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It’s time for a trip down memory lane as Ireland’s biggest boyband is returning to Hong Kong next year. As part of their 25th anniversary world tour, Shane, Kian, and Nicky will be in town for a single night on January 27, 2027, at the AsiaWorld-Arena. While the pop legends have treated Hong Kong to plenty of memorable shows over the years, this milestone tour promises to be a celebratory lap through a quarter of a century of pop chart hits (yeah, feeling old yet?). Aside from tracks from their brand-new album ‘25: The Ultimate Collection’, fans can expect familiar favourites like Flying Without Wings, their iconic renditions of You Raise Me Up and Uptown Girl, and other timeless classics you swear you didn’t know the words to but will absolutely sing along to anyway. Tickets for the all-seated show start from $699. For the true fans, the gold VIP package offers a premium seated ticket with a special Westlife gift, a VIP laminate and lanyard, and exclusive access to the merchandise lane. The HSBC Mastercard pre-sale begins on July 20, while Live Nation members will get their turn the following day. If you miss out on both pre-sale drops, the general public sale opens on July 22 via Cityline. Check out more ticketing info on Live Nation’s website. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Review: Luke Street and Javon King strip the myth from the man in Jesus Christ Superstar Airside is hosting a gelato festival this July with over 200 icy treats Wynn Resorts Macau will host five days of bar events for the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 ceremony

★★★★ I was afraid every performance of Jesus Christ Superstar since 2025 might be held up against Cynthia Erivo and Adam Lambert’s high-profile three-day run at the Hollywood Bowl last year. I certainly had Erivo’s white-clad Jesus clambering up the stairs to her crucifixion looping in my mind when I skipped into the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, ready to rock some emotional damage. By the time I stepped out of the grand theatre, it was Javon King’s vocals that were firmly wormed into my eardrums. For first-timers, Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, originally conceived as a concept album in 1970 which swiftly made its Broadway stage debut the following year. The musical is based on the Passion, or the period of time leading up to Jesus Christ’s death – but the twist is that it’s told through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, the disciple who infamously betrays Jesus to his persecutors. Photograph: Courtesy Jesus Christ SuperstarJesus Christ Superstar Certainly, Christians will find following the plot a much easier task than audiences who are not familiar with gospel stories, but the cast and crew are adamant that the show is a blank canvas that everyone can be touched by. There are always going to be viewers coming in with the preconception that Judas is the villain, but for Luke Street, who stars in this touring production as Jesus, the musical carries way more nuance than a pedagogical tale with clear-cut good and bad guys. “I think even if I was called Noah and [Judas] was called Michael, we’re still telling that story which everyone can relate to.” Street’s Jesus is nothing like a god, and that’s the whole point. (Judas clearly talks about stripping away the myth from the man in his first number ‘Heaven On My Mind’.) The Jesus that we get to see onstage is overwhelmed, sometimes coy and almost shy, wearily indulgent of the antics around him as if A) he knows how the story ends anyway and B) he’s simply too tired to overextend his efforts. Millennials, this is our Jesus. He’s at his most biblically accurate son-of-god persona in ‘Hosanna’, when Jesus and his followers arrive in Jerusalem to an exulting crowd, softly flexing his power at an annoyed high priest Caiaphas and reassuring his followers. This is the last time Jesus smiles in the musical. Street imbues his lead character with a vulnerability and charm that is hard to deny, from Jesus’ graciousness in the face of frankly stupid behaviour from his posse to his softest moments with Mary Magdalene. Photograph: Courtesy Zeus Martinez Photography / Jesus Christ SuperstarJesus Christ Superstar By the time the man is overwhelmed by a crowd of lepers in ‘The Temple’ you get just how tiresome the burden of his fame must be. By the time the seminal ‘Gethsemane’ rolls around early in the second act, with Street belting out those climactic high cries in a heartrending journey through the five stages of grief, you’ve held your breath so much that you’re also tired and therefore fully understand why Jesus is willing to be killed just so it can all end. Photograph: Courtesy Vitt Salvador / Jesus Christ SuperstarJesus Christ Superstar Javon King is also a revelation as Judas, with fierce vibrant vocals that reverberate in your ears afterwards. He struts and prowls along the stage in turns, depending on whether he’s running through rapid-fire negotiations with his own psyche or sneering down his nose at Mary, but always tense, always moving, almost vibrating out of his skin. In many ways, Judas is the main character of Jesus Christ Superstar – he is the first narrating voice, he sets the plot of the entire musical in motion, he pokes holes in a situation that everyone else in the group seems happy to maintain, he takes (misjudged) action. In a move that has annoyed hyper-religious types for over 50 years, this musical adds nuance and proper motive to Judas’ classic betrayal; he is a worrier who is trying to pull his friend out of a fame game that has seemingly blown way out of proportion. King is beautiful in this role, making *spoiler alert* Judas’ suicide all the more harrowing in his frenzied guilt. The last few moments of the show that he spends with Jesus, finally quiet after being the most loquacious bastard in Jerusalem for two hours, live in my mind rent-free. Photograph: Courtesy Jesus Christ SuperstarJesus Christ Superstar Other standout moments and figures in the Hong Kong run of Jesus Christ Superstar? Grant Hodges’ gravelly tone (dipping as low as a C-sharp hum) and imposing presence as Caiaphas, contrasted with Kodiak Thompson’s more shrill and more unhinged Annas; the cast and ensemble freezing in a real-life diorama of da Vinci’s The Last Supper; Hannah Richardson’s soft, velvety rendition of ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’ being the perfect foil to all the leather-edged machismo; and the flogging of Jesus acted out with violent bursts of glitter! Photograph: Joshua LinJesus Christ Superstar cast Jesus Christ Superstar came out some 50 years ago, and half a century later still finds itself relevant to theatregoers worldwide. It’s really not hard to see why, from the rock-inflected music and streetwear-inspired costumes, to the timeless songs and belters. As a sung-through musical, it may be hard for some to fully grasp what’s being said and debated, but there are Chinese subtitles provided on either side of the stage. Experience this musical phenomenon for yourself at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, running until August 1. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Airside is hosting a gelato festival this July with over 200 icy treats Wynn Resorts Macau will host five days of bar events for the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 ceremony The Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong 2026 returns bigger than ever this July

