The Beat Hong Kong’s Weekender Guide: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, & Drink on Oct. 14-16, 2022!

Ahh, another weekend is upon us and you’re looking for cool things to get up to in the 852! We’ve saved you the hassle with The Beat Hong Kong’s rundown of the best places to hit up and things to do this weekend—from blink-and-you'll-miss-it pop-up sights and new restaurant openings, to the hottest activities that you shouldn’t miss.

To keep your finger on the pulse of the city, follow The Beat Hong Kong to see what’s best in store for the weekend. 

1. Puppy of the Valley

There’s no love like puppy love. Bring along your best four-legged pal along to Ask for Alonzo’s adorable puppy hour. In collaboration with local pet brands Puptails, Cookie Smiles, and Three Dog Bakery, your pup is going to love being spoiled with a delightful smorgasbord of specially made pup cocktails, doggo cookies, and hound-approved ice creams. Humans can sip and graze on the regular Italian menu there too, of course.

There will even be a unique cake tasting sesh just for the pups to round it all off! A teaser for the parties to come, as Ask for Alonzo’s Happy Valley location is now taking reservations for doggie birthday celebrations.

When: 3 PM-8 PM, Oct. 15

Where: Ask For Alonzo (Happy Valley), Shop 19, G/F Hang Fung Mansion, 17-19 Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong

How much: Prices vary

2. Yoga’t A Friend in Me

Whether it’s to bring in some calm after a stressful week, or as a transition to smooth yourself into an active routine, XYZ Studio is bringing a special “How to Yoga Class” to its refreshed new venue, introducing the pathway to better connecting with your body’s poses and sense of alignment. Whittling the practice down to basics, the sessions offer easily understandable demonstrations and breakdowns of the foundations that even intermediate or higher-level moves require good knowledge of. Led by experienced yoga coach Tara Fitzpatrick, the series runs through October every Saturday morning, welcoming you into the weekend with some soothing movements from bright and early.

When: 9 AM every Saturday, Now until Oct. 29

Where: XYZ STUDIO, 12/F China Building, 29 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Starting from HK$398, full price list here

3. Where the Wild Treats Are

In autumnal spirit, bakery with a penchant for good causes Cookie Smiles is hosting a series of themed events to usher in the changes in seasons. Working with Mindish and Napp Studio, their “Hopping Into Fall” series brings a wild wonderland into the city with huge animal-shaped origami installations bringing full-on Jungle Book vibes.

With five workshop sessions throughout the day, parents and their little ones can choose between cookie decorating and trying their hand at recreating mini versions of the origami artwork on display. All proceeds from the event will go towards helping impoverished children as part of the Box of Hope initiative supported by Cookie Smiles. Click here to get your tickets now.

When: Sessions from 10 AM-3PM, Oct. 15

Where: Centricity, 2/F, LANDMARK Chater House, Central, Hong Kong

How much: HK$250 (Admits 1 parent and 1 child)

4. Jiva and Jive

Transporting the freshest sounds from the beautiful world of Afro-house music, get ready for a night traversing and dancing to tribal beats, melodic grooves, and pulsating tech-house. Located at Peruvian terraced bar ICHU, aromatic shisha and delectable food are available all around for your enjoyment throughout the night.

The stunning line-up features South African Richie, local rep Diamond, Minou from Congo, Omago Riga of France, and Zimbabwe’s Kofi BeaM. If you’re gunning for the weekend and just can’t wait to get into the groove, start vibing now by checking out this group playlist for a feel of the vibes to come. Grab your event tickets here, each of which include admissions and two complimentary drinks.

When: 3 PM-12 AM, Oct. 15

Where: ICHU, 80 Queens Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

How much: HK$350 (additional fee for online booking and at-door tickets)

5. Wood You Look At That

In Crafts on Peel’s third instalment of exhibitions examining the boundless marvel of special materials, "Stories Encapsulated: Wood" is an exploration of artisanal woodworking. Displaying items from both local and international woodworkers that have all been created by hand, the millennia-old art is expressed through techniques traditional and contemporary, showing the ways that this element has manifested itself in our lives.

