June sees some fantastic events to enjoy and soak up some culture, from Dragon Boat Races to a Shakespeare Festival, to a performance of Swan lake and much more besides.

The Sound of Music

Relive the feel-good musical that never fails to lift the spirits and leave a longing for more. Perfect for all the family, this production represents the best of Broadway coming to Hong Kong in a wondrous performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s masterpiece. The Sound of Music is set in Austria just prior to the outbreak of the Second World War but it is a story of hope, compassion and survival. Above all else, it’s a collection of classic songs performed by an international cast that cannot fail to touch the soul and enchant everyone in the auditorium.

When: Until 9 June

Where: Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District

How much: Various Prices

For more information: westkowloon.hk

Swan Lake

Hong Kong Ballet presents rendition of the mesmerising tale of love battling evil and good triumphing over bad. These eternal human themes are captured inthe iconic ballet, which depicts a race against time to break the curse of Von Rothbart. This is a high-octane production with choreography by San Francisco Ballet Resident Choreographer Yuri Possokhov. The Royal Ballet’s Matthew Ball and Constantine Allen of the Dutch National Ballet share guest principal dancer duties with ballerina Ye Feifei to the music of Tchaikovsky.

When: 1-2 & 7-9 June

Where: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

How much: From $180

For more information: hkballet.com

Shakespeare Festival

The amazing works of Shakespeare are brought to life in a series of five highly innovative theatre productions featuring some of the Bard’s most memorable plays. There is an all-female non-verbal performance of King Lear, a tragic exploration of the Macbeth love story, plus a theatre adaptation of the play that is a visual and auditory treat. Hamlet and Henry V are also given new twists in this extravaganza. Staged by Hong Kong and overseas companies, this is not to be missed.

When: 5-16 June

Where: Freespace, West Kowloon Cultural District

How much: Various Prices

For more information: westkowloon.hk

Jason Leong

Doctor Jason Leong gave up his former profession in 2014 to concentrate on being a full-time comedian. Since then, the Malaysian entertainer has played to packed audiences around the world; just last year his Brain Drain World Tour saw venues rocking with laughter in joyous response to his beautifully told anecdotes. In this latest show, Leong seeks to examine his inner self and reveal the secret behind his personality.

When: 8 June

Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

How much: From $HK480

For more information: jasonleong.my

Songkran Music Festival

Billed as the world’s wettest party, this throbbing music festival pays homage to the Thai New Year tradition of splashing water as a symbolic act to cleanse the soul and wash away bad luck. Apart from getting thoroughly drenched from all angles, partygoers can listen to some fantastic musicians and DJs and immerse themselves in amazing visual light displays. The event located at Victoria Harbour offers an unforgettable experience that stimulates the senses.

When: 8-9 June

Where: Central Harbourfront Event Space

How much: From HK$838

For more information: s2ohongkong.com

Fame In a Flash

As part of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival, there’s a golden opportunity to visit a renowned Hong Kong recording studio that has been at the forefront of the local music scene for more than 40 years. Established in 1983, Avon Recording Studios has produced some of the best music around and continues to uphold its fine tradition under the management of pop star Hins Cheung. Music lovers can even mix and record their own creations, and enjoy this great vehicle for musical talent.

When: 8, 15, 22-29 June

Where: Avon Recording Studios, Jordan

How much: HK$180

For more information: pcf.gov.hk

Two Sides of Thierry Maillard

Lovers of jazz music will delight in two concerts staged as part of the ongoing French May Arts Fest. In the first performance, acclaimed French pianist and composer Thierry Maillard teams up with Sylvain Gagnon and Yoann Schmidt for a mixture of melodic tunes and hauntingly melancholic compositions; the trio brings a wonderfully nostalgic feeling to the occasion. The following evening, Maillard and Schmidt are joined by Amaury Faye for the Moog Project.

When: 14-15 June

Where: Hong Kong City Hall

How much: From HK$380

For more information: frenchmay.com

Dragon Boat Races

Soak up the joyous atmosphere that will envelop a magnificent weekend of International Dragon Boat Races set against the beautiful backdrop of Victoria Harbour. It was in Hong Kong that modern dragon boat racing first became a cultural and sporting sensation before becoming popular in other parts of the world. This annual celebration of paddling prowess is always a fun-filled and raucous occasion, with participants and spectators alike energised and enthralled.

When: 15-16 June

Where: Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade

How much: Free

For more information: hkcdba.org

Jewellery & Gem Fair

Find out all the latest developments in the high-class world of jewellery and gemstones at Asia’s leading mid-year industry event, which has developed a fine reputation for its wide range of products on display. Practically every taste is catered for, so attendees can expect to see the finest diamonds, gemstones and pearls, and be kept up to date about all the market insights, including the origins and fascinating stories behind rubies.

When: 20-23 June

Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

How much: Various Prices

For more information: jga.exhibitions.jewellerynet.com