Written by HK Cheapo
The Hong Kong Arts Festival is one of the biggest art events in Hong Kong.
What happens?
This mega festival attracts an impressive lineup of artists, ballet troupes, orchestras, dancers, conductors, pianists, and singers.
There will be a number of specially commissioned works for the festival.
Highlights 2026
Here are a few highlights to look forward to:
- Jockey Club InnoArts Series: KAGAMI by Ryuichi Sakamoto & Tin Drum A meditative arts-tech experience inspired by the late Ryuichi Sakamoto, blending sound, light and spatial design into an immersive installation. Presented from February 27 to March 15, 2026 at The Box, Freespace, West Kowloon Cultural District.
- Ballet Nacional de España—La Bella Otero Spain’s national ballet brings flamenco-inflected drama and elegance to the stage in this full-length work inspired by the legendary Belle Époque dancer. Performances run from February 27 to March 1, 2026 at the Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
- Ontroerend Goed—Handle with Care Known for pushing theatrical boundaries, Belgian company Ontroerend Goed invites audiences into an intimate, unpredictable experience. Showing from February 27 to March 29, 2026 at the Jockey Club Studio Theatre, Fringe Club.
- Organist Cameron Carpenter at the Movies: Sports Queen Virtuoso organist Cameron Carpenter pairs his trademark showmanship with cinematic flair in a concert that reimagines film music through the pipe organ. Taking place on February 28, 2026 at the Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
- Sir John Eliot Gardiner and The Constellation Choir & Orchestra A major highlight for classical music lovers, this performance brings together one of the world’s most respected conductors with his acclaimed ensemble. Concerts are scheduled for March 6 and 7, 2026 at the Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
Tours
This year, the festival also includes a few guided tours that explore the history of Hong Kong and Macau.
The programme begins on January 17, 2026 with a neighbourhood walk through Sheung Wan. The tour starts from the Community Room at Wa In Fong West in Central and focuses on how everyday industries and social networks shaped the district long before it became a creative hub.
From the urban core, the focus shifts seaward on January 25, 2026 with a guided visit to Kau Sai Village, set within Hong Kong’s UNESCO Global Geopark.
On February 21, 2026 at the historic Club Lusitano in Central, a guided visit will explore Hong Kong’s lesser-known Sino-Portuguese connections.
On March 6, 2026 there will be a full-day excursion to Macau. Departing from the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal at Shun Tak Centre, the tour brings together religious sites, culinary traditions and musical heritage.
Schedule 2026
This year marks the 54th edition of this mammoth art festival. Events will go from February 27 to March 30.
Tickets
You can register to buy purchase tickets on the HKAF website for each individual performance.
How to get there
Performances take place at various venues, including the Hong Kong Cultural Center in Tsim Sha Tsui, the Hong Kong City Hall Theatre in Central, and West Kowloon Cultural District.
The tours have specific starting points, so make sure to check in advance.
