July sees some magnificent events to enjoy, with a terrific gala dance performance a highlight, along with great concerts, a book fair, an animation show and so much more besides.

Gala Dance Performance

The climax of the joyous Chinese Kungfu x Dance Carnival is a star-studded gala featuring a slew of dance artists from conservatoires and groups in Hong Kong and the mainland.  Offering a unique take on Chinese cultural heritage, the wider carnival kicks off on 9 July with the intriguing Huafu Catwalk, enchanting Tang Dynasty Poetry, Music and Dance, and the thrilling spectacle of the Thousand-Person Martial Arts Performance, staged variously in or outside the Cultural Centre. The Gala Dance show promises to wrap up this week-long celebration of the synergy between kung fu and Chinese dance in grand style.

When: 12-14 July

Where: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

How much: From $220

For more information: kungfu-dance.com.hk

HK Phil Season Finale

Harking the culmination of the joyous celebrations in honour of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra’s 50th Season, the final concert sees two acclaimed performers utilising their prodigious talents to ensure the musical extravaganza closes in style. First up, pianist Seong-Jin Cho – the first Korean to win the prestigious International Chopin Piano Competition – plays Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No.2. And on the following night, Finnish conductor Tarmo Peltokoski brings the curtain down on the HK Phil’s golden jubilee with Mahler’s majestic Fifth Symphony.

When: 5-6 July

Where: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall

How much: From $260

For more information: hkphil.org

Aimer Concert

The beloved Japanese singer with the distinctive husky voice visits Hong Kong as part of her celebrated 3 Nuits Tour, which as the French name suggests takes in two other Asian cities, namely Shanghai and Taipei. Aimer’s love of night-time has featured prominently in her repertoire of songs, most notably her debut single, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (2011), which catapulted her to stardom. Performing outside Japan for the first time in five years, she is sure to include many fans’ favourites in the playlist.

When: 9 July

Where: AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok

How much: From $780

For more information: elf-asia.com

After Life

Bringing Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda’s mesmerising film to the stage is no mean feat, and British playwright Jack Thorne pulled it off with an outstanding theatre production that has now been adapted for the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre by Fong Chun-kit and Kwok Wing-hong. Just what are the past memories you want to reawaken before entering the eternal destination known as heaven? After Life explores the meaning of life.

When: 13-28 July

Where: Hong Kong City Hall Centre

How much: From $180

For more information: hkrep.com

Dollism Plus 17

Take your fascination and adoration for dolls and all their accoutrements to the next level and visit one of the best doll exhibitions anywhere. Organised annually in Hong Kong since 2006 by local brand DollHearts, the event attracts major players in the design and manufacture of dolls of all shapes and sizes. Apart from the chance to purchase high-end playthings, the gathering enables collectors to mix and mingle with fellow doll enthusiasts and admire the beauty and artistry of the craft.

When: 14 July

Where: Grand Ballroom, Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel

How much: $65

For more information: dollismplus.com

Hong Kong Book Fair

Bookworms will delight in this annual get-together of readers and book lovers that promises to cater to all reading requirements and tastes. There is a book for everyone here, spanning practically every genre of literature. There are also exciting activities to keep proceedings ticking along nicely, and again, these will encompass diverse tastes: some will be geared to young visitors, while other events like discussion groups will engross older bibliophiles.

When: 17-23 July

Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

How much: $30

For more information: hkbookfair.hktdc.com

World of Snacks

Foodies are sure to love this gathering of exhibitors whose booths are full of snacks from far and wide. The enticing fair brings some of the most popular treats to Hong Kong and will be a huge hit with those who would like to try a quick nibble from nations across the world. Sections to savour include confectionery, chips/crisps, cookies/biscuits and crackers. The chocolate factory and ‘oldie snacks’ are certain to be popular, too. There are also healthy treats for those with discerning tastes.

When: 17-23 July

Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

How much: Entrance Fee

For more information: hktdc.com

Animation Show

Highlights of the 25th Hong Kong Animation and Game Show include the return of the Canvas Project Idol Competition, something which provides a platform for aspiring performers. This year’s Anime Cosplay Contest 2024 facilitates audience participation as they can vote to decide the Cosplayer Popularity Award. Other events include the Voice Acting Competition and Global Chinese Original Comic Competition.

When: 26-30 July

Where: Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

How much: Entrance Fee

For more information: ani-com.hk

Factory of Tomorrow

Celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile (Chat), the Factory of Tomorrow exhibition is a tribute to the textile industry’s past, present and future, as seen through the accomplished eyes of almost 20 Asian artists and collectives. Themes surrounding diversity, climate change and other future challenges are also explored in the exhibition. There are also a series of workshops, lectures, talks and tours to enjoy.

When: Until 14 July

Where: Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile, Tsuen Wan

How much: Free

For more information: mill6chat.org