Localiiz Your online guide to Hong Kong living
The winds were howling and the rain was pouring – we hope everyone stayed safe during the monstrous Typhoon Mangkhut on Sunday! If you missed out on any parties and events because of the weather, fear not, because we have a huge roundup of exciting happenings around town this weekend that will surely help you get back into the swing of things.
The Moon Rabbit Lumière
Following the success of last year’s giant moon installation at Lee Tung Avenue, the Mid-Autumn Festival fairy tale romance continues this year with a new exhibition, the ‘Moon Rabbit Lumiere’. Created by world-renowned Australian artist, Amanda Parer, the inflatable rabbit installation is on display at both Lee Tung Avenue in Wan Chai, as well as China Hong Kong City in Tsim Sha Tsui. So get hopping!
When: September 19 to October 17
Where: Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai / China Hong Kong City, Tsim Sha Tsui
How much: Free
Click here for more information
Click here to check out what’s on around town this Mid-Autumn Festival!
2018 Sundance Film Festival: Hong Kong
The 2018 Sundance Film Festival: Hong Kong returns for another year to bring film buffs two amazing weekends filled with movie screenings, panel discussion, workshops for first-time filmmakers, and a VR screening of a hilarious live-action comedy piece. Directors of each film are available for a short Q&A session after the first screening of each movie, so if there’s anything you want to find out about your favourite movie, now’s the time.
When: September 20 – October 1
Where: The Metroplex, KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay
How much: $30 – $120
Click here for more information
Huang Yan Solo: Tattoo Utopia
Showcasing legendary artist, Huang Yan’s one-of-a-kind Chinese Shan-shui Tattoo artwork, Leo Gallery is proud to present Huang’s solo photography exhibition, Tattoo Utopia. Using faces and bodies as a human canvas, Huang is known for his ability to translate traditional art form into a modern context. All photographs have already been exhibited in world-renowned museums such as the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, Musee du Louvre in Paris, and Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, just to name a few.
When: September 21 – November 15, (Mon to Sat: 11am – 7pm)
Where: Leo Gallery, SOHO 189 Art Lane, Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun
How much: Free
Click here for more information
Food’s Future Summit 2018
In Hong Kong, food seems to come by so easily, but have you ever thought about how it’s produced, consumed, or even its future? Foodie invites you to take part in its two-day Food’s Future Summit, where through a series of interactive workshops, panel discussion (in which our very own Editor-in-Chief will be moderating!), engaging talks, film screenings, and a delicious marketplace, visitors are able to discover and learn about all the latest food innovations, upcoming trends, and imminent issues that impacts the culinary world, as well as our environment.
When: September 21 – 22, (9.30am – 7pm)
Where: Hotel ICON, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
How much: $80 – $800
Click here for more information
The Composer is Dead!
Held in a murder mystery setting, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra needs your help to find out who killed the composer. Featuring detective-themed music from the Pink Panther and various Sherlock Holmes soundtracks, the evening provides the perfect introductory guide for the audience to learn about different instruments and composers, as narrator and “Inspector”, Eric Monson, leads an interrogation throughout each section of the orchestra. So put on your detective cap and solve this mystery!
When: September 21 & 22, (8pm)
Where: Tsuen Wan Town Hall Auditorium, 72 Tai Ho Road, Tsuen Wan
How much: $220 – $380
Click here for more information
Hong Kong China International Tattoo Convention
Fancy getting inked? Think they look cool but never plucked up the courage to get in the hot seat? Well, the Hong Kong China International Tattoo Convention is back for the sixth time and however you feel about getting stabbed by tiny needles, this will be a great event for fellow artists and tattoo enthusiasts to meet new people, see tattoo artists in action, and learn about this unique art form from a whole new perspective. Gathering together over 300 artists from all over the world in one place, it’s an event you can’t afford to miss.
When: September 21 – 23, (10am – 10pm)
Where: Hall A, 2/F, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, 33 Shing Fung Road, Kowloon
How much: $200 – $380
Click here for more information
Jessie J The R.O.S.E. Tour Hong Kong
The British queen of pop is back! With numerous music awards under her belt, multi-platinum singles, and 3 million albums sold worldwide (as of 2015), Jessie J is no stranger to us all. Guaranteed to fill your night with her fabulous stage wardrobe, dance-inducing music, and the pure work-of-art that is her singing, we’re honestly surprised there are still tickets left! So what are you waiting for? Grab yours now.
When: September 22, (8pm)
Where: AsiaWorld-Expo
How much: $698 / $998
Click here for more information
Ophelia Presents: DJ Nicky Siano at Studio 54
Bring your party back in time this weekend as world-renowned resident DJ, Nicky Siano, of the legendary Studio 54 in New York, makes an appearance at Ophelia for one night only. Come relive the best nightclub of all time as Moxi roller girls, divine drag queens, and Andy Warhol-esque performances fill up the night, while Siano mans the deck and tears up the dance floor with the freshest beats in town. This is one epic party you don’t want to miss.
