The best things to do in Hong Kong this week (August 17-23)

Hopewell Mall is turning into an animal sanctuary this summer with the return of Exotic Pets World. The pop-up exhibition features four themed zones, showcasing over 15 rare and exotic species, including the Lesser Antillean iguana, the Aldabra giant tortoise, and the ever-adorable axolotls. Alongside a dedicated aquatic zone and fascinating wildlife displays, visitors can enjoy interactive experiences, hands-on workshops like insect specimen mounting, and a behind-the-scenes summer programme for kids aged seven and up. Admission to the main exhibition is free, with registration required for the workshops and educational activities.

The Hong Kong Palace Museum is marking the final month of its landmark exhibition, Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums, with a one-night-only after-hours event on August 19. The evening offers exclusive access to the exhibition in Gallery 9, alongside thematic displays in Galleries 3 and 4 under guided docent tours. Taking place against the backdrop of the Victoria Harbour skyline, the programme features a panel discussion, live folk dance, curated music, and DJ sets from Beat Friday. Attendees can sample authentic Egyptian snacks, try drinks blending Chinese and Egyptian flavours, experience ancient scents, and take photos at themed setups. Tickets are priced at $450 and include entry to all participating galleries, event activities, and a complimentary ancient Egypt-inspired blind box bag charm.

Switch up your weeknight plans and head over to PMQ for Kebab Night at La Terrace by Louise. On August 20, October 8, and December 17 from 6pm onwards, the terrace will be serving up succulent chicken kebabs with sauce blanche, harissa, salad, tomatoes, and onions, alongside fries and a coconut soft serve with lime sorbet. A range of Burgundy wines by the glass and bottle will also be available for your pickings. It’s a hugely popular event, so be sure to make your reservation well in advance.

From July 4 to August 23, MOSTown is transforming into a breezy seaside oasis featuring 30 adorable Namagaki and Friends designs. Expect a vibrant lineup of interactive, camera-ready photo spots, a treasure-filled sand pit, and a giant gashapon machine loaded with plushie prizes. Alongside the family-friendly fun, you can also browse the pop-up store packed with over 20 new MOSTown-exclusive items and more than 20 limited-edition collectables from Japan, or head over to PHI Coffee & Pancake for Japanese soufflé pancakes, Italian mains, and specialty coffee. Great for soaking up the summer vibes – minus the blistering heat and humidity.

The Mahou Dokoro Harry Potter pop-up is returning to Hysan Place! Open from July 24 to August 25, the new store offers a fresh lineup of official apparel, accessories, and other collectables inspired by both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. Highlights include glow-in-the-dark and colour-changing tees, house-themed pouches with plush bears, a candy-shaped Honeydukes shoulder bag, and a range of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans jewellery. Shoppers who spend $300 or more in a single transaction before July 31 will also score an exclusive, limited-edition ‘Happee Birthdae Harry’ cake pouch, available while stocks last.

Hong Kong’s transit network is getting an adorable upgrade this summer as the MTR Corporation and AllRightsReserved launch the ‘Next Station: Chiikawa Artiverse’ campaign. Running on weekends from July 25 to August 30, a specially decorated Light Rail train will operate four trips on each day from Siu Hong Stop towards Tuen Mun or Yuen Long, featuring character-shaped handrail straps, exterior glow-in-the-dark stars, and artwork of Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi. Passengers can join the experience by purchasing an $88 Light Rail Travel Pass package on-site at Siu Hong (Platform 4), which covers one designated themed train journey, unlimited same-day Light Rail travel, and collectable merch. The transit takeover also extends into the main network with station installations at Admiralty and Lok Ma Chau, alongside an MTR Mobile app stamp card lucky draw offering 300 tickets to the upcoming Chiikawa Artiverse exhibition.

Tucked inside Oi! Glassie, Hong Kong artist Chan Wai‑lap presents Jeremy’s Bathhouse – a dreamy, ceramic bathhouse as an extension of his ongoing ‘Swimming’ series. Inspired by love, connection, different bathing cultures, and the 2016 viral story of Jeremy, the left-spiral snail, the exhibition features a heart-shaped pool installation made with more than 1,200 handcrafted ceramic tiles designed by Chan.

Visitors will also find a set of shower cubicles lined with casts of real soap bars that Chan has collected from bathhouses around the world, and every so often, timed release of mist drifts through, softening the edges and shifting the whole atmosphere from crisp clarity to a dreamy haze.

