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April showers bring May flowers! And sure enough this sultry May, Hong Kong's event calendar is abloom. From musical performances by international megastars to the much-missed spectacles of the Tin Hau and Cheung Chau Bun Festival, there's an abundance of exciting events for all. Artsy Cheapos rejoice: the Affordable Art Fair is back in town, too! Live music Jay Chou Multihyphenate Taiwanese superstar Jay Chou will be performing at the Central Harbourfront Event Space this May. Known as the "King of Mandopop", the singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, actor, film director, television personality, and magician is one of the most sought after entertainers in the continent. 5–14 May, 2023 Entry Event page Ruel 4th Wall World Tour in Hong Kong 20-year-old Sydney-bred singer-songwriter Ruel will be performing this May at the Music Zone @ KITEC. The up-and-coming British-Australian artist announced on Twitter that he will be handing out double-passes to each show on the tour. Fans are encouraged to tag a friend and their city name in the comments for a chance to win. 19 May, 2023 Entry Event page Babymetal World Tour in Hong Kong Members of pioneering Japanese kawaii metal band Babymetal will be embarking on their first Asia and Australia headline tour this year! Known for their fresh fusion of heavy metal, dance and J-pop, the all-girl crew has previously supported major names like Guns N’ Roses, Metallica and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Catch the band in concert at AsiaWorld Expo at the end of May. 31 May, 2023 Entry from Event page Exhibitions and festivals Freespace Dance 2023 Witness the wonder that is dance at Freespace Dance 2023, a new festival dedicated to choreography and movement. The inaugural edition will celebrate visionary women choreographers from around the world. Spread out over four weeks, the programme aims to highlight the work of diverse artists from across the globe. Yet another event to enrich Hong Kong's buzzing calendar of arts events! Hong Kong Memories: Miniatures and Photographs of Old Hong Kong Streetscapes What did Hong Kong look like in the past? See miniature replicas of buildings from the 1960s and A.I.-enabled colorised images from the 20th century. The latter are contributed by the Instagram-famous public education project, OldHKinColour. Until 15 May, 2023 Entry from Online reservation Affordable Art Fair 2023 This May, the Affordable Art Fair (AAF) returns to Hong Kong, marking ten years since its inception. Priding itself on having the best hand-picked affordable art in Hong Kong, the AAF will showcase works from over 100 local and international galleries. Local galleries including (but not limited to) 13A New Street, Oi Ling Antiques, Young Soy, and Zone A will represent artists from Hong Kong. Whether you’re a first-time buyer on a Cheapo budget or a connoisseur looking to spice up your collection, the AAF promises to have something for everyone. Across Time and Space: Re-visiting Twentieth Century Chinese Oil Paintings From intimate interior views to panoramic coastal landscapes, witness rarely displayed Chinese oil paintings at the University of Hong Kong Museum and Gallery. This exhibition features works by iconic masters and influential art educators, including Liu Haisu and Wu Guanzhong, as well as artists who were crucial to the development of the modern art scene in Hong Kong. Until 25 June, 2023 Free entry Event page French May Arts Fest 2023 The French May Arts Festival celebrates 30 years in 2023. Under the name PULSARTE 2023, the monthlong fair will include performances and events by over 100 artists in a variety of media: dance, theatre, music, art and more. Meanwhile, the Virtually Versailles exhibition at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum will transport visitors to the sights, sounds and scents of Versailles through digital and virtual reality. In addition, French sparkling wines will get the spotlight as part of French Gourmay. Eating and drinking Ginsanity 2023 Sample gins from around the world at Ginsanity 2023. Hosted by the city's premier destination for all things gin, the eponymous Ginsanity located in Sai Ying Pun, the fest will take over PMQ over the weekend. The event is free to enter, with drinks starting at a smooth . Expect to see tipples from distilleries both local and international. 12–13 May, 2023 Free entry Official website Culture Tin Hau Festival 2023 With its roots firmly in Hong Kong’s fishing and maritime days, the Tin Hau Festival pays homage to Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea, and revered patron saint of fishermen. There are dozens of Tin Hau Temples across Hong Kong of varying size, each putting on lively celebrations and festivities, usually including music, lion dances and martial arts displays. Another highlight are the massive colourful floral floats, called fa pau, which are carried through the streets. Cheung Chau Bun Festival 2023 Arguably Hong Kong's quirkiest cultural event, Cheung Chau's iconic Bun Festival is set to return this May! Legend goes that Cheung Chau suffered a devastating plague about a century ago. The villagers prayed at Pak Tai Temple, the oldest and most important temple on the island, and carried statues of deities through the streets to ward off evil spirits. To celebrate the end of the plague, the Bun Festival was born. At midnight on the third day, the famous ‘bun scrambling’ event takes place in front of the Pak Tai Temple. Watch well-trained competitors race to scramble up a 20 metre tower covered with buns, collecting as many of them as they can in three minutes. Don't leave the island without a bun of your own, stamped with the Chinese character for ‘peace’ and filled with sesame, lotus, or red bean paste. Buddha's Birthday The birthday of Lord Buddha is one of the largest Buddhist festivals in Hong Kong, as well as being a public holiday. Buddhist temples all across Hong Kong, including the iconic Tian Tian Buddha on Lantau Island, hang lanterns, burn incense, and give offerings in preparation for the big day. Sports World Muaythai Grand Prix This year's World Muaythai Grand Prix will welcome boxing champions from across the globe. Watch as competitors representing Hong Kong S.A.R., China, Slovakia, France, Thailand, Iran, South Africa, Morocco, Ghana, Russia, Italy, Libya, and Malaysia tough it out for the prestigious gold belt. 7 p.m., 9 May, 2023 Entry from Event page

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