Wondering what to do in Hong Kong, whether it’s on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon or beyond? We’ve got a list of fun activities, Hong Kong events and festivals to add to your calendar! We’ve kept everybody in mind, so you should find something that interests you among our list of things to do in Hong Kong.
# Upcoming Hong Kong events
Toki Nashiki Solo Exhibition
Gallery Tete presents a solo exhibition by Hong Kong ceramic studio Toki Nashiki, founded in 2016 by Ryan Hui and Wy Lee. The exhibition explores the relationship between ceramics, design and everyday life through vessels, tables and large-scale works. At its centre is a new experiment with liangran, a traditional gambier dyeing technique. Fired ceramics are repeatedly immersed in natural dye and dried in the sun, creating layers of orange, brown and deep black while preserving the raw texture of the clay.
When: Until 20 September
Where: Gallery Tete, S704, 7/F, Block A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central
Fading Out/In: Designed to Remember
Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC), supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), is presenting this exhibition and explores how design can help preserve cultural memories that are gradually disappearing from everyday life.
When: Until 2 November
Where: Hong Kong Design Centre
PMQ Taste Library’s All-New Guest Curator
PMQ has launched the newly reimagined Guest Curator Project, a year-long cultural initiative that transforms the PMQ Taste Library into a dynamic platform for creativity, storytelling and community engagement. The project invites three local creative forces to reimagine the library through distinct perspectives, exploring the intersections of culinary arts, lifestyle and reading.
When: Until 31 March 2027
Where: PMQ Taste Library, H504, 5/F, Block B, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central
ESF’s Central Application for 2027/28
ESF provides education through 24 international schools across Hong Kong, offering a continuous learning pathway from K1 to Year 13. Its through-train system allows students to progress from kindergarten to secondary school, while extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and drama encourage them to explore different interests.
When: Until 30 September
Where: ESF Language & Learning Centre
Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival 2026
The Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival in Hong Kong brings together residents and visitors to celebrate one of the most cherished festivals in Chinese culture, the Mid-Autumn Festival. Organised as part of the Chinese Culture Festival, the event aims to encourage everyone to experience traditional customs, arts and festive activities in a lively public setting.
When: 17 to 25 September
Where: Multiple locations
ICHK Kindergarten Open Day and Year 1 & 2 Visit
Parents with children born between 2020 and 2024 are invited to join the ICHK Open Day and experience their inspiring learning environment. Visit will include the Kindergarten, outdoor learning spaces, Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms, and the School Library.
When: 19 September
Where: ICHK Hong Lok Yuen
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance
Honoured as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance features a 67-metre Fire Dragon illuminated by 12,000 burning incense sticks, paraded by over 300 performers, with children carrying a smaller LED dragon.
When: 24 to 26 September
Where: Causeway Bay
TEDxTinHau Women’s UNCHARTED
TEDxTinHau Women celebrates its 10th anniversary on 2 October with a full-day event at the Xiqu Centre. Under the theme “Uncharted”, the event will feature 13 speakers from six different countries covering topics such as science, health, sports, technology, design, social impact and personal growth. Different generations will share stories, ideas and experiences that encourage audiences to see the world from new perspectives. Attendees can also visit a community fair and take part in newly introduced “Quest” workshops and excursions held across HK.
When: 2 October
Where: Grand Theatre of the Xiqu Centre
25th Anniversary Open Day at IMS Stanley Campus
The event celebrates 25 years of bilingual Montessori education and offers visitors an opportunity to see learning in action from early childhood through adolescence. Guests can explore classrooms, observe hands-on learning activities and meet parents, students and alumni to learn about the Montessori approach.
When: 10 October
Where: IMS Stanley Campus
Hong Kong Academy Exploration Day
Join the upcoming Exploration Day at Hong Kong Academy to see how the school fosters intellectually curious, intrinsically motivated and interculturally minded global citizens. This open day will provide families with first-hand insight into HKA’s teaching, programmes and facilities, with specialist activities and faculty-led workshops, plus plenty of admissions tips and advice.
When: 24 October
Where: Hong Kong Academy
A Swim with Purpose
Former Hong Kong Olympic swimmer and Inspiring HK Sports Foundation Ambassador Alex Fong will take part in the “Alex Fong Hong Kong–Macau Charity Swim 2026” on 19 November. He’ll be swimming 35 kilometres from Peaked Hill on Lantau Island, Hong Kong, to Hac Sa Beach, Macau, in an estimated nine-hour openwater challenge. The event aims to raise funds for sports opportunities for children and young people from underprivileged backgrounds and those with special educational needs, while promoting resilience, confidence and equal access to sport.
When: 19 November
Where: Peaked Hill on Lantau Island, Hong Kong, to Hac Sa Beach, Macau
# Fun activities for kids and families
Museum Galleries
The Hong Kong Science Museum has hree permanent exhibition galleries: Living Tech Gallery, InnoTech Gallery and AI Gallery. The three galleries provide insights on how technology and AI shape daily life, including five pivotal technologies that are driving modern innovation. Find out about everything from foods that will feature in our diets in the future, to advanced DNA editing and AI powered music composition.
When: Now!
Where: 2 Science Museum Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon
More: hk.science.museum
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
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.
See the light show
The city’s iconic skyline takes on a different glow as buildings each side of the harbour beam lights across the water. A Symphony of Lights 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.
# More things to do in Hong Kong
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 (you can use your Octopus card) and see the spectacle of race fans watching world-class horse racing against a backdrop of skyscrapers.
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
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
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: Some 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 $3.30 to experience this piece of iconic local culture.
Got an event to add? Contact us at [email protected]/hong-kong.
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