The best things to do in Hong Kong this weekend

As part of the celebrations for the fifth anniversary of Freespace, West Kowloon will be hosting Freespace Noise Fest this summer, the first-ever festival dedicated to experimental music. Spread across 10 days, the event will feature more than 30 international, regional, and local groups and performers, who will be showcasing experimental sounds from diverse genres such as improvised music, ambient music, harsh noise, and more.

Watch out for performances from Japanese multi-instrumentalist Yuko Araki, who blends abstract harmonies with noise drone; Mexican musician Vica Pacheco, who creates melodies on her handcrafted ceramic instruments; and Nuriia Khasenova from Kazakhstan who works with both classical music and transdisciplinary practices. The Freespace Noise Fest will wrap up with a powerful double-bill finale with two of the biggest names in the Asian experimental music scene: raw improv on a turntable guitar by Japanese composer Otomo Yoshihide, and the latest tracks from contemporary Indonesian duo Senyawa.

If you’d like to learn more about this sort of sonic creativity, there will also be a range of free workshops and sharing sessions on mixing spontaneous sound creation with physical movements, the intricacies of noise music, and more.

One-day tickets cost $220 while two-week passes are priced at $400. The special finale performance by Otomo Yoshihide and Senyawa is priced at $400. See the Freespace Noise Fest programme here.

The annual Ani-com & Games Hong Kong is back from July 26 to 30, offering five days of anime, cosplay, manga, and gaming delights. This year's fair will feature 142 participating exhibitors and a total of 650 booths, bringing visitors a jam-packed schedule filled with exciting performances, competitions, exclusive toys, the latest video games, and more.

Highlights of this year's fair include the return of the Elefunpop Art & Toy Show, the Canvas Project idol competition, an e-sports carnival, cosplay competition, and much more. Get your tickets ahead of time at designated 7-Eleven stores or via the ACGHK app. Check out our guide on the event for more details.

Emis is in Hong Kong! The trendy Y2K brand has come all the way from Korea to Mong Kok, setting up their pop-up store at Langham Place from now until August 31. A favourite amongst K-pop idols and celebrities like Cha Eunwoo and Jisoo from Blackpink, the store features the brand’s latest line of apparel and accessories, ranging from their popular caps and bags to clothing items and even swimwear. The shop itself is decked out in the same retro aesthetic, complete with a video cam set up and a top-view photo booth – so make sure to get your snaps in while you’re there! 

Emis Hong Kong pop-up store address:
Shop 506, L5, Langham Place, 8 Argyle Street, Mong Kok

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Tai Kwun has dedicated their summer show to the life and works of Hong Kong’s most well-known song-writing talents: Joseph Koo and James Wong. Cantopop is absolutely a cultural phenomenon that has greatly contributed to the popularity and rise of Hong Kong, and this exhibition charts the history of this music genre from the 70s through to the late 90s and the earliest years of the new century. 

During this period, the prolific duo of Koo and Wong co-created 236 songs, but Soundtrack of Our Lives focuses on eight of their most memorable tracks which have touched the hearts of Hongkongers and Chinese people living abroad. Each of these songs is represented by painstakingly detailed sets, such as the Mido Cafe in the past, a living room from the 70s, a teenager’s room from the late 90s, an old-school audio-visual repair shop, a recreation of Koo and Wong’s respective offices, and many more. For Hongkongers who have lived through these transformative decades, expect to be hit with the biggest blast of nostalgia.

Since this exhibition focuses on music, visitors are encouraged to linger in the individual spaces and immerse themselves in the soundscapes. Feel free to sit in the chairs and couches and take your time delving into the melodies, sounds, lyrics, and themes that made up Hong Kong’s radio waves for decades. Look (or listen) out for Easter eggs such as famous commercial jingles, snippets of songs, and other visual cues that define their eras. 

To complement this stunning show, Tai Kwun will also be running several periphery events such as lunchtime discussion sessions with prominent composers and lyricists; conversations with guests such as veteran singer Frances Yip and TV producer Robert Chua; and screenings of films which featured songs by Koo and Wong, such as Pai Niang Niang, A Terra-Cotta Warrior, The Swordsman, and A Better Tomorrow.

Ocean Park Summer Splash is looking like the next best place to cool off this year! From now until August 25, the theme park will be hosting over 90 events and offers, including live shows featuring world-class performers with acrobatic and fire acts, water obstacle courses, H2O dance music parties, and light festivals. During this period, there will also be a series of special new menus at their food locations, ranging from refreshing summer drinks and delicate desserts to seasonal gourmet dishes, specifically at Neptune's Restaurant, Ginger Grill, Tuxedos Restaurant, and The Terrace Café. And before you leave, stop by the exclusive photo booths around the park, where you can win prizes and collectibles to bring home as a souvenir.

