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If you live for art, then this is the weekend you've been waiting for. The pinnacle of Hong Kong Arts Month is finally upon us, as four of the most talked-about shows open their doors and invite you to enjoy the weird and wonderful world of art this weekend. Explore the large-scale installations, new age masterpieces, and delicious outdoor Street Food at Hong Kong's most stylish and cutting-edge art event, Art Central. Make sure to check out the scarily life-like hyperrealistic Kneeling Woman (pictured) by Sam Jinks' exhibition (Booth E05), and Clarie Rosen's vibrant Birds of a Feather series (Booth E12).
Step it up a notch and get lost among the creations of over 4,000 artists at this year's Art Basel, and discover home-grown talents as well as the internationally acclaimed. Renowned for pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation, it comes as no surprise that the International Commercial Centre (ICC) is getting a glowing Basel-makeover courtesy of acclaimed Japanese artist, Tatsuo Miyajima. Keep your eyes peeled for the Time Waterfall on the side of the iconic building.
The fun doesn't stop there either, with the Asia Contemporary Art Show decking out the glamorous five-star Conrad hotel with modern masterpieces. Guests can browse stunning originals and limited edition works across four floors, in the company of the artists themselves. If you fancy something more down to earth, head over to Sham Shui Po for the third round of the HKwalls Street Art Festival. A talented team of international and local artists are splattering this neighbourhood with creativity and expression as part of the week-long celebration of diversity and street art culture.
When: HKwalls Street Art Festival, runs until March 27 Art Central, runs until March 26 Art Basel, March 24 - 26 Asia Contemporary Art Show, March 24 - 27 Where: HKwalls Street Art Festival, Sham Shui Po (Cheung Sha Wan Road to Lai Chi Kok Road/ Boundary Street to Nam Cheong Street) Art Central, Central Harbourfront Event Space, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central Art Basel, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai Asia Contemporary Art Show, Conrad Hotel, One Pacific Place, Queensway, Admiralty How much: Prices vary Click on the links above for tickets and more information
[su_note note_color="#eae9e8" radius="0"] Art Central Exclusive Ticket Offer – Over 50% Off Art Central is offering friends of Localiiz the opportunity to purchase general entry tickets from 23 to 26 March at over 50% off! Click here to find out more.[button color="orange" size="medium" link="https://www.localiiz.com/art-central-returns-cutting-edge-programme/#" icon="" target="true"]Take a sneak peek at what’s in store[/button]
[/su_note]Read more! See what's in store this Arts Month or sip on these Creative Cocktails.
Celebrate the true meaning of Easter at one of the city’s traditional services held over the weekend. Beneath the chocolate-crazed hysteria, this religious holiday is a joyful time which explores the miracle of life and rebirth as Spring blossoms around us. St. John’s Cathedral will be filled with the sounds of Easter evensongs, whilst Saint Andrew’s Church is getting back to nature with an Easter Walk up Victoria Peak. Keen to introduce your little ones to the Easter story? St. Stephen’s Chapel in Stanley is planning a service specifically designed to engage young children, whilst explaining the Easter story.
When: Saint Andrew's Church, March 25, (2.30pm – 5.30pm)
St. Stephen’s Chapel, March 25, (10am)
St John’s Cathedral, March 27, (8am – 6pm)
Where: Saint Andrew's Church, The Peak Fountain; St John’s Cathedral, 4-8 Garden Road, Central; St. Stephen’s Chapel, 22 Tung Tau Wan Road, Stanley
How much: Free
Click on the links above for more information
Read more! Check out Egg-citing Things to Do This Easter.
The prestigious Peninsula Hotel is nurturing the creativity of its junior diners this Easter, with all children being invited to create Mason jar mini gardens in The Verandah restaurant. What a delightful way to welcome in the new season! Tuck into Hong Kong’s first fine buffet experience at The Verandah, or taste the culinary offerings of the other hotel venues. If you’re hoping to bump into the Easter Bunny, reserve your spot between 12 noon and 2pm – we hear this is when he’ll be hopping around!
When: March 25 – 28
Where: The Verandah, 1/F, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
How much: Prices vary
Click here for more information
Treat your little ones to an evening of live musical fun with our favourite purple dinosaur, at Barney's Greatest Hits. Barney and his best friends, Baby Bop, BJ, and Riff, are taking to the stage to entertain your youngsters to celebrate his 25th anniversary. Incorporating Barney's biggest hits, this new musical production promises plenty of singing and dancing, as well as valuable lessons about friends, family, and growing up. If you have a superfan on your hands, make their dream come true with a meet and greet session after the show.
When: March 25 - 27, (11am, 2pm, or 5pm)
Where: Star Hall, 3/F, Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition Centre, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay
How much: $150 - $700
Click here to buy your tickets
The bright lights and magical atmosphere of Broadway are taking over Hong Kong City Hall in a spectacular weekend of musical performances. A talented cast of vocalists, fresh from New York, will bring to life an eclectic mix of classic songs from timeless shows, including The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, and West Side Story, whilst The Fujian Symphony Orchestra fill the Concert Hall with breathtaking harmonies and melodies. Produced by Opera Hong Kong, Broadway Extravaganza will whisk you away on a two-hour rollercoaster of emotion, with Katie Dixon and Meredith Lustig's hilarious rendition of I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair contrasting with Jonathan Blalock's raw, emotional performance of Bring Him Home. In other words, it might be wise to pack some tissues ...
When: March 25 - 26, (7.30pm)
Where: Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central
How much: $150 - $350
Click here to buy your tickets
Laugh your way through the Easter break at TakeOut Comedy - the first full-time comedy club in Asia. With almost ten comics scheduled each evening, you'll be rolling on the floor by the end of the night. Seasoned regulars including Paul Johnson and Mike Harrington will be joined by some new faces, who will be cracking their best jokes for your entertainment. Hosted by TakeOut Comedy's founder and leading funny man, Jameson Gong, we can't think of any better way to welcome in the bank holiday weekend.
