Shanghai — hey, you've still got some stuff to do for the holidays! Let's get into it! Here's some editor's picks on what's good for Golden Week.
The Club Parties
In da club... is mostly Arkham events this week. They've got a full week of international guest DJ bookings from French electro croissant Brodinkski to producer-to-the-stars Knxwledge. Elevator is your home for house and tech as always, and Dada have a few of our favorite locals lined up.
Solid house / techno / hip hop booking at Arkham for Golden Week. They've got the French DJ / Producer Brodinski, who co-produced tracks on Kanye's Yeezus album with Daft Punk. If you dig Gesaffelstein and other French bangerzzzzzzz artists, this is a strong look. Whomp, whomp, whomp. 120rmb pre-sales; 150rmb at the door. Starts 10pm.
Solid house / techno / hip hop booking at Arkham for Golden Week. They've got the French DJ / Producer Brodinski, who co-produced tracks on Kanye's Yeezus album with Daft Punk. If you dig Gesaffelstein and other French bangerzzzzzzz artists, this is a strong look. Whomp, whomp, whomp. 120rmb pre-sales; 150rmb at the door. Starts 10pm.
Over on the roof. Under in the rave. This two-story all-day-and-night party kicks off Golden Week with a BANG. Featuring DJ Rob, Popasuda, China Social Club, and Simon Adams with music, Master Mixologist Eddy Yang on cocktails, and Bearded Bear Catering cooking up tacos and BBQ. Open rooftop in the heart Jing'an with a warehouse-eque rave underneath. Sponsored by Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Absolut Vodka. Go get some. All ticket purchases include two drinks. 130rmb early bird; 150rmb at the door.
Over on the roof. Under in the rave. This two-story all-day-and-night party kicks off Golden Week with a BANG. Featuring DJ Rob, Popasuda, China Social Club, and Simon Adams with music, Master Mixologist Eddy Yang on cocktails, and Bearded Bear Catering cooking up tacos and BBQ. Open rooftop in the heart Jing'an with a warehouse-eque rave underneath. Sponsored by Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Absolut Vodka. Go get some. All ticket purchases include two drinks. 130rmb early bird; 150rmb at the door.
To close down International Youth Music Festival with a banger, Mansion hosts the official after-party. Line up is secret but the rumors are the festival headliners will be rolling through for guest appearances. Free entry with IYMF bracelet/entry ticket and otherwise the usual: 100rmb before midnight and after 3am; 150rmb for peak times. 5 drinks with the entry ticket.
To close down International Youth Music Festival with a banger, Mansion hosts the official after-party. Line up is secret but the rumors are the festival headliners will be rolling through for guest appearances. Free entry with IYMF bracelet/entry ticket and otherwise the usual: 100rmb before midnight and after 3am; 150rmb for peak times. 5 drinks with the entry ticket.
Knxwledge (pronounced “knowledge”) is a Hip-hop beat maker / producer, known for his pastiche of soul, jazz, and hip hop. He has produced for hip-hop powerhouse Kendrick Lamar on “To Pimp a Butterfly” (produced ‘Momma’), which went platinum and was awarded for US Grammy “Best of Rap Album” in 2015. He’s also produced for other MCs/Singers such as Joey Bada$$, Earl Sweatshirt, Action Bronson, Omarion and Ghostface Killah, and has over 80 releases of remix and beat tape collections on his Bandcamp. 150rmb at the door.
Knxwledge (pronounced “knowledge”) is a Hip-hop beat maker / producer, known for his pastiche of soul, jazz, and hip hop. He has produced for hip-hop powerhouse Kendrick Lamar on “To Pimp a Butterfly” (produced ‘Momma’), which went platinum and was awarded for US Grammy “Best of Rap Album” in 2015. He’s also produced for other MCs/Singers such as Joey Bada$$, Earl Sweatshirt, Action Bronson, Omarion and Ghostface Killah, and has over 80 releases of remix and beat tape collections on his Bandcamp. 150rmb at the door.
A$AP Mob takes over Shanghai with A$AP Rocky’s right hand man A$AP Nas performing at Arkham with The Plug. This brash, rapid-fire East Coast rhymer is off one of the hottest mixtapes of the year - COZY TAPES. Don’t sleep on tickets, this one’s going to be huge.
