With recent reports of China suspending fireworks factories' shipments stateside, American expats in the mood to celebrate July 4 with fireworks will be glad they're in Shanghai. This and four other reasons why it's good to be in this city.

Wednesday July 2: Quiet Night at Arch 2
With noise pollution even worse than last year in Shanghai, you might feel like you have to search high and low for a little peace and quiet in this city. On Wednesday night, look no further than Arch 2, where BBR Languages presents Quiet Night. From 8 to 9:30pm, guests will be forbidden to make a sound as they mingle and chat via notepad and pen. After 9:30, the music comes on and it's back to reality. Cover is 55RMB and includes 2 drinks plus a notepad and pen. Arch 2, 115 Changshu Lu, near Changle Lu

Thursday July 3: Trivia Night at Wunderbar
Nothing like a few drinks and the potential to school your friends in useless trivia. Teams of up to 5 persons, topics are "general knowledge," sports, music, movies, geography, and current events. First prize is a bottle of Absolut with mixers. Free admission. Wunderbar, 300 Liaoyuan Xi Rd (near Dalian Rd.), Hi-Shanghai, Yangpu District

Friday July 4: Independence Day at Champions
American buffet, free-flow rum & cokes, house wine, bourbon whiskey, and the American classic Budweiser beer, plus fireworks at midnight. Festivities start at 7pm and don't end until 2 in the morning. 250RMB.
Champions Sports Bar, 1/F Shanghai Marriott Hotel Hongqiao, 2270 Hongqiao Road

Saturday July 5: DJ Scooter and Lavelle at M2
Spinning house music and hip hop together on four turntables, DJ Scooter and Lavelle have "been known to mix in everything from the Sesame Street theme song to Eminem's 'Slim Shady.'" Free admission. M2, 5F, Plaza 66, 1266 Nanjing Lu, near Shanxi Bei Lu

Sunday July 6: Brunch at the Westin
End your week with a splurge on brunch at the Westin Bund Center: free-flow champagne, a live orchestral ensemble, a troupe of acrobats, tango dancers, and musicians. It's almost enough to make you forget that Monday's on the horizon. 418RMB. Westin Bund Center, 88 He Nan Zhong Lu, near Yan An Lu

Pencil This In is a regular feature on Shanghaiist. Want to post an event or keep up to date with what's going on in Shanghai? Don't wait around. Use Shanghai's Upcoming.org listings. Got the inside word on something coming up? Let us know. Drop Shanghaiist an email at tips[at]shanghaiist.com

Photo by Creativity+Timothy K Hamilton.