Best things to see and do in Hong Kong this weekend

In partnership with the award-winning Secret Theatre, The Great Gatsby Immersive Dining Experience at Felix ($2,000 per head, VIP tickets at 2,500 per head) will showcase a theatrical performance directed by the acclaimed artistic director Richard Crawford, complemented by a creative four-course dinner crafted by chef de cuisine Juan Gomez.

Inspired by 1920s New York, chef Gomez's exquisite menu will include Gatsby fried chicken and deviled eggs, lobster toast with black truffle, and an upside-down pineapple cake. Along with the dinner and theatrical experience, VIP ticket holders will receive a special top-secret meeting with Jay Gatsby, a non-fungible token (NFT) from Jay Gatsby himself, and a complimentary bottle of Champagne for every two guests. 

F22 foto space is currently holding an exhibition from now to October 30 that showcases 19 iconic images of the legendary American Magnum photographer Elliott Erwitt. Showcased in exquisite platinum prints, the images – which features Erwitt's favourite subjects including women, children, dogs and genuine good humour – perfectly translate the photographer's tones with densely rich shadows and fine highlights.

Due to unstable weather conditions, the FriendsWithYou inflatable art installations at the West Kowloon Art Park have been dismantled ahead of schedule on October 6.

Visitors can still head to the Hong Kong Space Museum to see the giant 'Smiling Pineapple Bun', which has now been extended until October 31, or head to the FriendsWithYou website and scan the QR code to access the characters virtually and take selfies with them anytime, anywhere. Once the weather improves, you can even scan QR codes at different locations in West Kowloon to explore the neighbourhoods with all the playful FriendsWithYou characters!

Ocean Park’s annual Halloween Fest is back! Turning into the largest haunting ground in Hong Kong, the park celebrates its 20th anniversary with a hell load of immersive and experiential activities. 

Begin your adventure at the Jack O’Lantern’s Kingdom and stroll through the mysterious garden filled with freaky creatures and ghouls, before greeting the enormous 5-metre-tall Jack O’ Lantern King. Or, if you're feeling brave, take things up a notch at Old Hong Kong’s Murder Mysteries and find clues to help solve the infamous murder that took place on the dark streets of the city – but beware of ghouls lurking in the dark! And if that's still not enough to satisfy the thrill-seeker in you, there are also three interactive experiences – Survivor of the Undead, Forbidden Rainforest Treasure Hunt and The Supernatural Ghost Tour – that will definitely have you sweating in all the places you didn’t know you could sweat. 

Apart from interactive experiences, there'll also be a series of spooktacular shows and performances such as the Shadows in the Dark light show, along with plenty of Halloween-themed noms as well as photo ops. So what are you waiting for? Click here to bag a ticket now!

K11 Art Mall is holding its first-ever Design Fest from September 17 to October 31, bringing together an assortment of activities for art lovers to enjoy. 

Start off your art quest at the chi K11 art space and explore the Normally Abnormal joint exhibition. Open every day from noon to 10pm, the exhibition features a series of illustrations, murals, interactive displays, and installations that highlight the balance between what is considered 'strange' and 'normal'. The exhibition is split into two parts – Normally Abnormal (Sept 17 to Oct 5); Abnormally Normal (Oct 9 to 31) – where some of the artworks will evolve and change by the second half. 

There will also be an Illustration Marketplace (held every Friday to Sunday from Sept 24 to Oct 10) featuring artworks and products from 30 different illustrators every week, busking nights on Fridays, creative workshops, and more. Find out more info here.

Embark on the Immersive Journey of Junji Ito at The Mills this Halloween, and surround yourself with the works of the most notable Japanese horror manga artist of our time. Known for his vividly daunting and detailed art style, Junji Ito's captivating world of horror and imagination is truly one of a kind – which makes this exhibition the perfect activity for All Hallow's Eve. 

The exhibition is divided into five areas inspired by major stories from the artist's manga, including Crossroads, Souichi's Convenient Curse, Slug Girl, Town of No Roads, and Tomie's Haunted House. Once you step inside, life-sized manga characters, plus eerily detailed settings will put you in the midst of his tales of terror. If it all gets a little too much for you (don't worry, we understand), step through to the sixth and final exhibit where you can read all about Junji Ito and relish in mini replicas of his manga characters.

A colony of feline queens have officially taken over Metroplaza! Welcoming every cat lover in town from now until October 31, Meow Plaza features six adorable photo spots – including a five-metre-tall giant cat installation – a healing cat island with 25 lazy kitties lounging around, and a whimsical neon-lit light show that lights up every night from 6pm to 10pm. Need we explain more? It's the purrr-fect place to be!

For a family-friendly activity this Halloween, The Mills is where you ought to be. Take your little ones trick-or-treating around different shops on Oct 30 and 31, and snap a pic of your scariest moments at The Mills for a chance to win cash coupons from selected tenants! Simply upload your photo(s) on Instagram, use #TheMillsHalloween2021 in your caption, and tag @themillshk to enter the competition. What's more, those who spend $400 or above (maximum of two transactions) at The Mills can also enjoy a complimentary hand painting session. There are limited spots available, so it's first come first served!

