The Shanghai International Literary Festival is on, and there are lots of community events coming up including a mixer with IPWS to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. A lot of alternatives to St. Paddy's black outs on Saturday, like adopting a dog, a comics workshop, and an open mic hosted by the Shanghai Literary Review —plus more stuff to look forward and some light tour suggestions.

It’s all happening...just a friendly neighborhood reminder that the International Literary Festival has kicked off and will continue to rage till March 17. Check the full program, right here. 2018 marks the International Professional Women's Society's 25th year in Shanghai, and to celebrate they're holding a special mixer. It's a chance to mingle and network; and everyone's invited--members, non-members, women, and men. Will run from 6.30-9.30pm and costs 170rmb for members, and 300rmb for non-members.

St. Patrick’s Day Alternatives

This is Community Chest, so if you’re looking for St. Patrick’s drink deals you’re a bit turned around, check here, but first check out these alternatives: SITD, Shanghai's own indie comic, is offering up a workshop. They'll run through some big ideas about how storytelling for comics works, translate those ideas into a practical step-by-step process, and then put the process to work on attendees own ideas. Bring a notebook with graph paper, a pen, and a pencil. Runs form 2-3pm and costs 150rmb presale, or 200rmb at the door. People for Pets is hosting its first adoption day this spring with al fresco beer and furry cuddles from dogs and cats recently rescued, and who are ready for adoption. Runs from 12-5pm, no entry fee. Wine and Art is an art show event series organized by AL Works and La Cava de Laoma. This time around they're featuring Beijing-based artist, Liuba Vladimirova aka Liuba Draws and her watercolors. Liuba will be at the opening and will have some merch on he scene for purchase. La Cava de Laoma will be offering free wine throughout the event. Free entry. Runs from 3-7pm. Indie mag The Shanghai Literary Review is hosting an open mic for readings of short fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Kicks off at 7.30, no entry fee but there will be drinks and books (issues 1&2) for purchase. * Quick Shout Out: to documentary filmmaker, Dvir Bar-Gal, who's Tour of Jewish Shanghai is celebrating 20 years in Shanghai, making it one of the oldest shows in town. Read more about the tour and get booking info right here .

If You Missed It...

It's Unravel's one year anniversary so they're putting together a show for March 22, in collaboration with the WeWork on Weihai. It'll be big, with some favorite story tellers making their triumphant return. The theme is "Feel Like a Woman" and there's a 50rmb entry fee at the door. Ladyfest Shanghai is an annual event held close to International Women’s Day as a collaboration by various contributors in local community to foster mutual inspiration, celebrate female empowerment and promote a dialogue for gender equality through music, arts, workshops, performances, and exhibitions.