If the sweltering July heat has you craving a serious cool‑down, Airside is about to become the coolest corner of the city for two consecutive weekends with the debut of Scoop & Cone Gelato Fest! Gathering nearly 20 of the city’s most popular gelato and dessert brands under one roof, the festival is set to serve up more than 200 icy creations, including over 50 market exclusives that you won’t find anywhere else. Photograph: Courtesy AirsideIScream French foie gras with brandy gelato For those who appreciate Italian craftsmanship with some local flair, IScream is bringing over two decades of expertise to the festival. Founded by Paolo Predonzan, who trained under Italy’s top gelato masters, the brand has developed more than 600 unique recipes over the years. Over the two weekends, they’ll be serving up flavours like Sicilian pistachio, Greek yoghurt with mixed berries, Thai milk tea, and a decadent French foie gras with brandy. Photograph: Courtesy AirsideDino Gelato Fried garlic gelato Also at the festival is Dino Gelato, a homegrown brand known for its delightfully unhinged offerings. Apart from crowd-pleasers like Hong Kong waffle and Honeycomb ‘Crazy Bee’, they’ll be serving up some pretty wild flavours including their signature coriander gelato, a ginger milk pudding-inspired flavour, and an aromatic fried garlic flavour. Adventurous palates should also head over to Kaisgourmet’s booth to try luxurious scoops topped with premium ingredients like freshly shaved truffle, Jamón Ibérico, and even caviar. Photograph: Courtesy AirsideCouchesTwenty5 ice cream croissant (left), My Tart Coriander candy and coconut wrap (right) A whole host of other creative vendors will also be joining the lineup with their own playful takes on classic desserts. Highlights include My Tart’s traditional candy and coconut wrap with coriander ice cream, Puff Patisserie’s caramel tofu ice cream macaron, an ice cream croissant by CouchesTwenty5, and Angiolato by Milk Top’s Zodiac series featuring 12 unique flavours designed to pair perfectly with your star sign. The Scoop & Cone Gelato Fest runs from July 17 to 19 and again from July 24 to 26. Ice cream lovers can drop by anytime between 12pm and 8pm to get their sweet fix and beat the summer heat. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Wynn Resorts Macau will host five days of bar events for the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 ceremony The Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong 2026 returns bigger than ever this July Three Hong Kong bars rank in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 extended 51-100 list

