What’s On HKG: HKTDC Food Expo PRO, FringeYouth Festival 2025, & More

If your idea of a balanced diet is just food in both hands, then cancel your plans from August 14 to 18 and head straight to Wan Chai. 

The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) is about to transform into a food paradise as the 35th HKTDC Food Expo kicks off, and you already know it’s not just another food fair- this is a full-blown flavor festival, where self-control is politely asked to wait outside. 

Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), this year’s Food Expo is set to be another successful edition of the annual- and heavenly- culinary spectacular, featuring over 1,890 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions. From Brazilian barbecue to Mongolian dairy, Zimbabwean delicacies to ASEAN street eats, the event promises to bring guests on a global tasting tour.  

Running concurrently with the Beauty & Wellness Expo, Home Delights Expo, and the 16th Hong Kong International Tea Fair, the Food Expo is part of a five-fair lineup that’s as much about lifestyle as it is about eating. Expect curated themed days, interactive games, lucky draws, and a whole lot of chewing. 

For F&B veterans, the third edition of Food Expo PRO opens its doors with a new Coffee Zone that’s brewing up excitement. For example, Yunnan’s Pu’er City will showcase its finest beans, and baristas will battle it out in a coffee cupping competition. Meanwhile, the Food Science and Technology Zone will spotlight health-forward innovations like cognitive supplements. 

For Muslim visitors and those interested in halal cuisine, the Expo is stepping up its game with over 120 halal exhibitors and seminars promoting Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly destination. Local restaurants will even receive halal certifications during the event, making it a milestone moment for inclusive dining. 

Admission is priced at HK$30, with discounted rates for tourists. Tickets are available at the venue and convenience stores across the city. For information about the event, check out HKTDC’s official website here. 

Mushrooms and raves may sound like a great combination, but what if they were mixed with a powerful substance – caffeine? 

Local wellness brand Made From Mushroom is bringing its signature fusion of plant-based vitality and DJ culture to host a vibrant daytime rave at a secret location on Hong Kong Island on August 17 from 3 PM - 6 PM, blending their powerful brews with grooves, community vibes, and a dose of mushroom-powered magic. 

Mushroom Coffee Magic

Known for its functional mushroom products designed to support energy, focus, and mood, Made From Mushroom has recently launched its instant coffee and drip coffee featuring science-backed medicinal mushrooms like cordyceps, reishi, and lion’s mane. The ingredients’ benefits include boosting stamina, enhancing cognitive clarity, and reducing stress, leading to growing scientific interest and popularity among enthusiasts.  

“We’re redefining the food and beverage industry through the perfect fusion of Hong Kong-based research and natural resources,” said Co-founders Dr. Cheng Wai-Yin and Mr. Luk Wai-Kit. “Our mushroom coffee offers a healthier alternative for urban lifestyles, supporting vitality and balance without the side effects of traditional caffeine.” 

Hong Kong's First Mushroom Coffee Rave

To go with the product launch is their day rave “Mushroom Mix #vol. 0,” where a curated lineup of DJs, including DJ Step, SHON, and Nip Lung will spin their selection of house and hip hop tracks. While guests dance with a promised dopamine rush over 3 hours of non-stop music, they’ll be offered a cup of Made From Mushroom’s signature mushroom coffee in addition to a selection of drinks available, alongside an exclusive souvenir. 

Guests can expect a high-vibe, alcohol-free experience that blends movement, mindfulness, and mushroom-powered clarity. The event promises “beats without burnout,” with plenty of vibe-worthy moments, natural mood boosts, and a crowd that’s all about conscious connection. 

Get your ticket here for HK$150 before Aug 15 or HK$180 until Aug 17. For other details and product info, follow Made From Mushroom on Instagram here. 

K-Pop icon G-Dragon is set to light up the Hong Kong stage soon with his highly anticipated “Übermensch” World Tour — but that’s not all. Fans can also look forward to his art-meets-technology media exhibition, opening next week at Harbour City.

