Best things to see and do in Hong Kong this weekend

From free tram rides to museum visits, check out our guide on all the freebies and special offers for you to take advantage of this July 1. 

AllRightsReserved is once again collaborating with renowned Japanese artist Face Oka, along with long-term partner Galler Target, to present his first overseas solo exhibition in Hong Kong (Shop 116, 1/F, Landmark, Central), titled 'Meet Face Oka Gallery by AllRightsReserved - Storyboard'. The exhibition displays a stunning collection of 25 new acrylic paintings and three sculptural works inspired by Japanese movies from the late 90s and early 00s. Through these works, Oka offers a fresh creative perspective by crafting a series of imaginary movie scenes that invite viewers to create their own narratives. Additionally, the artist delves into landscape oil paintings for the first time, seeking to capture the liminal spaces that connect various film scenes and convey the intricate connections between space and time.

It's that time of year again when The Pontiac, an award-winning American dive bar, celebrates love, equality, and freedom. In June 2015, the United States legalized same-sex marriage, coinciding with the opening of The Pontiac. This led to the inception of their first annual event, the Red, White & Rainbow celebration, in honour of independence and equal rights. For nine years and through many changes, The Pontiac has only grown stronger. This year, the bar is taking it up a notch with its 9 Lives Pussy Palace theme and is encouraging everyone to channel their inner feline. Whether you come dressed as Cat Woman, Kinky Puss and Boots, or any other interpretation, all are welcome to join in on the fun.

Don't miss the party on July 2nd and indulge in $50 cocktails, fruity slushies, and $30 Modelo beers. Additionally, their sister establishment, Ponty Cafe, will serve plates of BBQ in exchange for donations. The proceeds from each plate of food will go towards supporting the Pink Alliance, a non-profit organization that advocates for the LGBT+ community.

Nan Fung Place is hosting its third annual food gala, and this time, it's all about pistachio! From June 28 to July 14 (Monday to Friday), The Great Pistachio Palooza will feature 26 hit Instagram shops – including @lamlamli_bakery, @dear.coffee.bakery, @chilltaiwan.hk, @moono_hk, and @the.mochiffon.cake – showcasing over 100 specially made desserts and baked goods using pistachios as the star ingredient. Whether they're chopped, pureed, or used in whole, discover treats like bagels, madeleines, pudding buns, pastries, mille-feuille, egg rolls, chiffon cakes, box cakes, and much more. On July 1 (Saturday), the Great Pistachio Extravaganza will also be held where sweet tooths will be able to discover over 50 delicious bites under one roof.

NF Touch members can also enjoy four exclusive privileges, including pre-ordering limited signature treats, redeeming fast passes, a five percent discount on pistachio items on-site, as well as a BOGOF offer for Da Hong Pao Milk Tea at Coucou Hotpot Tea Break (Nan Fung Place).

Grab the popcorn as M+ Cinema has just unveiled its lineup for the summer! From July to September, immerse yourself in a series of cinematic masterpieces that promise to deliver a diverse and enriching viewing experience while opening up new perspectives on visual culture.

Diving into the history of animation in Asia, the 'Animation Pioneers in Asia' programme features a selection of iconic animation from various regions of Asia, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Japan, Korea, and Thailand, between the 1960s and 1990s. Meanwhile, the thematic programme 'Disquieted Water of the South' will feature films and video works that explore the cultural, political, and historical heterogeneity of the southeastern part of Asia across three parts.

Other concurring programmes and screenings include 'Rediscoveries', which brings forgotten gems and restored classics back to the big screen; 'Fresh Eyes', a recurring series offering family-friendly content for young minds to learn about film and culture; two films about Vietnam which celebrate the early career of the renowned Hong Kong filmmaker Ann Hui; and special screenings that pay homage to Charlie Chaplin’s sharp and timeless satire on tyranny – so prepare for some laughs. Tickets for major programmes will go on sale starting from Monday, June 12.

Step into the wacky and whimsical world of Flabjacks, where you'll meet a cast of chubby, friendly characters and embark on a journey to discover what truly makes a place feel like home. From now to July 16, the Welcome Home exhibition – the first solo exhibition in Hong Kong by local artist Ton Mak – showcases 29 acrylic paintings, including two brand new characters, all created in a vibrant and carefree style. Exclusive merchandise, such as bespoke art toys, artist collection blankets, and tote bags, will also be available for purchase. Don't miss the four-meter-tall wood sculpture of the cheerful pink dinosaur, who will guide you through the weird and wonderful world of Flabjacks. 