Yes, it is that time of the year again, when all the best bars and bartenders in the region are whipped into an excited frenzy of guest shifts and parties, culminating in the live awards ceremony of the season. After the success of the 2025 edition, Asia’s 50 Best Bars returns this year to Wynn in Macau. From July 24 to 29, Wynn Resorts Macau will be hosting up to 50 global visionaries from the mixology and culinary worlds. If you’re not on the invite list, you won’t be able to attend the actual awards ceremony, but feel no FOMO, because there are plenty of other activities to keep you happily tipsy over the five days. Here’s the rundown and everything you need to know about the bar guest shifts, exclusive takeovers, and more. Friday, July 24 Photograph: Courtesy Wing Lei BarHand of God at Wing Lei Bar Wing Lei Bar showcase As Wynn Palace’s flagship bar, you can expect most of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars drinks-related events to be centred around Wing Lei Bar. Mark Lloyd, the director of bars at Wynn Resorts, will host an introduction to the bar’s new menu named Unity 2.0. These 12 cocktails are all inspired by Lloyd’s personal anecdotes during a year on the road with Wing Lei Bar, so they’re bound to be surprising. Where: Wing Lei BarWhen: 4pm-6pm Chef Tam’s Seasons x Michter’s Bourbon Pairing Dinner Chef Tam’s Seasons, which has been ranked No. 7 on Asia’s Best Restaurants 2026, is presenting a six-course menu where dishes will be paired with special expressions from Michter’s Distillery. Where: Chef Tam’s SeasonsWhen: 7pm-9pm Photograph: Courtesy Wynn Resorts MacauAvoca, Stay Gold, Bar Sathorn, and ZLB23 Asia Checks In, Let’s Shake Up Avoca from Hong Kong’s own Mondrian hotel, ZLB23 from Bangalore, Bar Sathorn from Bangkok, and Stay Gold from Singapore will take over Wing Lei Bar in a high-octane showcase of Asia’s diverse cocktail cultures. The perfect start to a full weekend of drinking ahead. Where: Wing Lei BarWhen: 8pm-late   Saturday, July 25 Photograph: Courtesy Wynn Resorts MacauBarc in Kathmandu The Road Less Traveled This is a great opportunity to try bars that are rather difficult for most punters to sample because they are located in far-flung global corners that are beyond the conventional bar circuit. Nomad Lab from Ulaanbaatar, Barc from Kathmandu, and Kiki Lounge from Douglas on the Isle of Man will be spotlit by Lloyd. If you’re not planning on travelling to these destinations anytime soon, this guest shift is a must-go. Where: Wing Lei BarWhen: 5pm-8pm An Off-Menu Snacks & Cocktail Affair One-Michelin-starred contemporary Japanese restaurant Mizumi will host Shanghai’s Vice Bistro-Lounge and Pony Up for an evening of inventive cocktails elevated by special bar snacks, right at the sushi counter. Apart from the exclusively curated cocktails, the food will also be off-menu delicacies, only available for this event. Where: Mizumi, Wynn PalaceWhen: 7pm-late Photograph: Courtesy Wynn Resorts MacauManachain Monaghan from Below Stairs (L); Bar Glue (C); Matt Arnold from Passing Fancies (R) The Best of British II The spotlight turns to ol’ Blighty, showcasing UK bars that have been getting the bar industry’s attention over the past year. Sip your way through the Midlands and northwestern UK with Below Stairs from Leeds, Bar Glue from Liverpool, and Passing Fancies from Birmingham.  Where: Wing Lei BarWhen: 8pm-late Photograph: Courtesy Wynn Resorts MacauFrom L-R: Andrew Ho, Beckaly Franks, Jay Khan, and Keith Motsi Sunday, July 26 A Bartenders’ Bartenders Takeover Four figures who have won the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender award – who their peers agree is some of the global bar industry’s most admired hospitality talents – will go behind the stick. Jay Khan (Coa and The Savory Project) and Andrew Ho (Hope & Sesame) will open the night before passing the baton to Keith Motsi (Virtù) and Beckaly Franks (Artifact and Call Me Al) – see for yourself why they’re so well respected. Where: Wing Lei BarWhen: 6pm-late Photograph: Courtesy W Macau - Studio CityABar Rooftop and Delphine Kong Bangkok Rooftop Glamour and Hong Kong Spirit W Macau’s destination bar will play host to ABar Rooftop from the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park and Delphine Kong for Rémy Cointreau in Hong Kong & Macau. The Thai bartenders will serve up three drinks infused with tropical warmth – we’re looking forward to Hello Mellow, a blend of Rémy Martin VSOP, white rum, sun-dried banana, mango juice, and pineapple syrup, finished with a sea salt jasmine rice foam. Kong also brings three drinks including Between the Teas, Rosemary Clover Club, and The Yuzu 75. Where: Blind Tiger, W Macau - Studio CityWhen: From 8pm  Photograph: Courtesy The St. Regis MacaoPop City x Pony   Pop City x Pony This Japanese-inspired cocktail bar from Singapore’s CBD leaves the Lion City for one night to allow bar manager Sylvia Chong to go behind the stick. As a top 10 nominee from TOTCF’s Best New International Cocktail Bar selection, it’s bound to be a good night. Where: The St. Regis Bar MacaoWhen: 9pm-late Monday, July 27 Photograph: Courtesy Wynn Resorts MacauFrom L-R: Bourkes, Swim Club, Honky Tonks Tavern, The Green Door Drink Thy Neighbours – A Hong Kong Takeover Our city’s bars are the undisputed star of the show here! Wynn’s director of bars Mark Lloyd invites four standout bars from Hong Kong to show what makes our drinks scene so good. Bourke’s will be paired up with Swim Club, followed by Honky Tonks Tavern with The Green Door. If you want a cross-Hong Kong bar hop without leaving your seat, then here’s your chance. Where: Wing Lei BarWhen: 2pm-5pm From KL With Love Next, the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur takes the stage, bringing Penrose (ranked No. 10 at Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025) and Three X Co (ranked No. 16) for a showcase of elegant finesse. Where: Wing Lei BarWhen: 5pm-7pm Photograph: Courtesy W Macau - Studio CityBrandon Pan from Some Fun Two Voices From Taiwan Taiwan’s drinks scene has been on the up and up lately, and one of their most talked-about bars, Some Fun, is taking over W Macau’s main bar. Co-founders Brandon Pan and Amis Huang bring a four-cocktail menu deeply rooted in the flavours and landscape of Taiwan. There will be a reimagined Irish coffee featuring mountain pepper; a blend of The Glenrothes and Valdespino Fino Inocente sherry and Taiwan Hinoki distillate; a whisky and sherry-based tipple featuring butterfly ginger and rosemary; and a fragrant drink inspired by the forest floor. Where: Living Room, W Macau - Studio CityWhen: From 8pm   Photograph: Courtesy MGM CotaiBar Patuá at MGM Cotai   Formosa Medley Bartenders from four acclaimed drinking spots across Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and Tainan will gather to showcase Taiwanese cocktails at their best. The lineup includes the southeast Asian-inflected Vender (ranked No. 20 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025), the sci-fi-inspired To Infinity and Beyond (No. 41 in A50BB), The Han-Jia Pairing Dinner which highlights rare local ingredients from Tainan, and the single malt whisky-focused Maltail. Where: Bar Patuá, MGM CotaiWhen: From 9pm   Photograph: Courtesy The St. Regis Bar MacaoPunch Room Tokyo     Punch Room Tokyo Here’s an opportunity to try drinks from Punch Room Tokyo, which sits at No. 36 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list. Director of bars Yasuhiro Kawakubo will be there for the night with bartenders Asano Nagai and Erika Obama to provide an exciting exploration into a top-notch Japanese bar. Where: The St. Regis Bar MacaoWhen: 9pm-late Photograph: Courtesy Canes and TalesCanes and Tales   Perrier After Dark Minguk Yu from Seoul’s Ciricket and Dominic Dijkstra from Osaka’s Canes and Tales will join hands for one night in Capella’s whisky-centric bar, presenting a selection of their cocktails that feature locally sourced ingredients from Korea and Japan. Where: Pony & Plume, Capella at Galaxy MacauWhen: 9.30-12.30pm Photograph: Courtesy Wynn Resorts MacauDanil Nevsky Danil Nevsky Takeover Barcelona-based Danil Nevsky, founder of mixology platform Indie Bartender and bar-related sh*tposter @cocktailman, brings his cocktail craft to the bar the night before the Asia’s 50 Best Bars live awards. Nevsky was recently ranked No. 5 on Bar World 100 (right ahead of our own Lorenzo Antinori!) so this is a great chance to interact with one of the bar industry’s most influential figures. Where: Wing Lei BarWhen: 10pm-late Tuesday, July 28 Photograph: Courtesy Wynn Resorts MacauFrom L-R: Nic Ho, Evangeline Malley, Zana Möhlmann, Nicole Slater Behind Her Bar We love it when women rule the world! Jen Queen and Nicole Slater of The Pontiac and Beckaly Franks of Artifact and Call Me Al have brought together an all-female lineup of bartending talents. Expect to see Zana Möhlmann from Singapore’s Manhattan, Evangeline Malley from Below Stairs in Leeds, Arlene Wong from The Green Door, and Nic Ho from Dead Poets alongside the event curators. Girl power and fantastic drinks – there can’t be a better mix. Where: Wing Lei BarWhen: 2pm-5pm   Photograph: Courtesy The St. Regis MacaoCosmo Pony   Cosmo Pony Cosmo Pony bar from the Grand Hyatt Jakarta will be taking over at The St. Regis Macao on the night of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards ceremony. They’re currently ranked No. 38 on the A50BB 2025 list, and general manager Silvio Daniele and bar manager Marsya A. Soemantri will be there to keep the party going. Where: The St. Regis Bar MacaoWhen: 9pm-late Wing Lei Bar Secret Houseparty After the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 awards ceremony, head back to Wing Lei Bar as Lloyd reunites with three of his former apprentices who are now all bar owners of their own in Shanghai. Bar OJ, Pawoo By, and Bar Times will be joined by Bar Mixato for an intimate evening and an insider look into Shanghai’s bar scene. Where: Wing Lei BarWhen: After ceremony - late Photograph: Courtesy Wynn Resorts MacauWynn Palace Reserve Club Wynn Palace After Party Alternatively, you can join the official afterparty, where Asia’s 50 Best Bars veterans and recent list joiners alike will come together for what’s sure to be a long night of revelry. The lineup includes Cat Bite Club from Singapore, The Cocktail Club from Jakarta, Opium from Bangkok, Soka from Bangalore, and Carrots from Jakarta. Where: Palace Reserve Club, Wynn PalaceWhen: After ceremony - late Wednesday, July 29 Photograph: Courtesy MGM CotaiByungjin Lim (L) and Yeonghwi Yun from Bar Cham Guest shift by Bar Cham The night after the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 awards, MGM Cotai welcomes the founder and head mixologist of Seoul’s famous Bar Cham behind the stick. If you’ve been following bar rankings, you’ll know that this bar was ranked No. 6 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 and No. 53 on World’s 50 Best Bars. Byungjin Lim and Yeonghwi Yun will present three cocktails crafted with traditional Korean spirits and whisky, as well as regional ingredients. If you’ve never been to this bar in Seoul’s Tongin-dong, then swing by this one-night-only guest shift. Where: Bar Patuá, MGM CotaiWhen: From 9pm   Photograph: Courtesy The St. Regis MacaoAlice Cheongdam   Alice Cheongdam This famous speakeasy-style bar based in Gangnam will be in Macau for a one-night guest shift, so if you’ve always wanted to try cocktails from the watering hole ranked No. 13 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list, here’s the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with owner Terry Kim, co-founder Jo Minseok, and general manager Mason Park. Where: The St. Regis Bar MacaoWhen: 9pm-late Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: The Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong 2026 returns bigger than ever this July Three Hong Kong bars rank in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 extended 51-100 list Tim Ho Wan collaborates with Yung Kee to create a roasted goose bun

