The Best Family Events in Shanghai

By Yuzhou Hu, 2019-06-03 01:26:31

Best Events This Week​

Jun 8-9: Rooftop Commune Market

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Image via Commune Market

Gathering the best designs and crafts around town, the Commune Market is back this weekend during June 8-9 at the rooftops of 688 Shaanxi Bei Lu. Expect one-of-a-kind pieces in fashion, beauty, jewelry, visual arts, cool tunes, summertime food, BBQ, new cocktail mixes and craft beer! The event is pet-friendly, so you can also bring along your furry friends!

Jun 8-9, 11am-6pm. Free entry. 688 Shaanxi Bei Lu rooftop, by Kangding Lu. See event listing.

Jun 8-9: Popular Mechanics (Mandarin)

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Image via promoter

Inspired by the work with the same name written by American short story writer Raymond Carver, the show was created by the New Youth Group in 2018. Instead of starring professional actors, the cast is made up of ordinary people. Head to the show to find out how their completely different personalities and life experiences impact each other and change the course of the performance. This unique show is bound to be an entertaining one!

Sat Jun 8, 7.30pm. Sun Jun 9, 2pm. RMB80-380. 1862 Theatre, see event listing. Book tickets here.

Jun 9-16: Cats the Musical

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Image via promoter

CATS is one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history. Since its premiere, it has been presented in over 30 countries, translated into 15 languages and seen by over 73 million people worldwide. And this month it's headed right here to Shanghai.

June 9 & 13 at 2pm, June 11-15 at 7.30pm, June 15-16 at 2pm​. RMB880-1,280. SAIC Shanghai Culture Square, see event listing. Book tickets here.

All Month: Peppa Pig World of Play

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Image via Peppa Pig World of Play

Peppa Pig World of Play is an indoor theme park built especially for preschoolers and their families. With 10 different play areas, children can immerse themselves in specific scenes and locations from the Peppa Pig TV series. This is an excellent choice for Peppa fans, young and old, to enjoy a special adventure with all the charters from the show. 

10am-7pm (Mon-Fri), 10am-8pm (Sat-Sun). One adult plus one child: RMB158 Mon-Fri, RMB210 Sat-Sun; Additional adult: RMB50 Mon-Fi, RMB70 Sat-Sun; Additional child: RMB100 Mon-Fri, RMB140 Sat-Sun. Peppa Pig World of Playsee event listing. Book tickets here.

All Month: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Shanghai

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Image via LEGOLAND

It might take another couple of years until Shanghai opens its own LEGOLAND theme park, but for the time being, brick-aholics can visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Center to get their fix. With attractions like a hands-on play area, jungle gyms and fun rides, this interactive play center inside the Changfeng Joy City makes a fantastic weekend destination for families to visit.

10am-8pm. RMB200. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Shanghai. Book tickets here.

Best Upcoming Events

Jun 13: Maki Ohguro

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Image via promoter

Japanese singer and songwriter Maki Ohguro is all set to perform in Shanghai this month. Maki got her start in the music industry in 1989 as a backup singer for a whole slew of famous artists. She finally got her big break in 1992 with the single 'Stop Motion.' Her next single, 'Da Ka Ra' was a huge hit, selling over a million copies. She's gone on to have a successful career with 13 studio albums under her belt. Her latest record, Music Muscle, was released in 2018. Check out the pop singer in Shanghai on June 13 at Bandai Namco Shanghai Base Dream Hall.

Thu Jun 13, 7.30pm. RMB480-680. Bandai Namco Shanghai Base Dream Hall, see event listing. Purchase tickets here.

Jun 29: Nonsense Machines

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Image via promoter

Maywa Denki is a two-man band from Japan founded in 1993. On stage, they always dress up like workers and use assorted tools and machines to play music. In addition to the thrilling electric music, their way of playing is quite fun, which will bring joy to the audience, especially to your little ones.

Sat June 29, 2pm or 7.30pm. RMB180-680. 1862 Theatre, see event listing. Book tickets here.

July 5-7 & July 12-14: Peppa Pig Live-Rainy Days! (Mandarin)

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Image via promoter

This July, let your kids experience the hit children's show like never before when you see Peppa Pig in an all new and exciting live show. Kids will see their favorite characters come to life as life-sized puppets and costume characters in Peppa Pig's Adventure- Rainy Days!

July 5-7 & July 12-14, times vary; RMB100-500. Shanghai PG Theater, see event listing. Purchase tickets here.

July 11: Lenka Kripac

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Image via promoter

Get hyped! Australian singer Lenka Kripac is coming to town! You can now head over to thMart and grab tickets to see Lenka perform at VasLive in Shanghai on July 11. Best known for her songs ‘The Show’ and ‘Everything at Once,’ Lenka’s latest album, 2017’s Attune, was praised by Billboard, with the US music magazine saying that the first single on the album has the “power to heal.” High praise indeed!

July 11, 8pm; RMB280. VasLive, see event listing. Book tickets here.

Jul 11-14: PAW Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue

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Image via promoter

Based on everybody's favorite animated TV series on Nickelodeon, PAW Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue brings everybody's favorite pups to the stage for an action-packed musical adventure. PAW Patrol Live! is not only fun and entertaining, but the shows share lessons about social skills, problem solving and teamwork. The performances feature up-tempo music and captivating stories perfect for kids.

July 11-14, times vary; RMB280-580. Shanghai Culture Square, see event listing. Purchase tickets here.

July 20: Premier League Asia Trophy 2019

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Image via the promoter

Great news for English Premier League fans in China, as Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle United and West Ham United will contest the 2019 Premier League Asia Trophy in Nanjing and Shanghai. The third place playoff and final will take place at Hongkou Football Stadium on Saturday, July 20 at 6pm and 8.30pm respectively. Don't miss this event if you are a hardcore football fan.

Sat July 20, 6pm and 8.30pm. RMB288-1,580. Hongkou Football Stadium, see event listing. Book tickets here.

Jul 30: Anne-Marie 2019 China Tour in Shanghai

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Image via promoter

Anne-Marie was one of pop’s biggest breakout stars in 2018, thanks to her worldwide hits ‘Rockabye,’ a single by the Clean Bandit where she was featured and hit Marshmello collaboration ‘Friends’ as well as the arrival of her debut album, Speak Your Mind. In the past two years, British pop singer/songwriter Anne-Marie has emerged as a popular and acclaimed artist worldwide releasing a string of singles that have become chart hits. This summer she will be the opening act for Ed Sheeran’s North American stadium tour, which means the talented artist is more recognized than ever.

Tue Jul 30, 8pm. RMB280 presale. VasLive, see event listing. Book tickets here.

Aug 3-4: Magic Drama: One Starry Night: Out of the Blue

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Image via promoter

This magical event is the perfect way to introduce your little ones to the world of art, music and culture. One Starry Night: Out of the Blue takes you and your family on a journey filled with art, music and education. By exploring such a fun and joy-filled environment, your children will be inspired to explore the beauty of art and music.

Aug 3-4, 10.30am, 3.30pm & 7.30pm. RMB180-480. Shanghai Grand Theatresee event listing. Purchase tickets here.

[Cover image via commune market]