7 spooky eats, sips and events in Shanghai

Ghouls just want to have fun, and Shanghai has wicked ways to oblige. 👻

Get up to a little mischief and mayhem this month with seasonal eats, spirited sips, and after-dark antics — and watch out for things that go bump in the night.

March to the beat of Shanghai’s only spooky parade

No rest for the wicked! 😈

Shanghai Disneyland may be open 365 days a year, but its annual ‘Spook-tacular’ fest only comes around once — and in 2026, the park is treating us to two extra days of frightful fun compared to 2025.

Don’t miss these attractions: ‘Donald’s Mischievous Treat Cavalcade,’ ‘ILLUMINATE! A Nighttime Celebration,’ and the ‘Disney Villains Castle Celebration.’

This month’s special one-day ticket package comes with priority access to the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ attraction and a complimentary ‘Blue Howling’ beverage. 🥤

Sink your fangs into these seasonal cakes & bakes

Shanghai’s bakeries are whipping up treats that are more adorable than abominable. 🥐

Sink your fangs into Pain Chaud’s ghost-topped Orange & Grapefruit Tart, savour the season with Connie He Cake Shop’s ‘Autumn Vibes’ Sweet Potato Parfait, go savoury with Nonna’s Spooky Sausage Roll, or tackle Verie’s Little Wicked Witch entremet, which is almost too cute to eat. Almost.

Sip, sketch and get ink-spired at Tākō

Does doodling take you to your happy place? 🖍️

Join this drink-and-draw session hosted by Bea, a new tattoo artist in town. If you’re a beginner, Bea will be happy to show you some basics. Who knows — you might even come up with a design you love enough to get tattooed on your skin permanently!

Bring your own art supplies or feel free to borrow whatever’s on the table.

Check out @heart_boner_tattoos on Instagram to see more of Bea’s original artwork.

Boo-gie your way to a Bingo win at CAGES

Join the fright night edition of Bingo at CAGES next Friday. 🦇

Come dressed in your spooky best for a special edition of the classic game, but keep those costumes cheeky rather than downright distressing.

There’s more than bragging rights at stake, too: may the luckiest ghoul win!

Prizes up for grabs include a Bose SoundLink Mini II Bluetooth speaker and a Combat Flip Washington softball bat that’s a collector’s item.

Run away with the circus at RIINK

Roll up, roll up! 🎪 

Shanghai’s favourite roller-skating rink will transform into an abandoned circus. Expect a freakishly fun cast of characters, from fortune tellers to stilt walkers, and perhaps even a few escaped ‘animals’ running amok.

Clown around and have a good time as a live DJ spins tunes and the bar pours drinks all night.

Carve out some fun at Parlay’s autumn fest

A home away from home for many American expats, Parlay puts a lot of work into recreating beloved rituals, from Fourth of July parties to chili cook-offs, and October is no exception.

This all-day, all-night autumn extravaganza is for all ages. 🎃

🏆 There will be prizes for the Best Carved Pumpkin and Best Costume.

Daytime sees wholesome fun for the whole family, with pumpkin carving and painting, trick-or-treat candy stations, and pop-up stores by local vendors.

Nighttime takes on a different vibe. Tuck the kids into bed (or hand over the reins to ayi), grab a craft cocktail, and settle in for a movie marathon in the courtyard, followed by an adults-only party with DJ beats and more drinks that flow well into the witching hours.

Lose your mind at

SYSTEM Gone Mad

“That SYSTEM party was boring,” said no one ever. 🪩

Something wicked is brewing in Shanghai’s underground.

SYSTEM is going off the rails this last weekend of October, promising a rave that’s anything but business as usual. Think 18 musicians, 4 stages, and a whole maze of rooms.

- END -