What’s on? Things to do this July in Hong Kong

From music festivals to art exhibitions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as Hong Kong continues to bring forward its vibrant and diverse entertainment scene through fun events that can’t be missed. Get ready to immerse yourself in the culture, music, and art of this captivating city.

Out of Thin Air

For those who like to cast a critical eye over the costumes worn by actors on the big screen, the Out of Thin Air: Hong Kong Film Arts and Costumes Exhibition is an amazing showcase with a plethora of cinema-related exhibits to explore. A fascinating collection of movie props, costumes, sketches, manuscripts and more will transport you behind the scenes of your favourite films. Scheduled as part of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival, the memorabilia shine a light on the industry’s creative process and energy.

When: Ongoing
Where: Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Sha Tin
How much: From HK$10
Click here for more information.

Also Festival

Whether you are curious about the Hong Kong music scene or a firm fan of the city’s talented musicians, singers and rappers, the Also Festival is the perfect event to explore the local hip-hop culture. Straddling the calendar change from June to July, this year’s lineup showcases about 30 exceptional acts. Among those taking to the stage on 1 July are Novel Fergus, Geniuz F The Future, Yellow Peril, Matt Force, Ansonbean and Martian.B. Given that the first Also Festival was a total blast, attendees of this repeat performance will expect their idols to raise the roof.

When: 1 July
Where: KITEC, Kowloon Bay
How much: From HK$580

Attack of Clone Venus

Marrying traditional art techniques with the latest digital trends is Attack of Clone Venus, a solo exhibition by the acclaimed Japanese artist Takeru Amano, whose career has spanned various geographical locales. In this particular display, Amano combines NFTs collectables with sculptures, canvases and installations that vividly tell a series of stories. The collection comprises more than 1,000 works, with interactive AR filters on hand to boost perceptions to ensure that each visitor is emotionally involved with the art.

When: Until July 4
Where: Artelli, Central
How much: Free entry
Click here for more information.

BTS Exhibition: Proof in Hong Kong

As the world-famous K-pop sensation Bangtan Sonyeondan celebrates its 10th anniversary, the group is set to take fans on a retrospective journey. Hybe, the South Korean entertainment giant behind BTS, brings an immersive exhibition to Hong Kong that will use music, motion graphics, audiovisuals and more to let fans (called the Army) know their idols better. For those fervent followers who have seen Proof in Seoul and/or Busan, the Hong Kong rendition contains some exclusive content so it is a showcase that should not be missed by all.

When: Until 16 July
Where: K11 Musea, Tsim Sha Tsui
How much: From HK$198
Click here for more information.

Harbour Chill Carnival

Looking for a way to chill this summer? You won’t need to look very hard as the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Harbour Chill Carnival provides a collection of fun-filled and entertaining weekend events against the broad canvas of Victoria Harbour. These include music stages, performance art pieces by local and international artists, and a never-seen-before version of the daily A Symphony of Lights show. With so many attractions to admire on top of the magnificent view, spending time on the waterfront has never been so enticing.

When: 8 July – 6 Aug
Where: Harbourfront Area, Wan Chai
How much: Free entry

TeamLab Future Park

Anyone who has scrolled through Instagram has come across this touring exhibition with interactive installations that youngsters and the young at heart will find magical. Hong Kongers, get excited because TeamLab’s Future Park launches in the city this month as part of insurance group FWD’s 10th anniversary celebrations. Spreading across 10,000 square feet, the magnificent multi-sensory event comprises six installations for imaginative play: Graffiti Beating Mountains and Valleys, Red List, Sliding Through the Fruit Field, Light Ball Orchestra, Hopscotch for Geniuses, A Table where Little People Live and Sketch Town.

