Written by HK Cheapo
Ah, November. Finally time to leave your air-con cave and remember what “outdoors” feels like.
There’s music spilling out of parks, films flickering in darkened theatres, and plenty of music — jazzy, grungy, you name it — to go around. Between museum carnivals, indie gigs, and cross-harbour swims, this month feels like a highlight reel of everything Hong Kong does best. Read on.
Live Music and Performance
Asia+ Festival
Hong Kong has always been a launchpad to the rest of the world — and the Asia+ Festival 2025 is a reminder of just how global the city really is. Running from September 19 to November 30, it brings together more than 100 performances and events from over 30 countries, spanning everything from Korean theatre and Japanese taiko to Argentine tango and South African dance. There’s live music, art, and workshops scattered across the city.
Freespace Jazz Fest
Freespace Jazz Fest is back from November 6 to 9, turning West Kowloon into one big open-air jam session. Across Freespace, M+, and the harbourside lawns, you’ll find everything from smooth jazz to Afrobeat and a hearty dose of more experimental music. This year’s lineup mixes pop names like Marf and Winka from COLLAR and Ian from MIRROR with global stars including Italy’s Edoardo Petretti Trio and Japan’s Otomo Yoshihide. Local heavyweights Eugene Pao and the Patrick Lui Jazz Orchestra will also take the stage.
AUOM Festival
The AUOM Festival (Aftermath Underground Original Music Festival) brings Hong Kong’s indie music scene to life with a full weekend of live performances from 22 original acts at the Aftermath in Central. This year’s lineup featuring bands like Dowo Towo, The Peasants Revolt, and Murphy and the Lawyers. Founded in 2019 and backed by local craft brewery Yardley Brothers, the festival champions grassroots creativity and homegrown sound. Admission is free, but space is limited — so get there early.
Lamma Fun Day Beach Music Festival
A one-day musical extravaganza taking place on Lamma Island (just a short ferry ride away from Central), the Lamma Fun Day Beach Music Festival promises family-friendly enjoyment and great vibes. The event supports Child Welfare Scheme projects in Nepal.
Symphony Under the Stars
Symphony Under the Stars is a celebration of music and community, open to all at no cost (with pre-registration). Held annually, it attracts thousands of music enthusiasts to the Central Harbourfront Event Space on Hong Kong Island. Families are encouraged to join in, with special provisions for children to enjoy the experience. This year, registration opens on October 30. You’ll want to keep an eye on the official website.
Arts and Culture
Muse Fest
Hong Kong has a wide range of unique museums. From the Flagstaff Museum of Tea Ware to the Museum of Coastal Defense, Muse Fest is the perfect time to explore the city’s museums, engage in family-friendly activities, and learn through interactive programmes. This year marks major anniversaries, too, so there’s more special events on offer. Fancy a cyanotype session?
Hong Kong Asian Film Festival
The 2025 edition of the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival returns from October 22 to November 9 with nearly a hundred films from across the region. There’s everything from Japanese arthouse dramas and Korean thrillers to bold debuts from India, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. This year’s lineup bridges festival heavyweights like Cannes and TIFF selections with intimate indie discoveries and restored classics. Love movies? This is where to be.
India by the Bay
India by the Bay 2025 marks ten years of bringing India’s cultural energy to Hong Kong — and it’s looking especially good this year. Running for a week in November, the festival spans music, literature, film, and food, from sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan’s concert to a talk with Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq, and a wordplay-filled evening with Shashi Tharoor.
Food and Beverage
Central Market Oktoberfest
Central Market’s Oktoberfest returns, offering a lively celebration of German culture right in Hong Kong. Enjoy traditional Bavarian food, live music from the legendary Die Notenhobler, and exciting beer-themed games like the Stein-holding contest. With top-notch German beers and family-friendly activities, it’s a festive night out for everyone.
Sports
TransLantau
Looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush? Cue TransLantau, an extraordinary endurance race that unfolds amidst the awe-inspiring trails and country parks of Lantau Island. With four riveting race categories, namely 25K, 50K, 100K, and the formidable 140K ultra distance, TransLantau is no mean feat. The event beckons both seasoned and aspiring athletes to embrace the challenge.
New World Harbour Race
Amidst one of the world’s busiest harbours, thousands plunge into Victoria Harbor for this iconic swimming race. Racers swim from Wan Chai’s Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier to the Tsim Sha Tsui Avenue of Stars, with Hong Kong’s majestic skyline as their backdrop. Dating back to 1906, this legendary cross-harbour race has evolved into a beloved annual tradition. After a brief hiatus in 1978, it roared back to life in 2011, quickly becoming one of Asia’s most sought-after swim events.
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