Need  a reason to step out of the house? This month is serving up all sorts of fun activities. From the annual Hong Kong Wine & Dine, the much anticipated Spartan Race, and a slew of art festivals and exhibitions to watch out for. Check out what’s on the slate for November events.

Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival
1 – 30 Nov
Hong Kong gourmands rejoice! One of the city’s largest and most highly anticipated culinary events returns for a month-long gastronomic experience. This year the festival brings its events closer to you, and you closer to the city, in its first-ever “City Wine Walk”, a single tasting pass to limited-time only menus at more than 400 participating restaurants and bars across the city. Once again running congruent with its physical event, a live-streamed “Tasting On-Air” programme introduces virtual visitors to a series of expert-led rare wine tasting masterclass. So, foodies and wine lovers get ready to indulge in exclusive wines, a slew of delicious delicacies and innovative eats, and a “Chinese Omakase by Masterchefs”, featuring the city’s young and talented rising stars in the F&B industry.

For more information: discoverhongkong.com

Festive Korea
Until 28 Nov
All things Korean come to town with the 11th edition of Festive Korea, organised by the Korean Cultural Centre. With “K-Connected” as the theme of this year’s exchange of art and culture, Hongkongers can delight in a wealth of Korean experiences, from browsing through a cultural bazaar and admiring beautiful ceramics to indulging in delicious Korean food and the country’s famed pop culture. Korean classical musicians also get in on the act; a performance by world-renowned violinist Zia Shin and pianist Yoonie Han is another festival highlight.

Price: Free entry
Location: 6/F, PMQ, Hollywood Road, Central
For more information: hk.korean-culture.org

Poetic Heritage
Until 21 Nov
Curated by arts and heritage practitioner Alex Tam Hok-nang and spotlighting six contemporary artists from Hong Kong and beyond, the Poetic Heritage exhibition at Tai Kwun explores the untold stories of heritage through contemporary art. Whether through the preservation of physical objects or exploring cultural identity in the context of modern-day issues, visitors can glean how the past resonates in the present and ponder concerns raised about the homogenisation of heritage.

Price: Free entry
Location: JC Contemporary, Tai Kwun, Central
For more information: taikwun.hk

Hong Kong Spartan Sprint
20 – 21 Nov
Challenge yourself this month and push your limits like never before at the return of the Hong Kong Spartan Sprint. The 5k obstacle race is divided into three competitive categories: Elite, Age Group and Open. Children can also join in the strenuous fun of Kids Weekend, with races providing a podium for the young to test themselves and learn a sense of sportsmanship.

Price: From HK$900 (HK$480 for children)
Location: Kam Tin Country Club, New Territories
For more information: spartanrace.hk

New Vision Arts Festival 2021 
Until 28 Nov
The annual New Vision Arts Festival is renowned for championing cutting-edge and boundary-pushing performing arts, adhering to its vision of crossover collaborations, nurturing new talents and commissioning new works. Forced to take a back seat on its fourth principle this year – overseas outreach – it nevertheless offers a smattering of virtual performances by artists who cannot make it here in person. Local audiences can choose from a series of musical, dance, film and multi-arts performances, screenings and exhibitions throughout the month.

Price and location varies:
For more information: nvaf.gov.hk

Nine Songs
26 – 28 Nov
Internationally renowned choreographer Helen Lai is joined by Oscar winners Tan Dun and Tim Yip, along with the Hong Kong Dance Company, in the revival of one of her most celebrated works, Nine Songs. Inspired by an epic poem collection in Chinese literature, dancers honour ancient legends in contemporary form, embodying the spirits of the sky, rivers, mountains and the dead, as well as the hopes of the living. This stunning performance marks the 30th anniversary of its premiere. 

Price: From HK$160
Location: Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon
For more information: westkowloon.hk

Mini Dough Warrior Workshop
13 Nov
As part of the annual Black Box Chinese Opera Festival 2021, Xiqu Centre is staging a dough figurine sculpting workshop for anyone curious to try their hand at this traditional craft. Join veteran master craftsman Moses Law Chung-man in modelling a 10cm-high miniature warrior out of dough – with the figure inspired by the lead character in the experimental Cantonese opera production Wenguang Explores the Valley. Materials and tools are provided for this three-hour masterclass; you just need a relatively skilled eye and steady hand.

Price: HK$250 per person
Location: Studio 3, Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon
For more information: westkowloon.hk

Into the Wild
Until 30 Nov
From edibles to edification, there’s more than just high tea to enjoy at the Mandarin Oriental this month. An interactive pop-up art exhibition in the East Lobby, Into the Wild, is a collaborative effort between the five-star hotel and French ethical skincare brand Chantecaille to raise awareness of endangered species and foster a better understanding of environmental conservation. In a unique and engaging experience, visitors are invited to take photographs with and of different wildlife in a safari setting via the brand’s ‘Wild Beauty’ AR app.

Price: Free entry
Location: Mandarin Oriental, Central
For more information: mandarinoriental.com

Zhang Jian-Jun: Human Traces
Until 14 Nov
K11 Art Foundation presents Chinese contemporary artist Zhang Jian-Jun’s solo show, Human Traces, in partnership with the Royal Academy of Arts. The culmination of the artist-in-residence programme in London, the travelling exhibition makes its final stop in Hong Kong, where a series of new works by the artist will be showcased. Each piece was made specifically for the city to reflect Zhang’s latest musings on the eternal themes of human beings, nature and time. Curated by Chinese scholar Wu Hung, the exhibition includes a guided tour.

Price: Free entry
Location: K11 HACC, L2, K11 Atelier King’s Road, Quarry Bay
For more information: k11artfoundation.org

We Are All Stars: Holiday Wonderland
6 Nov- 31 Dec
Charlotte Tilbury, the makeup artist to the stars, presents an instagrammable photo opportunity with London-chic vibes in the heart of Causeway Bay. The We Are All Stars pop-up bottles the magic of Tilbury’s luxury cosmetics, wrapped with Christmassy love, luck and treasures galore – play interactive games, win cute treats and feel like a star in this winter wonderland. Running till the end of December, get your hands on limited holiday edition collections, exclusive beauty gift packs – because what is Christmas without the spirit of gifting. Prior registration required.   

Price: Free entry
Location: Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay
For more information: Charlotte Tilbury

Opening from 6th November to 31st December 2021 at Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay.

Also Read: Nine exciting events and exhibitions to visit in Hong Kong in October (igafencu.com)