The Beat Hong Kong’s Weekender Guide: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, & Drink on Sept. 2-4, 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. Swap Don’t Shop

Plastic Free July may long be over, but the sustainable practices we’ve picked up from it shouldn’t and won’t stop! An anti-haul of sorts, The Executive Centre is hosting a two-day second-hand clothing exchange this weekend to reduce garment waste organised by Take Out Plastic, an anti-plastic initiative with a penchant for fashion that doesn’t hurt the earth.

Up to 340 tonnes of discarded apparel make it to the landfills every single day, and the TOP is determined to squash that number by offering a marketplace for closed loop swaps. Participants bring up to 10 items of clothing of good quality and cleanliness that they swap for tokens at the event, which can then be used to trade for new pre-loved clothing to add to their closet collection. Click here to sign up for the swap and to find out more on how to prepare your clothes.

When: 1 PM-6PM, Sept. 3-4

Where: The Executive Centre, 2/F, 28 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: HK$70

2. Get a Load of This Store

Was that a breeze? Despite the constantly fluctuating yet still perpetually grimy-hot weather, the Fall-Winter bracket of the fashion calendar is approaching, and given the clothes you’ve just off-loaded at the Take Out Plastic Clothing Swap mentioned above, some (intentional) winter shopping is due. Streetwear freaks who love a good deal will be delighted to find that Loading Store is cleaning out their closet as well and are offering an onslaught of price slashes on tees, hoodies, sweaters, hats, and accessories.

Their shop curation carries grails from both globally renowned streetwear brands like Stussy, New Balance, and Have a Good Time, as well as from locally based cool kids like Victoria, OKOKOK, and Yeti Out. Other tidbits like limited edition zines and skate decks are also part of the shop’s offerings, so be sure to poke around in case you discover a rare find.

When: Now until Sept. 7

Where: Loading Store, 1F, 45 Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

How much: Starting from HK$80

3. Love Racer 1.5𝛽

Having created illustrations for Time magazine and worked on visuals for the official Taiwanese new year’s flag raising ceremony, Saitemiss is an accomplished artist whose work observant Future Funk fans many recognize from cover art for Blackbird Blackbird’s “Hearts LP” and FarragoL’s “Ultra. Love.”

Aside from featuring pieces in the brand new “Love Racer” series, the “1.5𝛽” in the exhibition’s full title comes from the inclusion of several works from Saitemiss’ previous showcase at Showa City Club’s pop-up in Langham Place titled “Only You Can Wake Me Up.” Become enthralled by the intergalactic characters and gorgeous delicate lines in these pieces, which will go on display, along with limited edition signed prints and merch for sale.

When: Sept. 3-18

Where: Showa City Club, 15B Wong Chuk Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon

How much: Free

4. PB & Double H

Honing in on the city’s growing love for unique artisanal goodies, edible or otherwise, Hungry Hugger is a platform connecting local craft experts and eager customers through engaging workshops. Taking over PMQ over the month of August, they had appointed 10 craft makers who have been sharing their gifts through intriguing workshop experiences and a mini market pop-up both held at their on-site space. Next in line is a homemade Peanut Butter Workshop that will have you going nuts over this spreadable treat.

No need to fret if you’ve missed out on the fun at PMQ as Hungry Hugger will continue to host workshops from the same organisers and other trades as well. Click here to browse their catalogue of craft seshes that can be booked direct through their site.

When: Now until Sept. 5 (pop-up), Sept. 3-4 (workshops)

Where: HG08, Hollywood, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: HK$175

5. An 'Old-Fashioned' Affair

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Going hand in hand in the form of a glass to your left and a vinyl to your right, jazz and whisky is a pairing that goes down oh-so-smoothly. Ringing in Italian American joint Franks’ second chapter of dinners, Taisteal is sliding up to the table to pour out some top-tier sips of Gaelic scotch whisky to pair with the bumping vinyl beats provided by the snazzy Franks Records library.

The pairing is also served with a smorgasbord of the eatery’s tastiest fare that best matches the scotch and cocktails palates. It features delectable bites like a smoked seafood selection, salamis and cheeses, crudites, dessert, and options between sumptuous BBQ Baby Back Ribs and a robust Eggplant Parm Supreme for mains. Snatch up tickets for this evening by clicking here.

When: 7:30 PM onwards, Sept. 1

Where: Franks Records, 7/F, 79 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: HK$858

6. Beer, Bites, and Beyond

Joining hands with some of Taiwan’s most marvellous breweries, Eaton HK’s Taiwanese-style bar Flower Years is hosting a “Beyond HK Beerfest” extravaganza to celebrate this yeasty elixir. Making their Hong Kong debut, Taiwanese labels Ugly Half Beer, DB Brewery, and Sunmai will be pouring out pints to add to the buzz of the venue’s night market ambiance. Supplement your street-snacks of Popcorn Chicken with Fried Basil (HK$78) or Sausage Bite with Garlic (HK$78) with cooling drafts. Any purchase of three draughts can be traded for a complimentary beer mug!

Adding to the vibes, Flower Years will also become a backdrop to live performances between Sept. 7 and 22, featuring bands who are going to cover some Taiwanese tunes.

When: Throughout September

Where: Flower Years, Level LG, Eaton Food Hall, 380 Nathan Road, Jordan, Kowloon

How much: Prices vary

7. Kwun Tong, Light My Fire

Bringing along their signature house-flamed Peri Peri Chicken (HK$238 for whole), Flames has unveiled their newest location at Hung To Road in the unlikely food haven of Kwun Tong. Revolving around adding a heftier touch to the Australian café concept, their fare tends towards coffee shop adjacent classics like pastas and pizzas, with dedicated set lunches and dinners, afternoon tea square meals, brunch, and even a breakfast menu. Visit their new sleek space during the soft launch period of Sept. 1-4 for a complimentary glass of sparkling wine as a welcome.

When: Sept. 1 onwards

Where: Flames Kwun Tong, Shop 1, G/F, Paul Y. Centre, 51 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon

How much: Prices vary

8. Once Upon a Time in Hong Kong

Simply the name “Hong Kong,” or “fragrant harbour” in its native Cantonese, already carries with it such a rich tapestry of histories and social influences. Trace back the timeline to unravel the journey of this tiny blip in the world map in becoming the sparkling metropolis that it is today. Presented by Relish HK, this immersive experience is a spectacle to behold.

Spanned across eight courses, each dish pinpoints a particular period of Hong Kong history, telling the story of the city’s unique heritage through the sense of taste. Beyond the usual wine pairing (which is also included), transitions between each course are done with flourish, with at-table performances, surprise activities, and unusual entertainment that unearths an extra sensorial level of engagement. Don’t miss out, as there’s only a limited headcount of 20 seatings per evening. Get your tickets here.

When: Sept. 1-17

Where: Chef Republic, 22/F, 54 Electric Road, Tin Hau, Hong Kong

How much: HK$3,200

9. I Sisig It, I Want It

Once again, we are blessed to see the collaboration between worldly foodie Jen Baleesi, and pizzeria Alvy’s. Making a much salivated-after return to the Alvy’s menu are the decadent Birria and Bone Marrow Quesotacos (HK$288), which led to many rapidly sold-out days at Jen’s first round last October. This time around, Jen is reinterpreting her signature hit into the fusion Filipino Sisig Pizza (HK$188), which melds beautifully with the classic Alvy’s dough base, and the can of complimentary Young Masters Ales Salted Lime Highball, which comes with every purchase of this special dish.

Keep your eyes peeled for the signed copies of Jen’s cookbook “Indulgent Eats at Home,” which will be on sale for HK$200 throughout the pop-up's run. Save some room for a social sip as Jen herself will be on-site to sign personalised copies on Sept. 1, 2, 4, and 18, with impromptu appearances dotted between. So be sure to keep updated by following her Instagram here.

When: Sept. 1-18

Where: Alvy’s, 8 Holland Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong

How much: Prices vary

10. Two 10s Make a 22

Hitting the 10-year mark this weekend, 22 Ships is celebrating their first decade at their self-referenced location with a remarkable tapas feast. Provided by head chef Antonio, with support from chef Nathan of Rex Wine & Grill, the menu covers all the 22 Ships classics even from before their 2020 facelift, with a moving rotation of Spanish wines rolling throughout the event. Flick through their current a la carte Tapas menu here to hype yourself up.

When: 12 PM onwards, Sept. 4

Where: 22 Ships, 22 Ship Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

How much: Prices vary