Prepare yourself for a magical night of tricks and treats and say hello to the iconic villains from classic Disney stories! Ready to step back into the spotlight after a two-year break, the wicked yet lovable Disney villains will take centre stage to stir up some trouble at the mesmerising Let's Get Wicked musical show. The forces of evil have also turned Adventureland into a Wicked Fun Party Zone, where Maleficent, Cruella De Vil and the god of mischief Loki will be waiting on hand to greet their fans. If you're in the mood for more mayhem, other villains will be at the Halloween Time Festival Gardens after dark for your to go trick-or-treating.

As for those visiting during the daytime, be sure to join the traditional Mickey’s Halloween Time Street Party, where upbeat music will fill the air and all your favourite Disney pals – including Vampirina and Princess Sofia for the first – will appear atop giant jack-o’-lantern, together with numerous parade performers. 

This year, there'll also be over 100 varieties of Disney villain products and Halloween-themed food and beverages at the park. From villainous headbands and glow in the dark tattoo stickers to a devilish Halloween snack platter and a Poison Apple specialty drink that's made with one-part magic potion! If you’re ready for a wicked time, click here to get your tickets now.

From now until November 4, Leica Store Hong Kong in Causeway Bay is playing host to an exhibition that celebrates the historical and cultural significance of the beloved 'Ding Ding'. Titled recorDING Every Moment, the exhibition showcases 15 images captured through the Leica lens of three local photographers – Hiuman Lam, Colin Lau, and Edas Wong – who each document not just the exquisite craftsmanship of the tramcars but also the warm sentiments that have made the Ding Ding an indelible part of the city and its people.

Featuring six new creative collaborations between acclaimed artists and designers, along with lifestyle brands and tastemakers, K11 Musea's Muse Rooms will open up your creative imagination like no other. 

Get a sweet taste of nostalgia at British artist Jon Burgerman's Candyland, where you'll see playful illustrations, a Pick 'n' Mix stall, as well as limited edition merch. For more sweet treats, world-acclaimed interior designer Joyce Wang has also created the Dockside Dairy (soon to open at the Promenade) – an octagon-shaped ice cream kiosk made entirely of terrazzo, inspired by elements of old local amusement parks. Nostalgic ice cream cookie sandwiches by Cookie DPT will also be available.

Other 'rooms' not to be missed include Tony Oursler's Lock 2,4,6 exhibition (B2, Garage); Nelson Chow's Dreamscape (7/F, Bohemian Garden); exclusive drinks and more at Elephant Grounds and Curator Art & Cafe; a pink immersive art installation named Waterfall – Sands by a'strict (Shop 116, 1/F); and digital artworks from the Hajime Sorayama x Zhen NFT collection at the Golden Ball.

Curated by renowned Chinese scholar Wu Hung, Zhang Jian-Jun: Human Traces is a collaborative exhibition between K11 Art Foundation (KAF) and London’s Royal Academy of Arts (RA). Featuring a series of new works by renowned artist Zhang Jian-Jun, created specifically for Hong Kong, the exhibition reflects on the artist’s latest musings on the eternal themes of human beings, nature, and time. The exhibition is divided into three interconnected and interactive parts, all of which revolve around the three topics and how they relate to the concept of past, present, and future.

Coffee pop-up alert! From August 25 to November 21, Blue Bottle Coffee is inviting every pooch in town to visit their pet-friendly pop-up at New Town Plaza's new Kids and Pets Park. During the three-month pop-up, visitors will get to sip on Blue Bottle's signature brews and indulge in two exclusive waffle parfaits – oolong jam-infused and peanut butter cream – by local food brands JamStory and The Nutter. There'll even be a special coconut ice cream for all furry friends to enjoy! Bag yourself one of the park's pet-friendly tents and settle inside to enjoy your treats while your little furballs run wild around the park's pet maze.

On top of drinks and nibbles, there'll also be a series of workshops and activities available, including coffee pourover and tie-dye classes, as well as a biking tour, led by local cycling and lifestyle platform Bike The Moment, that will take you around the neighbourhood of Sha Tin to discover its unique and scenic side.

Living with Botero is Ora-Ora’s major autumn show which runs from now until November 27. Featuring works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero – comprised of paintings and drawings never-before-seen in Hong Kong, most of which the artist lived with and are counted among his personal favourites –  the gallery will be styled as a recreation of the artist’s apartment in New York, allowing visitors the privilege of stepping into the everyday life of Fernando Botero. 

Local designer and artist UUendy Lau has partnered up with The Mills to present Happy Birthday to Tree, an exhibition that explores how nature communicates with us through colours. Taking inspiration from UU's upbringing in Tsuen Wan, the exhibition tells a story about a girl and a tree through three stunning and colourful installation pieces. Apart from UU's installation pieces, there will also be a Natural Dye Market (Oct 23-24, 12pm-6pm) with participating booths such as Makie Mori Workshop, Twilight Art Studio, Beely Daily, 0.9144m, The Muk Mun, Werthers.garden, and Pu Giong Zii.

