April is shaping up to be an exciting month in Shanghai, with the city playing host to everything from arena-filling rock bands to intimate theater productions. Whether you're into post-rock soundscapes, Broadway classics, or craft beer in the spring sun, something is happening for every kind of culture lover. Here's what's on the agenda.

Art & Stage

UK psych-rockers Temples are making their China debut this April, bringing their swirling, 12-string-drenched sound to Modernsky Lab. Formed in Kettering in 2012 by frontman James Bagshaw and bassist Tom Walmsley, the band later expanded with Adam Smith on keys and guitar and Rens Ottink on drums.

With an average speed of 200 BPM, DragonForce is recognized as the fastest band in the world and the ultimate challenge for Guitar Hero players. In 2025, they will tear through China like a lightning bolt of sonic energy piercing a silent sky during their highly anticipated China Tour.

New Noise is bringing This Will Destroy You, one of the world’s most influential post-rock bands, to China for a 20th-anniversary tour. The band will perform their iconic self-titled album, S/T, in full, offering fans a chance to experience the album that cemented their place in post-rock history. Known for their emotionally charged sound, which blends electronics, harmonies, and intricate textures, This Will Destroy You’s music continues to resonate deeply with listeners around the world. Expect a night of mesmerizing instrumental landscapes, alongside songs from their new project, you, infinite.

You, infinite marks the reunion of Jeremy Galindo and Raymond Brown, the founders of TWDY, who have spent over 15 years growing together as musicians and friends. Their new project reflects this journey, merging their past sound with a reinvigorated approach. The live performance will feature tracks from both S/T and you, infinite, offering fans a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of a band that has helped define post-rock alongside legends like Mogwai and Sigur Rós.

After many years, the internationally renowned rock band Imagine Dragons, with a total of 62 billion global streaming plays, a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance, and diamond-certified sales, is set to kick off their LOOM World Tour with performances in Hangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.

French cinema legend Isabelle Huppert returns to Shanghai to star in The Cherry Orchard, a bold reimagining of Chekhov’s final masterpiece. Directed by Tiago Rodrigues, the current artistic director of the Avignon Theatre Festival, this production brings a fresh perspective to the classic story of fading aristocracy and unstoppable social change. Stripped-down visuals, live music, and powerful performances make this version of The Cherry Orchard an intense, almost hypnotic experience.

Premiered as the opening play of the 2021 Avignon Theatre Festival, this adaptation blends Chekhov’s signature tragicomedy with modern theatrical energy. Huppert’s portrayal of the aristocratic yet fragile Lyubov Ranevskaya captures both the grandeur and the sorrow of a world slipping away. A must-see for lovers of classic theatre and contemporary performance.

Broadway meets a living legend—Sarah Brightman is making her China musical debut in Sunset Boulevard, bringing her iconic vocals to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s haunting score. A dark Hollywood epic, the show tells the tragic story of faded silent film star Norma Desmond and her desperate attempt at a comeback. Lavish sets, soaring melodies, and Brightman’s unmistakable voice make this a must-see for musical lovers.

Originally adapted from the 1950 film noir classic, Sunset Boulevard has been a global hit since its 1993 debut, winning six Tony Awards. Now, for the first time, Chinese audiences get to witness Brightman take center stage in this theatrical masterpiece—an unmissable event for fans of Broadway, film, and timeless storytelling.

The longest-running American musical in Broadway history is coming to Shanghai. “Chicago” is a sultry, jazz-fueled tale of crime, fame, and corruption, packed with dazzling choreography and timeless hits like "All That Jazz." Set in the roaring 1920s, it follows the stories of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two murderesses who use the media and a slick lawyer to escape the gallows and become overnight sensations. Expect sharp wit, sizzling dance moves, and a darkly glamorous take on justice and celebrity culture.

With minimalist staging and a live jazz band integrated into the performance, "Chicago" delivers a high-energy, visually striking experience. From the seductive "Cell Block Tango" to the show-stopping finale, every number is a masterclass in theatrical storytelling. Whether you’ve seen it before or not, this is a must-watch for musical lovers.

expo

The 2025 Shanghai API Adult Expo will be held at the Shanghai International Sourcing Center from April 18 to 20, 2025. This year’s event will bring together over 400 exhibitors worldwide, showcasing a diverse range of products, including contraceptives, intimate products, trendy adult toys, health and wellness items, and raw materials. The expo aims to promote a positive and diverse approach to modern intimate lifestyles. Advance online ticket booking is required for entry, and all tickets are currently sold out.

As China’s automotive industry continues to expand on the global stage, the Shanghai Auto Show, with a 40-year history, is set to make a fresh start as a world-class exhibition. Shanghai Auto Show 2025 is expected to cover an exhibition area of 360,000 square meters. April 23-24 will be reserved for media days, open exclusively to domestic and international press. April 25-26 will be dedicated to trade visitors, while the general public can attend from April 27 to May 2. The ticketing system for the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show is not yet available—please stay tuned for updates.

community

The Beerkraze Craft Beer Festival at Laowaijie offers a chance to sample a variety of craft beers from top breweries across Shanghai and China. This year's theme highlights fruit-flavored beers, featuring options like orange IPAs and berry sours, providing a creative tasting experience.