It’s time to dust off your best wigs and plan your costume – Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong is back! This year, the convention is pulling out all the stops to deliver its biggest edition to date. To help you navigate the glorious chaos of cosplayers, manga and anime, video games, and more, we’ve put together your ultimate survival guide, covering everything from ticket options and priority entry to the most anticipated highlights of the weekend. When and where is Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong 2026? The five-day event is returning to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from July 24 to 28. For the first time ever, the event is expanding to take over Halls 1, 3, and 5, making this the largest layout in the convention’s history. General opening hours run from 10am to 9pm daily, though Halls 3 and 5 will open slightly later at 11am. If you’re planning to visit on the final day, keep in mind that the event will wrap up an hour early, closing its doors at 8pm on July 28. Photograph: Courtesy ACGHKAni-Com & Games Hong Kong Tickets for Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong 2026 First things first – there will be no physical ticket booths at the venue, so you must purchase your tickets in advance. General admission tickets for those aged 12 and above are priced at $50, while child tickets for ages three to 11 cost $25 (kids aged two and under can enter for free). And if you want to skip the dreaded queues, be sure to opt for the $150 Fast Pass.  As for those interested in visiting only specific areas of the convention, a new Hall 3 ticket is available for $30, which grants access to Hall 3 and the CosParadise areas in Hall 5F and G.  Meanwhile, overseas visitors will have a separate arrangement, with adult tourist tickets priced at $80 and child tourist tickets at $25, both available at an on-site ticketing counter. To purchase these tickets digitally, you can head over to the official ACGHK App. If you prefer a physical ticket, regular $50 general admission passes can be bought from today onwards at any 7-Eleven or Circle K convenience store across Hong Kong. Photograph: Courtesy ACGHKAni-Com cosplayers Yolkler (L) and Haru (R) CosParadise registration and entry rules If your main goal is to marvel at the sheer creativity of the local cosplay community – or show off your own gear – CosParadise is where you want to be. This year, the zone is split across Halls 3 and 5. Due to its popularity, the organisers have introduced a capacity limit and a paid pass system to keep things manageable, meaning free entry is no longer an option, and all cosplayers and photographers must secure their passes via the ACGHK App. The Cosplayer Pass is priced at $50 per day and is capped at 4,500 passes daily, while the Photographer Pass costs $220 per day, capped at 600 passes daily. Both passes grant the perk of unlimited same-day re-entry to the Hall 3 venue. Priority entry and raffle for Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong 2026 Nobody likes waiting in line overnight on the hot concrete of Wan Chai. To save your sanity, the organisers are bringing back their real-name registration raffle for a head-start entry. From now until July 15 at 11.59pm, you can register via the ACGHK App to join the priority queue. There will be a random draw for each of the first two days (July 24 and 25), where 300 winners will be assigned pre-determined entry slots from 1 through 300. If registrations fall under 300, the system will randomise the entry sequence for everyone registered. Photograph: Courtesy ACGHKAni-Com & Games Hong Kong Highlight events at Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong 2026 With three massive halls to cover, you’ll want to map out your journey to catch all the star-studded arrivals. A brand-new zone called ‘Dig Dig Island’ debuts this year as a dedicated hub for trendy art toys, designer figures, and rare collectables. Meanwhile, the upgraded ‘ComixPop’ zone sees local comic artists taking over Hall 3, offering fans an intimate space to buy independent works, get autographs, and chat with local creators. Over on the main stage, the incredibly popular hololive VTuber duo ‘ShishiWata’ featuring Tsunomaki Watame and Shishiro Botan will make a virtual landing for a highly anticipated fan meeting. Acclaimed Japanese voice actor Kengo Kawanishi, famous for voicing Muichiro Tokito in Demon Slayer, will also be performing live on stage.  Check the official ACGHK website for the full venue map and schedule details. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Three Hong Kong bars rank in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 extended 51-100 list Tim Ho Wan collaborates with Yung Kee to create a roasted goose bun Aesop transforms their stores into Paw Parlours for pet washes in July and August

Ahead of the awards ceremony on July 28, Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 has just released its 51-100 rankings, and there are three Hong Kong bars that have made it onto this extended list. While we may not have as many bars on this list as other cities, they are all firm favourites among Hong Kong’s bar-hopping crowd. The Opposites has happily climbed 26 spots from last year’s ranking to reach No. 54 – we’ve always enjoyed Antonio Lai and Samuel Kwok’s interesting juxtapositions of the same cocktails. Jay Khan and Ajit Gurung’s umami-focused bar The Savory Project is now on No. 60, while Gagan Gurung’s Tell Camellia has reentered the extended list at No. 81 after dropping off last year.  Photograph: Courtesy The Savory ProjectThe Savory Project Another bar somewhat related to Hong Kong representation on the 51-100 list this year is Coa Shanghai at No. 95 – this, of course, is the mainland China offshoot of our city’s multi award-winning agave-based bar Coa by Jay Khan. Singapore was represented the most on this year’s A50BB extended list, with seven bars ranked. The capital cities of Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Bangkok, and Seoul each have four bars on the list, while Hong Kong sits just behind at three. Thankfully, less rankings here means there are more chances of our bars being on the main Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, so keep your eyes peeled for announcements during the 1-50 awarding list on July 28! Photographer: Alvin LukTell Camellia Asia’s 50 Best Bars 51-100 extended list: Bar Outrigger, Goa BOP, Singapore Bar Trench, Tokyo The Opposites, Hong Kong The Enigma Mansion, Ho Chi Minh City Vesper, Bangkok Side Door, Singapore The Elephant Room, Singapore Yakoboku, Kumamoto The Savory Project, Hong Kong Barc, Kathmandu Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo Reka, Kuala Lumpur Penrose, Kuala Lumpur Cabinet 8, Kuala Lumpur Backdoor Bodega, Penang Moonrock, Tainan Maltail, Kaohsiung Messenger Service, Bangkok Bar Nayuta, Osaka Raa, Hiriketiya Craftroom, Osaka Between The Sips, Jakarta Gong Gan, Seoul The Bar at the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, Tokyo Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar, Bangkok Hats Bar, Jakarta Firefly, Bangkok The Bellwood, Tokyo Native, Singapore Tell Camellia, Hong Kong Bar Mood, Taipei Coley, Kuala Lumpur Stir, Ho Chi Minh City AABBCC, New Delhi Cat Bite Club, Singapore Charles H, Seoul Le Chamber, Seoul Soko, Seoul Bar Bon Funk, Singapore Chimney, Hangzhou The Public House, Taipei Ropewalk, Galle Lamp Bar, Nara Coa (Shanghai), Shanghai Bar Long Fong, Beijing Stay Gold Flamingo, Singapore The Spirits Library, Makati Lab, Taipei Sora, Phnom Penh Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Tim Ho Wan collaborates with Yung Kee to create a roasted goose bun Aesop transforms their stores into Paw Parlours for pet washes in July and August Hong Kong remains the world’s most expensive housing market for the 16th consecutive year

