February brings entertainments galore with a slew of great things to enjoy, including the AIA Carnival, the Hong Kong Marathon, the inaugural Longines International Horse Show and so much more.

AIA Carnival

Marvel at the myriad entertainments and indulge in all the fun of the fair. As this annual event marks its 10th birthday, there are activities galore to keep all the family amused and in high spirits. Choose from an incredible 26 rides to get your adrenalin kick, while a slew of games offers the chance to win toys and other prizes, and a community area allows for thrilling interactive experiences. Also falling under the AIA Carnival tent this year, the World Circus features performers from all around the globe, and Live at the Big Top brings uplifting musical interludes.

When: Until 16 Feb

Where: Central Harbourfront Event Space

How much: Various prices

For more information: aiacarnival.com

Russell Howard Live

The British comedian, whose wry and acerbic sense of humour has landed him countless TV gigs, always attracts legions of followers to his live performances. His last tour, Round The World, in 2017 led to a Netflix special and further endeared him to the Hong Kong audience. Presented by Clockenflap, Howard now returns to our shores for another hilarious stand-up in which he will no doubt win over a new set of admirers with his idiosyncratic take on world affairs and the human condition. Enjoy the show! 

When: 5 Feb

Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

How much: From $480

For more information: clockenflap.com

Hong Kong Marathon

Take the opportunity to cheer on the thousands of competitors from Hong Kong and overseas competing in this annual test of supreme athletic ability. The standards are high, though many runners will be on their own personal voyage of endurance in an event which draws in almost 75,000 participants – the highest of any held in the territory. Various races take place on the day, with the full marathon and half marathon starting from Nathan Road and finishing in Victoria Park. Excellent vantage points are available.

When: 9 Feb

Where: Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

How much: Free viewing

For more information: hkmarathon.com

Longines

Promising all the magnificence of its London equivalent, this iconic horse show is set to dazzle Hong Kong with a thrilling display of equestrianism at its finest. Some of the best international riders will compete for honours in exciting show-jumping and dressage rounds. Spectators are sure to be amazed by the horsemanship on display, plus there are shopping and culinary experiences to keep everyone entertained.

When: 14-16 Feb

Where: Asia World-Expo

How much: From $700

For more information: hongkonghorseshow.com

Fur & Fashion Fair

The Hong Kong Fur Federation welcomes fellow professionals from around the world to an event that reinforces the city’s status as the leading fur centre and exporter of high-quality skins. The fair provides unmatched insight into trends and developments in an historic industry that supports thousands of jobs worldwide. Visitors can cast an expert eye over an astonishingly wide range of products on display, from fur and leather garments and accessories to fur skins and pelts.

When: 19-22 Feb

Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

How much: Trade only

For more information: hkff.org

Vegetarian Food Asia

Foodies will delight in this huge gathering of people and products de   signed to celebrate and promote a vegetarian and green lifestyle. The mammoth expo, which last year notched up a staggering 52,000 visits, affords leading players in the industry a superb opportunity to showcase their wares. This year welcomes 300 exhibitors under the umbrella of vegetarian, vegan, eco-friendly and healthy eating and living.

When: 21-23 Feb

Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

How much: Pre-register for free admission

For more information: vegfoodasiahk.com

Pavel Kolesnikov Plays Beethoven

The much-acclaimed pianist takes centre stage at this Hong Kong Sinfonietta – Great Piano Concertos outing as part of the 53rd Hong Kong Arts Festival. Certain to electrify music lovers, the Siberian-born virtuoso brings his talented fingers to Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, as well as Schumann’s Symphony No. 3 ‘Rhenish’. Kolesnikov will also command the keyboard on the first airing of Hong Kong composer Hui Tak-cheung’s Remains for Those Remain. 

When: 22 Feb

Where: City Hall Concert Hall

How much: From $220

For more information: hk.artsfestival.org

The Origins of Chinese Civilisation

Enrich your knowledge of the origins and advancement of Chinese civilisation at this awe-inspiring exhibition that marks more than two thousand years of history.  A project to trace the roots of the Chinese people began in 2002, resulting in meticulous mapping of the progress and diversity of the world’s longest continuous civilisation. Some 100 magnificent exhibits are on show. 

When: Until 7 Feb

Where: Hong Kong Palace Museum

How much: From $100

For more information: hkpm.org.hk

Well-wishing Festival

A fun-filled opportunity to wish for good fortune, this New Year ritual is a highlight of the local cultural calendar. In years past, the famous banyan ‘wishing’ trees at Lam Tsuen in the New Territories would project a shimmering festive glow, laden with notes and tributes. Today, a special plastic tree allows the continuation of the age-old tradition of hurling your wish – written on joss paper and attached to an orange – up into its branches.

When: Until 12 Feb

Where: Lam Tsuen, Tai Po

How much: Free

For more information: lamtsuen.com