A$AP Mob takes over Shanghai with A$AP Rocky’s right hand man A$AP Nas performing at Arkham with The Plug. This brash, rapid-fire East Coast rhymer is off one of the hottest mixtapes of the year - COZY TAPES. Don’t sleep on tickets, this one’s going to be huge.
HOLLY SH*T and Italian Dance Wave have been heavily involved in the underground nudisco scene in Shanghai for many years. Besides, they both released vinyl and digital on European disco label such as Whiskey Disco, Slow Motion Italy, and soon the infamous La Dame Noir. The 2 crews team up for a golden night of leftfield disco in DADA. No cover. Starts 10pm.
HOLLY SH*T and Italian Dance Wave have been heavily involved in the underground nudisco scene in Shanghai for many years. Besides, they both released vinyl and digital on European disco label such as Whiskey Disco, Slow Motion Italy, and soon the infamous La Dame Noir. The 2 crews team up for a golden night of leftfield disco in DADA. No cover. Starts 10pm.
Roxie celebrates the National Holiday with a week of parties. They're open when others have shut down and they've git a delicious tea infused welcome shot for everyone at the door. On the night of October 1, they've got in DJ Iku Iku and Cathy with a special pole act. No entry fee. Doors open at 6pm.
Roxie celebrates the National Holiday with a week of parties. They're open when others have shut down and they've git a delicious tea infused welcome shot for everyone at the door. On the night of October 1, they've got in DJ Iku Iku and Cathy with a special pole act. No entry fee. Doors open at 6pm.
Full SmSh clubbing listings right here.
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The Live Music Shows
Things are quieter at Inferno this week (no shows booked), Harley' is having in a few local acts as always in addition to their popular Tuesday jam night. Yuyintang is uncharacteristically busy for the holidays, with shows pretty much every day. Stand out is NZ spazzcore band The All Seeing Hand on Saturday October 7.
Swiss juggernauts Dreamshade have returned with a polished alternative hard rock sound, and are performing in Shanghai for the first time since founding in 2006. The new record Vibrant sees the band in their prime and fueled their ever-hectic touring schedule, which went on to include the Finnish Metal Expo, Germany’s Rock Hard Festival, the Czech Republic’s Basinfirefest, and Bulgaria’s Kavarna Rock Fest. Don’t miss this world travelled European hard rock act making their debut in the intimate Yuyintang.
Swiss juggernauts Dreamshade have returned with a polished alternative hard rock sound, and are performing in Shanghai for the first time since founding in 2006. The new record Vibrant sees the band in their prime and fueled their ever-hectic touring schedule, which went on to include the Finnish Metal Expo, Germany’s Rock Hard Festival, the Czech Republic’s Basinfirefest, and Bulgaria’s Kavarna Rock Fest. Don’t miss this world travelled European hard rock act making their debut in the intimate Yuyintang.
Indie rock promoters Haze hosts in venerable German power pop quartet Farewell Dear Ghost for a night of sweet pop hooks and rock riffage. 80rmb entry at the door. Starts 9pm.
Indie rock promoters Haze hosts in venerable German power pop quartet Farewell Dear Ghost for a night of sweet pop hooks and rock riffage. 80rmb entry at the door. Starts 9pm.
The show of the holidays, New Zealand freakazoids The All Seeing Hand make their Shanghai debut in the midst of a China tour. Hardcore spazzoid costumed live drums, electronics, and screaming, screaming. Riding a wave of huge hype after a few kwazy shows in Beijing. No to be missed. Starts 9pm. 80rmb cover.
The show of the holidays, New Zealand freakazoids The All Seeing Hand make their Shanghai debut in the midst of a China tour. Hardcore spazzoid costumed live drums, electronics, and screaming, screaming. Riding a wave of huge hype after a few kwazy shows in Beijing. No to be missed. Starts 9pm. 80rmb cover.
Harley's hosts a free night of music for you Shanghai人 staying for the National Holiday. Come see Ben Martin open the evening singing his acoustic rock songs from London, England. Following that will be the Galēən brothers' dark folk/acoustic prog rock duo! Afterward, enjoy some local Shanghainese rock from Psychopath. All for free.
Harley's hosts a free night of music for you Shanghai人 staying for the National Holiday. Come see Ben Martin open the evening singing his acoustic rock songs from London, England. Following that will be the Galēən brothers' dark folk/acoustic prog rock duo! Afterward, enjoy some local Shanghainese rock from Psychopath. All for free.
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Festival Quick Links
You've got a hip hop festival, an electronic festival, and the beloved psytrance/techno love in. If you're going you're already going. Here's the quick info links if you need them. For after-parties, look to the newly relaunched Mansion. They're hosting in a few of their festival headliners on a "secret line-up" after the fact.
Returning to Suzhou just outside Shanghai is Diàn Mí electronic music / camping festival, Diàn Mí. Taking place in an 800-acre ecological park, thousands of music fans are making the pilgrimage to camp and have festival fun with Chinese and international artists. Four outdoor stages featuring 2 Many DJs (BE)、 Asian Dub Foundation (UK)、Howie B (UK)、Lali Puna (DE)、M.E.T.A(DK)、Sebo K (DE)、Sebastien Leger (FR)、The Glamour Manifesto(IT). and more. One of the festival events of the year — don’t miss out.
Returning to Suzhou just outside Shanghai is Diàn Mí electronic music / camping festival, Diàn Mí. Taking place in an 800-acre ecological park, thousands of music fans are making the pilgrimage to camp and have festival fun with Chinese and international artists. Four outdoor stages featuring 2 Many DJs (BE)、 Asian Dub Foundation (UK)、Howie B (UK)、Lali Puna (DE)、M.E.T.A(DK)、Sebo K (DE)、Sebastien Leger (FR)、The Glamour Manifesto(IT). and more. One of the festival events of the year — don’t miss out.
International Youth Music Festival will land October 1 to October 3 at the Shanghai Golden Beach, 30 kilometers driving from the city center. "This new festival has the main goal to celebrate modern youth culture and educate youth about music, lifestyle and having fun." The festival is a co-production between main organiser Laiya (rock music), AYO! (hiphop), and The Mansion（electronic music). Three days and nights of music with over 100 artists playing. All the info right here.
International Youth Music Festival will land October 1 to October 3 at the Shanghai Golden Beach, 30 kilometers driving from the city center. "This new festival has the main goal to celebrate modern youth culture and educate youth about music, lifestyle and having fun." The festival is a co-production between main organiser Laiya (rock music), AYO! (hiphop), and The Mansion（electronic music). Three days and nights of music with over 100 artists playing. All the info right here.
Shalanaya -- a three-day outdoor festival dedicated to art, music and sustainable living and psy/goa trance music and culture. Held at the Chinese mid autumn holiday on a private piece of nature an hour away from Shanghai, the festival is a multicultural celebration that encourages self expression and involvement from participants. Price: pre-sale tickets 480rmb; at the gate 580rmb. Venue location: Dianshan Lake Resort, 728 JinShang Road, JinZe Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai (across Grand View Garden). All the info you need is right here.
Shalanaya — a three-day outdoor festival dedicated to art, music and sustainable living and psy/goa trance music and culture. Held at the Chinese mid autumn holiday on a private piece of nature an hour away from Shanghai, the festival is a multicultural celebration that encourages self expression and involvement from participants. Price: pre-sale tickets 480rmb; at the gate 580rmb. Venue location: Dianshan Lake Resort, 728 JinShang Road, JinZe Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai (across Grand View Garden). All the info you need is right here.
Full SmSh live music listings right here.
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Dinner and / or Drinks
Make sure you call ahead to your destination to see if they're open for the holidays. Here's a few that definitely are...
Windows Too Bar in Jingang to close with farewell party. They are closing the bar because part of the building where Windows Too located will be closed for renovation. And Windows Too will be relocated to a new venue soon. The farewell Party from 9pm to 11 pm will have open bar. For no money. Free drinks! Free open bar for two hours! KABOOM.
Windows Too Bar in Jingang to close with farewell party. They are closing the bar because part of the building where Windows Too located will be closed for renovation. And Windows Too will be relocated to a new venue soon. The farewell Party from 9pm to 11 pm will have open bar. For no money. Free drinks! Free open bar for two hours! KABOOM.
Oktoberfest is on at Zapfler — live music, plenty of craft beer, Oktoberfest food deals and beer games. Celebrate German National Day and our Craft Beer Bar of the Year award on Tuesday with a craft beer free flow from 5pm to 6pm. Check the schedule below for daily activities.
