The Beat Hong Kong’s Weekender Guide: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, & Drink on Sept. 9-11, 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. Have a Rice Day

There’s not a Michelin-starred meal in the world that can replace the feeling that comes with tucking into a homecooked meal. Culling inspiration from the food cooked by her mother and grandmother that made up her childhood, artist Charlotte Mui is debuting her series of paintings tilted “Have a Rice Day.” Working with vibrant colours and surrealistic influences, Charlotte’s work is beautifully dreamy and deeply resonant.

Aside from whetting their palates by admiring dishes like Korean stew and chicken curry, visitors on opening day can join in on a gallery tour and artist conversation from 3 PM to 5 PM. Part of Hong Kong Art Gallery Association’s youth-oriented Summer Programme to promote local talent, the exhibition marks Charlotte’s first solo showcase.

When: Sept. 10-Oct. 15

Where: Alisan Fine Arts Aberdeen, 2305 Hing Wai Centre, 7 Tin Wan Praya Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong

How much: Free

2. You Light Me Up

Lighting the city up in bold colours, the Mid-Autumn Festival sees gorgeous large-scale lantern installations mushrooming all over Hong Kong’s parks for families to enjoy. This year’s selected venues are: the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui that features an installation created by local artist Ken Lo Hiu-tang, a grand showcase encompassing both traditional and kid-pleasing displays at Victoria Park, an animal-themed lantern bazaar in Tung Chung, as well as adorable bubble-shaped lanterns at Tai Po Waterfront Park.

Celebrate this holiday by moongazing and admiring these installations inspired by Chinese folk tales and traditions with your loved ones in tow. The above displays will stay lit until midnight on Sept. 10 for extended Mid-Autumn festivities. Click here for more information.

When: (Victoria Park, Tai Po Waterfront Park, Tung Chung Man Tung Road Park) Now until Sept. 12

(Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Soccer Pitch 6. at Victoria Park) Now until Sept. 25

Where: Click here to see all locations

How much: Free

3. Kunstmesse Elf

Catch the last week of K11’s annual Art Karnival! Integrated into the fabric of the mall’s own unique design, the Karnival presents a curation of works amongst both physical and digital mediums, scattered throughout. From designer Martin Margiela’s sculptural commentary on the beauty industry, to an exclusive Don Diablo NFT display straddling between the metaverse and physical reality, to the uncanny yet eerily humanistic piece by David Altmeijd depicting a severed bust, there is a whole range of fascinating avenues to explore. Click here to register and join in on their staff-led tours.

What’s more, head to the “Kunsthalle” section on the sixth floor for a deceptive display that puts hyper-realistic cakes by Dear Harley Bakery right beside genuine artworks to dupe viewers. Can’t be fooled? Prove it by posting a few snaps of your favourite works with the caption “Where’s the cake” to win some special prizes. Click here for more details on how to enter and redeem.

When: Now until Sept. 11

Where: G/F Koncierge, K11 MUSEA, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

How much: Free

4. Extended Mix

A long weekend calls for keeping the party going for just that little bit longer, and though opening hours are still legally capped at 2 AM, just knowing that there’s another lap right around the corner is enough to keep the adrenaline high. Packing in a weekend full of banging house and techno, Social Room is throwing a triple-bash to get everyone excited.

Friday brings bodacious breaks and jungle from HRD.ept, Denny.b SOLICITOR, and Fry Up, followed by Saturday performances from Ip Si Fu, Adrianna, and Nat Dunn, plus sets from Darka, Darylsing, Nelmuntz, and Talto to fight off the Sunday Scaries.

When: 9 PM-2 AM, Sept. 9 -11

Where: Social Room, 3/F, Won Hing Building, 74-78 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: HK$150 (including 1 drink)

5. ‘This is My (Food) Design’

Imagining the world as a sort of dinner party, global creative and food systems think tank Food Design Nation mulls over the problems of food accessibility in the first issue of their FDzeeN magazine. This launch comes with an interactive reception party that takes on a Mid-Autumn theme to introduce the curation’s core themes through quirky and fun activities.