When: 9 July – 14 Jan
Where: MegaBox, Kowloon Bay
How much: From HK$180

International Arts Carnival

Hong Kong welcomes the return of a familiar summer programme in which art and performance come together to form a stage that is guaranteed to be captivating. Designed to entertain youngsters during the school break, the latest rendition of the International Arts Carnival will deliver a lineup of dance, vocals, acrobatics and drama that is made all the more engaging by the employment of art and technology. Excitingly for the little ones, the main character of IAC 2023 will be a dinosaur.

When: 14 July – 13 Aug 2023
Where: Various venues
How much: Prices vary
Click here for more information.

Ateez World Tour 2023

Fans of Ateez will be ready to wave their light sticks as the K-pop group make a stop in Hong Kong as part of their The Fellowship: Break the Wall concert tour. With Hong Kong being one of only five Asian stops for the eight-member band, the Atiny faithful can look forward to a whirlwind of entertainment. Whether or not they break the wall remains to be seen, but the boys will surely set the stage on fire with their energetic dance moves, stunning vocals and addictive raps.

When: 15 July
Where: AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau
How much: From HK$880
Click here for more information.

Night of the Living Monsters

As its pride month celebrations move into July, the Eaton HK presents another fascinating event in a lineup of panel discussions, exhibitions, performances and more that has accepting queerness in a largely heteronormative society as the primary theme. Pride@Eaton 2023: It’s Morphing Time! continues with the enthralling drag skit Night of the Living Monsters, starring drag queens including Yihao, JiJi Hardy, BB Ice Fun, RaveFun and Charlieowo. Looking back on the past and into the future, the performance party is certain to encapsulate the emotions that come with being part of the Hong Kong LGBTQ+ community.

When: 15 – 16 July
Where: Eaton HK, Kowloon.
How much: From HK$250

What’s on? Things to do this May in Hong Kong

Whether you want to spend your leisure time appreciating some culture around the world or exploring the world of cinema or art, this May, Hong Kong is bringing you a line of events to keep you entertained over the month. Below are the ones you should definitely be adding to your calendar.

Virtually Versailles

As part of Le French May when Francophone culture is celebrated all over Hong Kong, Virtually Versailles presents the nation’s heritage in the form of an interactive tour of the Palace of Versailles. Whizzing you over to the spectacular château built by Louis XIV west of Paris, this magical experience is a visual journey across time, exploring the palace garden, the splendidly baroque Hall of Mirrors, and even catching a glimpse of Queen Marie Antoinette’s bedroom from three centuries ago.

When: Until 9 July
Where: Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Sha Tin
How much: HK$7
Click here for more information.

Fete des Fleurs

It is universally agreed that of the four seasons, Spring is a particularly beautiful time given all the flowers burst into vibrant bloom. Bringing such beauty to light is the Fete des Fleurs, a project instigated by the Sham Shui Po district office that first blossomed in March. A Fairytale Floral route and related activities have showcased a wide variety of flowers, including chrysanthemums, cherry blossoms, kapok, bougainvillaea and tulip. This month, city dwellers can look forward to even more colour from the likes of hydrangea and bauhinia.

When: Until 31 May
Where: Various venues in Sham Shui Po
How much: Free admission
Click here for more information.

Beauty and the Beast in Concert

Up for a musical concert that will ignite childhood memories? Then Disney’s Beauty and the Beast concert presented by Sound of the Earth is a must for your calendar. With Ponte Orchestra playing music live, alongside conductor Stephen Lam, while the plot of the classic cartoon unravels on the big screen, a riveting performance is assured. Caught up in countless flashes of nostalgia, fans can hum along to all the old tunes.

When: 5-7 May
Where: Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay
How much: From HK$280

Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels

Van Cleef & Arpels’ love of dance is inbred in the brand’s history and its cultural programme – Dance Reflections – is an extension of the passion. On a mission to promote modern and contemporary dance cultures, the 2023 rendition treads the boards and open spaces of Hong Kong in line with Le French May. Nine performances from leading dance talents include Crowd by Gisèle Vienne, Les Traceurs by Rachid Ouramdane and Save the Last Dance for Me by Alessandro Sciarroni. Prices and venues vary.

