As China's National Day Holiday unfolds, Shanghai prepares to immerse itself in a vibrant celebration of art and culture. The city will resonate with creativity as the International Arts Festival takes center stage, promising a week-long extravaganza of musicals, performances, and artistic marvels. Among the many highlights, fans will be able to witness Olympic medal winners showcasing their swimming prowess live, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already exhilarating lineup. Join us as we explore the fantastic events that await you this October!

Expos & Fairs

1. Shanghai International Consumer Electronics Show

The exhibition is dedicated to becoming a leading consumer technology show in Asia and even the world, facilitating cross-border trade of cutting-edge technologies.

Date: Oct 10 to 12

Location: Shanghai New International Expo Center, No 2345 Longyang Road, Pudong New Area

2. Others

 

Art Exhibitions

1. Rodin: A Hinge Figure Towards Modernity

Experience the legacy of Auguste Rodin, the revered "Father of Modern Sculpture", through a curated exhibition showcasing his iconic masterpieces such as The Thinker, The Age of Bronze, Eve, Balzac, and The Burghers of Calais.

Date: Sept 28, 2024 to Sept 28, 2026

Location: Centre d'Art Rodin (Shanghai), Building 1, No 1929 Expo Avenue, Pudong New Area

→ Centre d'Art Rodin opens in Shanghai showcasing French sculptor's masterpieces

2. Lari Pittman: Magic Realism

Embark on a journey into modern life with Los Angeles artist Lari Pittman's first exhibition in Asia, exploring themes of societal reconstruction in the 21st century.

Date: Until Oct 20

Location: Long Museum West Bund, No 3398 Longteng Avenue, Xuhui district

3. Modigliani & Modern Art

Immerse yourself in masterpieces from France's LaM Museum, featuring artworks by 18 pioneering European artists, including Pablo Picasso, from the first half of the 20th century.

Date: Until Feb 9, 2025

Location: Bund One Art Museum, East Zhongshan Road Number One, Huangpu district

4. Life after life

Engage with multimedia artworks exploring artificial intelligence, silicon-based life, and material iteration within biological forms and digital ecosystems.

Date: Until Feb 16, 2025

Location: HOW Art Museum, No 1, Lane 2277, Zuchongzhi Road, Pudong New Area

5. Rindon Johnson: Best Synthetic Answer

Journey through an exhibition inspired by the historical voyage of an American crossing the Pacific Ocean to Shanghai, reflecting on trade relations and colonial history.

Date: Until April 6, 2025

Location: Rockbund Art Museum, 3-7F, No 20 Huqiu Road, Huangpu district

6. El Anatsui: After the Red Moon

Witness a monumental sculptural installation created from thousands of metal bottle tops, forming expansive abstract fields of color, shape, and line.

Date: Sept 30 to Oct 7, 2025

Location: Museum of Art Pudong, No 2777 Binjiang Avenue, Pudong New Area

→ Museum of Art Pudong to welcome 2 new exhibitions in Oct

7. Dialogues with Turner: Evoking the Sublime

Explore original works by Joseph Mallord William Turner, the celebrated English Romantic painter, known for his expressive landscapes and marine paintings.

Date: Oct 1 to May 10, 2025

Location: Museum of Art Pudong, No 2777 Binjiang Avenue, Pudong New Area

→ Museum of Art Pudong to welcome 2 new exhibitions in Oct

 

Festivals

1. Shanghai International Horse Culture Week

Prepare for an exhilarating week of equestrian excellence at the inaugural Shanghai International Horse Culture Week. Alongside thrilling competitions, enjoy a special stage show and witness the first-ever European horse auction in China.

Date: Sept 30 to Oct 7

Location: Shanghai Jiushi International Equestrian Center, No 251 Tongyao Road, Pudong New Area

→ Shanghai International Horse Culture Week gallops into Expo Culture Park

2. Shanghai International Electronic Music Festival

Experience the electrifying rhythms of the Budweiser Storm Electronic Music Festival, featuring three themed stages hosting over 20 renowned DJs from across the globe. A must-attend event for electronic music enthusiasts.

Date: Oct 2 to 3

Location: Shanghai International Circuit, No 2000 Yining Road, Jiading district

→ International electronic music festival to electrify Shanghai in Oct

3. Shanghai International Arts Festival

Immerse yourself in the cultural extravaganza of the 23rd Shanghai International Arts Festival, showcasing 168 main stage performances by top-tier global artists and ensembles from 36 countries and regions.