Chesa at The Peninsula Hong Kong is running the second instalment of its cantonal menu series, turning its spotlight to the regional food of Geneva. Available à la carte for both lunch (12pm to 3pm) and dinner (6pm to 11pm) until August 31, the menu features dishes like rainbow beetroots with smoked trout roe salad and hazelnut praliné, pike fish fillet with braised snails in persillade butter, veal fillet accompanied by black truffle and morel sauce, and a Swiss chocolate mi-cuit with pistachio ganache and cherry sorbet. Table reservations can be made via SevenRooms.

In a landmark collaboration between the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) and the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) of Egypt, 250 treasures and relics from the land of the Pharaohs will be on display in Hong Kong for nine and a half months. Named ‘Ancient Egypt Unveiled’, this exhibition is the largest, most comprehensive, and longest-running display of ancient Egyptian artefacts Hong Kong has ever seen, displaying archaeological finds loaned straight from Egypt, many of which are being shown outside of their home country for the very first time.

Some of our favourite highlights include a set of canopic jars used to store internal organs in the mummification and burial process; statues of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut and Rameses II; painted coffins of wood and stone; a Book of the Dead papyrus scroll; and even an ancient Egyptian toilet seat.

Swing by the gift shop to find a wide range of Egypt-related merch, including an adorable series of blind box plushies created by HKPM which depict pharaohs, canopic jars, mummies, and more.

Landing in Wan Chai for a two-month run from July 1 to August 31, Marrow is a sleek, meat-led pop-up restaurant offering an unconventional take on open-fire cooking. Curated by chef Chris Ma, the concept moves away from traditional steakhouses to highlight lesser-known cuts with distinct local and regional flavours. Alongside a selection of fire-cooked mains, diners can enjoy a playful menu of creative starters, seafood options, and nostalgic desserts. The restaurant is open daily for dinner only, and with a short summer residency, booking ahead is highly recommended.

Make your way to Harbour City this summer as Toy Story 5 takes over the waterfront complex with a massive summer carnival! Meet giant two-metre-tall sculptures of Woody, Jessie, and Bullseye at the Ocean Terminal Forecourt, and challenge yourself to four interactive games featuring the animated franchise's beloved characters. Upstairs on the Deck, a towering 4.5-metre Buzz Lightyear stands next to colourful displays from Hong Kong Disneyland, while downstairs at the Main Concourse is an official pop-up store packed with over 800 exclusive merch. Fans can also snap photos with a Hong Kong-limited 1:1 scale Buzz-themed show car at Gateway Arcade, and explore rare animation sketches at Gallery by the Harbour. All proceeds from the event (after deducting costs) will go directly to Make-A-Wish Hong Kong.

Premium French silverware brand Christofle has launched its all-new Malmaison Riviera plateware collection and collaborated with restaurant La Terrace by Louise and its executive chef, Loïc Portalier, to offer a specially curated menu featuring Southern French fare. 
Diners can visit the refined French eatery from now until August 31 to enjoy an exclusive menu of comforting sharing dishes that reflect the plateware collection's glowing yellow hues and hand-painted motifs.

Begin with light plates including smoked cured sardines on grilled sourdough bread with romesco sauce, crispy sago and mimolette arancini, and a refreshing Datterino tomato salad with burrata and basil oil. For mains, guests can dig into Louise's signature roasted yellow chicken with Niigata rice served on a gorgeous platter; clams with nduja and seaweed beurre blanc; and choux farci stuffed with foie gras and dry plums. The indulgent French feast wraps up with an Amalfi lemon and basil sorbet, which ties in with the bright summer theme of Christofle's collection.

Cool down this summer at Water World Ocean Park’s 80s-themed summer festival! From July 4 to August 31, the park will host a series of late-night Cantopop pool parties featuring a lineup of international DJs. Beyond the music, visitors can explore neon-lit photo spots, play interactive games like giant Jenga and Connect Four, join Aqua SUP yoga sessions, or make some new friends at a weekly matchmaking event. Head to the Water World Ocean Park website to check ticket options and book your spot for the season.

Step into the Hundred Acre Wood at Festival Walk’s Winnie the Pooh 100th Anniversary pop-up store! Visitors can snap photos at Tigger’s party corner and a 1.5-metre plush display, customise scent bottles at a DIY fragrance workshop, and head inside Pooh and Piglet’s cosy cottage to get their hands on Hong Kong-exclusive merch like plush blind boxes, toy cars and tote bags, and other lifestyle items like a special Fujifilm Quicksnap camera kit. ($598). Free gifts are also up for grabs upon spending designated amounts (while stocks last).

