Top 35 Best Things To Do In Hong Kong This Weekend

If you’re wondering what to do in Hong Kong at the moment, here’s our guide to what’s on in Hong Kong Island this weekend and the coming month, plus events in Kowloon and beyond. You’ll find fun activities for the kids and family, cool things to do in HK at night – plus online Hong Kong events you can enjoy at home. We’ve kept everybody in mind, so you should find something to keep you occupied among our list of top things to do in Hong Kong.

Note: Some events may be affected by current restrictions; refer to individual websites for updates, and see the end of this article for details of rescheduled events.

Things to do in Hong Kong this weekend and beyond

Father’s Day

It’s Father’s Day on Sunday, 20 June and time to to show all those great dads out there how much we appreciate them. See our big roundup of Father’s Day gift ideas for some inspiration.

Exhibiting Theatre: “Body Codes II: Performscape”

New performing arts company Common Ground present their inaugural performance, “Body Codes II: Performscape” at The Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre from 25-27 June. Unlike shows, the audience are invited to take up an active role by deciding their own pace and viewing distance to enjoy the arts.

When: 25-27 June
Where: Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre, Shek Kip Mei
More: facebook.com/commonground852

Stop Trafficking 5k

Get fit, change lives and smash some goals in this 5k challenge in support of the fight against human trafficking. Complete one or many 5k walks, runs or activity of your choice any time before the end of June.

When: Until 30 June
Where: Anywhere!
More: stoptrafficking5k.org

Creative Workshop Series @PMQ

PMQ’s Creative Workshop Series features over 40 art and craft workshops not normally found in Hong Kong. From handcrafting jewellery to origami in silver to fashion weaving – there’s something for everyone.

When: Until 30 June
Where: PMQ, Central
More: pmq.org.hk

French May 2021

The annual arts and cultural festival returns with a series of special programmes reflecting French culture throughout May and June. From traditional to contemporary art, painting to design, classical music to pop music, opera to Hip-Hop, movies to circus, life to food, there’s over 100 arts and cultural activities for art lovers of all ages.

When: Until 30 June
Where: Various locations in Hong Kong
More: frenchmay.com

Altfield Gallery: A Celebration of Timeless Silverware

This June, Altfield Gallery is showcasing an exclusive collection of hand-worked silverware pieces curated for the discerning man in your life. Pick up the perfect gift for Father’s Day and years to come, from stunning silver coasters to luxe accessories for his work desk and more.

When: Until 30 June
Where: Altfield Gallery, Central
More: altfield.com.hk

Laughs On The Grass

Join The Lawn Club and Backstage Comedy for a night of laughs featuring some of the city’s best standup comedians and views. Prices for a 4-person pod start from HK$800.

When: 1 July
Where: The Lawn Club, AIA Vitality Park
More: zicket.co

K11 MUSEA Art Karnval

In celebration of Hong Kong Arts Month, K11 MUSEA has launched the first ever Arts Karnival, featuring a multitude of exhibitions, art tours and workshops. A highlight of the exhibition is Rose II, an 8.5 metre-tall steel rose sculpture by German female artist Isa Genzken, standing in full bloom along the promenade of Victoria Dockside.

When: Until 4 July
Where: K11 MUSEA, Tsim Sha Tsui
Where: k11musea.com

Only A Joke Can Save Us

Only A Joke Can Save Us is a group exhibition by nine contemporary international artists who explore humour as a way of understanding or questioning ourselves in an ever more unsettling world. Featuring ridiculed political figures, the banality of pigeons, dancing in a flood, playful instagram filters and more, the artworks seek to elicit laughter and offer comfort in these times of uncertainty.

Where: Present Projects, Sham Shui Po
When: Until 4 July
More: present-projects.com

Got Quiz? School’s Out! @ The Lawn Club

The Lawn Club is celebrating the end of the school year with a 90s quiz. Test your memory of the good ol’ days and stand a chance to win some great prizes. Prices for a four-person pod start from HK$800.

When: 7 July
Where: The Lawn Club, AIA Vitality Park
More: zicket.co

Smart Living: Wealth Management for Your Child and Next-Gen Investors

In this webinar, Swapnil Mishra of Kristal.AI will talk about smart investing in the digital era. Want to be a smart investor? (Or want your child to be one?) Then don’t miss out on this talk!

When: 15 July
Where: Online (via Zoom)
More: Register here

Retykle Causeway Bay Pop-Up Store

Retykle is back offline with a two-week pop up store in Causeway Bay. Featuring new and pre-loved kidswear from over 2,000 designer brands, customers can enjoy up to 90% off original prices. Those donating their pre-loved children’s clothes will also receive an additional 10% off same-day purchases.

