Things to do in Hong Kong today

Serendipity in the Street is a meaningful group exhibition that looks into the everyday life of Hongkongers in the Central and Sheung Wan neighbourhood. Using the everyday life observation practice of 'Modernologio', which originated in Japan, the exhibition reflects the complex connections and relationship between people, space, and activity through the works of seven local artists including Annisa Cheung, Choi Sai Ho, South Ho, Charles Kwong, Ocean Leung, Frank Tang Kai Yiu, and Nerve.

The popular Japanese cartoon character Butt Detective (yes, he has a literal butt for his face) has landed in Hong Kong and he’s here to find the missing 'golden pearl milk tea'! From June 25 to September 26, the Butt Detective exhibition invites all to investigate through seven curated spaces and rack their brains around challenging missions and fun games. From the Butt Detective Agency to the Wankoro Police Station and the Hoo Hoo Museum, scour high and low for hidden clues, jot down every detail in your very own detective notebook, and help the Butt Detective gather all the evidence to catch the culprit – don’t forget to use your special ‘magnifying glass’ too!  At the end of your journey, stop by the pop-up store and pick up some exclusive merch like toys and key rings, storybooks, stickers and stationery, accessories, along with special cookies and cold-brew teas. Having previously attracted almost 100,000 visitors when showcasing in Taipei, The Butt Detective Exhibition is one not to be missed.

Take a trip up to Tai Po this month and bask in the Mid-Autumn festivities at the Lake House in Tai Po Kau. From now to September 22, a three-metre-tall giant moon installation will set Lake House's verdant lawn aglow along with over 100 glowing white rabbits and mushroom lights dotted across the green space. Visitors can also take advantage of the festive promotions at Lake House's restaurants Billow and Le Vow, or its new water park Flow Academy to get their hands on a festive wishing flower and a Polaroid photo package. Click here to find out more.

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.

A solo exhibition by London-based artist Michael John Hunter, The More Things Change features a series of works that challenge our perception of the real and the imaginary. Combining the artist's skills in photography with his passion for sculpture making, the exhibition invites the audience to contemplate how the truth is perceived through the use of fake macro photography, where enlarged sculptures of vintage toys are placed in 'real-life' locations to enhance and demonstrate the scale of each sculpture.

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.

Every year during the Mid-Autumn Festival, numerous lantern decorations are set up by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department across the city. This year, the festive displays will be held at Victoria Park, Sha Tin Park, and Tin Shui Wai Park (until September 22), while a special lighting installation will be on display (until October 3) at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza. Those residing on the Island side can head to Victoria Park and check out the colourful six-metre-tall merry-go-round lantern crafted by local papercraft master Hui Ka-hung. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, take a trip to Tin Shui Wai Park where a five-metre-tall phoenix will light up alongside different animal lanterns, or visit Sha Tin Park to see a glowing display of sea creatures such as clownfish, dolphins, turtles, and jellyfish. Last but definitely not least, visitors can make their way to TST to discover an awe-striking light installation – titled The Other Side of the Moon – created by local artist Dylan Kwok at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza.  Before you visit any of the light displays, be sure to read through the guidelines and safety measures here.