Running from August 1 to September 6, 2026, ‘Chiikawa Artiverse’ splits its adorable antics across four immersive zones at K11 Musea, featuring more than 130 original character sketches, interactive music setups, larger-than-life character installations, and the world's first Chiikawa-themed carousel, the Chiikawa-Go-Round. Advance ticket packages go on priority sale via Klook at 3pm on June 11, giving fans the exclusive chance to bag global debut merchandise, pick up interactive gadgets, or even reserve a seat for a spin on the adorable carousel.

Are you ready to go to the Jellicle Ball? Andrew Lloyd Webber’s world-class musical Cats is finally touring in Hong Kong! Inspired by a book of whimsical poems by T.S. Eliot named Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the musical follows the Jellicle cats at their annual gathering who share their stories and adventures before choosing one cat to be reborn into a brand-new life.

Everyone should experience Cats’ intricate costumes, charming sets, energetic choreography, and unforgettable songs at least once in person!

Step into a world where airport security gets a wacky makeover at Barminski’s Runway 51 at JPS Gallery. The American artist has transformed the space into a full-scale airport terminal crafted entirely out of cardboard – complete with security checkpoints, terminal restrooms, and alien officers working at customs. Rendered in Barminski’s signature black outlines with bright pops of colour, the exhibition invites visitors to walk through the terminal, peer into secret surveillance rooms, and question the idea that, perhaps, cosmic beings have been walking among us all along.

Tai Kwun pays tribute to the social value of camaraderie and having brothers-in-arms with its newest summer exhibition ‘Better Together – Partnering Up for Hong Kong Movies’, which celebrates the ethos of paak zyu soeng (拍住上) – a Cantonese phrase for team spirit which evokes the image of partnering up with arms around shoulders – as seen in several decades of filmmaking since the 60s.

Among the immersive recreations of iconic scenes from eight films and sequels, visitors can expect to walk through the famous upside-down heist scene from Once a Thief starring Chow Yun-fat; contrast two robotic figures from Aces Go Places 2 and Gen-Y Cops; and an iconic stunt action sequence involving a helicopter, motorbike, and gold bars from Police Story 3 – Super Cop. A must-visit for any Hong Kong film buff.

Discover the history, art, and cultural impact of gaming at CityUHK’s new interactive exhibition, The Power of Play. This hands-on showcase spans 5,000 years of gaming history, tracking the evolution of human play from ancient Egyptian board games and nostalgic 1980s arcades to immersive virtual reality experiences, modern esports, and collaborative robotics. Curated by professor Espen Aarseth, the exhibition offers a fascinating look at how society’s attitude toward gaming has shifted from a casual amusement to a global competitive phenomenon. 

The Power of Play runs from July 4 to October 25 at the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery (18th floor of the Lau Ming Wai Academic Building at CityUHK). Doors are open from 11am to 7pm from Tuesday to Sunday. Entry won't cost you a penny, though you’ll need to register online before turning up.

The stylish restaurant and bar Felix on the top floor of The Peninsula Hong Kong hotel has launched a brand-new event series that focuses on DJs spinning tunes on vinyl records. Every Thursday, from 8pm to 11pm, a rotation of highly respectable DJs such as Brahms, Roy Malig, Johnny Hiller, and NeeNo will spotlight their own distinctive styles with curated playlists of both mellow tracks and upbeat grooves. This is a great opportunity to experience some deep cuts from each DJ’s extensive record collections, with genres ranging from soul and jazz to Mediterranean Balearic and funk.

There are also special drinks and snacks that take inspiration from the 80s and 90s to go with the tunes. See details about this weekly music series at The Peninsula here. 

Focusing on non-solid media, multi-disciplinary artist Zheng Jing’s first solo show in Hong Kong uses water, sound, air, and light to transform several warehouses into a surreal world that invites viewers to wander through.

In Warehouse 1, visitors will feel as though they are submerged beneath Victoria Harbour, with mirrored installations that let you look up at wave movements through the manipulation of light. There’s also a giant vessel featuring a video projection of a human figure endlessly diving, plus a suspended cube from which light beams are projected outward in multiple directions. Stepping out onto the lawn, visitors will also discover five golden sculptures modelled after Taihu stones, placed in an elemental cycle of ‘breathing’ to allow energy and spirits to flow through continuously.