Contemporary Japanese izakaya Zuma offers a culinary experience this summer aboard a catamaran. Enjoy a bountiful tasting menu, free-flow Veuve Clicquot Champagne, and cocktails aboard a luxury yacht on July 2, which will take you around Hong Kong’s scenic waters before stopping at Clear Water Bay. Zuma’s tasting menu begins with delightful starters like French Gillardeau oysters dressed in yuzu ponzu, Japanese Wagyu tataki, and grilled tako skewers with Arima sansho peppers; before moving onto signature dishes like jumbo tiger prawns with yuzu pepper Chilean sea bass with green chilli dressing, and spicy beef tenderloin with sesame, red chilli, and sweet soy. Additionally, Zuma will offer signature cocktails like Rikka and Tonic and Endo Margarita, along with free-flow Champagne, beer, and soft drinks. Reserve your spot for this coveted dining event by calling Zuma at 3657 6388 or contacting them via email. 

The annual SummerFest is back! Running from June 9 to July 23, the annual festival has a slew of events and activities in store this year with the theme of 'Fun in the Sun', inviting Hongkongers and tourists to chill, play, and enjoy a great summer by our gorgeous waterfront.

Highlights to look forward to this year include the return of the 'HK Camping Festival', featuring car camping gatherings, a flea market, music performances, workshops, and more; the 'One Citybus' exhibition, where Citybus and NWFB will showcase the evolution of their franchise buses ranging from retro models to retired buses; and a four-day 'LocoLoco Market - Summer Creative Fair' (June 22 to25), an outdoor market offering various handmade products and creative workshops.

In addition, a series of cultural programmes will also be on offer throughout the festival, such as dance parties, a ukulele festival, music performances, sports and fitness days, along with fun photo spots and other activities like bouncy 'Sunny Side Up' eggs, a 12-metre 'Great Blue Whale' showing off its sexy curves under the sun, a golden sunflower field, a mini beach, and more.

Obsessed with handbags? Love anything to do with fashion? Head to Bags: Inside Out, a comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the history and cultural significance of bags. Now on display at Pacific Place until July 16, the exhibition explores the function, status, and craftsmanship of bags and features over 240 items dating as far back as the 16th century. The exhibition is divided into three themed sections: Function and Utility, Status and Identity, and Design and Making, showcasing all types of bags, from designer handbags and vanity cases to utilitarian rucksacks. Highlights include Sarah Jessica Parker's iconic Fendi Baguette bag in Sex and the City, Princess Diana’s ‘Lady Dior’ by Christian Dior, as well as 13 bags from Hong Kong singer, actress, and fellow bag enthusiast Kelly Chen's personal collection.

Pacific Place has also curated a series of happenings, including bespoke guided tours, Makers Workshops, a 360-degree video booth, shopping rewards, and an exclusive designer bag-inspired cocktail made with elderflower, yuzu, and gin at Salisterra, The Upper House. 

If you’re looking for a quiet weekend brunch without the hectic noise and atmosphere of boozy brunches in the city, consider spending a chill afternoon at Rosewood’s Asaya Kitchen. Chef Fabio Nompleggio’s special weekend menu focuses on the freshest fish sourced from ethical and sustainable producers from various parts of the world. His latest menu features the Mediterranean Dorada fish from Spain and is available only on weekends until the end of August. The menu comes with a glass of medium-bodied Spanish wine 2019 Bodegas Mengoba, Godello Viejo Bierzo and features various interpretations of the Dorada fish (also known as Gilt Headed Bream) delivered fresh from Spain within 48 to 72 hours.

The five-course menu ($688/person) starts with a rustic and refined amuse-bouche and focaccia bun served with moreish seaweed saffron butter before moving onto standout dishes like carpaccio with sour cream, grated yolk, and green asparagus; the warming Dorada consommé made with fish’s roasted bones broth with fresh bonito flakes served with celeriac ravioli stuffed with fish emulsion; and Dorada roll on a bed of purple cabbage purée and baby onions. The brunch ends with refreshing Blood Orange served with marinated strawberry and candied rose, or frozen baby corn mousse made with sweet corn, served with corn gel and a five-spice crumble. 

