Leisure & Pleasure: The top events in Hong Kong this July

The top events in Hong Kong this July

From the International Arts Carnival to Beauty and THE Beast ON ICE, here is a roundup of July events in Hong Kong.

6 Jul –12 Aug: International Arts Carnival The International Arts Carnival is back and ready to thrill kids with another fun-filled line-up of children’s events. The month-long carnival celebrates every imaginable form of performance art, from films and musicals to physical comedy and magic, while educating your little ones on the different cultures of the world. Check out a shadow puppetry interpretation of the Chinese epic, Mulan, enjoy the windswept journey of two siblings in Air Play, or catch some Hawaiian tropical tunes and hula performances at Ukulele Ohana Jam.

Locations vary

7 July: Shek O Challenge

The top events in Hong Kong this July

For those who wish to challenge their endurance and cardio, the Shek O Challenge is back! With a choice between a 2.2km swim, 8.5km run or a 9km paddle (surfski and paddle), participants will start at Big Wave Beach and race across to Shek O Back Beach.

Make it a group challenge by splitting the run and paddling races between friends or family to make up a relay team. Kids can also participate in a 600m swim race. And if racing is not for you, come along to cheer on friends and family and enjoy a beach barbecue with live music.

Shek O, Hong Kong, HK$400-$450

18 – 24 July: Hong Kong Book Fair

Long-awaited tomes and much-anticipated page turners will take centre stage at this year’s Hong Kong Book Fair. The impetus for this annual event, which is organised by the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council, was to foster a love of literature amongst the local population. And if the attendance figures are anything to go by (the event regularly draws hundreds of thousands of visitors), it’s become a resounding success. This year, in addition to the publishers’ booths, 360 different cultural events have been organised to further promote reading in the city.

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai

21 – 22 July: Beauty & THE Beast ON ICE

If you’re looking to get away from the stifling summer heat, why not head indoors and check out the cool, enchanting musical theatrics of Beauty & the Beast on Ice? Based on Disney’s beloved classic, this interpretation blends fancy ice-skating choreography and dazzling aerial acrobatics, courtesy of renowned dance troupe The Russian Ice Stars. While away an entertaining afternoon by singing along to your favourite childhood tunes and cheering Bella onwards to her happy ending.

KITEC, Star Hall, 1 Trademart Dr, Kowloon Bay. HK$280-680

27 – 29 July: Hong Kong International Darts Festival

Once the purview of local pubs, the game of darts has finally stepped onto the international stage. The inaugural Hong Kong International Darts Festival will draw top players from eight different countries to compete for the winning spot. An exclusive concert on the opening night will feature such acts as local singer Jason Chan and Cantopop groups Supper Moment and Super Girls. Attendees can watch the matches for free, and also get top tips on improving their dart game on-site.