Date: Oct 18 to Nov 17

Location: Across the city

→ 23rd Shanghai International Arts Festival unveils lineup

4. 16th Shanghai International Popular Sports Festival

Join the excitement at the 16th Shanghai International Popular Sports Festival, featuring a diverse range of sports events, a vibrant sports market, and traditional cultural performances at the carnival located at the plaza of Dishui Lake Station.

Date: Oct 19 to 20

Location: Lin-gang Special Area

→ Sports festival to kick off in Shanghai in October

 

Musicals

1. Puccini 100 evening of Tosca & Puccini Opera Gala

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Puccin's legacy with an enchanting evening featuring opera stars Joyce El-Khoury, Joseph Calleja, and Sir Bryn Terfel. Prepare to be.

Date: Oct 11 & Oct 13

Location: New Bund 31 Performing Arts Center, No 777 West Gaoqing Road, Pudong New Area

2. Renaud Capuçon Violin Recital

Experience the artistry of violinist Renaud Capuçon as he performs works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Strauss in a mesmerizing recital.

Date: Oct 15

Location: Jaguar Shanghai Symphony Hall, No 1380 Fuxing Middle Road, Xuhui district

3. Gala in Shanghai & La Bayadère by the Mariinsky Ballet

Witness the grace and elegance of Russia's Mariinsky Ballet at the 2024 Shanghai International Arts Festival, featuring a diverse repertoire from Giselle to Chopiniana and the iconic La Bayadère.

Date: Oct 23 & Oct 25 to 26

Location: New Bund 31 Performing Arts Center, No 777 West Gaoqing Road, Pudong New Area

4. Anna Karenina

Step back in time to the 19th century with Anna Karenina, a musical adaptation of Tolstoy's masterpiece that brings to life the characters' psychological struggles and conflicts in a visually stunning production.

Date: Oct 25 to 27

Location: AIA Grand Theatre on the North Bund, No 889 East Daming Road, Hongkou district

5. Memories of a decade: Ballet Gala

Experience a ballet extravaganza featuring exceptional dancers from prestigious companies like the Paris Opera Ballet, the Bolshoi Ballet, and the Royal Ballet of the UK, delivering stellar performances for Chinese audiences.

Date: Oct 26 to 27

Location: Lyric Theater, Shanghai Grand Theatre, No 300 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district

6. Mei Lanfang

Immerse yourself in the legendary life of Mei Lanfang, the renowned Peking opera artist, through a theatrical production that premiered 30 years ago.

Date: Oct 30 to 31

Location: New Bund 31 Performing Arts Center, No 777 West Gaoqing Road, Pudong New Area

→ Legendary opera artist sees his story in theaters

 

Sports Events

1. Rolex Shanghai Masters

Get ready for a star-studded affair at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, one of the ATP Masters 1000 events. Featuring top players like Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz, this tournament promises high-octane tennis action.

Date: Sept 30 to Oct 13

Location: Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, No 5500 Yuanjiang Road, Minhang district

→ Star-studded Rolex Shanghai Masters set to excite fans

2. 2024 Shanghai Trophy tournament

Witness the pinnacle of figure skating and speed skating at the Shanghai Trophy event. With over 200 elite athletes and referees from around the world, this competition showcases the best on ice.

Date: Oct 3 to 5

Location: SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center

→ 2024 Shanghai Trophy ticket sales launched

3. FISE World Series Shanghai

Experience the ultimate fusion of sports and entertainment at the FISE World Series in Shanghai. Explore six themed areas featuring trendy brands, professional sports equipment, delectable food vendors, and a plethora of interactive entertainment.

Date: Oct 16 to 20

Location: West Bund, Xuhui district

→ Shanghai gears up for FISE World Series at West Bund

4. World Aquatics Swimming World Cup

Dive into the excitement of the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup, where the stellar performances by Chinese swimmers at the Paris Olympics set the stage for thrilling competitions. Witness world-class swimmers in action and possibly witness new records being set.

Date: Oct 18 to 20

Location: SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center, No 701 Yongyao Road, Pudong New Area

→ Tickets for World Aquatics Swimming World Cup now available

 

Stay tuned for more upcoming events and activities!

 

Sources: shexpo.me, official WeChat accounts of Shanghai Administration of Sports, New Bund 31 Performing Arts Center, Shanghai Grand Theatre, AIA Grand Theatre on the North Bund, Jaguar Shanghai Symphony Hall, Huangpu District Administration of Culture and Tourism