Best things to see and do in Hong Kong this weekend

Running from now to July 4 at premium art space Artelli, Takeru Amano Solo Exhibition: Attack of Clone Venus marks the legendary Japanese artist's first showcase in Hong Kong, featuring 450 NFT digital and physical collectibles, as well as sculptures and giant art installations inspired by over 1,000 items from Amano's daily life. The collection offers simplicity, minimalistic design, vibrant colours, and saturated hues. Those who purchase the limited art book are entitled to receive a corresponding NFT digital collectible. In addition to the physical exhibition, Artelli has also introduced two interactive AR filters to enhance the audience's viewing experience.

Visitors can also check out the concurrent exhibition, Art for Lohas, which features the works of nine international artists showcasing eco-friendly artworks that promote environmental sustainability. The exhibition emphasizes the importance of sustainable development and aims to draw attention to the interconnectedness between humans and nature, highlighting the need for introspection on the environment, resources, and climate change.

The global immersive theatre project Secret Theatre is back with a fresh new concept – The Bonded City. This year's event takes participants on a thrilling journey where guests will become secret agents and interact with some of the world's most infamous villains, tasked with solving the mysterious disappearance and presumed death of the world's most famous secret agent. Perfect for groups, pairs, or individuals, the show tests espionage skills to see if participants have what it takes to become a 00 agent. The adventure begins with finding and accessing the show's secret location, which includes a casino-type environment, prison cells, a secret club, and a brand-new MI6 Headquarters.

Running every Thursday to Saturday at 7pm throughout June, there are only three shows per week. The experience is priced at $1,399 per person, which includes three drinks, or upgrade to a Bond VIP ticket at $1,999, which includes three show cocktails, free-flow champagne from 7pm to 11pm, and an additional Secret Experience. An after-party keeps the fun going until midnight.

The Bonded City will take place at a "new secret Soho location"; once guests have purchased their tickets, instructions and the new Soho address will be given. For more information, visit secrettheatres.com.

Throughout June, Ocean Park is inviting everyone to experience an unforgettable night of fun at the Chill All Night events. Every Saturday, the theme park is allowing guests to enter for free from 6.30pm to 9pm, where they can catch light shows and live performances under the stars. Find more information about the event on Ocean Park’s website.

Hong Kong's favourite rubber duck is back after 10 long years, and this time, it has a new buddy! A collaborative project by creative brand AllRightsReserved and Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, Double Ducks by Florentijn Hofman sees a duo of 18-metres-tall inflatable rubber ducks floating on Hong Kong waters from June 10 onwards for roughly two weeks (subject to weather conditions). The pair – symbolic of the symmetrical Chinese characters '囍' (happiness) and '朋' (friends) – will be stationed near Tamar Park and the Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section) to greet the public and bring smiles to everyone's faces.

To add some quacking good fun to our everyday life, a special series of 'Double Ducks with Hong Kong Signature Icons' is launched around town, featuring 24 images of the adorable pair at unique local landmarks including the Clock Tower and Space Museum of Tsim Sha Tsui, Lan Kwai Fong, and Choi Hung Estate. The Double Ducks have also taken over 18 different MTR stations such as Central, Causeway Bay, Tsi Sha Tsui, Choi Hung, and Admiralty, where Exit E has been transformed into a limited-time 'Double Ducks Exit' with rows of cute ducky footprints, wrappings, motifs, and a giant duck face facade on the exterior round-shaped ceiling window facing the harbourfront.

And just to top things off, you can catch the Double Ducks tram making its way around Hong Kong Island, or get your hands on exclusive Double Ducks collectibles – think wooden sculptures, plush toy, mahjong set, T-shirts, and more – at the DDT Store starting June 5 (11am).

Jun Makita's Oh, Summer Days solo exhibition at Gallery Ascend is a vibrant fusion of energy and pop. Makita's unique painting style weaves together elements of nature, whimsical characters, and nostalgic references influenced by hip-hop, graffiti culture, and punk music. Get ready to immerse yourself in Makita's imaginative world, where his works are bursting with life and vivid colours, inviting viewers to embrace their imagination and revel in the sheer joy and excitement it evokes.

Join My Melody and The Big Things Adventure Team on a magical forest adventure at The Big Things Playground! From April 22 to August 31, parents and children can embark on an exciting journey through the enchanted forest, completing star missions and searching for lost star fragments. The event features interactive games, photo spots, and must-visit checkpoints, providing opportunities for children to enhance their observation, concentration, and imagination skills. Through the Colourful Star Hunt Party, My Melody Starlight Workshop, and Star Maker games, children can unleash their creativity and enjoy the fun of adventure and exploration with their families.

