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

As the Hong Kong begins to return to a sense of semi-normalcy, and public venues open their doors to visitors once again, prompting a sigh of relief from Hongkongers in time for Art Month. From the highly anticipated Art Basel to the annual Le French May and much, much more, see our round up of exciting happenings for the month of May.

Art Basel
27-29 May

What’s On Things to do this May in Hong Kong gafencu art basel
Photo courtesy of Art Basel

Although the city’s biggest art fair arrives two months later than usual due to Covid-19 social distancing and flight restrictions, it has nonetheless pulled out all the stops to present an astonishingly diverse showcase of modern and contemporary works from established and emerging artists around the world. Get ready to browse the collections of some 130 participating galleries and institutions across Asia and beyond, as well as visit online viewing rooms catering to exhibitors unable to attend the fair in person.

Price: From HK$150
Location: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai
For more information:  artbasel.com/hong-kong

Art Central
26-29 May

What’s On Things to do this May in Hong Kong gafencu art central
Photo courtesy of Art Central

In this art-filled month, the seventh edition of Art Central will run alongside its larger cousin, Art Basel Hong Kong. This year’s dynamic showing will encompass more than 40 innovative galleries among other content, such as Gok Dou Live presented by Asia Society Hong Kong Center. Within an expanded programme, the latter includes talks, artist interviews and new initiatives designed to excite a public starved of in-person, real-time art appreciation.

Price: From HK$150
Location: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai
For more information:  artcentralhongkong.com

Le French May
Until Jun

What’s On Things to do this May in Hong Kong gafencu le french may
Photo courtesy of Le French May

One of the largest cultural and art festival in Asia, the annual celebration that is Le French May returns in time for Art Month to offer the city a month and more of French-inspired heritage. Featuring emerging Hong Kong-based visual and dramatic artists, theatrical performers, dancers and filmmakers, the festival will showcase the cultural synergies that connect Hong Kong to France through more than 100 programmes. From musical shows and performance arts to exhibitions and culinary offerings, prepare to be artfully fed and enlightened by this highly anticipated event.

Location: Various Locations
For more information: frenchmay.com

 

Instead of an Afterwards
Until 14 May

What’s On Things to do this May in Hong Kong gafencu instead of an afterwards
Photo courtesy of PMQ

Korean Cultural Center in Hong Kong asks art lovers to ponder about the concept of time and timeliness through the works of five South Korean artists. The exhibition, curated by Choe Nowk, reframes what it means to be present. Featuring art by Jaekyung Jung, Daniel Schine Lee, Hyejoo Jun, Suyon Huh and Rong Bao, Instead of an Afterwards seeks to draw out a deeper meaning than what meets the eye, prompting us to reconsider what we view as important.

Price: Free entry
Location: Korean Cultural Center, PMQ, Central
For more information:  pmq.org.hk

Looking East: St Ives Artists and Buddhism
Until 31 May

What’s On Things to do this May in Hong Kong gafencu looking east st ives artists buddhism
Photo courtesy of 3812 Gallery

Central-based 3812 Gallery turns its spotlight on the St Ives school with an exhibition on how Eastern influences, particularly Buddhist philosophy, influenced post-war British artists in the southwestern Cornish town. Works by famed ceramicist Bernard Leach and Buddhist scholar D.T. Suzuki feature among a multimedia display spanning stoneware, oil painting and collage that illustrates the spirituality underlying Western art in that era.

Price: Free entry
Location: 3812 Gallery, 26/F, Wyndham Place, Wyndham Street, Central
For more information: 3812gallery.com

 

Also Read: Places to visit to see vibrant street art in Hong Kong

Recovery, Resilience, Resurgence
Until 6 Jun

What’s On Things to do this May in Hong Kong gafencu recovery resilience resurgence
Photo courtesy of Asia Society

Asia Society invites the public to rediscover the compelling history of Hong Kong through beautifully captured photographs that illustrate 30 years of heritage, change and development. From the post-war period into the ’50s, ’60s and the onset of the ’70s, the lenses of the late acclaimed photographers Hedda Morrison, Lee Fook Chee and Brian Brake each reveal a distinctive take on the rise of this modern Asian city.