Some food pairings are simply legendary – think tomatoes and mozzarella, or prosciutto and melon. It looks like another mouthwatering food combination is hitting our palates in Hong Kong, as dim sum establishment Tim Ho Wan has joined hands with roast goose specialist Yung Kee for a time-limited new creation. For over eight decades, Yung Kee has been roasting their premium Guangdong black-maned geese over a live charcoal fire and marinating them in a secret family sauce infused with aged tangerine peel. Its succulent roast goose has been among the best in Hong Kong for years, while Tim Ho Wan has long been well-loved as one of the most affordable Michelin-recognised restaurants, serving freshly made dim sum that is easy on the wallet. These twin titans of the Hong Kong food scene have now come together to present the baked roasted goose bun. If you’ve been to Tim Ho Wan, you’ll almost certainly have ordered their signature baked barbecue pork buns – it is this same flaky, layered bread crust that is wrapped around Yung Kee’s roast goose. The buttery pastry gives way to the rich flavours of the goose meat, which has been thoughtfully deboned and combined with a secret sauce developed by both restaurants. Photograph: Courtesy Tim Ho WanTim Ho Wan x Yung Kee This succulent amalgamation of dim sum and siu mei roasted meats is a love letter to the time-honoured techniques behind some of Hong Kong’s most beloved flavours. The Tim Ho Wan x Yung Kee baked roasted goose buns ($68 for three pieces) are available from July through till the end of September at all Tim Ho Wan locations in the city.  To celebrate this first-ever collaboration between the two brands, diners at the newly reopened Yung’s Bistro in K11 Musea – a newer offshoot of Yung Kee – will receive a complimentary serving of two mini baked roasted goose buns for every $500 spent in-store. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Aesop transforms their stores into Paw Parlours for pet washes in July and August Hong Kong remains the world’s most expensive housing market for the 16th consecutive year New Pak Shek Kok MTR station set to begin construction in 2028

We all love Aesop’s gorgeous-smelling products and will never pass up an opportunity to enjoy a pump of hand cream when passing by their stores. Now, Hong Kong’s pets have the opportunity to get some pampering of their own as well, with a handful of Aesop branches turning into ‘paw parlours’ for a day. You may not know this, but Aesop has carried a mild skin-and-fur wash for pets, aptly named Animal, since 1999. A blend of conditioning ingredients and essential oils like lemon rind, tea tree leaf, and spearmint make up the base of this wash, and while it’s definitely got citrus and herby notes, Animal has been formulated so it doesn’t overwhelm sensitive snouts. Pet owners will appreciate that it also looks after the hands that are bathing the animals. Photograph: Courtesy AesopAesop Animal wash To celebrate this legacy product, three Aesop branches across Hong Kong will be transforming into Paw Parlours on different days. The Animal wash will be available to try on both human hands and pet paws, which is sure to provide a cooling and nose-pleasing respite from our sweaty summer heat. Treats will be dished out to good furry companions, while Polaroid pet portraits and customised bandanas will also be available.  Space is likely to be limited, so it’s best to book a session in advance. Head to Aesop New Town Plaza on July 25 to 26; Aesop Fashion Walk on August 1 to 2; and Aesop Hollywood Road on August 8 to 9 for the Paw Parlour events. Sessions run in each store at 2pm and 5pm. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong remains the world’s most expensive housing market for the 16th consecutive year New Pak Shek Kok MTR station set to begin construction in 2028 Hong Kong’s new dog-friendly restaurant scheme launches with over 940 approved venues

Hong Kong’s property market is notoriously brutal, and the 2026 edition of the Demographia International Housing Affordability report has just served up a cold dose of reality by crowning us as the most financially gruelling place on earth to buy a home for a staggering 16th consecutive year. Rating 95 major markets across eight nations in the third quarter of 2025, the study calculates housing affordability using the median multiple, a metric that compares local property prices to average household earnings. In a perfectly balanced world, a score under three indicates a healthy market, while anything climbing past nine lands straight into the impossibly unaffordable category. Our city is currently sitting well beyond that threshold with a score of 14.1, meaning local buyers would need to save 14.1 years of total gross income – assuming they spend zero dollars on expenses like food or electricity – just to buy a standard flat. If there is any silver lining to be found, it’s that our score has actually fallen slightly from the 14.4 recorded last year, and a massive drop from our eye-watering peak of 23.2 back in 2021. This decline is largely driven by local private residential property prices slumping by over 20 percent from their historic highs. However, before anyone starts planning a property shopping spree, recent data indicates that home prices have already begun to creep back up this year, meaning this slight relief might be short-lived. Photograph: Courtesy Andy YeungAndy Yeung Walled City #08 Our consistent reign over the global leaderboard comes down to limited land supply and exceptionally dense urban planning, which also leaves us with some of the smallest average home sizes on earth. There is a bit of hope on the horizon, though. Government initiatives could significantly boost our residential stock in the coming decades, as the Northern Metropolis project is slated to add more than 900,000 new housing units near the Shenzhen border, and the Lantau Tomorrow Vision project aims to provide more than 200,000 homes on reclaimed islands near Hong Kong International Airport. On the opposite end of the global spectrum, the report highlights where your money goes the furthest. Cleveland (3.1) and Pittsburgh (3.2) in the United States secured the top two places, respectively, as the most affordable housing markets in the world, while four markets, including Edmonton, Canada, as well as Oklahoma City, Rochester, and St. Louis in the US, all tied in third place with a median multiple of 3.6. For those curious about how the rest of the world fares, here’s the current lineup of the top 10 most unaffordable housing markets across the globe: Hong Kong (14.1) Sydney, Australia (14) San Jose, USA (11.3) Adelaide, Australia (11.2) Vancouver, Canada (10.8) Los Angeles, USA (10.7) Honolulu, USA (10.4) Brisbane, Australia (9.9) Melbourne, Australia (9.5) San Francisco, USA (9.4) If you’re curious to learn more, check out this year’s Demographia International Housing Affordability report here. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: New Pak Shek Kok MTR station set to begin construction in 2028 Hong Kong’s new dog-friendly restaurant scheme launches with over 940 approved venues The Power of Play exhibition opens at CityUHK to explore the history and culture of games