When: 5-21 May
Where: Various Venues
How much: Prices based on the show
Click here for more information.

Movie Tram

Trams encapsulate one of the most important identities of Hong Kong, so what better way to explore the city’s cinematic scene than through a ride on a Ding Ding? In a must-do activity as part of the inaugural Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival, this guided tram journey allows movie buffs to learn about the local film industry – its history, action behind the scenes, and events that inspired the cult films. Participants will also rattle by some key filming locations in the Central and Western districts. HK$100.. Pcf.gov.hk

When: 6-21 May
Where: Hong Kong Island
How much: HK$100
Click here for more information.

Il Trovatore

Composed by Giuseppe Verdi in 1853, Il Trovatore is adored by opera aficionados and appreciated by critics for its complex, moving and melancholic plot. Opera Hong Kong rises to the task of portraying tragic elements like child sacrifice and fatal curses in this classic work from an Italian libretto by Salvadore Cammarano. While the four acts are staged in the original language, English and Chinese surtitles allow full immersion in the performance for non-Italian speakers.

When: 11-14 May
Where: Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui
How much: From HK$220
Click here for more information.

Affordable Art Fair

Affordable Art Fair has built its reputation by making art accessible to both enthusiasts and collectors. Visitors can discover art pieces priced at HK$1,000 and also ones that are valued at HK$100,000. Representing artists from Hong Kong and overseas, the art fair has even greater resonance this year since it celebrates its 10th anniversary. In addition to viewing inspiring cutting-edge works, interactive experiences such as tours and workshops immerse participants in a less elitist art world.

When: 18-21 May
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai
How much: From HK$180
Click here for more information.

Ice Tribe – Breathwork and Ice Bath

If you are happy to jump cold into every new wellness experience, then an Ice Tribe session by Primal Breathwork is definitely one you will embrace. Just as the name suggests, participants immerse themselves in ice-cold water as they follow the breathing-technique instructions of a certified breath specialist. The two-hour breathwork exercise, held monthly, is said to do wonders for your mental and physical health and help you manage stress levels too. From HK$400.. Primalbw.com

When: 13 May
Where: XP Fitness Hub, Central
How much: HK$400
Click here for more information.

Also Read: The A To Z Of Cold Water Therapy – Everything You Should Know About This Recovery Method

Treasure Tour (Hello) in Hong Kong

Fourth-generation K-pop group Treasure is on a three-month tour of Asia, and Hong Kong is one of their eight-city stops. Given that the 10-member idol group under YG Entertainment has set the music scene alight in such a short period, the Hong Kong concert is sure to be a (fan) frenzied affair. Known as the Treasure Makers, the boy band’s followers will be gearing up to sing along to all the latest releases and, of course, enact the dance moves of Treasure’s viral hit, DARARI.

When: 20 May
Where: AsiaWorld Arena
How much: From HK$699
Click here for more information.

What’s On? Things to do this April in Hong Kong

Whether you are staying back in Hong Kong over the Easter break or want something fun to do to feed your excitement from returning from a short vacation, the city is hosting a list of events that are sure to keep you entertained. Check out all the compelling things to do in Hong Kong in April.

Hong Kong Sevens (Until 2 Apr)

A favourite for rugby enthusiasts, the Hong Kong Sevens is returning for its annual three-day tournament. As always, thousands of fans – some in outlandish fancy dress – will be cheering from the stands as phenomenal rugby players from across the globe compete for the coveted silverware. Nearly 30 teams are going to be taking the field making it a nail-biting series for fans. Performances from pop icons like Joyce Cheng, DJ Soda, The Red Stripes and Plastic Bertrand will also bring the assembled masses to their feet. From HK$1,950. Hong Kong Stadium, hksevens.com

Hong Kong International Film Festival (Until 10 Apr)

