What’s On HKG: 3rd Macao Int'l Queer Film Fest, HK Whisky Festival, & More

This May, celebrated multidisciplinary artist CHANG (Ernest Chang) invites art lovers to experience "Artifice," a one-of-a-kind exhibition marking the 10th anniversary of The Stallery in Hong Kong.

Located in the historic Stone Nullah Lane, just steps from the iconic Blue House, The Stallery is founded and passionately driven by CHANG. The Stallery has long championed emerging local talent and international visitors alike, fostering a vibrant community-centered art scene.

CHANG's latest exhibition, "Artifice," explores contemporary society and technology, reshaping them as organic and timeless artifacts.  

But "Artifice" is more than a milestone celebration. It heralds a bold new direction for CHANG’s work, shifting away from his signature style to dive deep into the interplay of form and concept.

Inspired by Chinese Scholar’s Rocks, natural wonders shaped by time and human hands, CHANG explores paradoxes: life versus death, nature against technology, permanence beside fleeting moments. 

“The idea came to me while looking at Chinese scholars' rocks—particularly the tension between old and new in how they were created. Many people think Chinese scholars' rocks are made naturally and collected, but actually, a lot of them are chipped away or enhanced by human hands. I’ve been thinking about the tension between humans and artificial intelligence a lot. That’s why I drew the comparison with Chinese scholars' rocks, because I feel like they are the first artificial organic works."

The exhibition features artwork honored by time, combining bronze casting and hand embroidery with contemporary screen printing and digital methods. They breathe new life into symbols of our era: Wi-Fi signals, Bluetooth icons, and global currencies, all rendered as sculptural fossils. 

True to The Stallery’s immersive approach, the gallery also transforms into a serene Zen Garden for "Artifice," complete with pebbled floors, textured rocks, artificial grass, and a traditional Chinese bridge — turning the entire space into a living artwork.

Make sure to catch this exhibition, running until the end of August! For more information, visit The Stallery on their website, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Location: The Stallery, G/F 82A Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai

Exhibition Dates: May 24, 2025 to Aug. 31, 2025

Opening Hours: Wednesdays to Sundays, from 11 AM to 7 PM

Prepare to be mesmerized as the globally acclaimed Cirque du Soleil KOOZA makes its grand return to Hong Kong, promising a night of magic and wonder.   

KOOZA has been thrilling audiences worldwide with its mesmerizing mix of acrobatics, vibrant costumes, and captivating storytelling since it first premiered in 2007. After a seven-year hiatus, Cirque is back in Asia's World City, kicking off its Asian tour at the Central Harbourfront Event Space on May 21, 2025. 

Presented by UBS, Cirque du Soleil will run from May 21 until July 13, with additional performances announced for June 23 to July 13 due to its overwhelming popularity. 

KOOZA offers an experience like no other. Step inside the Big Top and you’ll instantly feel the magic. Audiences will be immersed in a stunning 260-degree panoramic view, complete with lighting that creates a dreamlike, larger-than-life atmosphere. 

The story of Cirque Du Soleil follows The Innocent, a character who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after being transported to a strange world by a mysterious gift. This production elevates traditional circus acts, blending high-flying acrobatics, tight-rope walking (and cycling!), whimsical characters, and clown tomfoolery with a poetic exploration of deeply human experiences.  

New acts promise to dazzle, including a fierce aerial silk performance by a solo female artist and a thrilling diabolo act starring a triple world champion. The show also features hair-raising moments like the impressive Wheel of Death performance, where two performers control a 1600-pound wheel, executing daring acrobatics in perfect synchronization.

Musically, KOOZA delivers a vibrant and eclectic score, blending funky 1970s grooves with live performances by a band featuring trumpet, trombone, drums, and more. The show also boasts two impressive vocalists who add a layer of depth and emotion to the experience.

Tickets for additional performances of day and evening shows start from HK$350 and are now available for purchase. You can grab them here. 

For more information, visit Cirque Du Soleil on their website, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Location: Under The Big Top, Central Harbourfront Event Space, Central

Hong Kong’s heartbeat has always thrummed to the sound of street life, and now, courtesy of the Mondrian Hong Kong, it's dancing to a new rhythm. 