The Ocean Park All Day Delight Ticket is priced at $398 for adults and $239 for children. If you know you’ll want to come back for more, the Ocean Park Annual Membership for adults costs $1,380, and $980 for students and children.

Want to sweeten your palate after demolishing Shake Shack’s signature burgers? Following the positive responses of the fast-food chain’s pistachio shake ($64) last summer, Shake Shack has announced they’ll be bringing back the popular cooling drink this summer! Using baklava – a Middle Eastern layered pastry dessert – as inspiration, Shake Shack combines its signature frozen vanilla custard with Italian pistachios and all-natural Australian honey to create the shake’s base. Then, the whole thing is topped with whipped cream, crushed pistachios, and crispy filo pastry for a contrast in texture – sounds like heaven to us. Visit any of Shake Shack’s locations in Hong Kong or Macau to get your hands on the pistachio shake from now to September 24.

The third iteration of Unheard Sound and Music Festival returns with a broad range of auditory experiences. This festival is quite unlike any other in that it explores how sound perception is subjective in nature. How do we class certain sounds as music, and other sounds as less worthy? Everyday life sounds are showcased using technology, 3D printing, innovative soundscapes, and more, while participants can also enjoy events like live performances, music documentary screenings, and panels on China’s experimental music scene. Some events will be free to attend, while others will cost $53.

Durian fanatics, listen up. Hotel Icon is returning with the sixth iteration of its annual Malaysian durian festival, where guests can feast on endless portions of durian-infused dishes during brunch and dinner buffet sessions at Silverbox Ballroom from July 20 to August 24. Aside from preparing a selection of durian dishes, the hotel’s executive chef, Danny Ho –aka the Durian Prince, will be cracking durians on-site to provide diners with the King of Fruits at the freshest quality. Each guest will get to enjoy a platter with five varieties of Malaysian durians, including creamy top-grade D197 Musang King, velvety D200 Black Thorn, luscious D24 Sultan, as well as rare varieties like the D88 and XO Durian. 

In addition to receiving the fruit platters, each diner will also get individual portions of mini Musang King durian with abalone duck soup, and D197 durian cheese baked Caribbean lobster. Delight in savoury durian delicacies such as Sabah garoupa with durian toast, or deep-fried seafood with D24 durian in tofu skins; and leave room for Hotel Icon’s Musang King and D24 durian-infused desserts like ice cream cendol, Portuguese egg tart with mochi, pandan roulade cake, and plenty more.

Chef Ho will also be hosting interactive games during each dining session to introduce the Malaysian durian varieties. Guests who participate will have the chance to win exclusive prizes such as airline tickets, accommodation and dining vouchers at Hotel Icon, fresh whole durians, and other luxurious gifts. 

Book your tables for the Malaysian durian festival on Hotel Icon’s website, find more details about the festival here. 

The world's most famous robot cat Doraemon is coming to Hong Kong! AllRightsReserved (ARR), in collaboration with Fujiko Pro, is bringing a special 100% Doraemon & Friends Tour exhibition to the city, marking a grand return of the beloved character after a 12-year hiatus.

Running from July 13 to August 18, Doraemon fans will be treated to two large-scale displays in Hong Kong: a free-entry zone featuring a 12-metre-tall inflatable Doraemon and 34 sculptures, and a ticketed exhibition offering an immersive world filled with interactive installations, original artworks, sculptures, a short film made specially for Hong Kong, and more. 

For more info about tickets and other exhibition details, check out this extensive guide to the Doraemon Hong Kong exhibition 2024.

Hong Kong summers can be brutal. While you can take shelter in a nearby shopping mall and leech off free air conditioning, our favourite way to beat the heat without a shadow of a doubt has got to be indulging in ice cream and other frozen treats. With that in mind, American confectionary brand Hershey’s aims to cool you down by giving away their new chilled treats at several locations across Hong Kong from July 13 to 27! 

During this period, pedestrians will get to try the confectionary brand’s chilled treats – all of which feature decadent chocolate ice cream as the star of the show. The brand offers a chocolate ice cream bar coated in a crispy chocolate shell with roasted almonds; a chocolate ice cream cone topped with dark chocolate curls; and triple chocolate nuggets coated in a crispy chocolate shell. 

