What’s On HKG: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on Aug. 3 – 9, 2023

Ahh, another week 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 right now—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 week ahead.

1. Fermenting Hong Kong Festival 2023

Immerse yourself in a whirlwind of flavours and tunes at the inaugural Fermenting Hong Kong Festival this summer at Sai Kung's iconic venue, The Kungers • 公立. The vintage locale metamorphoses into a vibrant dance floor, while the accompanying market offers a buffet of fermented foods and beverages.

Indulge in a diverse array of delights at the freeto-enter Fermentation Market and participate in engaging workshops ranging from persimmon dyeing to mead brewing. The headlining event is of course the 'Fermenting DJ Party,' a pulsating two-day live electronic music gala, in collaboration with local event collectives TruffleENT, Neoncity Records, and NoManZone. The festival concludes on a high note with a Silent Disco, ensuring an immersive musical experience minus the noise pollution.

Check out the full lineup and other details here.

When: Aug 5 - 6

Where: The Kungers, 30 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, New Territories

How much: Buy tickets here, Starting from HK$238

2. Watch ONE Fight Night 13 Showdown at Lumpinee Stadium Live on Prime Video

Get ready for an exhilarating martial arts spectacle at ONE Fight Night 13: Allazov vs. Grigorian, set to broadcast live on Prime Video. Wherever you are in the world, you can tune in to experience the electrifying atmosphere of Bangkok's famed Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, where eminent fighters have stepped up to the ring to duel.

The event headlines with a high-stakes rematch between ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion, Chingiz Allazov, and challenger Marat Grigorian. Adding to the excitement, ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion Mikey Musumeci is set to defend his title against seasoned wrestler Jarred Brooks. In a potential title shot decider, a face-off awaits between 17-time BJJ World Champion Marcus Almeida and Senegalese Wrestling Champion Oumar Kane. See the full fighter roster, and more details on the event here.

When: 8 AM, Aug. 5

Where: Click here to stream

How much: Free

3. 2023 ASEAN Film Festival Debuts Across Hong Kong

Experience the diversity of Southeast Asian cultures at the first-ever ASEAN Film Festival (AFF), held in Hong Kong. This non-profit event uses cinema to showcase the unique heritage of ASEAN nations, featuring 21 film screenings and sharing sessions hosted by featured directors and cast members.

The AFF's lineup features award-winning directors' works, such as "Before, Now and Then" by Kamila Andini (Indonesia), "Anwar: The Untold Story" by Viva Westi (Indonesia), and "The Diam Diam Era 2" by Jack Neo (Singapore). These films offer a captivating glimpse into the vibrant cultures and narratives of their respective nations.

When: Aug. 4 – 19

Where: Click here to see all venues

How much: Prices vary

4. CyberVerse at SUPACITY in Wong Chuk Hang

A perfect fusion of electronic music, stage mapping, and futurist artwork, CyberVerse invites all to a realm where high tech meets the city’s dense urban life. This immersive event, inspired by the rebellious developments of the future, takes you on a journey where art, music, and technology harmonize.

You'll lose yourself in a mesmerizing array of music once the sun goes down. This enthralling event features two stages, featuring DJ sets from KofiBeam, The Heman, The Forsaken, Taste of Blue, Byrne, and more. Nine selected visual artists have also left their mark with a range of audiovisual art installations. The daring at heart can even get a chance to leave with a tattoo.

When: 5 PM Until Late, Aug. 19

Where: SUPACITY, 6/F, 11 Tong Bin Lane, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong

How much: Buy tickets here, HK$450

5. Backstage Comedy Spotlight: ‘Tim To - All Grown Up?’ At BaseHall 2

Join the laughter riot at the BaseHall 2 Backstage Comedy spotlight, which features Tim To in "All Grown Up?" Known for his rapid ascent in the Hong Kong comedy circuit, Tim To commands attention with his distinctive humour that seamlessly blends English and Cantonese.

Taking audiences on an unexpected ride filled with wit and relatability, in an era marked by caution against controversy, Tim To daringly transforms the provocative into comedic gold. So, gear up for an evening of unrestrained laughter, great drinks, and belly laughs through Tim’s one-of-a-kind set. Tickets each include one drink per admission.

When: 8 PM – 10 PM, Aug. 3

Where: BaseHall 2, LG/F, 1 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Buy tickets here, HK$300

6. John Nugent Curates Travel-inspired Cocktail Menu at Newly Opened Cardinal Point at LANDMARK Forty-five

Nestled atop Gloucester Tower in LANDMARK, Cardinal Point is now open at Forty-Five. The bar, curated by award-winning Group Beverage Director, John Nugent, presents an enticing cocktail menu inspired by global exploration, while the restaurant offers a diverse selection of international dishes, helmed by Culinary Director, Rafael Gil.