When: September 22, (6pm)
Where: Ophelia, Shop No. 41A, 1/F, The Avenue, Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
How much: $200
Click here for more information
IRIS: Your Escape – Hong Kong Health & Wellness Festival
Better start stretching boys and girls, because the all-day yoga and wellness festival, IRIS: Your Escape, returns for its seventh instalment at the Central Harbourfront Event Space. Open to everyone regardless of age, gender, and race, this celebration of wellness is created to encourage people to connect with themselves, as well as others. From meditating in the Zen Garden before dancing at the Silent Disco Dome, to enjoying the Playground with your kids after some shopping and eating at the marketplace, there’s something for everyone.
When: September 22, (10.30am – 6pm)
Where: Central Harbourfront Event Space, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central
How much: $155 – $355
Click here for more information
South Island Art Day
Opening their doors to the public this September 22, a huge lineup of galleries and art studios in the South Island Cultural District are inviting art lovers from across the city to take part in the South Island Art Day. With an extensive programme including indoor exhibitions, art performances, outdoor installations, and art forums, the event gives visitors the opportunity to interact with a mix of local and international artists, and experience the world of art like never before.
When: September 22, (12noon- 8pm)
Where: Register at Ovolo Southside, 64 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang
How much: Free
Click here for more information
Mid-Autumn Fest Street Party
Take your Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations up a notch this year, and head to the ultimate street party in Sai Ying Pun on September 23. Jointly presented by LocalHood and the United Social Service Centre, this street party is loaded with delicious mooncakes, fun games and activities for both kids and adults, exciting workshops with many prizes to be won, and plenty of drinks and nibbles to fuel the night. Free and open to all, there’s really no better way to celebrate.
When: September 23, (4pm – 7pm)
Where: Centre Street, Sai Ying Pun
How much: Free
Click here for more information
Japanese Culture and Music Festival
Bringing a dose of Japanese culture from across the pond, Macau’s Taipa Village Cultural Association is hosting an exciting two-day festival that’s all about the wonderful culture, music, and food from Japan. Featuring four Japanese musical acts and local rock bands, Japanese martial arts, a generous feast of Japanese gourmet food, handicraft booths, and calligraphy workshops, the festival offers visitors an immersive and insightful journey into Japanese culture – and you don’t even have to hop on a plane!
When: September 22 – 12, (12 noon – 7pm)
Where: Feiro do Carmo, Rua do Cunha, Macau
How much: Free
Click here for more information
HealthFest by AIA
Dig out your yoga mats because from September 25 to October 1, AIA’s week-long Health Fest is bringing you a huge variety of health-related activities every single day of the week. Held at the AIA Vitality Park next door to the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, participants can expect outdoor yoga classes, a range of musical performances by popular singers and buskers, one-on-one consultations, and at the end of it all, a chance to relax and wind down with an outdoor massage. What’s more, Health Fest has a bunch of parent-child activities too! Including a sports day, face-painting, a giant outdoor painting canvas, VR games, and much more throughout the week. Oh, and do we mention that it’s all free?
When: September 25 – October 1
Where: AIA Vitality Park, Central Harbourfront Event Space
How much: Free
Click here for more information
Happy Wednesday’s Oktoberfest
Head down to the Happy Valley Racecourse and forget all about your hump day blues as Happy Wednesday kicks off Oktoberfest! Aside from exciting track-side actions, visitors can also rock out as resident band, Carnivale, kicks off the party, sink their teeth into authentic Bavarian-inspired foods, and of course, an abundance of cold German beers. Don’t forget to share your amazing night on Instagram with #HappyWednesdayHK in your caption for a chance to win a pair of round-trip tickets, courtesy of Hong Kong Airlines, to Denpasar, Bali (September 26), Bangkok, Thailand (October 3), and last but not least, Manila, Philippines (October 10).
When: September 26, October 3 & 10
Where: The Hong Kong Jockey Club Happy Valley Racecourse, Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley
How much: $10
Click here for more information
Coming Up
Pink Season 2018
The long-awaited Pink Season, Asia’s Premier LGBT+ Festival, is back for another year and we couldn’t be more excited. From September 28 to November 3, the festival is set to paint the town pink with a jam-packed schedule of glamours parties and events. So get your calendars out, check out our full roundup of events during the festival, and start penciling in those dates.
When: September 22, (8pm)
Where: AsiaWorld-Expo
How much: $698 / $998
Click here for more information
Wahtiki x Hawaiian Tiki Party
Dig out your grass skirts and put on your flower leis as Wahtiki Island Lounge’s Hawaiian tiki party comes to town. With live DJ music spinning the hottest hip-hop and R&B hits, special champagne packages, and a decked-out tiki lounge, this party promises to give you and the squad an unforgettable night. Tickets are going fast so get them while you can.
When: September 29, (10pm – 3am)
Where: Wahtiki Island Lounge, 3/F, Seabird House, 22 – 28 Wyndham Street, Central
How much: $200(Early Bird) – $300 (At the door)
Click here for more information
Asia Contemporary Art Show
With a Spring and Fall edition occurring annually, the Asia Contemporary Art Show is the only art fair in Hong Kong that takes place twice a year. Offering a uniquely intimate experience for art lovers across the city from September 28 to October 1, guests are invited to explore thousands of pieces from around the globe, and have a chance to meet and engage with some of the world’s most interesting and promising artists at the fair’s reoccurring Artist Dialogues section. Featuring a wide array of original paintings, limited edition sculptures, and photography available for purchase, this is one not to miss for all art collectors.
