The best parties and live music in Shanghai this weekend
If you're chomping at the bit for a big night out accompanied by some quality music, you're in luck: Shanghai's nightlife scene swings back into action this weekend, shaking off the celebrating and pestering and over-eating that comes with the holidays for a stacked selection of club nights.
Whether you're into globe-trotting commercial EDM stars or want a taste of the homegrown alternative scene that's garnering international attention, read on for the events that will make you forget all about those CCTV Spring Festival Gala nightmares you've been having.
Thursday 22
Girls Night Out: The Portman Ritz-Carlton Spa
The Portman's swanky spa comes to Bar Rouge for the Bund-side destination's latest ladies night. DJ John Avolio spins the tunes, while manicure services, lucky draws and cocktail deals abound. Use the password 'MVP' to get in for free before 12.30am, otherwise it's 100RMB.
Bar Rouge Seventh Floor, 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Nanjing Dong Lu. 9.30pm. 100RMB; free with password before 12.30am.
Pomo
Vancouver-based producer and multi-instrumentalist – not to mention Kaytranada and Gravez labelmate - Pomo hits Shanghai for a night of hip hop- and funk-infused electronic music.
Arkham Found 158, 168 Julu Lu, near Chengdu Nan Lu. 10pm. 120RMB.
Friday 23
Barbarism Vol 2
The barbarians are back at the gates of Le Baron for the second outing of this monthly club night 'for civilised barbarians' featuring 'dancefloor-filling and boundary-pushing pop, hip hop, indie dance, forgotten classics, and familiar vocals in new contexts'.
Le Baron Seventh Floor, 20 Donghu Lu, near Huaihai Zhong Lu. 10pm. Free.
Genome Compilation Vol 2 Release
Leading local producer and DJ collective Genome unveil their latest compilation – Self Salvation – with their own Charity, Hyph11e, Kilo Vee, Khemist, and Rui Ho performing. The group are picking up some significant international buzz – they featured prominently in VICE/i-D's recent mini-documentary on Shanghai club culture, and Hyph11e is fresh from playing dates in Europe, including at Panorama Bar in the world-famous Berghain.
ALL Second Floor, 17 Xiangyang Bei Lu, near Changle Lu. 10pm. Entry tba.
Saturday 24
Hotpot
Warm yourself with a night at Le Baron this weekend as their once regular Hotpot event returns, with renowned Beijing beat-chef DJ Wordy hosting.
Le Baron Seventh Floor, 20 Donghu Lu, near Huaihai Zhong Lu. 10pm. Free.
Nicky Romero
Taxx is aiming to become an EDM haven down in the depths of Found 158, as this night shows. Romero – who was in Shanghai for last year's Ultra Festival – is the club's biggest booking to date and the fresh-faced Dutch DJ and producer ought to pull in a big crowd. Get ready to get your hands in the air...
Taxx Found 158, 158 Julu Lu, near Ruijin Yi Lu. 10pm. 120RMB.
Rou Gu Tou Chun Wan with Damacha & Heatwolves
Hip hop, bass, footwork, dog music, and video game soundtracks all night are on the agenda for this post-Spring Festival gala at DADA, featuring Shanghai-based pair Damacha and Heatwolves.
DADA 115 Xingfu Lu, near Fahuazhen Lu. 9pm. Free.
Shanghai Community Radio
Hymn, Ksnkst, and Swimful are joined by Womb on the visuals for the latest SHCR session at ALL, with industrial, techno, experimental club music and more in store.
ALL Second Floor, 17 Xiangyang Bei Lu, near Changle Lu. 10pm. 60RMB.
VOID: Shaded Explorer
The always impressive VOID crew returns to Elevator, with Shanghai Ultra, Provoda, and Nmlss joining forces for a night of quality techno.
Elevator Fourth Floor, 218 Xinle Lu, near Fumin Lu. 10pm. 50RMB.
Sunday 25
NTS Radio Live
Diamond Lil, FunkeeCookee and Provoda join China Social Club for a Sunday session at Daily Vinyl Studios as part of the latest NTS Radio broadcast from Shanghai. You'll need to RSVP to get in: drop info@chinasocialclub.com a line for details.
Daily Vinyl Studios. RSVP for address and details. 4pm.