It has been a talking point for what feels like an eternity, but plans for the long-promised Pak Shek Kok MTR station are finally moving ahead full steam. With construction officially set to begin in the second half of 2028, a revised blueprint from the Development Bureau puts the project on track for completion in 2033. Slotted between Tai Po Market and University stations on the East Rail Line, the new two-storey stop will now be built near the Science Park and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, leaving behind the initial plan to put it by the EduHK Sports Centre. The construction timeline, however, has already raised some eyebrows at the Tai Po District Council, where local politicians have questioned why building a single station would take so long, especially when the idea has been on the cards since 2021. There are also concerns that shifting the station to a new site might send things back to square one, though officials explain that building on an active, older train line limits the use of more modern building methods. Photograph: Courtesy InnoPark by HKSTPInnopark by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park With the completion of the new station, those currently dependent on minibus connections – whether they are tech professionals and university researchers at the Science Park, or local Pak Shek Kok residents – will be able to shave off roughly 20 minutes from their commute between Pak Shek Kok and the major hubs of Hong Kong Island or Kowloon. The neighbourhood is also set to gain a few new community extras, with promises of new shops, a public transport interchange, and an elevated footbridge across the Tolo Highway linking to the surrounding neighbourhood. Authorities have also sought to reassure the public that the East Rail Line can handle the influx of new passengers, with the option to increase train frequencies if the platforms get crowded. Provided there are no more last-minute revisions, locals can begin a mere seven-year countdown before they get to make use of the line and finally join the morning rush. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong’s new dog-friendly restaurant scheme launches with over 940 approved venues The Power of Play exhibition opens at CityUHK to explore the history and culture of games Toy Story 5 takes over Harbour City with a massive waterfront summer carnival

It’s no secret that we love this city and all it has to offer, and we’re always proud to call ourselves Hongkongers. But if there’s one gripe we have – a bone to pick, if you will – it is that Hong Kong is not exactly the most pet-friendly place in the world. We have the bustling city, the teeming nightlife, the lush greenery, and so much amazing food, but when we look at other cities all around the world, Hong Kong pet owners can’t help but think about how we can’t simply stroll into malls or places of entertainment with our furry companions, or even ride on the subway with them. Luckily, things are taking a turn for the better, with the Hong Kong government recently announcing the introduction of a special permit that will allow selected restaurants to welcome dogs indoors. Targeted for approval by mid-2026, between 500 and 1,000 permits will be issued to restaurants which apply for them. This means that we could see a sudden influx of restaurants that actively embrace patrons dining alongside their pets within this year – an absolute dream for dog owners who are tired of being relegated to outdoor seating with no air conditioning. View this post on Instagram A post shared by April & Artie (@aprilandartie) To address some of these queries: restaurants granted the pet permit will be allowed to determine the extent of their participation, and the policy does indeed cover air-conditioned areas in restaurants. Pet owners will be required to keep their dogs under control at all times with a leash no longer than 1.5 metres or secured to a fixed object. Dogs will also not be allowed on dining tables or to come in contact with food and tableware. It remains to be seen whether there’s a limit on how many dogs each pet owner can bring into eateries, and secretary for environment and ecology Tse Chin-wan also said on February 10 that dog diapers will most likely not be made mandatory as it may cause discomfort to dogs who don’t need them. High-risk venues like hotpot or barbecue restaurants will not be granted pet permits.  When asked which restaurants they would want to see welcome their pets in the near future, Hong Kong’s pet owners are not picky – they’re just happy that the option to do so is happening in the first place. Stephanie Lown, who works at the SPCA Hong Kong and is the founder of the outdoor adventure group Exploring Dogs, is just “thrilled to have any options open up to dogs at all!” Her rescue dog Lola is an energetic, active adventurer of the great outdoors, so Lown can think of “nothing better than ending a hike with your dog and being able to stop at a café or restaurant for a nice refreshing drink or meal”. Cho would love to see Korean restaurants and dim sum places adopt a pet-friendly attitude, while Dorathy wants to see their dining options expand to include cha chaan tengs or fast-food joints. We don’t know if Maxim’s Palace in City Hall or your local Café de Coral will soon embrace hungry pups, but it sure is a nice thought! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Life in Hong Kong with Lola (@livin_da_vida_lola) Promoting pet-friendly eateries is a great step in making Hong Kong a more inclusive city for animals. Considering that the local pet economy is a multi-billion dollar market driven by mostly younger citizens with the financial means and the inclination to provide the best for their animals, there is plenty more that can be done to make people happy while tapping into this sizable income pocket. Hong Kong is already trying out having pets on public transport, with select bus routes accommodating animals on certain days of the week and the Light Rail in the New Territories allowing pets on the weekends. Pet owners are now eagerly waiting for expanded transportation options, as well as regulations that don’t require their pets being placed in carriers – it’s easy to put a Pomeranian in a bag, but try doing the same with a Bernese Mountain Dog.  “Right now, I am always on foot or taking cabs everywhere whenever I travel with my dogs,” Cho muses. “I hope one day dogs will be allowed on either the MTR or on buses.” Dorathy concurs, saying that as a medium-sized dog owner, “it would be fantastic to bring my dogs on the MTR and buses”, adding that she wouldn’t mind putting her Samoyeds in diapers to ensure hygiene if needed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Exploring Dogs (@exploringdogs) Cho also adds that there are not enough dog-friendly parks and beaches in Hong Kong – dogs are currently banned from most parks and public beaches, with only a handful open to dog owners and their pups. “We usually end up on unregulated beaches that are filled with plastic, broken glass, and trash, which is so dangerous for dogs. Hopefully we’ll see more dog-friendly places so our fur babies can enjoy nature too.” Lown looks even further ahead, hoping to see more housing options open up to pet owners as well. “The last couple of years have definitely shown promise with ferries, KMB buses, and the MTR welcoming dogs for SPCA’s Dogathon, but we still have some ways to go. Other countries have had these pet-inclusive policies for years, if not decades!” Lastly, she hopes that with this recent wave of pet-friendly sentiment, the Hong Kong government might review the city’s animal cruelty laws, which she laments have not been updated in 90 years. “It would be good to see the government finally implementing a ‘Duty of Care’ policy which would help improve animal rights and welfare in Hong Kong.” Hear, hear! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong’s recent food poisoning outbreak linked to raw oysters Calbee opens a limited-time Chinese New Year pop-up at Citygate Outlets for snack fans Macau is the most active region in Asia when it comes to love and sex, according to Time Out

