Stanley’s iconic Murray House got a full summer makeover last weekend as Carnaby Fair and Stanley Plaza have launched their month-long cultural takeover with their Murray Summer Opening Party, a few days later than planned, thanks to heavy rain showers on August 2. But all the delay did was build up the anticipation and excitement, so when the sun finally came out, so did the crowds, marking a successful milestone toward what’s to happen next.

The festivities began early on the historical building's G/F, where A.M. Yoga by ikigai (held every weekend morning 9 AM–12 PM) drew a peaceful crowd eager to stretch into the day with the sea breeze at their backs.

As the morning gave way to afternoon, the space shifted into hands-on creativity with the Seashell Bag Charm workshop (12 PM–6 PM). Later, the energy turned playful with Pickleball & Mini Golf (2 PM–7 PM), offering lighthearted competition for kids and adults alike.

Outside, the celebration spilled onto the waterfront with free events like Volleyball with Frenz, Pets & Mini Games, and a Postcard Workshop turned the promenade into a lively, pet-friendly zone with drink sponsors like Young Master Brewery, ONLY Beverages, and Neon Tiger adding to the summer vibes.

Upstairs, the second floor turned into a sonic playground with DJs Pao Reggy, GONG!, and Bratty Deb dropping their selections of drum and bass, UKG, hip hop, grime dub, and house tracks.

The crowd, an eclectic mix of music heads, creatives, friends and family, and weekend wanderers, filled the space with movement and laughter, proving that Stanley is more than quiet strolls and cafe-hopping. Meanwhile, an additional DJ boothfacing the sea kept the energy high with breezy, sun-soaked sets that matched Stanley’s laid-back coastal vibe, inviting those enjoying a Saturday scroll around the area for a bit of dancing.

The weekend also featured a special DJ set at the V Music Library pop-up, curated by Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), by Dr. Wong Chi-chung, one of Hong Kong’s most respected music curators and radio hosts. Known for his decades-long career as a radio DJ and his advocacy for music education, Wong’s presence added depth to the pop-up’s mission of preserving analog culture and bridging generations through sound.

The opening party set the tone for what’s to come every weekend this August. From yoga and pickleball to raves with pure underground vibes, and postcard workshops, Murray Summer is shaping up to be one of Hong Kong’s most vibrant seasonal happenings. And with the 01 Festival finale on August 31, Murray House will transform into a three-story underground rave, featuring immersive visuals and a genre-defying DJ lineup promising a full-blown underground rave.

Whether you’re dancing in daylight, crafting with seashells, playing chess with strangers, or spinning vinyl in a quiet corner, Murray Summer is shaping up to be Stanley’s most dynamic cultural offering of the season.

Murray Summer at Murray House is free to enter and all are welcome, while certain events require aticket! If you're looking to join the ticketed actions, be sure to secure your ticket before they sell out here.

01 Festival's First Release tickets are available for grabs now from HK$300, get your tickets a more information here.

Follow Carnaby Fair on Instagram for more details and connect with us at @thebeat.hkg for exclusive updates!

How to Get to Murray Summer 

You may drive or take a taxi directly to Murray House (美利樓). There are also a few public buses that take you to Stanley:

• Citybus 260: Central (Exchange Square) - Stanley Market
• Citybus 6 or 6X: Central (Exchange Square) - Stanley Market
• Citybus 14: Sai Wan Ho (Grand Promenade) - Stanley Fort (Gate) / Ma Hang
• Citybus 973: Tsim Sha Tsui (Mody Road) - Stanley Market
• Green Mini Bus 40 or 40X: Jardine's Bazaar - Stanley Village / Stanley Prison

Be sure to check the Citybus app for bus schedules and any route changes before you head over!