From now to July 5, Pop Sunday and Kkplus present the Gasam Universe Mini Exhibition, showcasing the virtual fantasy world of Gasam Universe imagined by designer Zha Zha. The exhibition is designed with a Y2K and neon psychedelic style, with fluorescent green and psychedelic neon colours dominating the space. Visitors can explore the fluffy space with characters Zhazhazi and Moxi, snap selfies on inflatable sofas, take purikura photos at the Y2K Girls Zone purikura photo booth, and take home a series of adorable merch, including plush dolls, a limited edition bead crossbody strap, tote bags, and more. 

Japanese artist Jun Oson pays tribute to the cultural significance of classic Hong Kong movies from the 90s and the city's vibrant nightlife with the Motley exhibition. The exhibition features 15 paintings inspired by iconic scenes from movies such as In the Mood for Love, A Better Tomorrow, and Rigor Mortis, as well as neon night scenes of the city. Oson's signature modern pop art and manga style, combined with bright colors and humorous techniques, create a series of unique works that showcase his vision of the city as a place full of power and energy. Don't miss your chance to see Oson's works at Gallery by the Harbour from now to June 18.

Running from May 24 to September 3, the Hope exhibition marks the first solo show in Hong Kong by renowned Australian artist Patricia Piccinini. Featuring over 50 artworks, including hyper-realistic sculptures, paintings, and moving images, the exhibition explores the unexpected consequences of tampering with nature, raising crucial questions about the impact of science on humanity. Among the largest works in the show is Celestial Fields, an immersive installation made up of 4,500 individual flower stems, as well as a 20-metre-high installation of multi-coloured wigs spun together and suspended down from the ceiling. Over the course of the exhibition, a wide range of activities are also available for the public, including film screenings, workshops, tours, Family Day events, and more. 

Watch our preview of the large-scale exhibition below:

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As part of The Peninsula Hong Kong’s 95th anniversary celebration, The Grand Dame of the Far East is offering an afternoon tea experience unlike any other. The hotel collaborates with the Star Ferry, one of Hong Kong’s most cherished icons, to offer guests a cruise at the lavishly decorated World Star ferry complete with an afternoon tea package as they sail along Victoria Harbour. From every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday until July 2, The Peninsula’s special tea menu ($650 per person) features an array of sweet and savoury bites, such as tuna niçoise on focaccia, cucumber finger sandwiches, citrus jelly and vanilla cheesecake, as well as the hotel’s iconic raisin scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam.

When May arrives, you know what that means – Le French May. The annual two-month-long festival brings with it a raft of Gallic events, cinematic experiences, performances, gastronomy, and entertainment. Highlights this year include De La Fontaine, a larger-than-life giant puppet show; Virtually Versailles, an interactive exhibition that journeys into the majestic world of the Estate of Versailles; Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels, a contemporary dance programme that showcases international talent; and the finale concert featuring Israeli-born singer-songwriter-composer Keren Ann and the world-renowned Debussy String Quartet. Explore the full schedule of events on frenchmay.com

Get ready for a springtime adventure at Hong Kong Disneyland. Running from now to June 22, the Duffy and Friends Play Days experience will offer a series of exciting activities that fans of Duffy and Friends will love, including the brand-new Duffy and Friends Play House, and the first-ever collaboration between the resort and Hong Kong Ballet, the StellaLou’s Wonderful Wishes Ballet. The show is around 30 minutes each and will take place four to five times a day from April 5 to 10 and April 14 to 16.

Continue your adventure at the resort’s first-ever floral Duffy art in front of Main Street Train Station, followed by a search for the seven scenic Duffy and Friends sculptures in Town Square and themed floral decorations on Main Street, U.S.A. Guests can also learn how to draw Easter-themed Duffy and Friends at Animation Academy, and keep their eyes peeled for playful Easter eggs from the Duffy and Friends stop-motion shorts hidden around the resort!

If you've been around the harbourfront area at Tsim Sha Tsui lately, you might have noticed the huge swimming pool installation located outside the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMOA). Created by Hong Kong artist Chan Wai-lap, the installation – titled, Some of Us are Looking at the Stars – is part of HKMOA's Harbour Wonder exhibition, which also features a set of six art installations by local artist Tsoi Wai-kuen. Standing four-metre-tall and 11-metre-long, Chan's installation invites audiences to step into a fantasy world that draws on his personal memories and experiences of swimming pools, while exploring themes of public and private spaces. The installation plays with light, sound, and even the weather to create an ever-changing scene for those who step inside. 

Meanwhile, Tsoi's set of six art installations – titled, A symphony of delights – takes inspiration from iconic buildings and their exterior designs on both sides of Victoria Harbour, including the Cultural Centre, HKCEC, and IFC. Sitting at Art Square in the forecourt of HKMoA, the installations come in both dynamic and static form, acting as playful 'landmarks' for people to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. 