Ever wanted to go back in time and shop at a supermarket from the 1950s? It might come off as a rather specific fancy, but for those who harbour such a dream, you’re in luck: Hong Kong’s homegrown supermarket giant, Wellcome, is hopping aboard the nostalgia train with the launch of a retro-inspired concept store in Yau Ma Tei. Designed as a tribute to Hong Kong’s extensive retail history, Wellcome has repurposed its Prosperous Garden branch in Yau Ma Tei as an exhibition destination to celebrate the supermarket’s 80-year-plus legacy. Founded in 1945, Wellcome has been a constant in the lives of local families, serving the needs of generations of Hongkongers. As the city evolved, Wellcome evolved with it, but this branded concept shop preserves a slice of the supermarket as shoppers might have seen it back in the 1950s to the 1970s, complete with vintage character, photogenic interiors, and time-limited collectibles. Each aisle, stocked with a curated selection of products, doubles as a fetching backdrop oozing charm and colour, so no doubt this location will quickly become a popular attraction! Photograph: Courtesy Wellcome Snap photos of the LED-emblazoned shopfront, which takes its cues from Hong Kong’s famous urban landscape of neon lights; discover classic interior design elements such as the vintage silver-and-green turnstile, a sea of red plastic lamps popularised in wet markets, and patterned floor tiles; and admire nostalgic grocery setups and heritage exhibits that showcase the allure and shared memories of Hong Kong’s past.  As part of the concept store activation, Wellcome is also launching special deals and brand collaborations to commemorate the occasion, including a reusable Wellcome Retro Eco Bag for $28 with a single transaction of $100 – it’s reminiscent of Wellcome’s old-school red-and-yellow carrier, making for a keepsake that’s both practical and sentimental. Additionally, Wellcome will team up with tech equipment manufacturer Smeg to offer a limited-edition Lifebox ($88 with any purchase of $100 or more) from February 6 to 19, and Hong Kong’s own lifestyle brand G.O.D. for a Lunar New Year-themed game set ($68). Photograph: Courtesy Wellcome Wait, there’s more! While the weather’s still below 20 degrees Celsius, pop over to Prosperous Garden to sip warmed Vitasoy soy milk from glass bottles – a Hong Kong childhood memory that many will dwell on fondly. You can also take your chance at a Lee Kum Kee capsule machine from now until March 31, which will dispense a surprise miniature magnet depicting one of the condiment maker’s signature products. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Harbourside Swing Fest returns for its 2026 edition in late April Shiro brings its signature ‘crystal sushi’ to its second location in Tai Kwun Everything you need to know about Japan’s official cherry blossom forecast 2026

Love dim sum and surreal imagery? You’re in good company. Hong Kong street artist Lousy, best known for his bold graphics resembling glyphs and pictorial shapes, is collaborating with viral food photographer-artist David Leung – also known as Davidgoodtime, who specialises in capturing reflected food images highlighting pareidolia – for a dynamic exhibition about dim sum and the ritual of yum cha.  Hosted at JPS Gallery, ‘Double Umami’ is an artistic ode to Hong Kong cuisine, reimagined through the unique lenses of two distinctly different creators, who shaped their love of dumplings and morning teas into a visual celebration of Hong Kong’s DNA.  Photograph: Courtesy JPS Gallery In the exhibition space, visitors will encounter a customised dim sum cart installation, decorated by David and Lousy, in addition to photographs depicting beloved dim sum dishes in Leung’s signature mirrored style, mounted inside bamboo steamers crafted by master artisan Lui Ming of Ming Sang Steel Bamboo Receptacle. ‘Crab’s Kid Burn & Sell’ shows siu mai in a different light, appearing almost like the face of a crustacean, while ‘Char Siu Cat No. 2’ draws parallels between char siu bao and felines. We also particularly liked the birdcage installation which houses real emu eggs and plastic cards from dim sum carts inscribed with the Chinese onomatopoeia for bird chirps. Photograph: Courtesy JPS Gallery Branching out from photography onto canvas and installation work for the first time, Leung is also presenting the ‘Sauce’ series, applying the same mirrored techniques to create patterns reminiscent of Rorschach inkblot tests. Inspired by traditional Fu Lu Shou statues representing fortune, prosperity, and longevity, Leung uses foldable boards loaded with pigment to ‘find’ faces hidden in the paint. In contrast, Lousy – rather than focusing on the food aspect of dim sum – aims to capture the feeling of community and chaos experienced during a yum cha get-together. He paints and draws on top of old dim sum order sheets to give graphic form to the hustle and bustle of a Cantonese restaurant, depicting figures sat at a table, abstract interpretations of food, hands pouring tea, and more. Photograph: Courtesy JPS Gallery David and Lousy’s collaborations don’t end there. Lousy has teamed up with Wendy’s Wok World for a ‘Special Collab Soy Sauce’. 22 bottles of Tiu Yuen small-batch soy sauce are covered in custom packaging artwork created by Lousy. Meanwhile, Leung worked with chef May Chow of Little Bao to wrap 50 bottles of her handcrafted Fook Jiang chilli sauce in original ‘chilli sauce’ Rorschach artworks, bringing the food-focused project one degree closer to the art of Chinese cooking. ‘Double Umami’ is on exhibition at JPS Gallery from January 30 to March 7. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Art book publisher Taschen is having a huge sale in early February Starbucks opens at the Hong Kong Palace Museum with Hong Kong’s first Chinese calligraphy shop sign and exclusive products Fujifilm releases a camcorder-instant camera hybrid in the instax mini Evo Cinema

Listen, we love a good beat drop or screaming chart-toppers like any other nighttime reveller in the city, but in this era of EDM and throwback pop-heavy party scene, it would be nice to enjoy something authentic that sounds different for once. Well, it looks like we got our wish, because a vinyl record-based bar has just announced they’ll be opening in Lan Kwai Fong. The brainchild of longtime friends Brian and Ah Hei, the 8055 vinyl bar has had previous iterations based in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, which grew in popularity to welcome even local celebrities and creatives like Eason Chan and Tyson Yoshi as patrons. The pandemic eventually saw the shuttering of the bar – but not for good. Photograph: Courtesy 8055 Building on their seven-year brand identity as a hotspot for authentic vinyl DJ-ing, graffiti art, and Japanese chill drinking culture, 8055 is now back in the game with a new home in the heart of Hong Kong’s nightlife district, Lan Kwai Fong. Expect the warmth and pops of analogue sound being played all night, with a focus on Japanese hip-hop, jazz, funk, and city pop – a sound that’s pretty unique within our nightlife scene and, frankly, a breath of fresh air from all the other clubs around. To pair with the music, 8055’s drinks turn the focus on premium Japanese whiskies and umeshu plum wine. Their signature tipple is an elegant, simple umeshu soda, but you can also truly do things the Japanese way by leaving the choice up to the bartender, omakase-style. Staying true to the brand’s history, 8055’s new venue will also allow guests to freely draw, scribble, and unleash creativity all over the walls with graffiti markers, so if you’ve ever left your mark in bars like Not2Sweet, you’ll want to do the same here as well. Photograph: Courtesy 8055 Check things out at 8055’s grand opening party on January 24, when they’ll be hosting a 10-hour DJ relay from 8pm onwards. The lineup will include Andrew Bull, better known as DJ El Toro or the ‘Father of Hong Kong DJs’, who is famous for initiating the city’s first disco in The Peninsula hotel as well as the iconic Canton Disco. Sounds like a party and a half! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Kodak Apparel opens a time-limited concept store in Hong Kong New brasserie Chouchou brings French comfort food to an elevated setting in Wan Chai Sai Ying Pun’s historic steakhouse Sammy’s Kitchen announces closure this month