Those who learn best with their sense of taste can take part in the Sai Ying Pun Food Safari (HK$250, including magazine) to tap into the nosh the surrounding neighbourhood has to offer. Do note that the tour is conducted in Cantonese. Find out more about the initiative, and reserve your copies of the magazine by visiting the event site here.

When: 4 PM-8 PM, Sept. 10

Where: POINTSMAN, 119 Second Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

How much: Starting from HK$150

6. Cat Brew

A multi-hyphenate collaboration between POPCORN SUPPLY concept store, Thai illustrator Mueanfun Sapanake, and art toy dev Unbox Industries, Hysan Place is playing host to this exclusive pop-up that features a new product of lovable cat character BAD MEAW. This cutesy kitten in a black bonnet has won the hearts of many in its miniature plastic form and is here to win over even more fans under new designs as part of a collaboration with Kayan9896.

Sip on art-infused, BAD MEAW-approved macchiatos and espressos or beat the heat with their new sparkling cold brew line. Be sure to check out the limited edition souvenirs as well!

When: Sept. 8-27

Where: 1/F, Atrium, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

How much: Free

7. Follow the White Radish

As unlikely a pairing as a moon bound woman and a fluffy white rabbit, Window and Alley is serving up the surprisingly tasty duo of beer and pickles this Mid-Autumn as a festive treat. Hosting a takeover from local craft beer brand Arcade Brew Co, the shopfront will be peddling a rotation of Arcade Co’s signature drafts and cans, plus a selection of Daikon and other brined Japanese snacks from pickled goods brand Umami, as well as obligatory mooncakes of course.

When: 5 PM-11 PM, Sept. 10

Where: Window and Alley, 3A Sharp Street West, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

How much: Free

8. Little Brunch

This weekend, tuck into a sumptuous spread of Hong Kong-inspired delights to start your day off right. Fine-tuning chef May Chow’s signature contemporary Cantonese cuisine for the most important meal of the day, Little Bao is plating up a bespoke brunch of fusion fare consisting of family-style shared dishes.

Featuring items that draw upon afternoon tea icons, there’s the Breakfast Bao (HK$108) wedged with homemade sausage and spiked with Chinese pickled mustard greens, the cha chaan teng staple that’s been elevated into the Caramelised Thick-Cut Brioche French Toast (HK$148), the crunchy Prawn Toast (HK$158) and runny Crab Benny (HK$178). Diners can also opt for the choice of a plate of fried chicken and four small plates instead, and can also tag on a two-hour free-flow of wines and beer for an additional HK$198.

When: Available on weekends only

Where: Little Bao, click here to see all branches

How much: Starting from HK$288 per person

9. Maison Loin de la Maison

Lebanese lounge Maison Libanaise is rounding off the end of the season with a mouth-watering barbecue kickback that’s fun for all. Headed by resident chef Teya, tuck into an unlimited spread of traditional and modernised Lebanese delights and grilled delicacies inspired by chef Teya’s childhood memories of neighbourhood meals set to free-flowing conversations and wine.

Have at it and dig into scrumptious mezze like the Hummus Bil Tahini and cooling Watermelon Fetta Salad, alongside plates of juicy Kafta Skewers flavoured with smokey garlic and parsley, Green Shatta Squid bringing salted accents from the seaside, spiced hearty Baharata Cauliflower Steak, and more. Book your table now by clicking here.

When: 12 PM, Sept. 11

Where: Maison Libanaise, 10 Shelley Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Starting from HK$148 per person

10. Warung Kepala Kentang

Sample the sultry flavourings of Indonesian street food as part of this one-off menu from Jakarta-native guest chef Rinny Ayu and her team from Warung Mbok Jamu. Presented beautifully for a group of four, the selection is a culinary journey along the Indonesian coastline and features stunning varieties of skewers, fried snacks, nasi, sambal, and more. Book your seats now by clicking here.

When: 5 PM-11 PM, Sept. 11

Where: Potato Head HK, 100 Third St, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

How much: HK$1,600 per four people