When: Now until Oct. 29

Where: Crafts on Peel, 11 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Free

6. Pontypalooza

Repeat card carrying member of the esteemed Asia’s Best Bar list and raucous neighbourhood favourite The Pontiac is kicking up a wild ride to celebrate its seventh anniversary this weekend. Powering ahead with delicious cocktails, blasting music, and all-around fab vibes, join its celebration of the road travelled and the ground that lies ahead. Past the clock striking eight, local mixing stars are going to take the helm in a back-to-back guest shift between John Nugent from The Diplomat, The Old Man’s NIkita Matveev, and Gail Lanorias of 1st and Beaudry bar at The Arca. Raise your glass and clink together a glass of the sweet-and-sour Hobnail (HK$88) with your friends!

When: 8 PM onwards, Oct. 15

Where: The Pontiac, 13 Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Prices vary

7. In Vino Italia Veritas

Italy has a worldwide reputation of being a wine paradise, and the varieties available in the country’s production repertoire shows that it is a title that’s well-earned. Soak up the impressive range of up to over 20 top shelf Italian wines as well as rare Alliance Vinum cuvée labels to sample at an all-encompassing Italian Wine Masterclass organised by MWM Wine School by Debra Meiburg. Follow certified oenophile Justin Chen and guest speaker and managing director of Vino e Finanza HK Averando Borghini Baldovientti to an insightful adventure into these gorgeous bottles.

Buy your tickets here.

When: 7 PM-10 PM, Oct. 20

Where: MWM Wine School by Debra Meiburg MW, 9/F, 236 Aberdeen Main Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong

How much: HK$200

8. Free Bird

Rewind to simpler times of flared blue jeans, Cadillacs, and good ole’ fashioned Americana hits at Busybird’s retro American-themed brunch this weekend! Hop along with your crew and dig into fries, wings, nachos, and burgers of all delectable sorts. Also flowing all day long are streams of red, white, and sparkling wines, signature Busy Bird house beer, as well as coke, lime soda, and water. Secure your spots now by getting in a booking here, which also includes a special 10% discount coupon applicable to purchase of any Wall Poster Club artwork and prints on sale at the event.

When: 12 PM-3 PM, Oct. 16

Where: Busy Bird, 10 St Francis Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

How much: HK$498

9. Pon’ Appetit

Marrying together their interpretations of French cuisine, French-Indian restaurant Pondi and contemporary bistro jean may are plating up a special dinner between Oct. 25 and 26. Brought to the table by chef George Kwok, and Michelin-trained chef Tiff Lo, the eight-course meal puts together beautiful fusion dishes like Cured Red Prawn Ceviche, build-your-own-style Butter Chicken Pita Pockets, a classic Apple Crumble, and more. Admittedly, this mid-week meal is still a touch far away from the weekend, but we could not miss a feast that could placate until Friday rolls round, so get your bookings in early by clicking here.

When: Oct. 25-26

Where: Pondi, 14 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

How much: Please contact Pondi for more details

10. Bright Lights and Neon Nights

Sail under the stars and spectate the glowing bursts of neon and lights all around the cityscape as part of the dazzling aqualuna Neon Nights cruise. Step onto a splendid junk honouring the marine roots of Hong Kong’s waters along the Victoria Harbour panorama, set to a mouth-watering Northern Chinese buffet dinner provided by Hutong. Purchase your tickets here, and enjoy a special online-only add-on of HK$278 for a non-stop free-flow drinks deal.

When: 7:30 PM-9:30 PM, Every Thursday

Where: (Pickup and Dropoff) Central Pier 9, Central Ferry Pier Link Building, 7 Man Yiu Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: HK$888 per adult (HK$588 per child)