If it’s time to get something new up on your walls, then March is the best time to do it. Hong Kong Arts Month is when the city embraces its artistic side, with lots of big name events, gallery exhibitions, and opportunities to explore both the local and international art scene. Regardless of whether you’re just a regular ol’ cheapo who doesn’t have a clue about art, or someone who is a seasoned art buyer, rest assured you’ll find lots of interesting art events during Arts Month. To help you navigate all the events, we’ve split them into two categories. 'The Biggies' are those major events in the art scene that pull international artists, curators, and buyers. 'The Freebies' are arts events at more a local level, which aim to make art accessible to all, and don’t even require a ticket. (You’ll be glad to know, most of them actually are free entry, and even the tickets for the signature events are quite reasonable.) The Biggies Art Basel A huge three-day event with exhibitions from the world’s leading modern and contemporary art galleries, about half of which are from the Asia Pacific region. Art Central With close to 40,000 collectors, curators and art fans attending in 2018, this popular event features more than 100 international galleries, a number of which debut works created specially for this event. Asia Contemporary Art Show Featuring more than 2,000 pieces of contemporary art from both well known and emerging artists, with paintings, sculpture, photography, and limited editions. Important: Due to the recent unrest in Hong Kong the spring edition of the ACAS has been suspended for 2020. The next ACAS is expected to be held in October. Read more here. The Freebies Art Gallery Night Hosted by the Hong Kong Art Gallery Association (AGA), this event promises a fun evening of art immersion and exploration at a long list of participating galleries. When: Dates to be determined Where: Various galleries Link: www.hk-aga.org/events/ Art Brunch A more personal event also held by the AGA, art enthusiasts can visit a local gallery for coffee, refreshments, and a chance to view special exhibitions. When: Dates to be determined Where: Various galleries Link: http://www.hk-aga.org/event/art-brunch-2019/ HK Arts Center 5th Collectors’ Contemporary Collaboration A unique showcase held at the Hong Kong Arts Centre, featuring special private collections of contemporary art in China. When: Dates to be determined Where: Pao Galleries, Hong Kong Arts Centre (4/F and 5/F) Link: https://www.hkac.org.hk/calendar_detail/?u=1JuyEUqwFnQ&lang=en HKwalls This local non-profit is taking art to the gritty streets of Wan Chai during Hong Kong Arts Month, giving local and international artists the opportunity to display high quality public art and large-scale murals on buildings. When: Dates to be determined Where: Various venues in Wan Chai Link: https://hkwalls.org Draw HK Looking at other people’s art is fun, but how about creating your own? Draw HK is holding a number of fun drawing workshops using techniques like Zentangles, sketching, and chalk drawing, as well as demonstrations by local artists. Kids ten and older can participate in the workshops. When: Dates to be determined Where: PMQ Courtyard & Marketplace, Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences and along Ladder Street and Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan How much: Free Link: https://www.hkyaf.com/events/762/Draw+HK%3A+Event+Day Hong Kong Arts Festival And don’t forget, March is also the month-long Hong Kong Arts Festival. With an impressive lineup of theatre, dance, opera, music, you’ll find a wide variety of shows ranging from the traditional to the modern, with orchestras, jazz, ballet, world music, and lots more. Be sure to read our write-up about what to catch at this year’s Arts Festival.