If you miss the chance to snag the chocolaty treats for free, don’t worry. Hershey’s three chilled treats (from $18 up) will be available for purchase at all major supermarket retailers and convenience stores across Hong Kong!

Get your hands on free Hershey’s ice cream bars at these locations:

Saturday, July 13
From 11.30am onwards: Langham Place, Mong Kok

Friday, July 19
From 12.30pm onwards: Landmark East Axa Tower, Kwun Tong

Saturday, July 20
From 11.30am onwards: Along Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Saturday, July 27
From 11.30am onwards: Exit B, Sha Tin MTR Station

The annual SummerFest is back! This year, the annual programme is held across two spaces – firstly at the Wan Chai Harbourfront Event Space from April 5 to July 3, before heading over to the Central Harbourfront Event Space for its second round from July 5 to August 11. As with previous years, visitors can expect an exciting mix of events and activities spanning from arts and music to outdoor markets and sports. Thematic events will also be held on weekends, public holidays, and specific dates during this period. 

Don't miss highlight events like Inflatable Wonders, made up of five large-scale inflatable landmarks from across the globe such as the Stonehenge – which will be a bouncy castle – and Tower of Pisa; a Fun Sports Gala, which will host fun runs every weekend; mermaid-themed activities and installations, the return of HK Camping Festival, and many other sports, wellness, music, and cultural events. It's a chance for everyone to chill, play, and simply enjoy a great summer by our gorgeous waterfront.

Check out these inflatable landmarks by the Central Harbourfront:

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Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2 has come to life! From now to September 1, the Open Piazza and Atrium at Times Square have been transformed into an 'Emotion Playpark" featuring life-size characters of the original gang Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust; plus four new emotions – Envy, Embarrassment, Ennui, and Anxiety – introduced in this second sequel.

Interact at various themed zones like Anger's high striker or Fear's climbing wall at the Open Piazza, before venturing into the headquarters, the Emotions' bedrooms, and the new 'Belief System' at the Atrium (2/F). Don't miss the exclusive pop-up store on B1, open until July 31, selling over 500 limited-edition merchandise. Spend a designated amount and you'll even be able to redeem a special gift.

Marvel's highly anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine is coming to Hong Kong cinemas on July 24, and to get Hongkonger amped up for the summer release, the sassy red anti-hero Deadpool has made himself comfortable atop Harbour City.

From now to August 31, fans can head up to the Ocean Terminal Deck and snap pics with an eight-metre-long Deadpool figure that's casually lying on the rooftop against the city's beautiful skyline. There will also be a 1:1 scale Hot Toys Deadpool figure and 1:6 scale collectible figures of Deadpool and Wolverine on show at the Ocean Terminal entrance. You can even get your hands on a free can of limited-edition Marvel Coca-Cola on weekends and public holidays by following Harbour City and Coca-Cola on Instagram and uploading your pic with the giant figure with designated hashtags. These special cans are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so get your snaps in early!

Durian lovers, this one’s for you. This summer, The Mira Hong Kong’s restaurant, Yamm, is launching an afternoon tea buffet ($348 per adult, $198 per child) featuring a spread of treats made with Malaysian durians. Get your hands on unlimited portions of stinkin’ sweets with dessert options like Musang King durian and pandan crepe cake, D24 durian crème choux, and D24 durian mochi. The king of fruits also can be found in Yamm’s savoury treats, such as shrimp and durian toast, durian and smoked salmon rolls, and sushi rolls stuffed with soft-shell crab and durian, among plenty others. 

Yamm’s afternoon tea also has live stations, where guests can enjoy durian dishes whipped up before their eyes like D24 durian cheese tarts, and durian and chicken curry wrapped in crispy roti. Yam’s durian afternoon tea is available on weekends from now until August 31, book your tables for the durian-filled afternoon tea buffet on Yamm’s website.

M+ is hosting the first full-scale retrospective of renowned Chinese-American architect Ieoh Ming Pei from now to June 29. Better known as I. M. Pei, he is the mastermind behind some of the world’s most recognisable modern architecture, including the Louvre Pyramid and Hong Kong’s own Bank of China Tower. Sorted into six themes, the exhibition will consist of over 300 items on display, most of which have never been exhibited before. Several international photographers have also been commissioned to photograph Pei’s buildings, and architectural models of some of his most significant projects have also been made. 