When: Until 16 July
Where: 54 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay
More: bit.ly/RetykleSummerpopup

Creations Enlivened: Metal

This exhibition showcases the striking metal creations of craftsmen from Hong Kong using a myriad of materials from copper and brass to tin and galvanised iron.

When: Until 24 July
Where: Crafts on Peel
More: craftsonpeel.com

The Real World

Presenting at David Zwirner Gallery, The Real World is a group exhibition that features paintings, sculptures, and installations from the 1990s and early 2000s by influential artists within the New York and Los Angeles art worlds. Through a variety of media, the artists look at the relationship between art and everyday life, while addressing social issues such as gender, sexuality, consumerism and more.

When: Until 31 July
Where: David Zwirner Gallery, Central
More: davidzwirner.com

Fun Activities for Kids & Family

Cup Noodles Museum Opens in Hong Kong

The famous Cup Noodles Museum by Japanese Ramen brand Nissan has landed in Hong Kong! Spanning nearly 10,000 sq. ft. the museum features interactive workshops, exhibitions, photo opps and a shop offering exclusive merchandise. Highlights include the Noodle Wall showing different flavours and packaging from around the world and the 3-metre Noodles Cup.

When: Now!
Where: China Hong Kong City, TST
More: cupnoodles-museum.com.hk

Child’s Pose Challenge for Angels for Children

Allmyyoga’s Child Pose Challenge aims to raise money for Angel for Children’s annual Po Leung Kuk Residential Children’s Centre Fun Day. Join in the fun by posting your own unique child’s pose photo to Instagram to be added to the photo collage, and make a donation.

When: Until 30 June
Where: Anywhere!
More: angels-for-children.org

Summer Impact Camp

Suitable for ages 14 to 17, FairPlay’s Summer Impact Camp looks at how to approach global social issues, explore personal values and pitch a social enterprise proposal to professionals in relevant fields. The three-day programme of interactive online workshops is ideal for teens considering a career working for a charity or social enterprise.

When: 19-21 July
Where: Online
More: fairplaylearning.com

CDNIS Cambridge Summer Programme

The Canadian International School Hong Kong Cambridge Summer Programme offers 28 online courses in Medicine, Law, Engineering; Science & Technology; Mathematics; Social Sciences and Humanities. Students aged 15 to 18 can sign up for this unique summer school experience and develop critical thinking skills with some of the finest Cambridge instructors. Courses run from Monday, 26 July to Friday, 30 July and all students will receive a certificate are invited to attend an online Cambridge admissions talk on 31 July.

When: 26 to 30 July
Where: Online
More: CDNIS Cambridge Summer Programme

Cool Things to Do in Hong Kong at Night

BaseHall Dining Events Programme

Basehall, the multi-concept food hall in Jardine House, hosts a programme of entertainment throughout the year – including DJ nights, drag events, music nights, Friday happy hour and more. Check out the website for this month’s entertainment line-up.

When: Ongoing
Where: BaseHall HK, Central
More: basehall.hk

The MET’s “Nightly Met Opera Streams”

You’ll be missing the regular MET live in HD screenings in Hong Kong but the good news is you can now access encore performances every night. The MET’s “Nightly Met Opera Streams” series brings daily streams of Met Live encores right into your living rooms.

When: Until 31 December
Where: Online
More: themetinhongkong.info

The Lawn Club

A new event by the team behind The Grounds, The Lawn Club is Hong Kong’s ultimate socially distanced garden party. Enjoy summer sports, live music and entertainment and classic lawn games from the comfort of your own private pod. And the best part? Food and drinks are delivered direct to your table!

When: Ongoing
Where: AIA Vitality Park
More: The Lawn Club Hong Kong

More great events in Hong Kong

St Peters Lutheran College Brisbane – Virtual Tour

For a great insight into the campus of St Peters Lutheran College, a co-educational day and boarding school in Brisbane, Queensland, visit the school website for a virtual tour.

When: Until 31 December
Where: Online
More: stpeters.youtour.com.au

The Hong Kong Smart Design Awards 2021 Winners Announced

View the winning designs in the Hong Kong Smart Design Awards 2021 organised by The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association. From over 400 entries, 64 winners were chosen, with some designs welcoming in the future of smart living and others helping us to better transition into the new post-pandemic era.

When: Until 31 December
Where: Hong Kong Exporters’ Association (online)
More: sdawards.org.hk

Knowledge of Design Week

Knowledge of Design Week (KODW) gathers global innovative leaders and experts across the sectors of hospitality, healthcare, e-commerce and digital solutions, to explore the post-pandemic future of the service economy.

