Happy Valentine's weekend! This weekend, Feb 14th and 15th, 2026, Shanghai has some great theatrical performances and ongoing festive fun. Catch the Hong Kong Family Trilogy drama, see the Shanghai Ballet's Phantom, or check out the tail end of the beautiful Yu Garden Lantern Festival.
See our top picks
Century Park
Century Park, Pudong
Shanghai’s largest park offers free entry to cycle or pedal boat on Sunday.
Space: Internal Illuminations
Fotografiska
A visually rich, contemporary exhibition running all weekend indoors.
Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle Pop Up Exhibition
Taikoo Li Qiantan
Giant, whimsical figures make for easy exploration for toddlers and preschoolers on Saturday.
· February 14
6HONG KONG FAMILY TRILOGY - PLAY ONE: HONG KONG ASTRONAUT : Catch the first play in the Hong Kong Family Trilogy. Directed by Fong Chun-kit, this is an exciting piece of contemporary theatre.It has confirmed showtimes for both Saturday and Sunday, offering a great indoor cultural option.
POP MART TWINKLE TWINKLE POP UP EXHIBITION : This pop-up invites you into a whimsical world featuring giant, adorable Twinkle Twinkle figures. Great for photo ops and letting little ones explore a visually stimulating space.It’s an accessible, visually engaging pop-up running all weekend at a central location.
VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIAL CONCERT: PIANIST GAO ZHIHAO CONCERT : A special Valentine's piano recital by Gao Zhihao at the Oriental Art Center. A lovely cultural option for Saturday night.It is specifically scheduled for Valentine's Day (Saturday) and features a solo piano performance that should be accessible to families.
BABY ENJOYS INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE: FISH SOARS, DRAGON GLIDES, LION ROARS : Catch the South China Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe performing acrobatics and glowing dragons! This is a vibrant cultural celebration.This is a vibrant, high-energy cultural show that is highly relevant to the Lunar New Year period overlapping this weekend.
: The Winter Frostival runs until early March, so this is a great weekend to check out the special seasonal lights and music at the park.It’s an established, high-value family destination with confirmed seasonal activities running this weekend.
: While this is a multi-day camp, Saturday is a great day to check out the ongoing STEAM activities focused on eco-skills, perfect for curious kids.It's a hands-on learning opportunity happening across the weekend, even if you only drop in for a session.
· February 15
6YU GARDEN LANTERN FESTIVAL 2026 : This is one of the last weekends to see the famous New Year lantern display focused on the Year of the Horse. Expect beautiful light displays across the garden and zigzag bridge.It’s an iconic cultural experience tied to the Lunar New Year period, ending soon after this weekend.
PANLONG TIANDI CHINESE NEW YEAR DRAGON HORSE FAIR : Experience traditional Jiangnan New Year culture at this sprawling outdoor fair. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon stroll with family.It captures the festive atmosphere of the extended Lunar New Year period and happens on Sunday.
: Catch this limited-run duet concert on Sunday evening. While not explicitly for kids, it's a high-quality performance offering an evening out.It's one of the few limited-run events confirmed for Sunday night.
SPO 2024-2025 CONCERT SEASON: MASTER AND CLASSICS SERIES THE FIRE BIRD : Attend the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra's 'The Fire Bird' concert on Sunday. Classical music is always a beautiful way to wrap up the weekend.It's a specific, confirmed concert happening on Sunday night.
ZOOTOPIA JUMPFROMPAPER POP-UP : Explore this fun Zootopia-inspired space with oversized 2D versions of the main characters. Perfect for quick, visual fun.It’s a temporary pop-up running through Sunday, offering something different from the usual attractions.
MELODY PRESCHOOL 2026 WINTER GROWING CAMP : This camp runs through the end of February, offering play-based learning in Jing'an. Great for families with younger children needing structured, indoor activities.It’s a specific, ongoing February camp, making it a relevant limited-run option for this weekend.
Also On· anytime this weekend
2: The Shanghai Ballet presents their interpretation of the classic tale, The Phantom of the Opera. A beautiful way to spend a Saturday evening seeing world-class dance.This is one of the few performance events confirmed for Saturday evening that is suitable for a general family audience.
: This cosmic-themed exhibition blends universe visuals with personal reflection. It’s a fantastic, moody, and visually rich indoor experience.It’s a limited-run exhibition running all weekend that offers contemplative indoor fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Shanghai this weekend?
The best free option this weekend is visiting Century Park in Pudong on Sunday, where entry is free for children under 1.2m, perfect for renting bikes.
Are there any family-friendly shows running on Sunday?
Yes, you can see the final performance of the SPO Master and Classics Series: The Fire Bird (7:30 PM) or catch the Hong Kong Family Trilogy drama.
What's happening for Valentine's Day on Saturday night?
For a romantic evening, consider the Valentine's Day Special Concert featuring Pianist Gao Zhihao (7:15 PM) or the Mandopop Candlelight Concert at Bridge 8.
