Summer in Hong Kong is in full swing with August bringing a full calendar of events and programmes. The International Arts Carnival is underway featuring a wide array of stage performances. August also welcomes some entertaining exhibitions and fairs, the Hong Kong Food Expo and the Computer and Communications Festival.
Hot days ahead! Great time to get out to the islands and beaches and spend much needed time outdoors! Outdoor spaces, parks and beaches are welcoming visitors wanting to hike, swim, kayak, bike...
We are in the midst of the wettest and hottest time of the year, pack very light clothing, sandals, sun protection, and also a light jacket or sweater for the air-con at hotels, restaurants and shopping centres. An umbrella will also come in handy.
This is also the height of Typhoon season... watch out for any alerts. Here's what you need to know about typhoons in Hong Kong.
So let's get on with the fun part, here's what's going on in Hong Kong in August:
Highlight Celebrations and Events in August
- SummerFest Hong Kong @ Central - July and August
- Intangible Cultural Heritage Mart
- Birthday of Kwan Tai - July or August
- Hong Kong Brands and Products Shopping Festival
- Hong Kong Food Expo
- Hong Kong Computer & Communications Festival
- Hungry Ghost Festival - Yue Lan - August or September
- International Arts Carnival - July and August
- Chinese Opera Festival - June through August
- Water Play Street Summer Party at Hong Kong Disney - June through August
- Ocean Park Summer Splash - July through August
And here's what's hot this summer with kids in Hong Kong
Ongoing Events This August
- Free cultural exhibitions: Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Feng Shui
- The Symphony of Lights - Hong Kong's FREE light and sound show
Highlight Celebrations and Events in August
SummerFest Hong Kong
With fantastic exhibitions, activities, live performances and shows and parties, organisers have transformed the middle of the city into a 30,000 square metre playground for all to enjoy in summer.
What's in store? Exhibitions and activities include Ping Pong Fun, Hoops Wall, a Racing Track, iconic "One CityBus Exhibition", playgrounds, craft markets and fairs, game booths and even a sandy Beach! Dance parties, yoga classes, Ukulele festivals, bike carnival, concerts and plenty of carnival food round up the entertainment.
When?: July and August
Where?: Central Harbourfront Event Space
How Much?: FREE Admission
Intangible Cultural Heritage Mart
Look forward to Dragon and Lion dances, the Hakka Unicorn Dances, Chinese Martial Arts and Puppetry Performances as well as traditional craftsmanship workshops like Dough Figurine Crafting, Chinese Herbal Tea, Chinese Seal Engraving and Mahjong Crafting.
When: August
Where: Central Harbourfront Event Space
How much: FREE, but you must register for the workshops
Birthday of Kwan Tai
Kwan Tai was the God of War and highly regarded among the police and military circles. His Birthday is celebrated on the 24th day of the 6th Lunar month, which may fall in July or August in the Western calendar.
One of the best and more convenient places to join in the celebrations is at the Man Mo Temple a stone-throw away from Central, which is also dedicated to this God and where an old statue of Kwan Tai from the 19th Century is revered.
Birthday of Kwan Tai is NOT an official public holiday in Hong Kong.
When?: July or August
Where?: Man Mo Temple
How Much?: Free
Hong Kong Brands and Products Shopping Festival
Organised by the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong and taking place at AsiaWorld-Expo, the four-day festival features more than 300 booths presenting a wide spectrum of quality products at GREAT PRICES, and offers splendid shopping and entertainment experiences for everyone.
The Festival features several thematic zones including Leisure Food Zone, Health Preserving Food Zone, Living & Household Products Zone, Fashion & Beauty Products Zone, and Trendy Life and Flavorful Fun Zone. From food and beverages to grocery items, from home appliances to kitchenware, from hygiene and cleaning products to pet products, there must be something new for visitors to discover. That's not all... Visitors can expect hundreds of amazing offers and irresistible super sales of up to 90% off from a wide variety of products.
When?: August
Where?: AsiaWorld-Expo, Hall 5 & 7 (East Entrance)
How Much?: Admission HK10 adults, free for children under 1 meter in height, seniors 65+ and persons with disabilities.
You are requested to bring your own shopping bag, tableware and water container.
Hong Kong Food Expo
Hong Kong is the city of food, and this annual fair sponsored by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, is the leading food trade event gathering over 900 exhibitors with delicacies and the finest selection of foods from all over the world.
Another draw for visitors are the series of special events including cooking demonstrations by prominent chefs, forums on a variety of topics such as nutrition and food safety, and games and competitions throughout the five-day event.
