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.

Upcoming Events in September

Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance

Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with a spectacular tradition in the heart of Hong Kong! The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance involves over 300 performers who dance a glowing dragon through the streets of Tai Hang.

When: 16 to 18 September
Where: Tai Hang, Causeway Bay

HKTB’s First-Ever Mid-Autumn Festival-Themed Drone Show

This year’s Mid-Autumn Festival at Victoria Park brings the beloved Fire Dragon Dance to life like never before. Enjoy an expanded performance area and a live broadcast so more can join the excitement.

When: 16 to 18 September
Where: Wan Chai Harbourfront

Pottinger Diwali Fair

Get a head start on Diwali celebrations at this pop-up fair organised by eight dedicated female entrepreneurs. Taking place at The Pottinger Hotel across two days only, browse a selection of Hong Kong’s best homegrown and women owned brands. Expect to find gorgeous giftware and jewellery to lovely scented candles and more.

When: 19 to 20 September
Where: The Pottinger Hotel

CUBED³: Hong Kong’s First Three-Part Party Adventure

Get ready for CUBED³ on September 21st—an unforgettable party adventure across Land, Sea, and Sky in Hong Kong, headlined by Sandy Rivera and featuring over 20 top DJs. Start at AIA Vitality Park, party on the Vibe Yacht, and dance the night away on the WAV Rooftop.

When: 21 to 22 September
Where: AIA Vitality Park, Vibe Yacht, WAV Rooftop

YAMA Foundation’s Fundraiser

HKA Academic Pathways Evening

Join current HKA parents to learn from faculty about HKA’s unique curricular combination of IB PYP, MYP and DP, HKA Diploma and Global Citizen Diploma programmes.

When: 26 September
Where: Hong Kong Academy

WTA Hong Kong 125 Open

Witness the rise of tennis’s next greats at the inaugural Hong Kong 125 Open, a pivotal event showcasing emerging stars like Emma Raducanu and Hong Kong’s Eudice Chong.

When: 30 September to 6 October
Where: Victoria Park Tennis Stadium

HKGBW 2024: “Green Building Express” to Carbon Neutrality

Join the Hong Kong Green Building Week (HKGBW) 2024, co-hosted by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC). This year’s theme, “Move Forward with Green Building.

When: 21 to 29 September
Where: Multiple Locations

Glowball HK

Relive the joys of jumping into a ball pit, only this time with 750,000 glowing balls… and a cocktail bar! Open for the next six months, GlowBall is a unique space that will also have a cosy social area and DJ booth beside a sea of transparent orbs where you can bask in the glow of nostalgia.

When: Until October
Where: Hilltop Plaza

Naked flowers art exhibition in Hong Kong

Explore a multi-sensory experience in eight participatory arts rooms.

When: Until 4 October
Where: 1881 Heritage

Events in October and Beyond

Hong Kong Cyclothon

Speed through a concrete jungle and Hong Kong’s iconic landmarks in the 2024 Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon! Riders from around the world will take on a 32km or 50km ride finishing in West Kowloon for the first time. For non-competitive riders, there will also be a sports carnival and leisure cycling in East Tsim Sha Tsui.

When: 13 October
Where: West Kowloon

HKA Exploration Day

Experience how HKA’s distinctive approach to teaching and learning could benefit your child during this free-of-charge open day.

When: 19 October
Where: Hong Kong Academy

Stamford Open Day

Stamford Open Day is back this month! Join an unforgettable morning at Stamford American School! Discover how personalised approach nurtures the whole child while building a strong academic Foundation. Explore the campus and enjoy engaging, interactive games for students of all ages. Plus, meet the experienced faculty and leadership team.

When: 26 October
Where: 25 Man Fuk Road, Ho Man Tin

The Best of WestK

Get into the  world of the WestK 2024-2025 season, featuring over 600 performances across music, dance, theatre, and more, highlighted by the exhilarating Black Box Chinese Opera and Freespace Jazz Fest.

When: 1 October to June 2025
Where: Multiple locations

World Harbour Race 2024

The event gives up to 4,000 swimmers the chance to make a splash from the Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier in Wan Chai to the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui. There will be different categories, from the 11th Asian Open Water Swimming Championships, to a Leisure Group and a new companion arrangement, where participants can start at the same time as another swimmer to complete the race with a friend.  Swimmers can also donate $100 to Share for Good.