It is grape harvest time in France and Kartel's Bon Vivant promotion is back after a long summer break. 150rmb for a bottle of Red/White/Rosé all week from 6pm to 8pm -- a good reason to meet friends and to enjoy a nice happy hour on the roof (weather permitting...)
It is grape harvest time in France and Kartel's Bon Vivant promotion is back after a long summer break. 150rmb for a bottle of Red/White/Rosé all week from 6pm to 8pm — a good reason to meet friends and to enjoy a nice happy hour on the roof (weather permitting...)
One of the best [high-end] late dining deals in town, modern French restaurant Mr & Mrs Bund has set menus from 250rmb per person on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11pm–2am (last order). They offer special prices on select cocktails (buy-one-get-one), champagne, and wine bottles as well. If you're looking for a romantic dinner on the Bund that won't totally break the bank, this is a strong look. Note: offer doesn't apply when they have special events, so you may want to call ahead.
One of the best [high-end] late dining deals in town, modern French restaurant Mr & Mrs Bund has set menus from 250rmb per person on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11pm–2am (last order). They offer special prices on select cocktails (buy-one-get-one), champagne, and wine bottles as well. If you're looking for a romantic dinner on the Bund that won't totally break the bank, this is a strong look.
Cafe Reign, inside the "seven-star hotel" Wanda Reign on the Bund, features an array of sugary and savory bites plus fresh juices, coffee, and teas during its weekend late breakfast. Open every Saturday and Sunday from 6am till noon, come hungry (and pace yourself...) for the lobby restaurant of the hotel. Open also for non-hotel guests. 150rmb per person.
Cafe Reign, inside the "seven-star hotel" Wanda Reign on the Bund, features an array of sugary and savory bites plus fresh juices, coffee, and teas during its weekend late breakfast. Open every Saturday and Sunday from 6am till noon, come hungry (and pace yourself...) for the lobby restaurant of the hotel. Open also for non-hotel guests. 150rmb per person.
Bund Bowl offers a drink, eat and play package for 98rmb per person on Saturday from 6pm-12am. Includes 3 drinks (selected draft beer, highball and soft drinks), 1 free tapas,free pool and 1 free bowling game. What's more, only 10rmb for one pizza slice (one slice is 1/4 of a 12-inch pizza).
Bund Bowl offers a drink, eat and play package for 98rmb per person on Saturday from 6pm-12am. Includes 3 drinks (selected draft beer, highball and soft drinks), free salad & snacks,free pool and one free bowling game (buy tickets before 9 pm). What's more, only 10rmb for one pizza slice (one slice is 1/4 of a 12-inch pizza).
Full dining listings right here.
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Markets, Conventions, Sports, and Everything Else
As an element of the grand opening of the Oriental Fisherman's Wharf development hub, Lifessence has been invited to organize their first outdoor market. "This market is not just about bringing you delicious food during the October holiday, but also to explore a new way of enjoying urban life." 24 F&B vendors, 1 booth dedicated to Shanghai's charities, 3 interactive activities, and 1 photo booth. Among the charities that will be present there are PPAR, Heart to Heart, 107 Stray Animal House, Feibao, Giving Tree and others. No entry fee. Oriental Fisherman’s Wharf. 1088 Yangshupu Rd, Yangpu District. No entry fee. 10am start on each day.
As an element of the grand opening of the Oriental Fisherman's Wharf development hub, Lifessence has been invited to organize their first outdoor market. "This market is not just about bringing you delicious food during the October holiday, but also to explore a new way of enjoying urban life." 24 F&B vendors, 1 booth dedicated to Shanghai's charities, 3 interactive activities, and 1 photo booth. Among the charities that will be present there are PPAR, Heart to Heart, 107 Stray Animal House, Feibao, Giving Tree and others. No entry fee. Oriental Fisherman’s Wharf. 1088 Yangshupu Rd, Yangpu District. No entry fee. 10am start on each day.
