Scary Shanghai: Best Halloween events for everyone
Parties planned, costumes made and pumpkin carved, Shanghai is in full gear to embrace the scariest night of the year.The most frightening holiday of the year is here again, and there are plenty of options for a scary night out in Shanghai.
Whether you want to take in a horror movie or three, jump around to some rock, punk and metal music, or get your Pride on with a good ol' fashioned Halloween pub crawl, Shanghai has something for everyone on All Hallow's Eve.
1. Metal, punk and rock madness
Where: Yuyintang, 851 Kaixuan Lu, near Yan'an Xi Lu 凯旋路851号, 近延安西路, +86 21 5237 8662, www.yuyintang.org
When: 9 p.m., October 29
Fee: RMB 40
The fifth annual incarnation of the local rock dive's Halloween concert welcomes punters of all persuasions to enjoy some of Shanghai's favorite indie bands honoring punk legends Dead Kennedys, metal masters Metallica and rock legends like Velvet Underground and Twisted Sister.
The show has garnered something of a reputation as being one of the greatest Halloween parties in the city and plenty of craziness is again expected this year as The Fever Machine, Rainbow Danger Club, Friend or Foe, Moon Tyrant, X is Y, Fire in the Hole!, Les Semi-Croustillants and Boys Climbing Ropes will all take the stage.
2. Scary movie marathon
Where: Dada, 115 Xingfu Lu, near Fahuazhen Lu 幸福路115号, 近法华镇路, +86 150 0018 2212
When: 9 p.m.-3 a.m., October 31
Fee: No admission
Wrap up a harrowing Halloween weekend with three horror movies back-to-back at Dada.
Chew on the free popcorn rather than your fingernails as you sit through the bone-chilling 1977 classic, “The Sentinal,” followed by the so-bad-it's-good 1992 zombie comedy, “Dead Alive,” and finally, gory 1982 monster flick, “Basket Case.”
All films will be shown in English, and are not suitable for anyone who gets squeamish at the sight of fake blood.
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3. Psychedelic underground psytrance party
Where: The Shelter, 5 Yongfu Lu, near Fuxing Xi Lu 永福路5号, 近复兴西路, www.magicgardenconcept.com
When: 10 p.m.-5 a.m., October 29
Fee: RMB 40
Another option for music-lovers looking to get down in the dark are the underground tunnels of The Shelter with “Psyloween,” an audio-visual psytrance party.
Organized by stalwart local music promoter Magic Garden Concept, this unique Halloween celebration features local and international psytrance superstars, including Kodama, Solaris, Shaman Electro and Gotama.
Dance the night away to the psychedelic sounds of this unique electronic landscape.
4. Frighteningly fast go-karting fun
Where: Stampede Karting, Lower level, Section C, Zhong Huan Bai Lian Shopping Center, 1288 Zhengguang Lu, near Meichuan Lu 真光路1288号C区地下室, 近梅川路
When: 8 p.m.-1 a.m., October 28
Fee: RMB 200 pre-sale, RMB 220 at the door
Take a drive on the dark side of go-karts at Stampede Karting, where spooky speeds will be mixed with boozy treats and prizes for a hauntingly good Halloween experience.
The most frightful and gruesome costume will win vouchers from food delivery company Sherpa's, valued at up to RMB 1,000. Everyone who arrives in costume will get a free shot at the door.
The entrance fee includes two karting tickets, free-flow beer, two cocktails and snacks. Trophies will be awarded to the top three drivers, and the fastest driver of the day will receive a VIP card from Stampede Karting worth RMB 300.
RSVP to events@shanghaiexpat.com, or call +86 21 5258 5557 ext. 223.
5. PRIDE Halloween Pub Crawl
Where: Bars around Shanghai
When: 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m., October 29
Fee: RMB 150 pre-sale, RMB 200 at the door
Coinciding with the final night of Shanghai's third annual PRIDE festival, this Halloween pub crawl will transport two busloads of costumed revelers to bars around Shanghai, with free drinks along the way.
There are great prizes up for grabs to be awarded to the best costumes, including an iPad and bottles of Champagne and sparkling wine.
Tickets are available at all other ShanghaiPRIDE events. The price includes entry to all bars, as well as the ShanghaiPRIDE Closing Party (9 p.m.-4 a.m., October 29 at Club Angel, 3/F, 480 Wulumuqi Bei Lu, near Huashan Lu).
Email shanghaipride@gmail.com for more information.
6. Shanghai Family Fright Night
Where: 2/F, Kerry Parkside Mall, 1378 Huamu Lu, near Fangdian Lu 花木路1378号, 近芳甸路, kidsclub@shfamily.com, www.shfamily.com/kidsclub
When: 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m., October 31
Fee: RMB 150 per adult, RMB 50 per child
Shanghai Family Kids Club will organize this Halloween party at Kerry Parkside in Pudong.
This less intimidating event will feature fun things to do for all the family, including dinner at California Pizza Kitchen, milkshakes at Johnny Moo's, and a trick-or-treat around many retailers in the shopping mall.
Get the family together in their craziest Halloween costumes to play wrap the mummy, decorate a pumpkin and strike a pose for the costume parade.
Ticket price includes dinner, milkshake, trick-or-treat bag for kids, candy, games, crafts and chance to win prizes.