The G-DRAGON MEDIA EXHIBITION: Übermensch promises an immersive experience like no other, giving fans a chance to step into the artist’s visionary world that blends music, art, and pure genius. The exhibition will run from Aug. 15 to Sept. 7 at Level 4, Ocean Centre, and Ground Floor, Atrium I, Gateway Arcade of Harbour City Mall. 

The exhibition first launched in Seoul last March to accompany GD’s latest album release, and was created in collaboration with content solution company Creative Mut (MUT) and G-Dragon’s agency, Galaxy Corporation. It instantly became a viral hit among fans and amassed over 55,000 visitors, all of whom were pleasantly surprised by its next-level tech — from artificial intelligence (AI), real-time holograms, augmented reality (VR), and CG made with Unreal Engine, a next-generation 3D solution, which gives the illusion of being face-to-face with the artist. 

One of the main highlights is the VR cinema space that presented the “Take Me” music video, making it feel as if GD is giving you a one-on-one performance right before your very eyes! Now that sounds better than being at one of his concerts!

The exhibit will also have multiple 5G-powered hologram projectors that will bring lifelike performances of his singles “Take Me” and “IBelongIIU,” special art installations like the “Daisy Garden,” and exclusive exhibition merchandise flown in from Korea, which will be available for sale on site. 

Also, rumor has it that the Hong Kong exhibit will feature double-sided LED screens arranged along a corridor, which will be paired with immersive sound design that intends to make guests feel as if G-Dragon himself is guiding them through his creative world. 

Don’t miss the one-of-a-kind immersive experience. Tickets are priced at HK$188 and will be available exclusively on Klook starting Aug. 11 at 12 PM. 

For updates, follow the exhibition’s official Instagram page. Stay tuned for more music from G-Dragon by following him on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

G-DRAGON MEDIA EXHIBITION: Übermensch 

Location: Harbour City, Hong Kong

• Level 4, Ocean Centre
• Atrium I, Ground Floor, Gateway Arcade

Dates: Aug. 15 to Sept. 7, 2025

Ticket Price: HK$188

Before rap had a proper place in Hong Kong’s music identity, DJ Lorry was already spinning beats through crowded disco nights, driven by the belief that hip hop deserved more than underground admiration. 

In a city where Canto pop songs ruled the charts and radio DJs carried household fame, hip hop thrived quietly in the shadows, being sustained by dancers, DJs, and creatives with a defiant streak. By the late ’90s, genre-blurring pop tracks began to hint at Canto rap’s presence, but it wasn’t until the LMF’s explosive arrival that local youth embraced rap as a voice of self-expression. 

DJ Lorry was there before the movement took shape. “I started out in the early ’90s as a disco disc jockey,” he explains with an emphasis on disco, laughing at how people often assumed he was a radio host. “Back in my youth, I had this wild ambition to change the world, so I committed to becoming a DJ who focused solely on hip hop.” 

That bet paid off as Lorry gave his career a strong foundation and eventually carved out a space where hip hop could begin to speak Cantonese with pride. 

In a city where hip hop may have been pushed to the sidelines, DJ Lorry and his collaborators are bringing it back to the mainstage "Shogun Rapper (說唱大將軍)," a new rap musical featuring 19 local rappers that’s wrapped in ritual, powered by community, and expressed in the voices of homegrown talents. 

Join us in a reflective conversation as The Beat Asia dives into DJ Lorry's journey, his role in shaping Hong Kong's hip hop culture, and ambitious upcoming production.

What’s your journey in the local hip hop scene, and how do you see your role in it today? 

I started purely as a DJ, there wasn't really a 'hip hop scene’ at the time. 

In the’90s, people danced to hip hop in discos, and you’d see B-boys on the streets, but rap was barely touched. Outside of big mainstream acts like Softhard (軟硬天師), it was almost impossible for regular people to get into it with no resources.