The exhibition will also offer a free public talk featuring Pei’s son, Sandi Li Chung Pei, as well as Pei’s close collaborators Calvin Tsao and Aslıhan Demirtaş – they will discuss the relevance and impact of Pei’s life and work across various cities. Tickets for this special exhibition are priced at $160, with concessions available. Ticket holders can also access all general admission exhibitions at M+ on the same day.

The Indra and Harry Banga Gallery at the City University of Hong Kong is showcasing an exhibition on the 2,000-year history of silk. Around 150 exhibits have been gathered to tell the story of silk, from its emergence in ancient China all the way to its current evolution. Undoubtedly the most stunning part of this exhibition is the collection of Chinese imperial robes from the Tang to the Qing dynasties, highlighting changes to the artistic and creative styles of these beautiful silk garments. Entry is free, but prior registration is required.

GlowBall Hong Kong is the city’s first pop-up bar that features a 700sq ft ball pit as its main attraction. Guests can have a ball of a time as they dive into a dreamy pool filled with over 750,000 balls and let out their inner kid. Don’t forget to head to the bar to try GlowBall’s vibrant and creative cocktails like Murder in the Ball Pit decorated with LED lights, and Soft Ball made with marshmallow-flavoured vodka! For more information, check out our complete guide to GlowBall.

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High Street’s infamous haunted house has turned into a colourful art space! Designed by local architect Stanley Siu, the ‘Love in the Light’ Luminart exhibition combines art, architecture, and technology in a stunning shows that takes visitors on a romantic journey through time. Running from now to May 21, 2025, this year-long exhibition sees the arched veranda of  the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex light up in a rainbow of colours every 10 minutes in the evening from 6pm to 10pm.

Despite being nicknamed the ‘High Street Haunted House’ – due to the numerous ghostly sightings and its supposed past as a former execution hall used by the Japanese troops in the war, this unique location has been a popular spot for wedding photoshoots over the years, and its charming design makes the perfect location for the exhibition’s intimate storytelling. Immerse yourself in the historic surroundings and dance between the lights and the shadows, letting the music take you through the tales of love, from the first glance to a promise of forever.

Twenty Fifth Hour (25:00) collaborates with Hong Kong award-winning Two Moons Distillery for a seasonal cocktail menu this summer. Entitled 'Talking To The Moons,' the menu represents a poetic collaboration between the award-winning distillery and the bar, led by Kenzo Lee. It offers four specially crafted drinks inspired by the passage of time and the ebb and flow of emotions experienced in a romance.

Available now until August, drinks include the 10:22AM cocktail ($158), a refreshing twist on the classic gin sour; the 12:01PM cocktail ($158), which features Two Moons Signature Dry Gin and capture the vibrant energy of noon and a first date; and the 11:09PM cocktail ($158), a night-inspired drink that reflects the bittersweet longing of distant romance. The final drink on the menu, Talking To The Moons ($158), is a dessert-like cocktail featuring lychee sorbet topped with Champagne, symbolising the enduring connection between lovers separated by distance under the lonesome moon in the night sky.

Infuse your Friday nights with soulful house and disco vibes at The Aubrey After Dark at Mandarin Oriental. Starting May 24 from 10pm, the Japanese izakaya The Aubrey transforms into 'The Aubrey After Dark', offering upscale nightlife events with innovative beats inspired by the underground scenes of London, New York, and Paris. 

Partygoers can look forward to live music from diverse international DJs and local talents, covering a variety of music genres, including Amapiano, Afro, and Latin vibes. At the launch, expect a powerhouse lineup featuring New York City DJ Hank Korsan and Hong Kong’s own Gia Fu.

Entry is priced at $150 and includes a welcome drink. Book your slots at this link. 

The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) is organising the first-ever ‘Adventure Night @HKPM’ family sleepover as part of their new lineup of exhibitions and programmes for the upcoming summer months. On August 6 and 7, participants will get the opportunity to explore the museum during exclusive hours and take part in educational activities and bedtime storytelling. If you’ve ever wanted your kid to learn more about life in ancient China, this is a great chance to experience a museum in a brand-new way. 

The museum will also organise a range of special workshops designed for children of all ages, such as a thematic tour while dressed up in court attire, making vintage-style dresses for dolls, and creating miniature gardens in the traditional Chinese style of landscaping. Lastly, the HKPM Showtime Carnival will return over two weekends with activities and performances like music, dance, and puppetry.

This is the first major exhibition of contemporary artist Bruce Nauman’s work in Hong Kong, with works that span six decades of his artistic career. Nauman is known for working across a wide variety of mediums, from sculpture, photography, and video work, to drawing, neon, prints, and performance art. This institutional survey will showcase drawings, large-scale sculptures, and sound installations, as well as Nauman’s early work with neon all the way to his recent Contrapposto series. 

