Dive into Shanghai's vibrant nightlife with our guide to the city's bustling night markets and lively riverside events. Whether you're looking for dazzling light shows, immersive art experiences, or unforgettable music festivals, Shanghai offers a nightlife scene that's both exciting and unique.

Part 1: Night markets

Yuyuan Garden light show

Step into a magical world at Yuyuan Garden's summer carnival, where the garden is transformed into a playground of delight featuring stunning 3D light projections. This display is inspired by the idea that certain colors, patterns, and styles can trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and happiness.

Open: Now until Aug 25

Address: No 168 Fuyou Road, Huangpu district

Read a Book in Summer

Poster for the Read a Book in Summer event. [Photo/Official WeChat account of the Shanghai Night Festival]

Celebrate the joy of reading with a series of engaging activities. Enjoy book-sharing sessions, traditional craft workshops, and a unique book-to-vegetable exchange. Dive into DIY paper-making, swing dancing, and more.

Open: Aug 17-25, Saturdays and Sundays

Address: POPC Park, No 8 Minhong Road, Minhang district

Part 2: Riverside events

Rockbund Soundscapes music festival

Poster for the Rockbund Soundscapes music festival. [Photo/Official WeChat account of the Shanghai Night Festival]

Don't miss this free outdoor music festival hosted by Social Supply, an agency specializing in experiential marketing, brand activations, event promotion, and pop-up activations. Enjoy live music against the stunning backdrop of the riverside.

Open: Sept 7-8, 2 pm - 10 pm

Address: Rockbund Museum Plaza (near No 97 Yuanmingyuan Road, Huangpu district)

Ari Hoenig & Tom Ollendorff – Shanghai performance

Poster for the live performance by Ari Hoenig and Tom Ollendorff in Shanghai. [Photo/Official WeChat account of the Shanghai Night Festival]

Catch a live performance by world-renowned drummer Ari Hoenig and top guitarist Tom Ollendorff. Their jazz trio will showcase a mix of original tunes and inventive takes on classic jazz, promising a night of rhythmic excitement.

Open: Sept 5-6, 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm / 9:30 pm - 10:45 pm

Address: Rockbund Museum Plaza (near No 97 Yuanmingyuan Road, Huangpu district)

Whispers of Haunted Art – Horror Night at the Art Museum

Poster for the horror night at the Art Museum. [Photo/Official WeChat account of the Shanghai Night Festival]

Explore the eerie side of art at this spooky museum event. Discover the mysterious stories behind various artworks and delve into the darker aspects of art history.

Open: Aug 24 & Aug 31, 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Address: B1 - Box, West Bund Museum, No 2600 Longteng Avenue, Xuhui district

Venus Multimedia Art Exhibition by Li Wenguang

Post for the multimedia art exhibition by Li Wenguang. [Photo/Official WeChat account of the Shanghai Night Festival]

Experience contemporary artist Li Wenguang's multimedia art that blends geometric precision with imaginative fantasy. This exhibition uses digital technology to reimagine his two-dimensional pieces, deconstructing and reassembling geometric elements into a dreamlike virtual world. The fusion of art and technology allows viewers to actively engage and immerse themselves, experiencing his work in a fresh, interactive way.

Open: Aug 9-Sept 30, 10 am - 9 pm (last entry at 8:30 pm)

Address: 1F, Jiushi Art Salon, No 230 East Beijing Road, Huangpu district

Source: Official WeChat account of the Shanghai Night Festival