In 2001, my crew and I put out a track experimenting with dance beats and rap, which is not exactly hip hop in my view, but it’s wild that people still talk about it today. I’ve never tried to define my role in the scene. The respect I get now comes from younger generations, and I’m truly flattered. I’m not chasing anything, I just work with the people I meet along the way, doing what feels natural. That kind of journey, to me, is a beautiful life. 

How would you describe the current state of Hong Kong’s rap scene?

There aren’t many platforms here where people can perform because it takes funding, which means the audience, not just listeners, is incredibly niche. 

I believe a lot of young rappers start with a dream but reality hits fast. That’s also part of what makes Hong Kong's art scene so unique, you need the right time, right place, and right people to truly be seen. 

In your opinion, what kind of fuel would help ignite Hong Kong's rap scene? 

The market here is dominated by mainstream music, and that’s a major obstacle. 

There’ve been successful crossovers, like Sammi Cheng and LMF, or, more recently, Jason Chan featuring Novel Fergus, and Juno Mak working with several rappers. And we’ve seen independent artists break through to the mainstream industry. Despite mainstream media rarely exploring music outside their comfort zone, and most people don’t know where to look, a lot of artists are grinding silently, especially those doing creative work, who fight to break out of this structure. 

Unlike countries with deeply rooted rap ecosystems like the US, UK, or South Korea, Hong Kong’s relationship with hip hop has always been complicated. 

Now, decades into his journey, DJ Lorry’s latest project as the Creative Director of "Shogun Rapper (說唱大將軍)" marks another bold turning point. The production, showing for one night only on August 8, 2025, features 19 rappers, 17 of whom are from four distinct collectives. 

Backing them is an art-driven creative team determined to push Cantonese rap beyond convention. Blending street culture, storytelling, and spiritual symbolism, the show is Lorry’s way of honoring the often-overlooked artists while amplifying the voices shaping the next wave. 

Building on that energy, Lorry shaped the show into something truly unique, a rap performance that functions like a musical. 

“The inspiration behind Shogun Rapper comes from a kind of spiritual energy,” he explains. “Whether you’re religious or not, whenever you reach a bottleneck or feel lost, certain people and events tend to appear, they guide you toward a shift in your creative process or personal choices.” 

The format reflects this sense of transformation. Infused with mythological elements, performers channel a symbolic power known as ‘the Shogun,’ (大將軍) which triggers explosive stage presence and emotional power. The result is not just performance but resonance which takes root in an original storyline steeped in ancient legend, as Lorry recounts. 

What narrative themes do you have at play in the show?

The story begins in ancient times with the great battle between Huangdi (黃帝) and Chiyou (蚩尤). 

Long, long ago, humans lived in caves, surviving on raw meat and animal hides. Whether in joy or suffering, they could only cry out. Emotions remained trapped inside, with nowhere to go. 

That changed when Cangjie (倉頡) invented written language. Suddenly, people could express themselves, record all things under heaven, and even reshape the world around them. At that moment, Huangdi and Chiyou were locked in the Battle of Zhuolu (涿鹿之戰) and both sides turned to rap, the most advanced form of expression then, to wage an epic clash that shook heaven and earth. 

But Chiyou made a mistake. One wrong punchline led to his downfall. Huangdi, armed with perfect delivery and a high-powered production team, crushed him completely, leaving only his tongue behind. That tongue was then forged into a microphone, said to carry Chiyou’s spirit.  

From then on, Chiyou wandered the earth, helping different artists. The mic channels rap straight to the soul, stirring hearts wherever it’s heard. This mythical being has many names in different places, but in Hong Kong, he’s known as the ‘Shogun Rapper.’

What do you hope audiences take away from Shogun Rapper — emotionally, culturally, or artistically?

The message is simple, and it’s positive: Whatever you pursue, if it’s something you love, something you’re willing to work for, you’re already one step closer to success. 