When?: August
Where?: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
How Much?: Free for Trade visitors, admission ticket price to public HK25 +
The Hong Kong Computer & Communications Festival
Organised by the Chamber of Hong Kong Computer Industry (CHKCI), the Hong Kong Computer & Communications Festival is the largest exhibition for the I.T. industry in Hong Kong.
And if you're wondering, yes, this is open to the public with items for sale to everyone. This is a very popular festival, everyone interested in computers, gadgets, and anything digital will want to take a look and take a advantage of the many deals offered by the suppliers. And for gaming fans, taking place concurrently and also at the Convention Center is the E-Sport & Music Festival.
When?: August
Where?: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Hall 1
How Much?: HK30
Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival Yue Lan
The seventh month of the Lunar calendar is considered the "Chinese Ghost Month". On this month, the spirits of the deceased are released and they come back to wander off in the living world.
It is said that some spirits may be restless and will have to be appeased, and thus, worshippers will burn paper money and make the usual offerings to make sure they are back in the good graces of their ancestors and any other wandering ghost that may happen to "drop by".
The Hungry Ghost Festival marks the middle of the Ghost Month, and offerings and activities will be held particularly on this day.
Activities other than the usual offerings of incense, Chinese paper money and food, include Chinese Opera and the dragon and lion dances with plenty of noise to scare away the evil ghosts, and are held in parks and plazas throughout the territory.
When?: August or September
Where?: Various locations throughout Hong Kong
International Arts Carnival
A fascinating line up is put together every summer in all sorts of artistic fields: theatre, music, dance, film and magic! It's a great chance for family time, specially on those muggy hot days.
Besides stage programmes there are also Library, Film and Museum Programmes, workshops and exhibitions, online programmes and more.
When? July and August
Where? Many fantastic venues including the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong City Hall, Yuen Long Theatre...
How Much? Varies HK$ 60+
Chinese Opera Festival
"Chinese Opera encapsulates the long history and traditional culture of China. The immaculately crafted movements of the hands, the eyes, the body and the feet of the actors are unique to a whole system of Chinese performing arts."
This art form has been around for centuries and to foster a better understanding of this ancient art, the Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department brings the annual Chinese Opera Festival to the community.
If you have never experienced this unique kind of traditional art, this is your chance! The festival will offer stage performances by some of the leading Companies in the genre. Besides the stage performances, the festival also puts together an array of events from symposiums, Chinese Opera film screenings and exhibitions.
When?: June through August. You can also check out these 7 places to discover Cantonese Opera in Hong Kong
Where?: Stage performances are held at a variety of venues, including the fabulous Grand Theatre at Xiqu Centre, in the West Kowloon Cultural District, in itself worth a visit. Also very convenient for visitors are the Grand Theatre at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade as well as the Hong Kong City Hall in Central.
How Much? Ticket prices vary depending on event.
- Tickets for a stage performance at the Xiqu Center for example range from HK180 - HK480, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre from HK 100 - HK 350.
- Discounts are available to students and seniors.
Water Play Street Summer Party at HK Disneyland
Every summer Hong Kong Disneyland creates a big splash of fun with a fun-filled water party as beloved Pixar Friends make a return appearance, including Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and more.
Mickey and friends will also take center stage and come together to deliver a special summer fun edition featuring special events with spectacular water features.
When? June through August
Where? Throughout Hong Kong Disneyland
How Much? Disney Street Summer Party activities and shows are free with Park Admission.
Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
HK Disneyland Discount Tickets Adult HK669 HKD622, Children HK499 HKD475
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
Ocean Park Summer Splash
Head to both Ocean Park and Water World for non-stop splashing and endless laughter. You will get soaked from head to toe, so be prepared!!!
Street Splash Battle will be fought at Applause Pavilion and don't miss the Dream Foam Party and enjoy a gigantic pool of vibrant bubbles, dazzling lights and upbeat music by live DJ performances.
And head over to the Kids Water Playground and cool off with mist-spraying arches, the Rainbow Fountain and stand under the massive bucket of the Mega Gush for an exhilarating experience.
When?: July and August
Where?: Ocean Park Hong Kong
How Much?: Included with Park Admission, see special Summer Fun Ticket Offers below
Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
Ocean Park Discount Tickets Adult HK498 HK$468, child (3-11) HK249 HK$234
Ticket + Halloween Attractions packages also available.
More Info and Booking at Klook.com
Offers for Water World Ocean Park HK Ticket
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
Hong Kong Events By Month
Most Popular Excursions in Hong Kong
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