To celebrate the release of DC Comics' first big-screen movie about the titular superhero, The Flash, Cityplaza is hosting a thematic exhibition from now to July 9 featuring a life-size statue of The Flash, a series of dioramas, and an interactive game that takes visitors across the DC Multiverse. Visitors can also journey through six photo ops, including Batman's majestic Batcave with replicas of seven different Batman bat suits. The exhibition also includes a Hot Toys pop-up store with over 100 goodies, including exclusive collectible figures and spin-off merchandise from other superhero movies. What's more, on designated dates, participants who present a same-day Cityplaza cinema ticket for The Flash and follow Cityplaza on Instagram can redeem a Cosbaby keychain.

Looking to celebrate Pride Month? Join the first-ever LGBTQ+ bar crawl organized by the Lan Kwai Fong Association in partnership with Gay Games Hong Kong and Resolve Foundation on June 17th. From 4pm to 9pm, you can visit some of the city's most popular nightlife destinations and socialise with like-minded people. Enjoy exclusive pride-themed drinks and bites while grooving to DJ beats all night long. The bars and restaurants included on the crawl are pizzeria Baci Trattoria & Bar, taproom Carbon Brews Central, dive bar Dead &, and hangout spot Frank's Italian American Social Club. The festivity will continue at Petticoat Lane, where guests can enjoy a night of 'HOC Pride Disco' presented by Haus of Circuit, complete with drag queen appearances and fabulous dancers.

To participate, collect your wristband and stamp card at Baci, where you can indulge in slices of rainbow pizza ($198) or servings of Raviolo Arcobaleno ($208). If you can't make it to the bar crawl, you can catch the special Eat with Pride dining promotions from June 16 to 30 at six of LKF Concepts’ restaurants, including seafood and steakhouse Porterhouse, Italian restaurant Aria, Japanese restaurants Fumi, Tokyo Joe, and Kyoto Joe. $10 for every item sold will be donated to the Resolve Foundation.   

Reserve your tables for  Eat with Pride via lkfconcepts.com and purchase tickets for Stride for Pride on this link.

The Hong Kong Arts Centre is set to host CameraWomen: Films by Women Cinematographers, a moving image programme featuring the works of women cinematographers from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, and other countries. Despite the male-dominated tradition of cinematography, women have made significant contributions to the field, and CameraWomen aims to showcase their talents by providing a platform for their work. The programme will run from June 14 to September 23 at the Louis Koo Cinema of the Hong Kong Arts Centre. There will also be after-screening talks with featured cinematographers and/or directors, offering audiences insights into the challenges, skills, and mindsets required to succeed in this field and inspire more women to pursue careers in cinematography.

Running from now to July 4 at premium art space Artelli, Takeru Amano Solo Exhibition: Attack of Clone Venus marks the legendary Japanese artist's first showcase in Hong Kong, featuring 450 NFT digital and physical collectibles, as well as sculptures and giant art installations inspired by over 1,000 items from Amano's daily life. The collection offers simplicity, minimalistic design, vibrant colours, and saturated hues. Those who purchase the limited art book are entitled to receive a corresponding NFT digital collectible. In addition to the physical exhibition, Artelli has also introduced two interactive AR filters to enhance the audience's viewing experience.

Visitors can also check out the concurrent exhibition, Art for Lohas, which features the works of nine international artists showcasing eco-friendly artworks that promote environmental sustainability. The exhibition emphasizes the importance of sustainable development and aims to draw attention to the interconnectedness between humans and nature, highlighting the need for introspection on the environment, resources, and climate change.

M+ and HKADC present 'Angela Su proudly presents: Lauren O—The Greatest Levitator in the Polyhedric Cosmos of Time', a site-responsive exhibition adapted from the artist's successful presentation at the 59th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. Set in the wild imaginative world of Su, the exhibition – presented in two parts – explores the life of Lauren O, a legendary levitator who played an instrumental role in the 1960s anti-war movement in the United States, and illustrates her obsession with transformation and levitation. The exhibition will be on display from June 9 to October 8 in the Cissy Pui-Lai Pao and Shinichiro Watari Galleries at M+.

Join My Melody and The Big Things Adventure Team on a magical forest adventure at The Big Things Playground! From April 22 to August 31, parents and children can embark on an exciting journey through the enchanted forest, completing star missions and searching for lost star fragments. The event features interactive games, photo spots, and must-visit checkpoints, providing opportunities for children to enhance their observation, concentration, and imagination skills. Through the Colourful Star Hunt Party, My Melody Starlight Workshop, and Star Maker games, children can unleash their creativity and enjoy the fun of adventure and exploration with their families.

