Whether you want to spend your leisure time appreciating some culture around the world or exploring the world of cinema or art, this May, Hong Kong is bringing you a line of events to keep you entertained over the month. Below are the ones you should definitely be adding to your calendar.

Virtually Versailles

As part of Le French May when Francophone culture is celebrated all over Hong Kong, Virtually Versailles presents the nation’s heritage in the form of an interactive tour of the Palace of Versailles. Whizzing you over to the spectacular château built by Louis XIV west of Paris, this magical experience is a visual journey across time, exploring the palace garden, the splendidly baroque Hall of Mirrors, and even catching a glimpse of Queen Marie Antoinette’s bedroom from three centuries ago.

When: Until 9 July
Where: Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Sha Tin
How much: HK$7
Click here for more information.

Fete des Fleurs

It is universally agreed that of the four seasons, Spring is a particularly beautiful time given all the flowers burst into vibrant bloom. Bringing such beauty to light is the Fete des Fleurs, a project instigated by the Sham Shui Po district office that first blossomed in March. A Fairytale Floral route and related activities have showcased a wide variety of flowers, including chrysanthemums, cherry blossoms, kapok, bougainvillaea and tulip. This month, city dwellers can look forward to even more colour from the likes of hydrangea and bauhinia.

When: Until 31 May
Where: Various venues in Sham Shui Po
How much: Free admission
Click here for more information.

Beauty and the Beast in Concert

Up for a musical concert that will ignite childhood memories? Then Disney’s Beauty and the Beast concert presented by Sound of the Earth is a must for your calendar. With Ponte Orchestra playing music live, alongside conductor Stephen Lam, while the plot of the classic cartoon unravels on the big screen, a riveting performance is assured. Caught up in countless flashes of nostalgia, fans can hum along to all the old tunes.

When: 5-7 May
Where: Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay
How much: From HK$280

Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels

Van Cleef & Arpels’ love of dance is inbred in the brand’s history and its cultural programme – Dance Reflections – is an extension of the passion. On a mission to promote modern and contemporary dance cultures, the 2023 rendition treads the boards and open spaces of Hong Kong in line with Le French May. Nine performances from leading dance talents include Crowd by Gisèle Vienne, Les Traceurs by Rachid Ouramdane and Save the Last Dance for Me by Alessandro Sciarroni. Prices and venues vary.

When: 5-21 May
Where: Various Venues
How much: Prices based on the show
Click here for more information.

Movie Tram

Trams encapsulate one of the most important identities of Hong Kong, so what better way to explore the city’s cinematic scene than through a ride on a Ding Ding? In a must-do activity as part of the inaugural Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival, this guided tram journey allows movie buffs to learn about the local film industry – its history, action behind the scenes, and events that inspired the cult films. Participants will also rattle by some key filming locations in the Central and Western districts. HK$100.. Pcf.gov.hk

When: 6-21 May
Where: Hong Kong Island
How much: HK$100
Click here for more information.

Il Trovatore

Composed by Giuseppe Verdi in 1853, Il Trovatore is adored by opera aficionados and appreciated by critics for its complex, moving and melancholic plot. Opera Hong Kong rises to the task of portraying tragic elements like child sacrifice and fatal curses in this classic work from an Italian libretto by Salvadore Cammarano. While the four acts are staged in the original language, English and Chinese surtitles allow full immersion in the performance for non-Italian speakers.

When: 11-14 May
Where: Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui
How much: From HK$220
Click here for more information.

Affordable Art Fair

Affordable Art Fair has built its reputation by making art accessible to both enthusiasts and collectors. Visitors can discover art pieces priced at HK$1,000 and also ones that are valued at HK$100,000. Representing artists from Hong Kong and overseas, the art fair has even greater resonance this year since it celebrates its 10th anniversary. In addition to viewing inspiring cutting-edge works, interactive experiences such as tours and workshops immerse participants in a less elitist art world.

When: 18-21 May
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai
How much: From HK$180
Click here for more information.

Ice Tribe – Breathwork and Ice Bath

If you are happy to jump cold into every new wellness experience, then an Ice Tribe session by Primal Breathwork is definitely one you will embrace. Just as the name suggests, participants immerse themselves in ice-cold water as they follow the breathing-technique instructions of a certified breath specialist. The two-hour breathwork exercise, held monthly, is said to do wonders for your mental and physical health and help you manage stress levels too. From HK$400.. Primalbw.com

When: 13 May
Where: XP Fitness Hub, Central
How much: HK$400
Click here for more information.

Also Read: The A To Z Of Cold Water Therapy – Everything You Should Know About This Recovery Method

Treasure Tour (Hello) in Hong Kong

Fourth-generation K-pop group Treasure is on a three-month tour of Asia, and Hong Kong is one of their eight-city stops. Given that the 10-member idol group under YG Entertainment has set the music scene alight in such a short period, the Hong Kong concert is sure to be a (fan) frenzied affair. Known as the Treasure Makers, the boy band’s followers will be gearing up to sing along to all the latest releases and, of course, enact the dance moves of Treasure’s viral hit, DARARI.

When: 20 May
Where: AsiaWorld Arena
How much: From HK$699
Click here for more information.