When: 21-25 June
Where: Online
More: kodw.bodw.com

Things to do in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon

Le Cordon Bleu at K11 MUSEA

In partnership with the world’s top cooking academy, Le Cordon Bleu, K11 MUSEA is offering a series of short cookery courses at their Gastronomy Lab. The courses include a range of beginner and advanced level patisserie courses for adults and children.

When: Now!
Where: K11 MUSEA Gastronomy Lab
More: kka.k11.com

Explore the Avenue of Stars

The Avenue of Stars reopened last year after a three-year construction hiatus. Now it’s back, bigger and better than ever and it’s one of our favourite things to do with visitors! Head over to TST to meander along the foreshore and learn about some of Hong Kong’s home-grown stars, including the beloved, Bruce Lee.

When: Now!
Where: TST; to get there, walk from the Star Ferry or from MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit P1; use the staircase or the escalator adjacent to Tsim Sha Tsui East (Mody Road) Bus Terminus
More: avenueofstars.com.hk

American Women’s Association Coffee Morning

The American Women’s Association of Hong Kong holds a weekly coffee morning every Thursday; CHAT – Come Have A Talk. The informal gathering is for member, newcomers and non-members and provides a friendly atmosphere to have a coffee or tea and some “grown-up” time away from the little ones. It’s a drop-in activity so people are welcome to join anytime between 10.30am and noon. The group often stays for lunch.

When:  Every Thursday (except public holidays)
Where: Cafe 8, Roof Level, Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Central Ferry Pier No.8, Central
More: awa.org.hk

Cooee Coffee – Australian Association of Hong Kong

The Australian Association of Hong Kong holds a weekly coffee morning, Cooee Coffee, every Friday, which acts as a casual get-together for both newcomers to Hong Kong, as well as a chance to catch up with old friends. In addition to meeting new people, it’s also a chance to get some advice and tips on living in Hong Kong.

When: Every Friday (except public holidays), 10am-12pm
Where: Oolaa Petite Shop 2 Tower 2 Starcrest, 9 Star Street, Wan Chai
More: ozhongkong.com 

Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong offer daily tours of their Tin Wan Campus during term time, providing prospective parents and students with the opportunity to experience the school in operation. Register for a tour to find out more about the school, tour the facilities and meet the staff.

When: Daily during term time
Where: Tin Wan Campus, 17 Tin Wan Street
More: wycombeabbey.openapply.com/openday

Happy Wednesday at Happy Valley Races

Wednesday night at the Happy Valley Races is a favoured Hong Kong pastime. It costs just HK$10 to get in and see the spectacle of race fans watching world-class horse racing against a backdrop of skyscrapers. During this time of social distancing, the races may be off, but you can stay up to date with the racing world by tuning into the Happy Wednesdays YouTube channel.

When: Every Wednesday all year round (gates open at 5.15pm, first race 7.15pm)
Where: Happy Valley Race Course, Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley
More: hkjc.com| Open Space YouTube Channel 

More Must-Do’s in Hong Kong

Explore a park

Take an escalator from Pacific Place mall up to an unexpected oasis. Hong Kong Park contains fountains, an aviary and a children’s playground. Or escape Causeway Bay’s crowds at Victoria Park, where going early will get you a glimpse of local Tai Chi groups. Playground spaces and a rock park keep kids entertained. Meanwhile, Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Garden offers the chance to watch monkeys up close for free.

More: Parks, playgrounds and outdoor centres for the kids

Hang out at the beach!

Hong Kong has too many beaches to count, but all provide just what you need for an enjoyable day out without burning through the cash. Repulse Bay is a must-visit for its accessible and expansive arc of sand. Big Wave Bay is another popular one, attracting surfers to its decent break. And camping bays at Pui O allows you to wake to the sound of rolling waves.

More: Top Hong Kong beaches

See the light show

The city’s iconic skyline takes on a new glow as buildings each side of the harbour beam lights across the water. The Symphony of Lights spectacle takes place every night at 8pm. Head down to the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront for the best view and marvel at Hong Kong Island’s skyline at night.

Take in a temple

For a free thing to do that’s instantly transporting, nothing beats a visit to a temple; and Hong Kong has plenty! We’ve already mentioned Wong Tai Sin, but another great temple to see is Man Mo on Hollywood Road. This atmospheric building is one of Hong Kong’s oldest temples, and is dedicated to the god of literature.

More: Must-see temples and places of worship in Hong Kong

Roam a rooftop

IFC Mall’s landscaped rooftop provides one of the city’s few free public seating spots, making it perfect if you bring a coffee and book or plan a city picnic with the kids. The sight of ferries chugging across the harbour never gets old.

