Some events may be cancelled due to the current health precautions. Please check with event organisers for updates.
The month of May in Hong Kong features some fantastic dragon boat action in anticipation of the "big" day next month with the Dragon Boat Festival and the exciting races, parades and carnivals held throughout the territory.
Please pay attention to latest health advisories and the ongoing Coronavirus situation in Hong Kong as it may cause last minute cancellations or changes to the events. Always check the organisers' websites before heading out to any event.
So take advantage of the fantastic festivals and the last balmy days before the scorching heat and humidity of summer start trickling in...
May 1st is Labor Day, a public holiday.
May also sees the start of our infamous typhoon season. Hong Kong deals with typhoons every year, don't be alarmed, just aware and if a warning is issued, take the precautions outlined here and stay safe.
Here is a guide to this month's most popular happenings and where and when to catch these colorful and electrifying events.
Highlight Celebrations and Events in May 2020
- The Lamma International Dragon Boat Festival -
Sunday May 17, 2020- Cancelled - Stanley Dragon Boat Warm-Up Races - Saturday May 23, 2020
- Disney Springtime Carnival - TBA
Ongoing Events This May 2020
- Free cultural exhibitions: Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Feng Shui
- The Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong's light and sound show
- It's race time! The Horse Races at Happy Valley are on!
Stanley Dragon Boat Warm-Up Races
The Dragon Boat Festival is fast approaching and the Stanley Dragon Boat Warm Up Races are the perfect prelude to the most anticipated Dragon Boat International Championships coming up next month on June 25, 2020.
This is a great chance to take a peek at what is to come. The Warm Up races differ a bit from the regular races, the course is shorter and the number of paddlers is limited to 18, but although on a smaller scale, it is still a very exciting fun-filled day of dragon boat racing with the same action-packed festival atmosphere and enthusiasm as the main event.
When?: Saturday May 23, 2020 - 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Where?: Stanley Main Beach. Click here for more on Stanley Market, Stanley Beach and how to get there
How Much? Free!
The Lamma International Dragon Boat Festival - Cancelled
Now on its twelfth year, the Lamma 500 International Dragon Boat Festival takes place at Tai Wan To Beach, the home of the Lamma Dragons and the Lamma Outrigger Canoe Club in Lamma Island.
Besides an exciting day of dragon boat action, including Men's, Women's and Junior Crews (12 to 17), there is the
beach-side after-party following the races, or you can head into the Village for dinner and festive drinks along with the many participants.
When?: Sunday May 17, 2020, 9:00 a.m. - approx. 6:00 p.m. 2020 races cancelled
Where?: Tai Wan To Beach, Lamma Island. Take the Ferry from Central Pier 4 to Yung Shue Wan. The ferry takes 25 minutes. The walk to the beach will take approximately another 15-20 minutes.
How Much?: Free
Disney Springtime Carnivale of Stars and Egg-stravaganza
Starting in March, Mickey, Minnie and the gang dress up in their springtime celebratory outfits. Look forward to new lively shows and events on Main Street with all our favourite Disney friends old and new!
Springtime and Easter activities TBA. Stay tuned!
When? March through May
Where? Hong Kong Disneyland
How Much? Disney Springtime Celebration activities are free with Park Admission.
Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
HK Disneyland Discount Tickets Adult HK639 HKD590, Children HK487 HKD438
More Info and Booking at Klook.com
Also available are exclusive experience for World of Frozen and Arandelle Royal Breakfast Buffet
Dining Offers at Hong Kong Disneyland
Ongoing Hong Kong Events
These are some popular ongoing events that are worth checking out, specially since they are FREE or offered for a low fee!
These events feature some of the great and ancient traditions of the territory and are offered by experts in their corresponding fields:
The Symphony of Lights
The Symphony of Lights is Hong Kong's light and sound show, a tribute to the city and its people, their diversity, energy and vitality.
The stage is the entire city, which is what makes it so unique, you can watch the lights from just about anywhere in the waterfront.
This free show offered by the city, takes place every night at 8:00 pm and lasts about 12 minutes.
When?: Every Night
Where?: Can be seen from both sides of Victoria Harbour, specially stunning aboard a Harbour Cruise.
How Much? Free
- More on Hong Kong's Symphony of Lights, best spots to watch.
- Symphony of Lights Harbour Cruise with Aqualuna (NOW SAILING! Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)
The Horse Races Are On! This is how you can attend
The horse races in Hong Kong whether or not you are a horse racing enthusiast is an experience not to be missed!
The beautiful horses, the skillful jockeys, the crowds going wild, they all add up to an exciting, fun-filled, thrilling atmosphere in two world-class venues, at the Sha Tin Racecourse and the iconic Happy Valley Racecourse.
The Happy Valley race course itself is a sight in itself, the city has built around it through the years and it is now practically surrounded by skyscrapers, an awesome experience specially at night when the city is illuminated.
When?: Happy Valley Night Races on Wednesday Nights. On race day, first race starts at 7:15 p.m. and the gates open at 5:15 p.m.
The races are done by 11:00 p.m.
Sha Tin Day Races are on Sundays. First race normally starts at 1:00 pm, earlier if there are more than 10 races. Gates open at 11:00 am.
All races will be streamed live at the HK Jockey Club Racing Channel.
How Much? There are many ways to experience the races, from General Stand to Private Boxes and
special packages including dinner and drinks. General Stand entrance starts at HK10. You can join this guided experience and learn all about horse racing and betting, Enjoy the HKJC horse races from the 2M roof deck.
Hong Kong Events By Month
Most Popular Excursions in Hong Kong
Book with confidence! Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
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