Scone lovers can head to the first pop-up store of homegrown baker Holy Bake in Harbour City. From now until November, drop by at the store to get your hands on their signature Earl Grey Tea, Lava Matcha, and Ginger Vinegar scones. By purchasing their products, you’re not only getting special treats, but you’re also doing it for a cause because a portion of their profits goes toward local charities such as Advance Children Medical and Education Foundation and Christian Concern for The Homeless Association. Limited-edition flavours will be available throughout the pop-up period. Tune in to their Instagram feeds for the latest updates.

Get a feel of the K-wave as Festive Korea finally returns! Taking place throughout the month of October and November, the cultural fest offers an array of inspiring art and cultural activities that will feature Korean artists, K-game, K-food and selected Korean movies. Highlighted events include a K-pop Dance Festival on November 13 and the Korea Square 2021 (Oct 29-31), a three-day cultural marketplace with Korean food, lifestyle products, different cultural games and experiences, dance performances, and live music. In addition, a series of concerts starring Korean music artists and Hong Kong orchestras, as well as various art exhibitions will be held across the city. Check out the rest of the programmes here. With so much going on around the city to celebrate Korean culture, better start pencilling in those dates!

Enjoy an Amalfi experience with your friends at Cruise's beautiful outdoor terrace, complemented with a special sharing drink menu called Nice Jugs! Featuring a selection of delicious cocktails using Italian brand Malfy Gin, the two-month-long promotion will be offering spirits-heavy tipples to lighter, refreshing drinks that include a fizzy Blood Orange Pineapple G&T ($350) and a boozy Malfy Martinez ($350).

If you can't decide on what to drink during your visit, spin the Malfy edition of Cruise's drinking wheel and surprise yourself with a delicious drink ($98 per serving). If you drop by for Cruise's Sunset Sessions happy hour from 3pm to 7pm or Midnight Sessions from 10pm to 12am, you can even order a second jug for just $1! Make your reservation today via this link, or contact 3896 9898 and hkgct.cruise@hyatt.com.  

Japanese artist Keigo and his humorous cartoon characters have taken over Artzbrew! From now to November 30, guests are invited to step inside the first-floor gallery space and visit Giraffe who just got up from his extra long bed, watch patiently as Uncle and Sloth sl...ow...ly change the light bulb, and get active with White Bread for some challenging sit-ups. A series of Keigo's original sketches are also on view for visitors to learn about the artist's creative process.

Down in the cafe, Keigo has also taken over the menu with themed meal sets for all to enjoy. The meal set consists of one drink (cappuccino, chocolate, or babyccino) with your chosen Keigo character printed on top, along with one main course (veggie baguette, 'hula-hoopurger', and grapefruit meringue toast). Add on more fun with sides like the 'Potato Haircut' fries with truffle and mushroom sauce, a slothful ti...ra...mi...su, and other freshly baked pastry.

Fans of Keigo and his adorable characters can also get their hands on limited-edition figures, signed prints, tote bags, face masks, and more available at the limited-time Keigo themed store. Head to trip.com to get your ticket now!

Trust & Confusion is an eight-month-long exhibition featuring over 20 newly commissioned works from artists around the world consisting of static artworks, audio works, and live performances such as dancing and singing – by a chorus of tone-deaf singers. The art show is split into a ‘day’ and ‘night’ theme. Inside the ‘day room’, artworks would change and evolve over the exhibition period, while the ‘night room’ will present a solo or duo showcase by different artists. So, whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another round, you’ll always be in for a surprise.

Discover the stunninig works of German artist Isa Genzken at David Zwirner Hong Kong. Presenting major works from the artist's past 10 years, the exhibition features an installation of Genzken’s recent 'tower' and 'column' sculptures, freestanding floor sculptures, as well as wall-mounted works that expand upon the artist’s fascination with the relationship between architecture, art, commercial goods, and everyday experience.

This month, Japan's number one beer brand Asahi and modern izakaya Zuma will introduce the city to a trendy Japanese 'Yokocho' experience. From October 12 until the end of the year, Zuma's terrace will transform into Japan's Yokocho (hidden alleyways packed with small izakayas, bars, and eateries mostly found in Tokyo and Osaka), where guests can sample delicious bites and refreshing drinks from a special menu inspired by Asahi Super Dry's Karakuchi taste and its sake inspired origin. Guests can enjoy a sake-Asahi beer pairing and nibble on dishes that include robatayaki skewers, home-made Japanese pickles ($90), rock shrimp tempura with chilli mayonnaise ($150), as well as a selection of robatayaki grilled nibbles such as lamb skewers with spicy hatcho miso ($130), Hokkaido scallops with Ume Boshi butter and sea urchin ($280).

If you're a shutterbug like the rest of us, you'll have fun snapping away on all the Instagrammable spots in the pop-up adorned with dimly-lit red lanterns, neon lights, and a special Tokyo bike display. Sit on tailor-made bar tables crafted from red beer crates or get a spot under the shades of maple trees and enjoy a drinking experience like a Japanese local.