Eye some artworks

Galleries along Hollywood Road are an ideal first stop for browsing artworks, but you can also head to the JCCAC artist colony in Shek Kip Mei, where about 140 artists have studios. It’s open from 10am to 10pm daily and is perfect for those who are looking for a Hong Kong attraction that is free and has a cultural flavour.

More: Your guide to Hong Kong’s cultural institutions 

Mosey around a market

The vibrant street markets have a lively, bustling energy and provide great people watching, as customers haggle with stallholders. Of course, the cost of this outing will rise if you start buying things! There are also speciality markets such as the fish, bird and flower markets.

Hike in nature

About three quarters of Hong Kong’s land space is Country Park, so getting into green space is surprisingly easy. Central’s Morning Trail is a great first introduction. The paved stroll takes you up to The Galleria at the top of the Peak, with gorgeous city views to boot.

More: Family-friendly hikes in Hong Kong

Chase a waterfall

Why not tie your hike in with a visit to a waterfall? Hong Kong has its fair share, including the famous Bride’s Pool in Plover Cove Country Park, which has a fascinating backstory (follow the link below to discover it!). Some waterfalls here are easily accessible; others require a decent trek to get to. If it’s warm enough, there are some superb swimming opportunities to.

More: 5 of our favourite Hong Kong waterfalls

Hop on a Tram

Jump aboard at Western Market and view the city with new eyes as the tram trundles through Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. It’s just HK$2.30 to experience this piece of iconic local culture.

Online Things to Do

Enjoy a (free) performance

• Savour the world of art at home with virtually@HKMoA, Hong Kong Art Museum’s online portal which gives the public access to art through a variety of multimedia resources. Browse the website for audio guides, pamphlets, exhibition multi-media programmes and images from the featured collections.
• Stream comedies, cabarets, concerts, art exhibitions and more thanks to the The Social Distancing Festival.
• Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s YouTube channel, The Shows Must Go On!, includes streams of his musicals for free, or you can sing along with Broadway stars performing from their homes as part of Broadway World’s Living Room Concerts.
• Since mid-March last year, Billboard has been hosting Live At-Home concerts with the likes of Hunter Hayes, Josh Groban and JoJo. Watch them on the Billboard Facebook page.
• Shakespeare’s Globe is offering free streams of plays including A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet. Tune in via its YouTube channel.
• Turn your living room into a Disneyland Park, complete with Disney’s iconic parade. Watch the Disney Parks YouTube channel and virtually visit the happiest place on earth.
• Missing your regular club night? Hours and hours of house music was streamed from March through to May as part of the Defected Virtual Festival and is still available on the Defected Records YouTube channel.

Tour a museum (or a famous landmark!)

• Google Arts and Culture is packed full of interesting content. You’ll be able to view digital exhibitions and go on virtual tours at renowned museums and galleries across the world, from the Louvre in Paris to New York’s Guggenheim. There are also virtual tours of famous landmarks, from street views of the Sydney Opera House to the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.

Go to the zoo (via a virtual tour)

• San Diego Zoo and Melbourne Zoo are among many that are bringing the wild and wacky to us. Watch pandas play and lions laze from the 24/7 live feeds in the animal enclosures.
• If seaside scenes are more your vibe, aquariums like the Vancouver Aquarium and Monterey Bay Aquarium have jellyfish, otter and penguin cams.

Travel from home

• Tick off your bucket list with Google Earth or Google Street View, a virtual tour of interactive panoramas from positions along many streets in the world.
• Keen for the outdoors? Explore.org has up to 100 livestream webcams set up in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries around the world that you can view at any given moment – including the spellbinding Northern Lights!
• For those who miss a good night out, Ushuaïa Ibiza has launched #StayAtHomeSessions on Facebook – a re-stream of some of 2019’s best DJ sets from Ibiza, to bring the party atmosphere into your homes!
• Travel to Western Europe with Visit Monaco’s virtual tours. Enjoy 360-degree views of its streets and landmarks, including Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
• Travel company andBeyond has a live streaming service where viewers can enjoy wildlife sightings on Instagram Live and interactive three-hour safaris twice a day on YouTube and Facebook.

What’s On in Hong Kong: Best of 2021 Events, Rescheduled

Due to the current coronavirus measures in Hong Kong, the following events have been rescheduled, with new dates as below. Please check individual event websites for the latest information.

Avril Lavigne Head Above Water World Tour 2020: TBA
Hong Kong Book Fair: July 2021
Standard Chartered Marathon: 24 October 2021
Hong Kong Sevens: 5-7 November 2021
Clockenflap: 26-28 November 2021

Got an event to add? Contact us at editor@expatliving.hk! 

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