of the leading design fairs in Asia, drawing big names in architecture, interiors, and product design to the Shanghai Exhibition Centre. A mix of global brands, local talent, installations, and lectures.
APRIL
Shanghai International Half Marathon – April (Exact Date TBD)
A scenic spring 21k through Pudong landmarks. Popular with locals and visiting runners.
Public Holiday: Qingming Festival – Apr 4–6
Time to honor ancestors and embrace spring weather. Expect out-of-town traffic.
MAY
Shanghai International Art Fair – May 1-3
Commercial art fair drawing buyers and browsers to the SNIEC.
Longines Global Champions Tour - May 1-3
World‑class show jumping at the new Shanghai Juss International Equestrian Centre for a weekend of high‑stakes equestrian sport and lifestyle events.
Shanghai Illustration & Pop Show (SIPS) – May (Exact Dates TBD)
Newish creative fair at the Exhibition Centre focusing on illustration, comics, and visual culture.
Public Holiday: Labour Day – May 1–5
One of the biggest national holidays — peak travel season.
JUNE
Shanghai International Film Festival – June (Exact Dates TBD)
Red carpets, obscure indie films, and blockbusters. One of Asia's top film events.
Public Holiday: Dragon Boat Festival – Jun 19–21
Zongzi, boat races, and riverside hangs.
SEPTEMBER
Shanghai International Light Festival – Sep–Oct (Exact Dates TBD)
Interactive projections and illuminated public art in parks and along the Bund.
Mid-Autumn Festival – Sep 25–27
Mooncakes, family dinners, and the brightest full moon of the year.
OCTOBER
Rolex Shanghai Masters – Oct 5-18
ATP elite compete at Qizhong. A favorite for tennis fans and people-watching.
Shanghai Fashion Week – Oct (Exact Dates TBD)
Collections from China's rising fashion scene. Expect shows all over town.
Public Holiday: National Day Golden Week – Oct 1–7
The mega-break. Travel madness meets red-flag pride.
NOVEMBER
China International Import Expo (CIIE) — Nov 5–10
One of the world's biggest trade fairs, the national‑level import expo gathers thousands of brands and companies from across sectors (tech, automotive, food, healthcare) and promotes global trade at the NECC in Qingpu.
West Bund Art & Design – Nov (Exact Dates TBD)
Blue-chip galleries, big art energy on Longteng Avenue. A key fair in Asia's art calendar.
China Shanghai International Arts Festival – Nov (Exact Dates TBD)
Interdisciplinary performing arts showcase. Expect opera, modern dance, and international names.
Christkindlmarkt on the Bund 2026 - November/December
The return of Shanghai's largest and most popular Christmas market, filling your WeChat moments for 5 weeks in November and December.
DECEMBER
Shanghai Marathon – Dec 6
A massive full marathon through Shanghai's streets. If you didn't register six months ago, good luck.
LIKELY MONTHS (Dates TBD)
Shanghai Biennale – Likely Nov–Dec (Exact Dates TBD)
The flagship contemporary art event at Power Station of Art. Happens every two years, and 2026 should be one of them.
Shanghai Masters (Snooker) – Likely Sept–Oct (Exact Dates TBD)
When it's scheduled, this world-ranking snooker tournament brings top-tier cue sports to the city.
