So you didn’t manage to snag tickets to Clockenflap– it’s okay! Forget your FOMO because April promises films, photography, comedy, and more live music events– whether you’re a techno-head or a connoisseur of classic jazz. Songkran is sure to make a big splash, while Ching Ming and Easter end the dreaded no-public-holiday spell.

Live music

HKT x WESTK POPFEST

HKT x WESTK POPFEST | Photo by West Kowloon Cultural District Authority

Set to become Hong Kong’s largest music festival, HKT x WESTK POPFEST will showcase over 70 different musical and multimedia acts. Dedicated to spotlighting local talent, the lineup features artists like Juno Mak, Daniel Chu, Janice Vidal, Walter Kwan, and Merry Lamb Lamb. Call yourself a fan of Hong Kong films? There will also be a tribute to Cantopop icon and beloved actor Leslie Cheung.

Until 2 April, 2023
Entry from HK$250.00
Event page

Creamfields Hong Kong 2023

central-harbourfront-event-space-HKTB
Photo by Hong Kong Tourism Board

Creamfields has made a name for itself as one of the UK’s biggest outdoor music festivals. Boasting spin-offs in major cities across the world, 2023 will see the EDM, house, and techno spectacular return to Hong Kong. This year’s lineup includes big names like Tiësto, Calvin Harris, The Chainsmokers, and Baauer.

1–2 April, 2023
Entry from HK$1,388.00
Online tickets

Loud On Air Charity Concert

Catch rising local talent Terence Lam Ka, Panther Chan, Yoyo Sham, Mag Lam Yan Tung, Dear Jane, MC Soho and KidNey at Loud On Air. Proceeds from the concert will go to The Neighborhood Advice-Action Council, a non-profit organisation that has been supporting families and children, youth, the elderly and more since its establishment in 1968.

1–2 April, 2023
Entry from HK$580.00
Online tickets

Sam Hui

Worship at the altar of the God of Cantopop! Referred to as the “God of Song”, the now 70+ year old performer Sam Hui is known for his signature style blending contemporary Western notes with Cantopop. In addition, his lyrics, written in vernacular Cantonese, often address contemporary concerns, striking a chord with diverse audiences in the city. The incredibly influential actor, singer and composer will take the stage this April.

7–12 and 14 April, 2023
Entry from HK$710.00
Online tickets

HK Phil@Freespace – Jazz Diva: Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald

In the mood for jazz? The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra will present a jazz chamber music concert highlighting the music of Ella Fitzgerald, along with other jazz greats.

While you’re there, make sure to explore the West Kowloon Cultural District, an area that has blossomed into a cutting-edge cultural and entertainment hub.

3 p.m., 10–11 April, 2023
Entry HK$480.00
Online tickets

Phum Viphurit

It’s not all about the head-bangers. Some of the best concerts deliver on chill vibes and easy listening. Well-loved for his neo-soul and indie funk tunes, Thai singer-songwriter Phum Viphurit will be performing in Hong Kong this April. Catch his smooth stylings at Music Zone, Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition Centre (KITEC).

7 p.m., 12 April, 2023
Entry HK$580.00
Online tickets

Comedy

BiS Femme Comedy 2nd Anniversary Show

Photo by Bitches in Stitches

Bitches in Stitches (BiS) holds the title of being Hong Kong’s first all-femme stand-up comedy troupe. The comedians will be celebrating their second anniversary with a show at The Aftermath, the popular live music and performance venue located in Central.

8 p.m., 20 April, 2023
Entry from HK$250.00
Online tickets

Exhibitions and festivals

Hong Kong International Film Festival

Cinephiles rejoice: the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) is back. One of the biggest and most prestigious film festivals in the continent, this annual event is the city’s longest running film festival. With the goal of promoting films from Hong Kong and Asia to a broader international community, the fest spotlights many independent as well as critically acclaimed movies.

Hong Kong Web3 Festival

The inaugural Web3 Festival will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, accessible by the newly opened Exhibition Centre MTR station. The four-day event will see over 10,000 attendees, 300 distinguished industry speakers, about 100 Web3 projects, and community and media partners around the world.

12–15 April, 2023
Entry from HK$2,388.00
Online tickets

Freespace Dance 2023

Freespace Dance 2023
Photo: Daniel Dömölky / anothermountainman
/ Luc Depreitere / Daniel Tchetchik / Estelle
Hanania | Photo by West Kowloon Cultural District Authority

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!

14 April–7 May, 2023
Entry from HK$280.00
Event page

Hong Kong Memories: Miniatures and Photographs of Old Hong Kong Streetscapes

Photo by Aarohi Narain

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 HK$0.00
Online reservation

Culture

Songkran 2023

Photo by HK Talent Star

Celebrate the Thai New Year in Hong Kong! Much like the Lunar New Year, Songkran is typically a time for families to reunite, share meals, travel, and enjoy. Here in Hong Kong, the festival was created by Hongkongers of Thai descent seeking to reconnect with their roots and share their rich culture. Set to take over D2 Place, right outside Lai Chi Kok MTR, this year’s event will see a vibrant marketplace, traditional costume competition (dogs included!), the legendary water fight and much more.

For more insight into Hong Kong’s Thai connection, don’t miss out on exploring Kowloon City, now easily accessible via Sung Wong Toi MTR.

Sung Wong Toi Station | Photo by Aarohi Narain

5–10 April, 2023
Free entry
Event page

Sports

Hong Kong Sevens

Photo by August Liu/Clique Visuals, courtesy Hong Kong Rugby Union

Up there on the list of Asia’s most popular annual sporting events is the Hong Kong Sevens. The premier event in the World Rugby Sevens Series competition, this three-day tournament is a true extravaganza for not just rugby fans, but anyone keen on a carnival-like experience filled with fun, food, and music. This year, twenty-eight international teams will battle it out at the Hong Kong Stadium in Causeway Bay. Tickets sell out quickly, so keep your eyes peeled!

Written by:
Filed under: Things to Do
Tags: