The 2026 Shanghai Summer International Consumption Season opened on July 3 and will run through October. Centered on the theme "Shanghai Summer, Join the Family Fun", the event showcases the city's diverse offerings through six themed sections built around the acronym S-U-M-M-E-R: sports, urban exploration, museums, music, entertainment, and relaxation.

 

S – Sports

FIM Motocross World Championship (MXGP) Shanghai

When: Sept 11 to 13

Where: Fengxian Bay Tourism Area

MXGP Shanghai is the only Asian stop on this year's global circuit and a key round in the world championship.

Held at a newly built outdoor venue in the Fengxian Bay Tourism Area, the event will feature eight world champions, more than 100 top international riders, and several Chinese wildcard entrants.

With attendance expected to rise by 30 percent year-on-year, the event will combine daytime racing with evening food markets, live music, and a market featuring intangible cultural heritage crafts.

Rolex Shanghai Masters

When: Oct 5 to 18

Where: Qizhong Tennis Center

The Rolex Shanghai Masters continues to expand beyond a traditional tennis tournament.

Last year's event attracted more than 250,000 visits in two weeks, with 70 percent of spectators coming from outside the city or overseas.

This year, the tournament will offer more family-friendly experiences, including fan zones, themed markets, youth events, and pet-friendly spaces. Districts such as Jing'an, Xuhui, and Minhang will also host "second venues", bringing tennis-themed activities into commercial areas.

 

U – Urban exploration

The 3rd Shanghai International Light Festival

When: Sept 17 to Oct 16

This year's festival will return in mid-September with nine themed programs spanning 17 landmark venues and major commercial areas, including Nanjing Road, Xintiandi, and the North Bund.

The festival will integrate light art displays, pop culture collaborations, and programs linked with sports and tourism events, creating a citywide nighttime visual experience.

Spring/Summer 2027 Shanghai Fashion Week

When: Starting Oct 8

The fashion week will open in October with runway shows and brand launches across the city.

Selected shows will be open to the public, giving fashion lovers a chance to experience the runway up close. Some brands will also open designers' studios after shows, offering hands-on customization experiences.

 

M – Museums

On Top of the World Tree: Ancient Civilizations of the Americas Exhibition

When: July 9, 2026, to Nov 14, 2027

Where: Shanghai Museum on People's Square

One of the season's major cultural highlights, the exhibition brings 1,129 sets of artifacts, or nearly 3,000 objects in total, from Mexico and Peru to Shanghai. Key exhibits include the Olmec Colossal Stone Head 4 and the Calakmul Stela 51.

The exhibition will also connect with tourism routes, themed transport such as cruise ships and buses, and dining experiences, linking museum visits with wider city exploration.

 

M – Music

Music in the Summer Air festival

When: Through July 20

The 17th MISA, which kicked off on July 5 and runs through July 20, is turning Shanghai into an open-air concert hall.

Featuring 33 live performances, 23 online broadcasts, and additional citywide programs, it showcases international orchestras, jazz, film music, and Silk Road-inspired collaborations.

Highlights include the Asian debut of Tenebrae, performances by the Aurora Orchestra with international soloists, including pianist Wang Liya and Zeng Yun, principal horn of the Berliner Philharmoniker, and a film music concert featuring John Williams' works.

The festival is also expanding into public spaces through talks, workshops, screenings, and immersive cultural activities. This year, it has partnered with 42 merchants in Xuhui to create a 15-minute performing arts and lifestyle zone.

 

E – Entertainment

Shanghai Disney Resort's 10th Birthday

When: Through Aug 31

Where: Shanghai Disney Resort

Shanghai Disney Resort is celebrating its 10th birthday with new parades, seasonal shows, summer water-themed experiences, and nighttime programs.

The celebration includes FriendSHIP! Duffy and Friends' Special Pre-Parade, new castle shows, and upgraded nighttime entertainment.

On 10 select nights, the resort will extend park hours until 10:30 pm. A range of ticket offers is also available during the Shanghai Summer International Consumption Season.

The 2nd Shanghai International Game Animation Festival

When: July to August

The festival launched on June 29, expanding its citywide summer celebration to nearly 70 days through late August. It features major anime and gaming exhibitions, including a three-event pass for CCG Expo, BilibiliWorld, and ChinaJoy.

A major esports highlight is the 15th anniversary of The International, Dota 2's world championship, which will take place at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center from Aug 20 to 23.

Red Land 2.0

When: Oct 2 to 6

Where: Fuxing Island

The second edition of Rednote's Red Land will return during the National Day holiday from Oct 2 to 6, welcoming fans to Fuxing Island in Yangpu district.

This immersive "adventure island" experience will feature more than 100 well-known Chinese and international franchises and will introduce new experiences across land, water, and air, including yachts and floats.

 

R – Relaxation

The 37th Shanghai Tourism Festival summer season

When: July 8 to Aug 31

This year's festival will launch on July 8, featuring a lineup of over 170 activities across six themed weeks.

The program will link museums, cultural sites, scenic spots, and commercial areas. Starting July 8, the festival's mini program will also offer cultural tourism passes connecting major attractions across the city.

Pet Fair Asia 2026

When: Aug 19 to 23

Where: Shanghai New International Expo Centre

The 28th Pet Fair Asia will cover 320,000 square meters and bring together over 2,600 Chinese and overseas exhibitors. It is expected to attract more than 530,000 pet lovers.

The fair will feature dedicated zones such as the "premium cat lifestyle" and "ideal home for pets and owners" zones, as well as the N5 Imported Products Pavilion.

Outdoor activities will include a large pool, water games for pets, and summer evening music events for visitors and their furry friends.

 

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, Shanghai Summer website