This May, the five-star hotel is transforming the space opposite into a plein air stage. The Corner Shop Busking Festival celebrates the city’s up-and-coming homegrown musical talent, right in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui.

Every Saturday in May, from 6 PM to 10 PM, two fresh faces of Hong Kong’s emerging talent will take center stage. Whether you're into acoustic folk, gritty pop, or transformative R&B, this cultural outpost brings you an eclectic mix of genres — to be enjoyed for free!

The Corner Shop Busking Festival kicked off on May 10, 2025, with an intimate set-up that gave guests the chance to meet the musicians, hear their stories in a relaxed, informal setting, while enjoying vibrant live music.

On May 10, the local singer-songwriter Siu Yuen presented a mix of covers and original music, spanning acoustic folk and pop folk. Candy Ng, a member of the female group "Sex on the Beat," impressed with bold, pop-driven lyrics. 

This coming May 17, at 6 PM, Gary and Exppa, a staple of Hong Kong’s busking circuit, will perform. Afterwards, VinkyBB, known for covers into personal anthems, will play at 8 PM. 

The following Saturday, May 24, expect soulful ballads from Eric at 6 PM and emerging singer and songwriter Sky at 8 PM.

For the final event on May 31, at 6 PM, Jhei, an artist and producer known for his original Cantonese ballads and R&B, will perform, followed by the young and talented Alvin and Homan at 8 PM.

For more information, stay tuned via Mondrian Hong Kong on their website, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Location: Mondrian Hong Kong, 11A-D, 8A Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

The rhythm of paddles slicing through water, the air thick with anticipation, and the energy of riled up festivity — Hong Kong's Dragon Boat Carnival is a celebration that is hard to beat.

This year, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is transforming Tsim Sha Tsui East into a non-stop cultural extravaganza, from May 31 to June 8, 2025, with the much-anticipated Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races leading the charge.

Over 190 teams from 12 countries, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and newcomers Egypt and Qatar, will converge on Victoria Harbour for an adrenaline-packed race. 

Over 4,500 athletes will paddle for glory in 19 high-stakes races, including a new Secondary Schools Championship aimed at inspiring the next generation to dive into Hong Kong's rich cultural traditions.

But the races aren’t all you should expect! HKTB is weaving together a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and tastes that will keep visitors and locals hooked. The Dragon Boat Food Lane along the Avenue of Stars will serve up a nine-day feast of dragon-boat-inspired street snacks, rice dumplings, and summer drinks. 

The area will also be home to festive photo spots featuring Ocean Park Hong Kong’s adorable Panda Friends — the giant pandas An An, Ke Ke, Ying Ying, and Le Le, along with the adorable twin cubs Elder Sister and Little Brother.

Add to that exciting flash mob acrobatic performances by the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil, and a lively Beer Garden curated by San Miguel Brewery, where visitors can unwind with local brews and enjoy live race broadcasts.  

Visitors can stop by the HKTB Visitor Centers at Hong Kong International Airport, Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier, and Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, or collect beer vouchers at the East Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and redeem them for a complimentary draught beer in the Beer Garden.

As the evening draws in, the waterfront carnival will be a glowing spectacle you won't want to miss, with the Beer Garden and Dragon Boat Food Lane staying open as late as 10 PM.  

For more details, check out HKTB’s official website, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Formerly Twitter).

Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races

Location: Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade

Hours: June 7, 2025 from 8 AM to 7 PM, June 8, 2025 from 8 AM to 6 PM

Dragon Boat Food Lane | Panda Friends@Ocean Park Hong Kong Pop-up Store

Location: Avenue of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui

Hours: 1 PM to 10 PM

“Cirque du Soleil” Flash Mob Performance

Location: Avenue of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui • The Urban Council Centenary Garden, Tsim Sha Tsui East

Hours: Between 1 PM to 6 PM (irregular hours)

Beer Garden

Location: The Urban Council Centenary Garden, Tsim Sha Tsui East

Hours: From 2 PM to 10 PM