Things to do in Hong Kong this week
Want to plan ahead and fill up your calendar for the next seven days? Discover the biggest and best things to do in Hong Kong from Monday morning to Sunday evening with our ultimate list. From the latest restaurant openings and the best art exhibitions in Hong Kong to pop-up events and free community classes, we’ve got you covered for the rest of the week. And if you're looking to get some fresh air after a long day at work, why not fit in a hike on a weeknight?
This week's best events
Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival
Be moved by cinematic works of art that touch upon issues of prejudice and discrimination at Asia’s oldest LGBT-friendly film festival. Screening films fresh from the international film festival circuit, including Taiwanese drama Bao Bao and Ellen Page vehicle My Days of Mercy. Be inspired by these touching cinematic stories and do your bit to promote acceptance of different sexual orientations in Hong Kong.
Life is Art film festival
An antidote to all those summer blockbusters, Life is Art returns with a new line-up of documentary films covering all aspects of culture. This year’s categories include music, fashion, photography, painting, dance, architecture, food and theatre. Whether you’re a fan of Whitney Houston, Yayoi Kusama or Renzo Piano, there’s something for all culture vultures here.Particular highlights for this edition include Ritoma by Oscar-winning Hongkonger Ruby Yang, which investigates the impact of modernization on Tibetan nomads and their aspirations towards playing basketball; Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist, a film which offers an intimate look into the fierce spirit of fashion diva Vivienne Westwood and her active participation in punk protests; and the festival’s closing film, Kusama: Infinity, a look at the Japanese artist’s constant search for ‘infinity’ in her work.
Moon Rabbit Lumiere
Following the massive popularity of the giant floating moon installation that hung over Lee Tung Avenue, the shopping street has up their game this Mid-Autumn Festival to bring Hongkongers 10 giant illuminated rabbits – you know, to represent the moon rabbit from the Chinese folklore – by renowned Australian artist Amanda Parer. Her inflatable rabbits have made its round across the globe in over 80 cities, and for this Mid-Autumn, 10 installations of varying sizes will be hopping over to Lee Tung Avenue and China Hong Kong City to celebrate the festival. Whether it is the 800 red lanterns or Victoria Harbour serving as backdrop, it makes for a stunning photo-op either way. What’s more, these huge bunnies are also making an appearance at our next Time Out Dining Series: Moonrise Picnic, where diners can eat, drink and chill with the rabbits under the moon.
Black: Recatogorize
Galerie Ora-Ora presents a group exhibition that raises the question: “What is black?” Showcasing works by seven local and international artists including Patrick Nilsson, Carla Chan and Cindy Ng Sio-leng, the show take audiences through a dynamic and nuanced journey with the colour black. Frequently being dismissed by our eyes because of its ubiquity, black shines brightly more than other colours as the ancient Chinese “xuan” colour expressed by the mastery of the 5 gradations of ink.
Mr.: People Misunderstand Me and the Contents of My Paintings
As the full title of the exhibtion suggest – People misunderstand me and the contents of my paintings. They just think they are nostalgic, cute, and look like Japanese anime. That may be true, but really, I paint daily in order to escape the devil that haunts my soul. The said devil also resides in my blood, and I cannot escape from it no matter how I wish. So I paint in resignation – many have misrepresented Mr.’s – who happens to a former protege of Takashi Murakami – work to be a reflection of his own fantasy in the realm of Japanese anime and otaku culture. But delve a little closer, his prepubescent character works are a form of escapism from the misery from society and the artist’s own dislocated family structure. This exhibition showcases a collection of Mr.’s works over the past six years as well as new creations that demonstrate his spectrum of style ranging from “kawaii” (cute) to “kowai” (scary).
The Hidden Planet Mystery Tour
The Hidden Planet Mystery Tour at The Pulse shopping complex in Repulse Bay is a family-friendly event that includes light-themed attractions, from the Rainbow Room to the Room of Infinity. Take pictures with the monsters of the Hidden Planet – including Pete, Uni, Luc, Shan and Ed – and immerse yourself in their world. On July 8, for one day only, stop by for the Pulse Monsters Beach Invasion for an outdoor parade of fun!
Pablo Francisco
Thanks to his spot-on impressions and sound-effects work, the animated Pablo Francisco (known for his Comedy Central special, They Put It Out There) has won over audiences across North America and Europe. With an irreverent take on pop culture, especially his memorable spoof movie previews, Hongkongers can expect a long night of laughs.
Hong Kong International Tattoo Convention
Asia's largest and most important tattoo convention returns bigger and better than ever. Renowned tattooists, enthusiasts showing off their full-body ink and spectacular art installations – these are some of the things you’ll find at Asia’s largest tattoo convention. Meet your tattoo artist heroes and grab the chance to get inked by them personally as well as pick up some locally designed merchandise and food. There’s even a kids’ zone, too.
IRIS: Your Escape with ManulifeMOVE
Escape city life and find your inner peace at the non-stop two-day yoga event. Treat yourself with a good stretch and all kinds of meditation exercise classes - we’re talking hula-hoop dance, silent disco yoga and fun interactive art and music workshops. There are more than 60 classes to choose from and join, meet interesting individuals while picking up some healthy snacks, chic athletic gear and goodie bags. Remember to bring your own mat. Namaste.
Susanne Winterling: Gravitational Currents and The Life Magic
German artist Susanne Winterling takes over the black-cube Empty Gallery to present her artworks that feature the marine victims of climate change – dinoflagellates, the micro single-cell algae and plankton that support the basis of the food chain in the deep sea. The centrepiece of the exhibition is an immersive video projected against an enormous curved screen. Accompanying the film are sculptural 3D-printed dinoflagellates and turtle that have been cast out of Hong Kong beach sand to warn the public that our precious marine life is at risk. With a sense of aesthetic wonder, the exhibition interprets cyberpunk magic realism with the wonder of projections.