Shanghai Comic Convention (ComicCon 2017)
The 2017 edition of famed games/movies/comics expo ComicCon is hitting Shanghai this October. This is a chance for pop-culture aficionados to trawl through booths stocked with all kinds of gimmickry, gizmos, gadgets and geegaws related to their favorite bits of media. There'll be guest speakers, appearances by famous people, panels, discussions, the works. Plenty of shopping. Probably some cosplay, too. In the past, Shanghai's been privy to the likes of Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal), Luke Evans (Beauty and the Beast, The Hobbit), Robin Lord Taylor (Gotham), Ming-Na Wen (Mulan), Brandon Routh (Superman Returns, Flash), and Nolan North lookalike, Nathan Fillion (Firefly, Castle, Halo series, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog).
The 2017 edition of famed games/movies/comics expo ComicCon is hitting Shanghai this October. This is a chance for pop-culture aficionados to trawl through booths stocked with all kinds of gimmickry, gizmos, gadgets and geegaws related to their favorite bits of media. There'll be guest speakers, appearances by famous people, panels, discussions, the works. Plenty of shopping. Probably some cosplay, too. In the past, Shanghai's been privy to the likes of Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal), Luke Evans (Beauty and the Beast, The Hobbit), Robin Lord Taylor (Gotham), Ming-Na Wen (Mulan), Brandon Routh (Superman Returns, Flash), and Nolan North lookalike, Nathan Fillion (Firefly, Castle, Halo series, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog).
"Shiva Connection Event" -Sensory Yoga - is a three-day event during China's Golden Week. During these three days they will explore both inner and outer space using senses as the medium. Themed vivid imagery will accompany carefully selected ambience and guide guests through the manipulation of mind and body. Three-day tickets (pre-sale): 360rmb; one-day tickets (pre;sale): 150rmb. On the day, 180rmb. Scan the QR code below for the full info.
"Shiva Connection Event" -Sensory Yoga - is a three-day event during China's Golden Week. During these three days they will explore both inner and outer space using senses as the medium. Themed vivid imagery will accompany carefully selected ambience and guide guests through the manipulation of mind and body. Three-day tickets (pre-sale): 360rmb; one-day tickets (pre;sale): 150rmb. On the day, 180rmb. Scan the QR code below for the full info.
The premiere tennis event of the Shanghai, the annual Shanghai Masters is a pro knockout tournament played on outdoor hard courts. It's part of the ATP World Tour Masters and sees the world's greatest tennis stars battling for prize money in excess of four million US dollars. Distinguished star lineups, who have great influence on young people. Matches start on October 8 at the Qizhong Forest Tennis Center in Shanghai and tickets start at just 160rmb.
The premiere tennis event of the Shanghai, the annual Shanghai Masters is a pro knockout tournament played on outdoor hard courts. It's part of the ATP World Tour Masters and sees the world's greatest tennis stars battling for prize money in excess of four million US dollars. Distinguished star lineups, who have great influence on young people. Matches start on October 8 at the Qizhong Forest Tennis Center in Shanghai and tickets start at just 160rmb.
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A Few Extra Golden Week Brunches
- Danish favorite EQ is running brunch sets from 118rmb October 5 to October 8. Read what SmSh though about that one right here. (Spoiler: it was good). Located on the Bund, that's a good one to check out right before touring the Bund walkway if you've got guests in from out of town.
- If you're looking to get properly wined up for the holidays, Le Bordelais has your back. All their umpteen venues around the city are offering a 150rmb free-flow wine deal on top of the brunch menu. sacre bleu! Zut! Magnifique!
- Another new-ish favorite Highline is offering their a la carte brunch menu for five days straight Spetember 30 to October 4. That's a good one to check out if you want to tack on a stroll through Xintiandi afterwards.
- Eduardo Vargas' breakout Latin hit, Colca is offering an a la carte brunch menu on October 1, 4, 6, 7, 8. They've got a nice patio area on Hengshan Lu. Good one if the weather is suitable.
- The entire Camel Group is serving brunch at all their locations. They're serving a la carte beunch at D.O.C. (Italian), El Luchador (Mexican), and Hooked (Fish & Chips / Seafood).
Full SmSh Brunch listings right here.
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Last But Not Least: The Swimming Pool
When it's not pouring rain it's going to be muggy AF — great time to get one last swim in for the summer. To those ends, the Mandarin City Pool is open during the holiday for the first time this year. Last day for the pool is October 7. Have at it while you can.
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Have a good one! Play safe!
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