Japan's hugely popular Naked Flowers exhibition is coming to Hong Kong for the first time! Set to run from April 27 to October 27 at 1881 Heritage in Tsim Sha Tsui, the exhibition will take visitors on an immersive journey through the world of flowers and uncover their hidden secrets. Be sure to stop at the Naked Cafe Bar where visitors can enjoy floral teas (or cocktails after 6pm!) on an interactive round table with projections of floral designs when a drink is placed down.

Tickets are available at $180 and $150 for children aged three to 11, full-time students, persons with disabilities, and seniors aged 65 or above. Children under the age of three can enter for free. Bank of China Chill Card credit card holders can also take advantage of an exclusive package for $260 to get two adult tickets and a BOGOF deal on selected drinks at the Naked Cafe Bar.

Highlights of Naked Flower Hong Kong: 

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Wan Chai-based Cantonese restaurant Lang’s Cafe is launching a collaborative menu with the Japanese science fiction television franchise, Ultraman. Dating back to the mid-60s, the franchise is centred around the eponymous superhero alien who protects Earth against daunting kaiju – giant monsters – as well as alien threats. During the collaboration, diners will be able to sink their teeth into a wide variety of dishes and drinks decorated with Ultraman and kaiju. Customers can expect to enjoy creations such as Ultraman truffle prawn dumplings ($52), Alien Baltan fried crab claws ($98), Bemstar fried crispy chicken ($198), as well as Ultraman red bean with ice ($48). 

Finally, Lang’s Cafe and Ultraman’s collaboration also offers a mini-game for diners to enjoy. A total of 78 kaijus will be hidden throughout the restaurant space, and customers will have a chance to win exclusive prizes if they provide photographs as proof. 

The Ultraman collaboration will be available from now until December 31; reservations for the next month will be released on the 15th of each month. Secure your spots for this retro dining collaboration here.

Step into the weird, wacky, and wonderful world of acclaimed British artist Gary Card at his first large-scale solo exhibition in Hong Kong titled People Mountain People Sea. Gary's diverse talents span painting, sculpture, illustration, graphic design, and set design, having worked with some of the biggest artists and designers from around the world. For this exhibition, Gary was inspired by the vibrant fusion of East and West cultures in Hong Kong. Using various objects and elements he's observed during his visits to the city, Gary has crafted a series of bold and unique artworks to transform the historic Oi! Warehouses into a multimedia art space, where animation and sound merge to create an immersive visual and sensory experience. Visit Oi! Street Art Space between now and July 28 to his works and be sure to snap pics of the giant outdoor sculpture on the Oi! Lawn.

This year marks a century since the birth of Dr Louis Cha, better known by his pen name Jin Yong, the literary giant who wrote numerous hit martial arts novels that earned a place among classic Chinese literature. Starting from March 15, there will be a range of events and exhibitions that pay tribute to Jin Yong’s work and legacy, as well as to create unique cultural intellectual property that tells Hong Kong stories.

‘The World of Wuxia’ at Edinburgh Place will present 10 sculptures of Jin Yong’s most iconic characters, created by sculptor Ren Zhe. Apart from figures of Xiaolongnü, Yang Guo, Abbess Miejue, the Golden Wheel Monk, and more, there will also be a Mongolian yurt inspired by The Eagle-shooting Heroes, where visitors can recreate famous scenes with audio guides and AR technology. A larger exhibition of Ren Zhe’s sculptures will also be on show at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Sha Tin from March 16 to October 7, along with seminars, talks, immersive experiences, and a manuscript display.

The iconic singer and actor Anita Mui needs no introduction in Hong Kong. Since we’re approaching the end of the year, which marks the 20th anniversary of her passing, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum has organised an exhibition that celebrates Mui’s many achievements in music and film, as well as her remarkable contributions to Hong Kong’s pop culture.

Browse through 70 exhibits such as stage costumes, record covers, movie posters, film stills, and more. The prominent fashion designer Eddie Lau – who worked with Mui through the heights of her career and remained a lifelong friend – has generously donated 20 pieces to this exhibition, including eight stage costumes from different eras of Mui’s musical journey, as well as an autographed vinyl record.

There will also be a range of special programmes and public talks to complement the exhibition, including a screening of the 1988 movie Rouge, for which Mui won Best Actress at the Golden Horse and Hong Kong Film Awards.