When: September 28 & 29, (1pm – 8pm) / October 1, (11am – 6pm)
Where: Conrad Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty
How much: $270 (special 2-for-1 with advance purchase)
Click here for more information
Fine Art Asia
If you’re a lover of fine arts then you’re in for a real treat. Spanning over 5,000 years of cultural history through museum-quality artworks, Fine Art Asia is renowned for showcasing some of Asia’s most exquisite arts and antiques. Covering everything from antique silvers and jewellery, to modern impressionist art and photography, the show provides a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts to view and acquire masterpieces from a wide range of stunning collectables. Each ticket can admit two people so bring a friend along!
When: September 29 – October 2, (11am – 6pm)
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai
How much: $200 (Admits two)
Click here for more information
Ongoing Events
The Hidden Planet Mystery Tour
Head down to The Pulse this summer and brace yourself for an all-immersive sensory experience that is guaranteed to blow your mind. Featuring interactive light rooms, colourful audio-visual effects, LED Transition Tunnels, and totally Instagram-worthy attractions, the surreal Hidden Planet Mystery Tour is the best way to beat the heat this summer. Don’t forget to watch out for The Pulse monsters lurking around the corners!
When: Until Sept 30, (11am – 8pm)
Where: B1, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay
How much: $40 – $145 (Group packages available)
Click here for more information
In Search of Southeast Asia through the M+ Collections
This is a unique exhibition that highlights all the wonderful cultures that Southeast Asia has to offer. Through a series of architectural models, contemporary art installations, moving image artworks, and archival materials, audiences can experience the vibrant regions of Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Singapore, and many other places within the region — without even hopping on a plane!
When: Until September 30, (11am – 6pm)
Where: M+ Pavilion, West Kowloon Cultural District
How much: Free
Click here for more information
Summer of Spritz Block Party
Stazione Novella is turning three and to celebrate, it’s pumping out the Aperol to bring you the ultimate summer of Spritz every first Monday of the month from August to October. With a mobile Aperol Spritz station parked just over the road to the wine bar, guests can enjoy a refreshing glass of alfresco aperitif under the gorgeous summer sun. There are also ticket packages on offer where Spritz fans can purchase ten Spritz for just $500! Bargain.
When: Until October 1, (7pm)
Where: Stazione Novella, 52 – 56 Staunton Street, SoHo
How much: Free entry
Click here for more information
Hong Kong Human Rights Arts Prize
Calling all Hong Kong based visual artists, the Hong Kong Human Rights Arts Prize competition is now accepting entries of artwork that centre on the theme of local or international human rights. The winner can receive a generous cash prize of $35,000, along with an exclusive trophy made by a top Hong Kong artist – better get those creative juices flowing!
When: Until October 5
Where: Justice Centre Hong Kong (online)
How much: Free admission
Click here for more information
In Conversation With Marilyn Minter
Known for her raw, honest, and at times explicit paintings and photographs of women, New York-based artist, Marilyn Minter, is set to hold her first exhibition in Hong Kong from August 30 to October 27. Pushing the boundaries of beauty and glamour, Minter exposes the double standards that influence female identities, and present a series of bold alternative imagery through her thought-provoking art work and photography. If you want to catch a glimpse of the artist yourself, be sure to grab a ticket for the opening reception on August 30.
When: Until October 27, (Tues to Fri: 10am – 7pm / Sat: 11am – 7pm)
Where: Lehmann Maupin, 407 Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central
How much: Free
Click here for more information
Para Site presents: Crush
Combining varying works of 18 different artists and one writing project, Para Site’s group exhibition, Crush, investigates the dark side of love. Exploring the vulnerability of love, unrequited emotions, and the sensations of love and obsession, this one-of-a-kind art exhibition uncovers the daunting truth of love in every way imaginable.
When: Until November 25
Where: 22/F, Wing Wah Industrial Building, 677 King’s Road, Quarry Bay
How much: Free
Click here for more information
Hong Kong Culture Festival
Celebrating the diversity of local cultural heritage, the third edition of the Hong Kong Culture Festival returns to fill our city with a wide array of exhibitions, concerts, workshops, film screenings, dance performances, and more. Taking place over the course of four months, from September through to December, this annual festival aims to raise public interest and encourage participation in traditional culture, particularly among the youth. A highlight event of the festival is the Intangible Cultural heritage Mart on October 20 and 21, where through workshops, interactive activities, and art illustrations, visitors can get a first-hand experience of local culture in various forms. From festive traditions such as Fire Dragon Dancing, to day-to-day items like Hong Kong style milk tea, this four-month-long festival gives you and the whole family plenty of options for a fun day out.
When: Until December 6
Where: Locations vary
How much: Prices vary
Click here for more information