When: 10 November
Where: Wan Chai Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier to Tsim Sha Tsui Avenue of Stars

Prestige Fair in Hong Kong

For one fab day, browse a large range of gifts, lifestyle products, food and beverages all from small businesses and artisans. More than that, it’s just in time for any last-minute Christmas gifts that your family is unlikely to have found anywhere else!

When: 18 November
Where: Grand Ballroom (Level 5) 88 Queensway, Admiralty

Clockenflappers’ Rest, Rave & Repeat

Clockenflappers, mark your calendars for another festival of wild fun, awesome music and memories to last a lifetime! The Central Harbourfront will transform into a multi-stage music mecca for a stellar lineup of local and international acts. There will also be food and drinks and art programmes throughout the night.

When: 29 November to 1 December
Where: Central Harbourfront

PHOTOFAIRS Hong Kong

Parent Workshops

Shrewsbury International School is hosting a series of online chats with parents centering around the identification of five key ideas or tips under a common theme. Aptly named “Five ways to…”, the 45-minute sessions are hosted at 5pm on Wednesdays periodically throughout the academic year, covering topics such as inspiring children to write, effectively managing challenging behaviour, and supporting Chinese learning as a non-native speaker. The school says the talks will draw far more broadly upon the expertise of the academic team than ever before. To register, visit hjuglcnu.paperform.co.

Fun Activities for Kids & Family

Cup Noodles Museum

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

Ocean Park’s Water World

The much-anticipated theme park Water World has opened at Ocean Park. With five different zones to explore, there’s plenty to be excited about!

When: Now!
Where: Ocean Park, Aberdeen
More: waterworld.oceanpark.com.hk/en

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 Wine Bar by Crushed at Detour

Looking for something fun to do on Thursday evenings? Crushed Wines and neighbouring café Detour have teamed up to bring “The Wine Bar” to Sai Ying Pun. Taste the wines at Crushed from 7pm to 10pm, select your favourite, then head next door to Detour to enjoy with your favourite sandwich by Fat Chad’s.

When: Every Thursday
Where: Crushed and Detour, Sai Ying Pun
More: crushedwines.com

The MET HD Live 2022/23 Season

After a turbulent few years, The Metropolitan Opera of New York (The Met) reopened for the 2022/23 season on 27 September with the Met premiere of Cherubini’s Medea featuring Sondra Radvanovsky in the title role. The 2022/23 season lineup will include Met premieres of contemporary operas and new productions of classic works including Kevin Puts’s The Hours, Terence Blanchard’s first opera Champion, Giordano’s Fedora, Mozart’s Don Giovanni and acclaimed English Director Simon McBurney’s Die Zauberflöte featuring projections and acrobatics.

When: Ongoing
Where: Online
More: themetinhongkong.info

More great events in Hong Kong

Superbrunch at The Sixteenth

Pirata Group has introduced a new five-hour “Superbrunch” at four of its venues at The Sixteenth in Quarry Bay. Enjoy two hours of free-flow food and champers, followed by a three-hour outdoor party with live music. There’ll also be prizes for the best dressed “Superbruncher” in the event theme; head along for some Sunday afternoon fun.

When: Every Sunday
Where: The Sixteenth, Quarry Bay
More: thesixteenth.hk/superbrunch

Ladies Night Out at ICHU

Every Wednesday at ICHU, ladies can enjoy a range of cocktails and wines at reduced prices plus live DJ sets.

When: Every Wednesday
Where: ICHU, Central
More: ichu.com.hk

Things to do in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon

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 to 12pm
Where: Oolaa Petite Shop 2 Tower 2 Starcrest, 9 Star Street, Wan Chai
More: ozhongkong.com

Be a tourist in your own city

There’s never been a better time to explore Hong Kong. Many of the city’s iconic tourist attractions have minimal crowds and incredible deals right now. If you’re looking for things to do, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has created a special website hkison.com, which houses all the great deals around town. Check it out and see if there’s a deal that works for you or your guests. You’ll find deals on theme parks, restaurants and staycations. The tourism board have let us know that the site is updated regularly, so keep checking back for the latest.

 

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.
• Watch Live At-Home concerts 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.
• Hours and hours of house music was streamed from March through to May 2020 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!
• 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.

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

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