It’s no secret that Hong Kongers love seafood, and between what we can find in supermarkets and restaurants, there are plenty of options out there, but Tasting Kitchen and the Norwegian Seafood Council have come together to highlight the premium quality of seafood the Nordic country has to offer. Tapping industry veteran and former FINDS executive chef Jaakko Sorsa, Ap Lei Chau’s scenic Ocean Table is now taking bookings for a special tasting menu highlighting some of Norway’s most popular seafood exports, including oysters, sea urchins, langoustines, king scallops, red king crabs, and snow crab. Exact dishes will be confirmed when you make your reservation as all seafood is flown over directly from Europe while still being kept alive, ensuring the freshest and most seasonal offerings for any special occasion. The menu is priced at $2,800 per person and includes a Bollinger Champagne reception.

Luxury hotel group Shangri-La has recently launched ‘Find Your Shangri-La’, a brand-new global campaign that promotes the hotel group’s renowned hospitality and encourages guests to find joy during their stay.

From now until August 13, guests who visit Island Shangri-La will be offered a series of themed experiences, including an exclusive six-course tasting menu full of intricately crafted Chinese dishes at Summer Palace, and a selection of whimsical cocktails and mocktails available at Lobster Bar and Grill from now until the end of 2023.

To celebrate the campaign, the group has also collaborated with Japanese contemporary artist Mika Ninagawa to transform the hotel’s lobby with Butterflies’ Season, a gorgeous floral installation. Visit the hotel from now until July 14 to see the Instagrammable display. Finally, chef Uwe Opocensky and his team have sculpted impressive installations like a chocolate dress and boot, which will be on display in the hotel from now until August 31. 

Find more details about the Find Your Shangri-La campaign on Shangri-La’s website. 

Celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Jiajing Emperor's ascension to the throne and the diamond jubilee of the Hong Kong Museum of Art at the Make a Wish exhibition by local artist Angel Hui. The exhibition features over 500 underglaze blue porcelain items arranged on a 14-meter-long dining table, creating an epic visual feast where viewers can become 'honoured guests' and take a closer look at precious treasures from a different time and space.

As part of Oi! Spotlight, an annual programme that invites artists to present their works in old and new exhibition spaces, Hush‧Rush is a stunning art project by Hong Kong electronic musician and multimedia artist Choi Sai-ho. Running from now until July 30 at Oil Street Art Space, the exhibition creates a sense of opposition through the interaction of sounds and moving images and expands the audience's imagination to redefine perceptions of our city.

Gaylord Indian Restaurant celebrates their 50th anniversary of dishing up indulgent Indian dishes in Hong Kong. To honour their momentous milestone, Gaylord invited legendary Indian celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor to create a curated Golden Jubilee Celebration tasting menu featuring a selection of Gaylord’s classic favourites with chef Kapoor’s exquisite delicacies. Feast on tantalising appetisers like Kerala-style crabs with curry leaf or lemongrass chicken malai tikka; or sumptuous entrees such as bay prawns cooked in spiced coconut milk and truffle oil, as well as chef Kapoor’s signature dish, spinach roundels stuffed with cottage cheese in smoked pepper makhani. In addition to the dishes, Gaylord offers three celebratory beverages: Rose-Royale, a sparkling pink cocktail with gold leaf; Oldie Goldie, a bourbon and Indian rum cocktail; and Rukmamaya, a home-infused gin. Guests can savour chef Kapoor’s tasting menu for the next six months.

Korean digital design company d’strict heads to Hong Kong with Arte M, a special digital art show showcasing selected highlights from its renowned immersive media art exhibition Arte Museum.

Open from now to January 7, 2024, at K11 HACC, Arte M takes on the theme of 'Eternal Nature' and consists of four individual spaces displaying unique media artworks that reinterpret elements and nature. From the life cycle of flowers and crashing swells to boundlessly stretching seashore and the tropical rainforest, the works will take audiences on a surreal immersive experience through a combination of visual effects, sensuous sound, and elegant aromas.

Following its 15-month showcase at K11 HACC, the exhibition is expected to relocate to 11 Skies as a permanent exhibition with more works added to the collection in a much larger space. If you can't wait that long, get your tickets to the current show now.

Created by American architectural group Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Joyful Trees (Arbores Laetae), is an art project at Oil! featuring 16 Chinese Junipers, three of which are placed on turning planters at a 10-degree tilt. As the trees rotate, the movement channels a rhythmic rustle and evokes discourse about human’s role in nature from Anthropocene’s perspective. Planting a movable landscape, the installation also reinterprets nature as ever-changing and never static, creating an unusual artistic perspective.

The three-dimensional installation can be viewed from eye level on the ground; by the adjacent pedestrian ramp; on the footbridge across the site; from the gallery window in the Oi! Glassie building; or even from the skyscrapers above.