The popular Japanese mascot series Namagaki is taking over Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong with a themed installation! Since Namagaki characters began popping up inside claw machines and arcades across town, so many hearts have been captured by their simple yet lovable designs and adorably blank expressions. The Namagaki Festival features a series of installations and exhibits for fans to take pictures with, as well as a charming merch pop-up with exclusive items for sale. Photograph: Courtesy Yell / Festival Walk At the centre of the installation is a four-metre-tall giant oyster can, where Namagaki characters spill out alongside rainbow-coloured sweets. Right next door is the pastel-coloured Namagaki Washoku House, where cute oyster characters act as chef and waiter at this makeshift traditional Japanese eatery. See if you can spot the pink pumpkins dotted around the space – it’s the installation’s discreet nod to the upcoming spooky season.  Beyond photo ops, fans will definitely delight in browsing through the themed pop-up store housing over 100 exclusive Namagaki products, including 80 first launches in Hong Kong that span everything from stationery to t-shirts and tote bags. Don’t forget to stop by the Namagaki claw machine and the collectible trading card capsule machine for an adorable surprise!  Photograph: Courtesy Festival Walk In the spirit of Halloween, Festival Walk is inviting visitors to trick or treat around designated stores in the mall. Exclusive to My Festival members, take part in this seasonal activity by purchasing a $1,000 gift card to receive a limited-edition Baby Namagaki birthstone bag charm and candy can clutch – where you can store your hard-earned sweets.  Namagaki Festival will be at Festival Walk from October 24 to November 13. See footage of the Namagaki Festival pop-up here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: 18 hotels in Hong Kong and Macau have been awarded 2025 Michelin Keys OneRepublic is coming back to Hong Kong in February 2026 The best Halloween parties in Hong Kong this year

Remember when we all saw a giant Doraemon sitting unexpectedly at the dockyard along Tsing Yi last week? Well, the news is out and it’s not that a robotic cat is invading Hong Kong – instead, a fleet of floating inflatable sculptures will be making their appearance along Victoria Harbour next month. AllRightsReserved, the local creative brand behind last year’s thousands of panda sculptures and the recent Chiikawa exhibition in Tsim Sha Tsui, is putting on the Water Parade, where a set of four giant, floating inflatable figures will be making a debut at sea. In the lineup is Doraemon, perched on his favourite dorayaki snack; Elmo from the Kaws & Sesame Street collaboration; McDonalds’ purple blob-shaped mascot Grimace; and Labubu, the globally viral Nordic-inspired monster by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung. After a trial run in the waters of Tsing Yi on September 20, these four figures will be set afloat along Victoria Harbour on October 25, and will be shown in brand-new poses. Visit them just off of Tamar Park in Admiralty and snap plenty of photos, because when else are you going to see such universally recognised and different cartoon characters all sitting together? Photograph: Courtesy AllRightsReserved On November 1, the floating sculptures will be taken on a water parade between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, sailing along both sides of Victoria Harbour, before departing from our waters on the evening of the same day. For the entire duration of the sculpture display, there will also be a Water Parade Market at the promenade near Tamar Park. Aside from pop-up stores, F&B stands, game booths, photo spots, and a capsule toy zone, the market will also feature other internationally popular IPs from KPop Demon Hunters, season five of Stranger Things, Squid Games, Snoopy and the Peanuts, as well as Hong Kong’s classic TOLO Founding Duck, which is marking its 40th anniversary. Early-bird tickets to the festivities will be available at $50 for adults, starting at 12 noon on September 26. Walk-in tickets can also be purchased on site, subject to availability. All tickets include a $20 merchandise voucher, which can be redeemed cumulatively on purchases of every $200. Attendees can also buy a viewing platform special ticket at $150, which includes entry to the Water Parade Market. See some footage of the Water Parade here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: The best Oktoberfest events happening in Hong Kong this year The best things to do in Hong Kong this week (September 22-28) Super Typhoon Ragasa: Hong Kong braces for the strongest typhoon of the year as it approaches the city

Do you remember an exhibition last summer that displayed miniature scenes of the Central and Western districts in Pacific Place? In case you missed it, the Joyful Miniature Association (JMA) is back once again, this time with more incredibly detailed dioramas of life in Hong Kong, including seven brand-new miniatures that have never been seen before. The 24 art pieces will highlight some of Hong Kong’s famous landmarks, cultural customs, and unique lifestyles. Peek into painstaking recreations of Sunday dim sum at Maxim’s Palace in City Hall, chaotic nighttime revelry along Lan Kwai Fong, the customs of worship and pin wheel buying at Man Mo Temple and Wong Tai Sin Temple, a moving model of the fifth generation of the Peak Tram funicular railway, views of Victoria Harbour complete with boats sailing and fireworks, and more.  Photograph: Courtesy Joyful Miniature Association The new miniatures at this show include the Kai Tak Sports Park, the legendary old Kowloon Walled City, night scenes of Temple Street, horse racing, aquatic animals on sale at one of the many shops along Goldfish Street, the cable car at Ngong Ping 360, and Hong Kong’s transhipment history at the Insta-famous Western District Pier. The JMA brings together over 100 Hong Kong artists who collectively integrate the traditionally European craft of miniatures with our distinctly local culture using cutting-edge technology. If there’s one way to stroll through the most iconic sights and experiences of Hong Kong in just a few steps, this exhibition is definitely it. ‘Hong Kong: Through the Looking Glass Miniature Exhibition’ will be on display at The Peak Tower from April 25 to June 23 – JMA’s longest exhibition in the city. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong ranked as the 10th most walkable city in the world; 1st in East Asia Hong Kong Airport Express proposes fare increase of 9.4 percent The Cheung Chau Bun Festival is hosting a carnival this Sunday

We sit down with artist and designer Joe Foti before his new exhibition in Hong Kong

March in Hong Kong is not complete without a trip to the Wanchai Convention Centre to spend a day or two at Art Basel. This year’s fair gathers 240 global galleries, with large-scale installations, paintings, sculptures, digital art, live performances, video works, and more to see!

From a world without colours to her love of big city metros, we caught up with British artist Monster Chetwynd for a round of quick-fire questions while she's in town for her new installation at Pacific Place!