Written by HK Cheapo
Delve into our city’s rich culture this September! Witness the enchanting Fire Dragon Dance, bask in the warm glow of the Mid-Autumn Festival, savor the drama of world-class queer cinema, and enjoy a bowl of handmade matcha. From traditional celebrations to partying aplenty, make time to rest, recharge, and reset.
Exhibitions
Naked Flowers
Step into a digital garden at the “Naked Flowers” exhibition, debuting in Hong Kong at 1881 Heritage until October 27, 2024. This immersive experience features colossal flower gardens and interactive spaces across eight rooms, including the ‘Naked Big Book’ with projection mapping, the fragrant ‘Big Flower Garden’, and the kaleidoscopic ‘Microscopy of Flowers’. Don’t miss the Naked Cafe Bar, where floral teas and cocktails are served on an interactive table with floral projections. Originally from Japan, this exhibition blends nature with digital art, creating a unique and enchanting experience.
Centrestage – Asia’s Fashion Spotlight
Calling all fashion enthusiasts! With three thematic zones spotlighting craftsmanship, avant-garde, and urban trends, Centrestage 2024 promises to be an extravaganza of all things fashion and design. In addition to catwalks and showcases, the Young Designer Contest will take place.
The Adorned Body: French Fashion and Jewellery
Love fashion? Explore a groundbreaking exhibition from the Musée des Arts Décoratifs de Paris at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, running from June 26 to October 14, 2024. Discover 300 exquisitely preserved pieces of French costume, jewellery, and accessories from the late 18th to early 20th centuries, many shown in Asia for the first time. The exhibition includes interactive features like a virtual dressing room and references from movie excerpts. Narrated by Karen Mok, this is a rare opportunity to experience France’s national fashion collection up close.
Live Music and Performance
Ultra Hong Kong
Get ready to rave like never before at Ultra Hong Kong 2024! On September 14, the Central Harbourfront Event Space will light up with electrifying performances from global EDM heavyweights like Marshmello, Alesso, and Steve Aoki. With stunning visuals, two massive stages, and an unbeatable waterfront setting, this is the ultimate party you won’t want to miss.
Arts and Culture
Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Fest
Now in its 35th year, the Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Fest is the region’s oldest queer film festival. This year’s festival will feature interactive panel discussions and Q and A sessions with overseas directors and crews. Check out the complete festival guidebook here.
Social Impact
Grassroots Future Anniversary Party
Grassroots Future, a registered charity in Hong Kong, supports the refugee community through various initiatives, including events, cultural dinners, and crocheting workshops. Celebrating the fourth anniversary of its founding, the charity is hosting a fundraiser at the Hive Studios in Kennedy Town. Early bird tickets start at HK$350.00 and include food, two drinks, and a raffle ticket.
| Advance sales: HK$350.00 | At the door: HK$450.00 | |
Traditional Festivals
Mid-Autumn Festival
Known as the ‘moon festival’, Mid-Autumn Festival is a time when Hong Kong takes a moment to honor its roots, celebrate its community, and gaze skyward in appreciation of the eighth full moon of the lunar calendar. Stroll through Victoria Park to witness stunning light installations and lanterns in every hue.
One of the most cherished customs of this festival is the exchange of mooncakes. Traditionally a dense pastry with a hidden treasure of salted egg yolk at their core, you will also find mooncakes filled with red bean and lotus paste. From classic to innovative (think durian, chocolate, tea-infused and more), there’s a mooncake for every mood.
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Festival
Recognised as part of Hong Kong’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Festival dates back to the early 19th century, during the late Qing Dynasty. Legend has it that a plague once afflicted Tai Hang, and to ward off the disease, villagers created a dragon made of straw and covered it with incense sticks, setting it on fire. Miraculously, the plague subsided, and the tradition of the Fire Dragon Dance was born.
Today, the Tai Hang Fire Dragon is a massive dragon structure covered with tens of thousands of incense sticks, giving it a striking appearance. Catch all the action from Wun Sha Street, Tai Hang, a quickly gentrifying neighbourhood that beckons you with contemporary cafes and galleries, and traditional shophouses alike.
Food and Beverage
Mid-Autumn Festival Bring Your Own Bowl
Experience a unique cultural blend at the Mid-Autumn Festival BYOB (Bring Your Own Bowl) Matcha event at the historic Mei Ho House, organised by OCHADOZO in partnership with the Heritage of Mei Ho House. Participants can whisk matcha under the guidance of certified Japanese tea instructor, Ms. Yuki Futami, in a hands-on event that celebrates Japanese tea culture and Hong Kong’s heritage. The event, scheduled for Wednesday, September 18, 2024, offers two sessions and takes place at YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel in Sham Shui Po.
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