From now to July 5, Pop Sunday and Kkplus present the Gasam Universe Mini Exhibition, showcasing the virtual fantasy world of Gasam Universe imagined by designer Zha Zha. The exhibition is designed with a Y2K and neon psychedelic style, with fluorescent green and psychedelic neon colours dominating the space. Visitors can explore the fluffy space with characters Zhazhazi and Moxi, snap selfies on inflatable sofas, take purikura photos at the Y2K Girls Zone purikura photo booth, and take home a series of adorable merch, including plush dolls, a limited edition bead crossbody strap, tote bags, and more. 

Running from May 24 to September 3, the Hope exhibition marks the first solo show in Hong Kong by renowned Australian artist Patricia Piccinini. Featuring over 50 artworks, including hyper-realistic sculptures, paintings, and moving images, the exhibition explores the unexpected consequences of tampering with nature, raising crucial questions about the impact of science on humanity. Among the largest works in the show is Celestial Fields, an immersive installation made up of 4,500 individual flower stems, as well as a 20-metre-high installation of multi-coloured wigs spun together and suspended down from the ceiling. Over the course of the exhibition, a wide range of activities are also available for the public, including film screenings, workshops, tours, Family Day events, and more. 

Watch our preview of the large-scale exhibition below:

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As part of The Peninsula Hong Kong’s 95th anniversary celebration, The Grand Dame of the Far East is offering an afternoon tea experience unlike any other. The hotel collaborates with the Star Ferry, one of Hong Kong’s most cherished icons, to offer guests a cruise at the lavishly decorated World Star ferry complete with an afternoon tea package as they sail along Victoria Harbour. From every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday until July 2, The Peninsula’s special tea menu ($650 per person) features an array of sweet and savoury bites, such as tuna niçoise on focaccia, cucumber finger sandwiches, citrus jelly and vanilla cheesecake, as well as the hotel’s iconic raisin scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam.

Featuring 14 new works and four sculptures, Space Rich follows in the same vein as Chang's previous show, Bling Dynasty, by incorporating recognisable figures and icons from pop culture and luxury brands in its compositions. Juxtaposing 'earthly' icons against the barren landscape of Mars, the exhibition offers a visual contemplation of deep space habitation and the possibility of escaping reality – a world dominated by consumerist urges and social media feeds – to outer space or virtual reality. At once provocative and playfully enticing, Chang's works invite viewers on a foray into Chang’s imaginative visions of Mars and the footprints of its futuristic inhabitants.

If you've been around the harbourfront area at Tsim Sha Tsui lately, you might have noticed the huge swimming pool installation located outside the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMOA). Created by Hong Kong artist Chan Wai-lap, the installation – titled, Some of Us are Looking at the Stars – is part of HKMOA's Harbour Wonder exhibition, which also features a set of six art installations by local artist Tsoi Wai-kuen. Standing four-metre-tall and 11-metre-long, Chan's installation invites audiences to step into a fantasy world that draws on his personal memories and experiences of swimming pools, while exploring themes of public and private spaces. The installation plays with light, sound, and even the weather to create an ever-changing scene for those who step inside. 

Meanwhile, Tsoi's set of six art installations – titled, A symphony of delights – takes inspiration from iconic buildings and their exterior designs on both sides of Victoria Harbour, including the Cultural Centre, HKCEC, and IFC. Sitting at Art Square in the forecourt of HKMoA, the installations come in both dynamic and static form, acting as playful 'landmarks' for people to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. 

It’s no secret that Hong Kongers love seafood, and between what we can find in supermarkets and restaurants, there are plenty of options out there, but Tasting Kitchen and the Norwegian Seafood Council have come together to highlight the premium quality of seafood the Nordic country has to offer. Tapping industry veteran and former FINDS executive chef Jaakko Sorsa, Ap Lei Chau’s scenic Ocean Table is now taking bookings for a special tasting menu highlighting some of Norway’s most popular seafood exports, including oysters, sea urchins, langoustines, king scallops, red king crabs, and snow crab. Exact dishes will be confirmed when you make your reservation as all seafood is flown over directly from Europe while still being kept alive, ensuring the freshest and most seasonal offerings for any special occasion. The menu is priced at $2,800 per person and includes a Bollinger Champagne reception.

Running from now until September 8, HKDI's annual Emerging Design Talents exhibition takes on the theme of 'Embrace' this year and showcases innovative design projects by HKDI graduates. The exhibition focuses on the values of inclusion and acceptance to improve human life and promote social sustainability. Highlighting their professional design skills and their ability to blend traditional culture with modern technology in today's multicultural era, the exhibition features over 500 design works across diverse areas such as architecture, interior and product design, digital media, fashion and image design, and more.