Price: Free entry
Location: Asia Society Hong Kong Center, 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty
For more information: asiasociety.org/hong-kong

Spinning East Asia Series II: A Net (Dis)entangled
Until 7 Aug

What’s On Things to do this May in Hong Kong gafencu spinning east asia series II a net (dis)entagled
Photo courtesy of The Mills

Non-profit art institution Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile (Chat) presents an exhibition held both virtually and in situ at former textiles factory The Mills. Underscoring the diversity of East Asian history and culture, contemporary works by 16 prominent artists and groups from across the region will be showcased. The affair joins the likes of guided tours, online discussion forums, talks and performances on Chat’s illuminating Spring Programme 2022. 

Price: Free entry
Location: 3/F, The Mills, Tsuen Wan
For more information: mill6chat.org

Bonart Terrarium Workshops
Ongoing

What’s On Things to do this May in Hong Kong gafencu bonart terrarium workshop
Photo courtesy of Bon-Art HK

You don’t have to step outdoors to exercise your green thumb. Explore the extent to which plant life can elevate your home at one of Bonart’s terrarium workshops. The botanical concept store in Tai Kwun combines art and nature in a variety of two-hour sessions in which participants can learn how to build a miniature eco-system, while also picking up some practical gardening skills and tips to better care for home greenery. Participants can take home their terrariums to admire afterwards.

Price: From HK$380
Location:  Shop 03-204A, Tai Kwun, Central
For more information:  bonart-hk.com

Online Singing Bowl: A Self-Healing Journey with Anita Cheung
Ongoing

What’s On Things to do this May in Hong Kong gafencu iliving hong kong anita cheung singing bowl
Photo courtesy of iLiving Hong Kong

Keen to relieve stress in the comfort and safety of your own living room? Join award-winning transformative healer Anita Cheung in a soothing sound bath to relax, heal and tap into a deeper connection with the mind. Discover your inner self, find your balance, and gain a new level of wisdom through this 60-minute virtual sound-healing journey. Cheung’s ongoing sessions offer a different experience to devotees each time.

Price: HK$128 (pay what you want)
Location: Online access
For more information:  ilivingacademy.com

 

Also Read: Unique attractions to see and do in Hong Kong

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

Hongkongers can sigh a breath of relief as the city sees its fifth covid-19 wave dwindle, prompting the government to ease social distancing restrictions in phases. Although limitations on social gathering and the closure of fitness centers, as well as other leisure and entertainment venues remain, at least for two more weeks until 20 April, if you’re wondering how best to fill your social calendar, while staying safe at home, we have rounded up a list of online events worth bookmarking for weekends ahead. From online orchestra performances, yoga at home, virtual galleries and more…

50th Hong Kong Arts Festival (Until 25 April)

Online events to look out for in April gafencu hk arts festival
Photo courtesy of HK Arts Festival

After two months of extraordinary musicals, opera, theatre and dance performances, art enthusiasts who haven’t yet had their fill of the city’s biggest and most high-profile cultural gig can catch the festival’s final few weeks either in-person (social-distancing regulations permitting) or online. Local and international talents; traditional and contemporary styles; a glimpse of pioneering projects in the world of arts and technology – there is still much to see and experience.

When: Until 25 April
Price: HK$100
For more information: hk.artsfestival.org

HK Phil Online Concerts

Online events to look out for in April gafencu hkphil
Photo courtesy of HKPhil

Classical music enthusiasts need not be disappointed by a quiet month ahead for Hong Kong’s cultural scene. Concerts and other group activities might be marred by the current social restrictions, but trust the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra for turning to online events to keep the passion of music alive and delighting enthusiasts with a beautiful array of music works. To calm your soul amid the current chaos, revisit several much-loved live performances virtually, and bask in the inspiring tunes performed by the many local and international talents who have graced the city’s concert halls.