Running until January 10, 2027, this highly anticipated interactive exhibition brings the viral Japanese showcase to Hong Kong with a unique local twist. Adapted from the hugely popular ‘Design Ah! neo’ exhibition, the family-friendly event features 21 playful stations themed around 10 ordinary daily actions like eating, walking, and sitting. From giant installations and interactive challenges to an immersive rhythm game, this creative exhibition shines a completely new light on the seemingly mundane routines and objects we often overlook. It’s well worth a visit, so pencil it into your calendar!

The Hong Kong Palace Museum’s new thematic exhibition takes ancient imperial history for a spin through the lens of modern Hong Kong life. Featuring works by nine local artists across multiple disciplines, including painting, sculpture, and multimedia, the showcase reinterprets Qing dynasty court traditions using contemporary urban elements, local pop culture, and everyday city rhythms.

The exhibition is open from now until February 22, 2027. Standard entry is included with a general admission ticket ($70 for adults, $35 for concessions), and tickets can be booked directly through the museum website or the WestK app.

Hong Kong football fans are in for a treat this May as the FIFA Museum makes its large-scale debut at Times Square. Kicking off on May 28, this six-month residency offers a deep dive into the history of the beautiful game, featuring The Rainbow installation of 211 member association jerseys alongside original trophies and artefacts from both the men’s and women’s World Cups. Beyond the glass cases, visitors can also catch screenings of short films or uncover unique stories from Asia and Hong Kong.

Tickets go on sale April 16 at 6pm via the Arena-Tix platform, with standard entry priced at $180 and concessionary tickets for $140. Limited VIP packages with guided tours and exclusive souvenirs are also available.

Back by popular demand, the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong Cake Shop pop-up is returning to IFC Mall (Kiosk LA15, L1) from August 4, 2026, through February 14, 2027. Led by executive pastry chef Ringo Chan, this pop-up will be bringing signature creations, exclusive bakes, and limited-edition monthly releases. Highlights include Japanese cheese tarts, an oatmeal raisin cookie selection, and a grab-and-go morning menu. A range of Danish pastries as well as sliced and petit cakes will also be available throughout the day.

The golden age of Hong Kong cinema saw the production of blockbuster titles like A Better Tomorrow (1986), The Conman (1998), and Infernal Affairs (2002). Packed with action, suspense, and good ol’ “nonsense” humour, these iconic crime films not only offer gripping stories but also capture the essence of life in 70s and 80s Hong Kong. Now, cinephiles can relive their favourite scenes from these classics at the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station. ‘Yau Ma Tei Police Station: A Cinematic Journey’ delves into local cop film classics through reconstructed sets, collectibles, original scripts, and much more. 

This nostalgic exhibition is now open at the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station, 627 Canton Road, Yau Ma Tei. Tickets are priced at $30 per person, with concessionary tickets available at $10 per person. Children aged six or below can enter the exhibition for free. Make sure to book your tickets online at cultural.cityline.com, as there will not be tickets onsite. Find out more at fpf.ccidahk.gov.hk. 

Immerse yourself in the forgotten days of the Kowloon Walled City at this epic movie set exhibition, located on the original site of the infamous Kowloon Walled City. Featuring incredibly detailed recreations of shops and other setups from the award-winning Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, the exhibition will let visitors travel back in time to the Walled City in the 1980s.

From the local cafe to the dental clinic, the attention to detail is truly impressive. There's even a small 'screen room' mimicking the rooftops of old buildings back in the day, where visitors can sit and watch the neighbourhood turn from day to night, and listen to the roaring sound of low-flying airplanes over the Walled City area.

Check out our guide for everything you need to know about the exhibition, from dates and opening hours to highlights not to be missed.

‘The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Art Plaza Project at the Hong Kong Palace Museum’ is a multimedia initiative that takes traditional Chinese garden aesthetics as the main inspiration. The project features large installations by five local artists and an architect, each creative bringing a unique contemporary interpretation of traditional zen garden elements to the showcase, where iconic pavilions, flowing water, and aesthetic rock formations are reimagined with materials found in our bustling city, such as bamboo, metal, and fabric. 

This exhibition will be open to the public until November 2, 2026 at the Museum Plaza at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Entry is free of charge during the museum’s opening hours. 

The Hong Kong Space Museum has launched a new 3D dome show catered to little Einsteins and space-loving adults. ‘The Great Solar System Adventure 3D’ replaces their previous programme exploring the Arctic wilderness with an immersive, interstellar voyage.

The show will run until October 14, 2026, with screening times at 2pm and 6.30pm on weekdays, 12.30pm and 5pm on weekends and public holidays at the Space Theatre. Tickets are priced from $15 to $40 per person.