August Highlights: Must-see arts and cultural events in Hong Kong

By Roberliza
Aug 03, 2021
The month of August arrives with no shortage of exciting, must-see events around town. Get creatively inspired by performance art at the annual International Arts Carnival, head to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to shop limited-edition prints, drawings and sculptures at the 8th Affordable Art Fair, or immerse yourself in the healing Japanese art of Nagomi Pastel. There are plenty of creative happenings around town to give you a cultural fix and the hottest pictures Instagram! 

Gafencu August event highlights social calendar entertainment hong kong international arts carvnival


International Arts Carnival
Until 15 Aug
Aiming to expose children to the wide world of performing arts and expand audiences’ artistic worldview, this summer carnival – one of Hong Kong’s biggest cultural events – includes dance, acrobatics, theatre, puppeteering, opera for babies and musicals. In addition to the wide range of performances, engaging activities such as workshops, talks and exhibitions are also being staged in various cultural centres across the city. And with Covid-19 social distancing restrictions still in place, the performances will comprise of a mix of online and in-person.
How much: HK$70
Where: Various locations
For more info: ticket.urbtix.hk


Gafencu August event highlights social calendar entertainment hong kong shift dance institute


SHIFT Dance Intensive
2 – 6 Aug
A great way to get the kids moving this school break is enrolling them in an intensive week-long immersion of contemporary dance at Red Shoe Dance Studios. The four-day workshop will be taught by established guest artists and professional dancers based in California, Australia and Hong Kong. Young movers of ages 13 and up can hone their technique and explore forms of improvisation and floor work in the studio’s first international collaboration on a hybrid physical-and-virtual format.
How much: HK$6,500
Where: 22/F, Lee Fund Centre, Aberdeen
For more info: shiftdanceintensive.com


Gafencu August event highlights social calendar entertainment hong kong international tea fair


Hong Kong Int’l Tea Fair
12 – 16 Aug
Tea aficionados are in for a treat at the city’s annual International Tea Fair which will spotlight major tea-trading regions, as well as future tea technology and products and a slew of confectionery and baked snacks to complement the experience. Tea ceremonies and award shows are sprinkled among the tastings.
How much: Free entry
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai
For more info: event.hktdc.com/fair/hkteafair-en


Gafencu August event highlights social calendar entertainment hong kong food expo


Hong Kong Food Expo
12-16 Aug
Returning for the 32nd time, this large-scale annual exhibition of mouth-watering delicacies and specialities from around the world is set to entice gourmets. More than 900 exhibitors will present a wide range of treats, from bakery items to Halal fare to Traditional Chinese Medicine remedies. Running simultaneously to the International Tea Fair, the Food Expo also includes cooking demonstrations and live forums led by prominent chefs.
How much: HK$10
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai
For more info: event.hktdc.com/fair/hkfoodexpo


Gafencu August event highlights social calendar entertainment hong kong gin festival


Gin Festival Hong Kong
17 Aug
An exclusive opportunity for gin lovers to gather, this exciting festival showcases more than 100 different gins, including limited-edition bottles, available for tasting. A well-rounded itinerary includes seminars with top brands and distilleries, music, food and entertainment. Sip your G-and-T of choice while watching top-ranked bartenders from some of the most well-known joints in the city make special gin-inspired cocktails.
How much: HK$190
Where: Renaissance Hotel, Wan Chai
For more info: ginfestival.asia


 


Also Read: Lockdown Learning: New skills to pick up to expand your horizons


Gafencu August event highlights social calendar entertainment hong kong affordable art fair


Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong
27-29 Aug
Making world art more accessible and inclusive to enthusiasts of all backgrounds, the Affordable Art Fair returns with a carefully curated exhibition of high-quality artworks at reasonable prices. Whether it is a painting or sculpture, you are likely to find a piece that speaks to you here within a price range of HK$1,000 to HK$100,000. The event will also showcase live musical performances, innovative talks, tours and hands-on workshops for adults and kids alike.
How much: HK$100
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai
For more info: affordableartfair.com


Gafencu August event highlights social calendar entertainment hong kong hungry ghost festival


Hungry Ghost Festival
22 Aug
According to local tradition, the Hungry Ghost Festival (Yu Lan) – a period also coined as Ghost Month – is when spirits come out to roam the streets among the living. If your faith isn’t steeped in the same superstitions, you can skip on the rituals of incense and joss-paper burning and still enjoy the night, which typically showcases Chinese opera performances on make-shift bamboo stages at sports grounds across the city.
How much: Free entry
Where: Various locations
For more info: discoverhongkong.com


Gafencu August event highlights social calendar entertainment hong kong computer and communications festival


Hong Kong Computer and Communications Festival
20-23 Aug
Techies, be thrilled! The Hong Kong Computer and Communications Festival exhibits all the latest and greatest gadgets and devices readily available for purchase. There’s a strong focus on sports, health and wellness, so get out of your bedroom and over to the Convention Centre to snap up one of the countless exclusive deals by suppliers tempting you to add to your collection.
How much: HK$30
Where: Hall 1, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai
For more info: hkccf-expo.com


Gafencu August event highlights social calendar entertainment hong kong


Nagomi Pastel Art Workshop
Until 31 Dec
If you haven’t heard of Nagomi art, now is the perfect opportunity to get hands-on with this simple yet therapeutic Japanese art form. Eschewing the use of traditional drawing instruments, such as pens and brushes, participants can explore using their fingers instead to apply pastel powders on canvas. A calming process that results in zen-like gradient circular illustrations, Nagomi art is suitable for all ages. Parents eager for respite can take their energetic youngsters to this tranquil workshop.
How much: HK$320
Where: H405, PMQ, Central
For more info: isatisse.com


 


Also Read: Restoring Hong Kong’s love of Cantonese Opera