Halloween in Shanghai comes with its own special twist: the costume is half the fun, but the real trick is knowing when to put it on. Last year saw a few surprises when it came to public dress-up, so if you're planning to go all out, maybe wait until you're inside the venue. Beyond that, it's the usual madness -- clubs, bars, haunted warehouses, overpriced cocktails, and at least one person sweating in a full inflatable dinosaur suit. Here's where to find it.

Hotels & Rooftops

Alter’s back this Halloween with Phantom Hotel — a full-sensory takeover at Thompson Shanghai Expo’s rooftop club, TOTS. Expect immersive soundscapes from Japan’s Taku Hirayama and a lineup of Shanghai’s top selectors, plus a live performance by avant-garde dancer Qinran. Think surreal energy, hypnotic beats, and skyline views that blur the line between dream and reality.

Space Panda is doing their thing at the Shanghai EDITION again, turning the Shanghai EDITION into a surreal, three-floor playground of sound and spectacle. Step past the velvet curtains and into a world of illusions, music, and late-night magic. It’s ambitious, and usually well executed -- 22 DJs will take over the decks, headlined by Japan’s RYOTA, who’s recently shared stages with Fred Again. Definitely one of the bigger productions on the calendar, running both October 31 and November 1.

Please note that the event on 1 Not has been cancelled. Refunds will be processed accordingly.
Nova events returns to Flair at The Ritz-Carlton with FREAKSHOW for two nights of rooftop chaos, with 16 DJs, circus-themed decor, and a strict costume policy. The skyline view is mostly wasted on Halloween, but the 58th floor setting does add some theatrical flair to what's one of the louder, flashier Halloween blowouts in town. Costumes aren’t just encouraged—they’re the price of entry.

And Also:

Veil of Shadows Halloween Party @ POP American Brasserie (31 Oct-1 Nov) -- Another party from Nova Events which takes over POP for two nights of eerie beats, live makeup and views of the bund.

Halloween Masquerade Fantasy Party @ Havana Bar (31 Oct) -- FC Club hosts a glammed-up Halloween soiree 30 floors above the city at Havana Bar, with cocktails, live music, and Bund views for days.

The Pearl

The Pearl feels built for Halloween—an old-world theatre draped in red velvet and just the right amount of chaos. They're going all in again this year, with something happening pretty much every night, but the main event on the 31st is the one to catch.

The Pearl’s big Halloween blowout is back, with ringmaster Cocosanti leading a circus-rock spectacle of live music, aerial acts, and general madness. The Red Stars handle the soundtrack, there’s plenty of freaky eye-candy on stage, and costumes are very much required. Always one of the wildest nights of the year.

More Halloween at The Pearl:

Drag Me to Rocky Horror Live Show (25 Oct) -- A Shanghai Halloween staple with a screening of the cult classic movie. Dress up, shout the lines, and yes, do the Time Warp again.

Thriller Dance Hits Night (29 Oct) -- A pop-fueled dance party with spooky classics from Michael Jackson to ABBA. Costumes highly encouraged.

Spooktacular Family Celebration (26 Oct) -- A family-friendly celebration, with face painting, costume contests, high-flying aerial acrobatics, and a special guest appearance from the Frog King.

Other events

Bark, Brews & Boo's @ Laowaijie (25-26 Oct) -- Spare Leash and JS Markets are teaming up for a weekend of Halloween-themed fun featuring a pet costume contest, family-friendly games, food and drinks, and an adoption event hosted by Furry Friends and The Haven.

So Loco Presents Hotel Transilvania @ So Mezze (1 Nov) -- Dance to spooky beats with Black Jessi, Marcos Godoy, and Toni Ventura. Come dressed to impress — the best costume wins a RMB 600 dinner for two.