You have established rappers and rising voices in "Shogun Rapper's" lineup, who are some of the city's stars you are spotlighting?

The lineup features several well-known names to local audiences in the scene: YACK STUDIO, M4GANG, WOLFE, and GRIND FLOOR. 

One spotlighted artist is Haysen Cheng, a Hong Kong rapper currently building his music career in Chengdu. He’s released multiple Cantonese tracks across Mandarin-speaking regions, working tirelessly to promote Cantonese rap and Hong Kong culture. Seeing how far he’s come, it made perfect sense to invite him as a presence for this show.  

Also joining is WAVYSOUND, a rising collective poised to grab attention in the near future. Each member brings a unique style, and their music showcases impressive fluidity and finesse. Their performance on this stage is highly anticipated. 

Who are the local brands, artists, or creatives involved in shaping the show’s aesthetic?

Our Executive Director Yuwen has delivered a wide range of outstanding artistic work within Hong Kong’s hip hop scene and is held in extremely high regard by the community. His involvement brings a sense of calm and confidence—like a remedy that steadies the spirit. 

Visual Director BOMS uses his illustration skills and composition to connect music and image, creating an immersive visual impact for the audience. He also designed the symbolic “flower script” characters representing each rapper, featured in the promotional poster and event booklet in collaboration with our Poster Designer Raymond. 

Animator JollyB brings her signature animation style to the show, adding a layer of flair that elevates the entire experience. 

In the Shogun Rapper narrative, a sacred relic from Chiyou appears on stage, which is designed by toy artist and Prop Design Head N9TH STUDIO to bring myth into material form. 

Lastly CULT KEY, a renowned professional crew made up of independent musicians rounds out our Sound & Production Team. Special shoutout to A TEAM for their full support in making it all come together! 

"Shogun Rapper's" announced lineup features 19 rappers drawn from four collectives and two independent acts. Each group carries its own sound and philosophy, offering a cross-section of Hong Kong’s evolving hip hop identity. 

YACK STUDIO brings the lyrical precision of Novel Fergus, Novel Flash, and LeShing; M4Gang offers raw energy through the voices of PetPetShawn, Skinhead (光頭), Joe Yip (拉天槽), Polar G, and Zodi. Grind Floor delivers underground boombap through NKidd, ZAIN, and Buzzy.D; and rising collective WavySound blends versatility with flow through Raydog, DRG, Stonefish99, LIZ, Yeaboi, and MDot. 

All while independent voices of the show, Wolfe and Haysen Cheng (鄭景曦), round out the core lineup. 

The show doesn’t stop there. Shogun Rapper promises the unexpected, with surprise guests not listed on posters and a handful of iconic tracks set to debut live, with no guarantee of another chance, making it a rare moment in Hong Kong’s hip hop calendar. 

Beyond the spotlight, Lorry’s efforts to nurture local talent continue. In recent months, he partnered with a local nightclub to host ‘HIP HOP NIGHT,' a weekly event series designed specifically for rising DJs and rappers. It’s modest, but meaningful as a consistent platform where new voices gain performance experience and can connect with a live audience. 

“This small stage lets everyone build confidence and connect through their work,” Lorry says. In a city with few resources for independent rap, spaces like this are essential. 

And the emotional core of Shogun Rapper is rooted in reflection. Lorry believes that love and commitment are the real benchmarks of success. “A good foundation never fades,” he says. “Even when you’re lost or if the path feels like a waste of time, one day you’ll remember what it was like to start.” 

Speaking from his experience of having stepped away from music for a decade to pursue photography, he says it was the raw and fearless voices of young rappers that woke him up, adding it’s the youngsters who reminded him of his beginnings. 

Shogun Rapper is built on that rediscovery: a tribute to revival, artistic sincerity, and shared energy. 

What are some traits you look for when discovering new talents?

