The best things to do in Hong Kong this weekend (May 16-18)

From now to June 6, Hong Kong designer label Cafuné brings its understated sophistication to IFC Mall (Shop LA2, Level 1) with a special pop-up highlighting their new bag charm collection, inviting shoppers to explore miniature leather accessories all crafted from premium Italian leather. As a pop-up exclusive, Cafuné will also be offering complimentary on-site personalisation by a local illustrator on select dates (May 14, 25, and June 1), transforming each charm into a one-of-a-kind accessory. Don't miss Cafuné's SS25 collection featuring refreshed classics like the Mini Egg Bucket and Small Asra Boston Bag, along with exclusive discounts on in-store purchases and a free tote with any purchase.

Head to Hysan Place between now and July 14 to check out the Anteprima Wirebag Summer Market. Taking you to a cheerful summer market on Capri Island in Italy, the pop-up offers an array of rainbow-hued wirebags, the Twist Wirebag in mini size (available in 11 summer colours and pre-launching at the pop-up for two weeks), and an array of cute sparkly bag charms.

The internationally acclaimed Cirque du Soleil is coming to town on the first stop of their Asia tour – this will be the troupe’s first appearance in Hong Kong since 2018. Their Kooza show first started in 2007 and toured in more than 70 cities across 23 countries before being relaunched in 2022 with new production elements. Expect to see high-flying acrobatics and whimsical characters amidst gorgeous sets, highlighted by the lavish costumes and powerful music that Cirque du Soleil has always been known for. This new production also includes a solo aerial silk performance, a repertoire of Icarian games, and a high-octane diabolo act with a triple world champion – all never seen before in Hong Kong.  Since there has been overwhelming demand, the Cirque du Soleil has extended Kooza’s run for an additional three weeks, so the show will be in town until July 13. Tickets run from $450 to $1,998 – VIP ticket holders can enjoy the exclusive bar and appetisers an hour before the show starts and during intermission. 

The Affordable Art Fair returns to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for its 12th edition this year. With a mission to prove that art collection is for everybody, and just a hobby for the rich and snobby, the fair gathers 99 local and international galleries to present art pieces that are all priced under $100,000. Some highlights of this year’s Affordable Art Fair includes a marketplace installation where visitors can purchase hand-carved wooden apples and an ATM that you can feed prompts into to get one-of-a-kind, original art sketches. If you’d like to start buying art but don’t know how, then your first step should be heading to this annual art fair.

Gelato Messina and Lee Kum Kee have teamed up for two bold new flavours. The 'spicy coconut lime' flavour brings Southeast Asian zest with coconut-lime leaf gelato topped with chilli oil peanut crunch, while the 'soy sweet' flavour reimagines Hong Kong flavours with silky tofu gelato swirled with soy sauce brownie bits and chewy mochi. Available at $70 per scoop and $85 for two scoops, both flavours can be found at Messina's Central and The Peak locations from now until June 20.

Discover a new level of rejuvenation at YUN WELLNESS, Island Shangri-La’s holistic wellness centre. From now to June 13, the wellness centre is introducing personalised osteopathy sessions led by Lorenzo Arcuri, a certified Functional Patterns therapist. This training methodology, developed over nearly 20 years, combines body movement patterns and core conditioning techniques to relieve pain and restore balance.During his residency at YUN WELLNESS, Lorenzo will create tailor-made sessions and use his expert hands-on techniques to enhance circulation, improve your posture, and leave you relaxed. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or are recovering from an injury, these osteopathy sessions will help restore balance and functionality to your body. Plus, Lorenzo will be hosting a series of complimentary health-focused educational workshops at YUN WELLNESS throughout the month, and all attendees can enjoy a 15-minute consultation. Experience long-lasting results that’ll boost your overall well-being and confidence. Don’t miss this chance to transform your health – visit Island Shangri-La’s website and book your session at YUN WELLNESS.

Italian restaurant Casa Sophia Loren has launched an entertainment programme that blends high-energy theatre with the flavours of southern Italy. Inspired by the 1955 romantic comedy Scandal in Sorrento (starring Sophia Loren, of course), this theatrical supper will run on the last Saturday of every month, featuring dancers playing the role of fishermen’s wives, dynamic routines, and sultry vocals. Guests are invited to join in the revelry or, if you’re not a fan of audience participation, soak in the enchantment from their tables. Tickets go for $888 per person, which includes appetisers, mains, and a shared dessert platter, with the option to add on a three-hour free-flow package.

With French May well underway, Alliance Française de Hong Kong (AFHK) has lined up plenty of Francophile happenings around town that you shouldn’t miss. Catch Souvenirs, a theatre performance by Claire Théault and Anthony Figueiredo from France’s Got Talent on May 14 and 15. This captivating performance blends dance, theatre, hand shadows, and videos to offer a unique perspective on the characters’ emotional baggage.  Film lovers can head to movie theatres across Hong Kong to watch 10 exceptional hand-picked films in the French May Cinema Programme. Admire significant figures in French culture through movies such as singer-songwriter Charles Aznavour in Monsieur Aznavour or legendary stage actress Sarah Bernhardt in The divine Sarah Bernhardt. Alternatively, there’ll be exchanges between French and Asian cultures in movies like Winter in Sokcho, A Missing Part, and A traveler’s needs. Don’t miss exclusive film events, including a 4K restored screening of Maria Callas’ performance at the Paris Opera in 1958 and a showing of Holy Cow, Louise Courvoisier’s feature film debut exploring life in rural France. Get your tickets for these unmissable events on French May’s website. Plus, AFHK members can enjoy up to 50 percent off tickets for selected events. Visit Alliance Française’s website for more details about all the exciting happenings this French May.

From now until June 15, Hong Kong Times Square is teaming up with beloved Japanese illustrator Tomato Market to create the world's first physical Super Tomato Market featuring the illustrator's signature characters in a retro grocery store with giant food props. Aside from taking plenty of colourful snaps, Team Times members can also participate in the Grocery Hunter game (until May 14) and search for seven hidden ingredient stickers around the mall to redeem exclusive Tomato Market merchandise or a $50 e-coupon.  

K11 Musea and K11 Art Mall are here to take visitors on a culinary journey with their 'Artisanal Kitchen' showcase, featuring over 80 exceptional dining outlets across both locations. Highlights include Michelin-starred establishments like yè shanghai and Tuber Umberto Bombana, Tokyo's beloved ramen spot Ginza Kagari, Suzhou-style noodle house So 'Meen', and many more. Whether it's an exquisite feast or something for #foodpic on the 'gram, diners will get to enjoy instant cash discounts of up to $500 at select restaurants by joining KLUB 11 from now until May 31. Visit here for more info.