Luxury hotel group Shangri-La has recently launched ‘Find Your Shangri-La’, a brand-new global campaign that promotes the hotel group’s renowned hospitality and encourages guests to find joy during their stay.

From now until August 13, guests who visit Island Shangri-La will be offered a series of themed experiences, including an exclusive six-course tasting menu full of intricately crafted Chinese dishes at Summer Palace, and a selection of whimsical cocktails and mocktails available at Lobster Bar and Grill from now until the end of 2023.

To celebrate the campaign, the group has also collaborated with Japanese contemporary artist Mika Ninagawa to transform the hotel’s lobby with Butterflies’ Season, a gorgeous floral installation. Visit the hotel from now until July 14 to see the Instagrammable display. Finally, chef Uwe Opocensky and his team have sculpted impressive installations like a chocolate dress and boot, which will be on display in the hotel from now until August 31. 

Find more details about the Find Your Shangri-La campaign on Shangri-La’s website. 

As part of Oi! Spotlight, an annual programme that invites artists to present their works in old and new exhibition spaces, Hush‧Rush is a stunning art project by Hong Kong electronic musician and multimedia artist Choi Sai-ho. Running from now until July 30 at Oil Street Art Space, the exhibition creates a sense of opposition through the interaction of sounds and moving images and expands the audience's imagination to redefine perceptions of our city.

Gaylord Indian Restaurant celebrates their 50th anniversary of dishing up indulgent Indian dishes in Hong Kong. To honour their momentous milestone, Gaylord invited legendary Indian celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor to create a curated Golden Jubilee Celebration tasting menu featuring a selection of Gaylord’s classic favourites with chef Kapoor’s exquisite delicacies. Feast on tantalising appetisers like Kerala-style crabs with curry leaf or lemongrass chicken malai tikka; or sumptuous entrees such as bay prawns cooked in spiced coconut milk and truffle oil, as well as chef Kapoor’s signature dish, spinach roundels stuffed with cottage cheese in smoked pepper makhani. In addition to the dishes, Gaylord offers three celebratory beverages: Rose-Royale, a sparkling pink cocktail with gold leaf; Oldie Goldie, a bourbon and Indian rum cocktail; and Rukmamaya, a home-infused gin. Guests can savour chef Kapoor’s tasting menu for the next six months.

Discover the beauty of nature and its origin at the Oneness exhibition, featuring life-like depictions of various animals by Hong Kong artist ArBlackChris. The exhibition is part of the Artists-in-Residence program at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG), highlighting ArBlackChris as one of this year's artists. Through his artworks, ArBlackChris aims to promote the importance of Hong Kong's countryside and its indigenous wildlife, showcasing the Eurasian eagle owl, comma butterfly, rainbow stag beetle, and more. The exhibition runs until September 30 at KFBG's Art House, and includes fluid painting art workshops where participants can create their own art through the movement and flow of acrylic paint.

Korean digital design company d’strict heads to Hong Kong with Arte M, a special digital art show showcasing selected highlights from its renowned immersive media art exhibition Arte Museum.

Open from now to January 7, 2024, at K11 HACC, Arte M takes on the theme of 'Eternal Nature' and consists of four individual spaces displaying unique media artworks that reinterpret elements and nature. From the life cycle of flowers and crashing swells to boundlessly stretching seashore and the tropical rainforest, the works will take audiences on a surreal immersive experience through a combination of visual effects, sensuous sound, and elegant aromas.

Following its 15-month showcase at K11 HACC, the exhibition is expected to relocate to 11 Skies as a permanent exhibition with more works added to the collection in a much larger space. If you can't wait that long, get your tickets to the current show now.

Created by American architectural group Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Joyful Trees (Arbores Laetae), is an art project at Oil! featuring 16 Chinese Junipers, three of which are placed on turning planters at a 10-degree tilt. As the trees rotate, the movement channels a rhythmic rustle and evokes discourse about human’s role in nature from Anthropocene’s perspective. Planting a movable landscape, the installation also reinterprets nature as ever-changing and never static, creating an unusual artistic perspective.

The three-dimensional installation can be viewed from eye level on the ground; by the adjacent pedestrian ramp; on the footbridge across the site; from the gallery window in the Oi! Glassie building; or even from the skyscrapers above.