When: Ongoing
Price: Free access
For more information: hkphil.org

Virtually@HKMoA

Online events to look out for in April gafencu virtually hkmoa
Photo courtesy of HKMoA

Museums across the city may be closed for the time being, but that doesn’t mean art appreciation stops. Art is all around us, especially with the internet pulling up practically anything we could wish for to provide visual stimulation and contemplation. Why not click your way to the Hong Kong Museum of Art website to enjoy a slew of virtual exhibitions online? Browse to your hearts content through the many art sessions with complementary audio guides, multimedia programmes and stories of vibrant museum collections.

When: Ongoing
Price: Free access
For more information: hk.art.museum

 

Hong Kong Wine & Dine Masterclasses

Online events to look out for in April gafencu wine dine
Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Wine & Dine

With so many events in the city being cancelled, Hongkongers are craving for some optimistic news. And what better way to lift the spirits than an excuse to drink a glass (or five!) of Bordeaux? Originally launched in 2020 to compensate for the scaled-down Wine & Dine Festival, this series of online masterclasses, wine-tasting lessons and cocktail workshops hosted by food and wine experts is now a permanent fixture to dip into when your appetite for gourmet gratification becomes overwhelming.

When: Ongoing
Price: Free access
For more information: discoverhongkong.com

XYZ On-Air 

Online events to look out for in April gafencu xyz on air
Photo courtesy of XYZ

Though fitness centres and yoga studios remain shut to curtail the ‘fifth wave’, nothing stops the city’s avid fitness enthusiasts from staying on track and squeezing in their workouts. Hong Kong boutique spinning studio XYZ opens its virtual doors to live classes – anyone who has the will and determination is free to join. Exercise whenever and wherever you want – whether you’re itching for an intense spinning session or ready to flow through the chaturanga.

When: Until 20 April
Price: Free access
For more information: onair.youarexyz.com

 

New Moon: Healing Breathwork & Sound Journey

Online events to look out for in April gafencu Breathwork iliving
Photo courtesy of iLiving

In need of a stress reliever or exercise to realign the body and mind? Take a deep breath – literally – with Anita Cheung of Hong Kong wellness centre iLiving. This 90-minute online healing session introduces participants to the benefits of breathwork, from conscious breathing practice through somatic awareness and the use of singing bowls to restore energy. Some qigong exercises are also included. 

When: Ongoing
Price: From HK$111
For more information: ilivingacademy.com

The Making of ‘The ChristMice Cracker’

Online events to look out for in April gafencu tai kwun
Photo courtesy of Tai Kwun

Inspired by iconic Christmas ballet The Nutcracker, Hong Kong dance troupe TS Crew created The ChristMice Crackerlast December, an exhilarating show featuring acrobatics, beat-boxing, unicycles, stilts, fire-breathing and much more. For a glimpse of how the production came to play, Central heritage and arts complex Tai Kwun presents The Making of ‘The ChristMice Cracker’, a video replay of the thrilling street performance that infuses a family favourite with a truly local flair.

When: Until 30 April
Price: Free access
For more information: taikwun.hk

 

 

 

TELEPORT – Digital Art Gallery

Photo courtesy of Teleport

Immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind interactive visual experience at the multimedia exhibition space TELEPORT. Although technically not an online event as you’d have to physically be present to experience loosing yourself within this vast 5,000sq.ft exhibition space, its multiple virtual galleries, where art, science and technology intersect, is one that’s not to be missed. Featuring a multitude of mesmerising, futuristic works by award-winning new media artists, and offers a unique cinematique adventure projected with 360° hyper-real sound. The immersive experience transports you to the future without ever having to leave the city at all.

When: Ongoing
Price: From HK$288
For more information: weteleport.com

 

Disclaimer: While Gafencu tries to keep up to date with the latest restrictions, the situation in the city is rapidly changing – contact the establishments to make sure you get the latest information of opening hours and services before venturing out. Follow all government directives when you’re out and about.