When: March 25 - 26, (9pm)
Where: B/F, 34 Elgin Street, Soho
How much: $200
Click here to reserve your tickets
Read more! Laugh Your Way Through the Week with our roundup of comedy nights in Hong Kong.
Saturday night has never been so colourful. To celebrate the vibrant Holi Spring festival, party-goers are invited to light up the dance floor at Club VIP, as they decorate each other with UV paint. DJ Deep and DJ Agni will take to the decks, filling the club with a mix of commercial and Bollywood tracks in honour of the Indian festival. A talented artist will be decorating guests with organic paint on the night to help them spread the love with their nearest and dearest.
When: March 26, (10.30pm) Where: Club VIP, 18 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central How much: $150 (includes one drink) Check out the Facebook event page
Plant seeds for a greener future with Friends of the Country Parks and the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department on Sunday morning. In order to raise awareness of nature conservation, and in particular the preservation of trees, hikers are being encouraged to join the Country Parks Hiking and Planting Day in Lantau. Over the course of two hours, up to 1,000 volunteers of all ages will hike 4km through the beautiful setting of Lantau North Country Park. Don't panic if you don't have a trowel to hand - all seedlings and tools, as well as tips and advice, will be provided once you reach the planting site.
When: March 27, (9am - 10.30am)
Where: Enrolment point, Ngong Pin Nature Centre, Ngong Ping Village; Planting location, Nei Lak Shan, Lantau North Country Park
How much: Free
Click here for more information
Read more! Check out 5 Steps to Happy Hiking.
Gather your friends and family for a day of outdoor Easter fun, courtesy of The Butcher’s Club. A whole range of vendors will appear on the spacious rooftop to compliment the mouth-watering lamb which is being served up by the host restaurant. In addition to an Easter themed selection of food, there will be live music, face painting, drinking games – and, of course, a good old-fashioned Easter egg hunt. Cracking!
When: March 27, (12 noon – 5pm) Where: The Butcher’s Club, 16/F, Shui Ki Industrial Building, 18 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen How much: $550 Click here to buy your tickets
Our fluffy friends are the stars of the show at this weekend's Freespace Happening. Stalls will be overflowing with treats and handmade accessories for your pet, whilst Hong Kong Dog Rescue share their top tips for exploring the city safely with your four-legged friend. When you are all shopped out, relax on the lawn and appreciate the enchanting line up of musical performances. Bernardo y Amigos' will be stepping into the spotlight with his flamenco guitar, and local jazz group, The 5422 Collective, will round off the day with a burst of big band energy. Fancy something a little more energetic? Take your pup on a literature orienteering game in hunt of Chinese animal-themed poems, and bag yourself a special prize!
When: March 27, (2pm - 7pm)
Where: Nursery Park, West Kowloon Cultural District
How much: Free
Click here for more information
Celebrate the talent of Hong Kong's artists and photographers at the HK:ID Identity and Illusion exhibition this weekend. Woven together by the underlying theme of personal identity, and journeys of discovery across space, time, and cities, four prominent artists will come together to display their work in the artsy neighbourhood of Sheung Wan. Scotty So, Austin Irving, and Christopher Button (pictured) will be portraying their HK:ID through the camera lens, emphasising the personal nature of each individuals' journey. In addition, Margot Errante will be hosting an interactive performance art exhibition, inviting guests to create instant identities which will come together to form part of a larger masterpiece. If you fancy getting involved, Instagram a selfie or portrait by March 24 and tag #HKIDme, #LIGHTSTAGEhk, and @lighterati. You could be one of the lucky 100 who will be invited to join Errante on this creative journey.
When: Runs until March 29, (12 noon - 8pm)
Where: Lightstage Art and Events Space, G/F, 218 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan
How much: Free
Check out the Facebook event page
Read more! Check out our interview with Christopher Button.
Calling all film fanatics! The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) is washing over the city in a wave of cinematic excitement. Now celebrating its 40th year, this non-profit, charitable event is dedicated to culturally enriching the city. Whether you love comedies, classics, or creepy creations, the HKIFF's two-week line up is overflowing with choice. This weekend alone is jam-packed with movie magic, from the dark comedy of Men & Chicken to the surrealistic short stories of World Animation for Adults. Whatever takes your fancy, expect fresh creativity and ground-breaking productions. We think it's time to grab the popcorn ...
When: Runs until April 4, (times vary)
Where: Locations vary, (click here for more information)
How much: $40 - $100
Click here to buy your tickets
In the midst of Arts Month, Lee Tung Avenue and St James Settlement are joining forces to welcome the less fortunate into the creative world. Hong Kongers are being asked to donate unused and pre-loved cameras, which will then be passed on to children in need. Whilst you are hanging out at Wan Chai's swankiest street, check out the stunning shots captured by National Geographic Photo Contest 2015 prize-winner, Kelvin Yuen (pictured). At just 19 years old, and with only 18 months of photography experience under his belt, his images are truly breathtaking.
When: Kelvin Yuen, runs until April 30, (10am - 10pm daily); Camera CSR Programme, runs until May 31, (10am - 10pm daily).
Where: Kelvin Yuen, Pop up Store at Central Piazza, Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai; Camera CSR Programme, Basement 1/F, Customer Service Centre, Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai
How much: Free
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Sophie is always on the lookout for a great story and her next big adventure and loves nothing more than discovering the city’s hidden gems—and most delicious cocktails. When she’s not exploring new places, she’s off travelling and ticking countries off her bucket list.
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