I don’t place special emphasis on any one part of it because, after all, art is always tied to trends. I think when we don’t understand something, it’s because we haven’t taken the time to truly learn about it. Once you do, once you see the whole picture clearly, you begin to understand what the other person is trying to express. 

In the end, it’s all about learning and absorbing like how Hong Kong has different slang and cultural phrases depending on the era, and this city is known for how fast trends change. And I keep up by asking the younger generation questions. 

⁠What’s a piece of advice you have for up-and-coming artists?

Do something that, years down the line, you’ll look back on with pride, without regret, something that still resonates after you’ve grown. 

Are there any upcoming collaborations or new concepts you’re developing beyond Shogun Rapper?

I don’t plan too far ahead as I want to give this show the full attention it deserves. However, I dream of collaborating with artists across different countries and languages. If we have resources, I believe it can happen. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

With DJ Lorry as the creative mind the show, "Shogun Rapper (說唱大將軍)" will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 6 PM at the Heung Yee Kuk Grand Theatre in Shek Mun, Sha Tin. General admission standing tickets are priced at HK$690. 

With its textured storytelling, cross-disciplinary vision, and roster of both established and rising talent, Shogun Rapper mirrors the tension and promise of Hong Kong’s music scene. It’s experimental, unapologetic, and overflowing with spirit, just like the culture it comes from, and a one-of-a-kind performance you don't want to miss. 

Follow DJ Lorry on Instagram and visit his Spotify page. You can purchase tickets for Shogun Rapper on BOOK YAY and visit their Instagram for more information. 

If your August calendar is still looking a little too tame, The Mira Hong Kong is about to shake things up. 

Back for its third edition, 'Sake Sensation 2025' promises a spirited celebration of Japanese tradition, craftsmanship, and culinary finesse, all under one roof. From August 8 to 9, the hotel’s penthouse Ballroom will transform into a Kyoto-inspired carnival, setting the stage for one of the city’s largest Japanese sake tasting events, with additional events spanning from August 11 to 24. 

The best you can expect from this campaign is the return of Hong Kong Sake Festival, co-hosted with the Federation of Japanese Sake Industry of Hong Kong. 

Attendees will have the rare opportunity to sample over 800 types of premium sake and shochu sourced from 30 local distributors across 43 prefectures of Japan. Among these are award-winning bottles from the 2025 Oriental Sake Awards, including several making their Hong Kong debut. The Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association has also curated a selection of rare shochu, adding depth to the tasting experience. 

But is this just about sipping? The Mira is going all out with immersive decorations inspired by Kyoto’s iconic Gion Festival. Expect lanterns, traditional banners, and a ceremonial vibe and guests are welcome to come in a kimono or Japanese-themed attire- those who dress the part will receive a commemorative gift, adding a ceremonial elegance to the evening. 

If you’re looking to elevate your sake game beyond the tasting floor, The Mira’s “Sommelier’s Oma-sake” Sake Pairing Degustation from August 11-24 is a must. WHISK’s sake-forward dinner experience invites guests to indulge in a four-or-six-course fusion menu, with an option to pair with four-or-six specially selected sakes. 

Then, on August 17, WHISK is turning up the volume with a Sake Free Flow Boozy Brunch, a one-day-only edition of their monthly brunch series. This one-day-only brunch turns up the indulgence with unlimited premium sake and other beverages, plus a five-course spread featuring deluxe seafood and mains. 

Spice up your summer with Sake Sensation 2025, your passport to explore the depth and diversity of Japan’s most iconic spirit. You can find full event details and more on the official website here or follow The Mira’s Instagram here. 

Hong Kong Sake Festival 2025 Event Details: 

Location: The Ballroom, 18/F, The Mira Hong Kong, Mira Place, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Dates: August 8-9 2025 

Time: 6:30pm – 10:30pm 

Admission: HK$680 or HK$730 per person (single day) / HK$1,260 (two-day pass), including unlimited tasting of sake and all-you-can-eat bites 

In case you missed Takashi Murakami's whimsical cherry blossom oasis at ComplexCon Hong Kong 2025, Ohana Hatake has made its official debut in the city at Pacific Place in Admiralty. 