Back for its 47th edition, the annual Hong Kong International Film Festival celebrates the cinema industry in all its glory with 200 movies from 50 different countries screened across theatres in Hong Kong. This year’s Filmmaker-in-Focus is director Soi Cheang, whose cutting-edge dramas (Dog Bite Dog, Shamo, Accident, Limbo) will be among the highlights of the HKIFF airings. From HK$55. Various venues, hkiff.org.hk

City As Studio (Until 14 May)

Vibrant graffitis have made Hong Kong streets a perfect backdrop for photographs, but when there is no time to go hunting for the best Instagrammable street art in town, people can always count on art exhibitions like this. Curated by Jeffrey Deitch, the City As Studio exhibition at K11 Musea collates the best of street art from different countries and time periods. More than 100 works chart the phenomenal rise of graffiti. From HK$85. K11 Art & Cultural Centre, k11musea.com

Camille Thomas Cello Recital (1 Apr)

Camille Thomas is an acclaimed cellist who proudly holds a couple of awards under her name including a newcomer nod at the 2014 Victoires de la Musique Classique – dubbed the French version of the ever-so-popular Grammys. The Franco-Belgian musician is performing for the very first time in Hong Kong, where she pairs with local pianist Rachel Cheung, who was a finalist at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, to interpret two beloved sonatas. Given Thomas is musically gifted, it is surely a debut that ought to be wonderful. From HK$180. Concert Hall, City Hall

Creamfields Hong Kong (1 – 2 Apr)

Roughly a month after Clockenflap, the city welcomes another dance and music festival – Creamfields Hong Kong 2023. Happening over the weekend before Easter, the UK-born outdoor musical gala is all geared up to feature some of the best musical talents around like Calvin Harris, The Chainsmokers, Miss K8, Virtual Riot, The Prophet, and many more. Electronic music fans can flock to three stages which include the mainstage, the Go Hard stage, and The Future Sound of Egypt stage which will sway to the sounds of Egypt. From HK$1,088. Central Harbourfront Event Space

Songkran 2023 (5 – 10 Apr)

Songkran – the Thai New Year – is celebrated in the second week of April and Hong Kong steps out to mark the occasion with a five-day festival. Given the lineup of events including a street water fight party and Thai food exhibitions, it will surely be filled with fun and culture. Also, don’t forget to take your pawed companion along to enjoy the pet-friendly zones. It is also a perfect opportunity to wear traditional clothes and snap photos. Free admission. Various venues

Bun Carnival (16 Apr – 27 May)

Put on your competitive hats as Hong Kong’s well-enjoyed Bun Carnival is back after a three-year break. Although the actual Cheung Chau Bun Festival falls in the last week of May, the celebrations begin as early as April on the island with training for the traditional Bun Tower climbing held midweek and scrambling contests on Sundays. As the big day looms, endless entertainment is guaranteed with stall games, variety shows and handicraft making. Free entry, Pak Tai Temple Playground, Cheung Chau

Hong Kong Web3 Festival (12 – 15 Apr)

Web3 has taken tech and many other industries by storm. For those who are relatively low-tech and need to explore more, the Hong Kong Web3 Festival will be the perfect event to quench all your curiosity. It brings together more than 300 experts from the field who will share their ideas on topics like NFTs, the metaverse, bitcoin, blockchain and the Ethereum platform over four stages, and field AMA (ask me anything) questions. It is the event to attend if you want to keep up with the latest tech news. From HK$3,188, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Twirl of the Heartstrings (21 – 23 Apr)

Twining some of Hong Kong Dance Company’s best performances from the past, like L’Amour Immortel and The Legend of Mulan, with masterful orchestra tunes by Inheritage Philharmonic, Twirl of the Heartstrings promises to be a rush of romance and culture. Choreographed by Yang Yuntao and composed by Yin Ng, the dance and the orchestral concert is sure to coax a symphony of heart-warming emotions from the audience. As a result, spectators can expect nothing less than a grasping plot and unhinged entertainment. From HK$140, Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre, APA, hkdance.com