Step into the retail destination this August and you’ll find its Garden Court transformed into a mesmerizing dreamscape that’s blooming with imagination. From July 31 to August 13, the mall’s latest campaign, Summer in Full Bloom, brings Japanese artist Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake to Hong Kong for its official launch, in a pop-up that’s part art installation, part retail experience, and all sensory delight. 

Presented in collaboration with Complex Chinese, the event marks Murakami’s footwear brand’s debut in the city, coinciding with Pacific Place’s role as the official mall partner of ComplexCon Hong Kong 2025. 

At the heart of it all is a surreal floral dreamscape, showcasing a large-scale hanging cherry blossom centerpiece surrounded by blooming trees and vibrant florals, all echoing Murakami’s signature Superflat aesthetic. The result is a space that feels more like a garden in motion than a shopping mall. 

Inside the installation, visitors can browse exclusive Ohana Hatake merchandise, including two footwear styles in twelve colorways, with four new shades released in phases over the two-week run. The pop-up also offers an incentive: spend HK$800 or HK$1,500 in same-day electronic purchases at Pacific Place or Starstreet Precinct to redeem a specially brewed Ohana Hatake coffee or limited-edition tote bag, respectively. Redemptions are available daily while supplies last. 

Beyond the retail and rewards, the installation invites guests to linger, explore, and engage with Murakami’s world, where nature meets pop art, and summer feels like a canvas. With opening hours from 11am to 8pm, it’s a perfect midday escape or post-work wander. 

Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms or just looking for a fresh way to experience the city, Summer in Full Bloom offers a rare chance to see Pacific Place through a more whimsical lens. 

For more information, visit the Pacific Place website here, and follow the Instagram page here.   

Location: Garden Court, LG1, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty

West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK) has officially unveiled its performing arts lineup for the 2025/26 season, revealing the impressive scale and ambitious spirit of its offerings. 

With over 700 performances across 30 programs, WestK is making its case as the region’s leading cultural incubator. The season runs from July 2025 to June 2026, offering a mix of theater, dance, music, and original productions by both homegrown and international artists. 

One of the most anticipated highlights is the return of The Impossible Trial, an original Cantonese musical co-created with the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre. Not only has it garnered over 20 awards, but it has also set the performance number and attendance record of a Hong Kong musical touring in the Mainland, in which they attracted over 35,000 people over 23 sold-out shows. Having made waves across Shanghai and Beijing, the show is now returning to Hong Kong for a 30-show run starting August 14 at the Xiqu Centre. 

The season is built around five flagship festivals, each distinct in tone and focus. 

Longtime favorites like the Black Box Chinese Opera Festival, Freespace Jazz Fest, and Freespace Dance are back with expanded programs and new commissions. Meanwhile, WestK FunFest continues its mission of bringing creative energy to families and younger audiences through playful, accessible formats. 

Perhaps the most intriguing addition to this year's lineup is the WestK Cabaret Festival, Hong Kong’s first Cabaret Festival, set to launch in June 2026. It promises to spotlight cabaret as a genre ripe for reinvention, pairing live music and storytelling in intimate settings that contrast with the grandeur of traditional venues. 

Also noteworthy is the introduction of the WestK Creator Series, an initiative focused on nurturing local artists and spotlighting original productions. It signals a strategic pivot toward long-term cultural production and talent incubation, a move that feels especially timely for Hong Kong’s evolving creative landscape. 

With international acts like Dianne Reeves, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre from Taiwan, the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe, and so many more joining the season, the lineup blends regional tradition with global flair. If the past few seasons were about laying foundations, 25/26 looks like the year WestK sets for new heights. 

For more information, visit the West Kowloon Cultural District website here, and follow the Instagram page here.