The bar's concoctions, infused with ingredients from around the world, echo the spirit of travel, offering novel twists on classic cocktails. Springing into summer with the "Sexy Tropical" cocktails, take a sip from the vibrant Larry Bird (HK$150), the exotic Purple Potato Painkiller (HK$150), and the intriguing Boujie Banana (HK$150). Moreover, the "New Wave" cocktails serve unique tastes, such as the Pandan Highball (HK$160), an on-tap delight, and the adventurous Chips & Dip (HK$160). With its indoor and outdoor bars open daily until late, and music curated by resident DJs, Cardinal Point promises an enchanting night out.

When: 12 PM – 1 AM, Monday – Saturday & Day before PH / 12 PM – 10 PM, Sunday

Where: Cardinal Point, Forty-Five Gloucester Tower Landmark, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Book here, Prices vary

7. Islay Whisky and Chocolate Pairing Workshop by Chokohood in Tai Hang

Indulge in a sensorial trip at Chokohood’s exclusive Islay Whisky & Chocolate Pairing Workshop. The event features an exquisite selection of four distinctive Kilchoman Whiskies that have been expertly paired with three types of gourmet chocolate and a signature chocolate dessert to complement.

Attendees will be guided through this decadent experience by experts - Hin, a whisky connoisseur from Mizunara, and Katie, a Level 3 Certified Chocolate Taster. They will offer intriguing insights into the world of cacao and chocolate, the story of the esteemed Kilchoman distillery, and the art of pairing whiskies with chocolates.

When: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM, Aug. 3

Where: Chokohood, Shop E, 96 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang, Hong Kong

How much: Buy tickets here, HK$590

8. ‘The Flavour of Lion City’ Four Hands Dinner: Chef Kevin Wong of Seroja Singapore x Chef Barry Quek of Whey Hong Kong

One-MICHELIN-starred restaurant Whey is set to host a special culinary event with Chef Kevin Wong, who has just been awarded the inaugural Green Star of Singapore and One Michelin Star himself for achievements at his Singapore-based restaurant Seroja. Together, the two chefs will offer guests an exceptional four-hands dining experience that takes them on a tantalizing journey to Singapore's rich culinary heritage.

Both chefs are renowned for their innovative and diverse approaches to presenting multicultural flavours. This year, in honour of Singapore's 58th National Day, they'll jointly craft a menu beautifully highlighting their Hokkien and Malaysian roots. This extraordinary feast promises to be a sensory delight, blending tradition with innovation in a truly unique gastronomic event.

When: Aug. 8 – 9

Where: Whey, UG/F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Buy tickets here, HK$2888

9. Twins Kitchen Opens French-Japanese Bistro dolos in SoHo

Dolos, replacing the space previously situated by Hatch, is the latest entrant to Soho's dynamic culinary landscape. Created by Twins Kitchen, the name "dolos" is inspired by the concrete wave-breakers guarding harbour walls, including Hong Kong's shoreline, symbolizing the tie between land and sea, reflecting the concept’s seafood centric menu.

Patrons at dolos can indulge in a frequently changing tasting menu (HK$880), reflecting chef Sean Yuen’s creativity and the season's freshest ingredients. The menu emphasises fresh catches, highlighting the invigorating flavours these ingredients offer.

The tasting journey begins with Saba in Smoked Cream and Red Wine, and Monkfish Liver with Japanese Fruit Tomato, Banyuls Vinegar and Sesame Semolina Sourdough, amongst other marine delicacies. The main dishes feature delights like Grilled Eel with Shiokara Tomato Parmagiano Reggiano or Wagyu Beef Hanger Steak, accompanied by smoked oysters and a bone marrow sauce. The dining experience concludes on a sweet note with Coconut Sake Kazu Ice Cream.

When: 6 PM – 12 AM, Tuesday to Saturday

Where: dolos, G/F, 60 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Book here, HK$880 per person

10. Agora x Louise Four Hands Dinner: Mediterranean Voyage at Tai Kwun

Embark on this Mediterranean culinary adventure for an unforgettable dining experience blending Agora’s Middle Eastern fare with fresh Spanish and French-inspired eats by Louise. Esteemed chefs Antonio and Franckelie will fuse their culinary expertise, referencing the region’s traditional palate with a fresh, seasonal menu.

Set to feature two signature dishes from each restaurant, diners are guaranteed satisfaction with Louise's delectable smoked organic egg with potato, chorizo, and buckwheat; along with Agora's sublime tuna belly, served with a smokey aubergine bed and crowned with Ossetra caviar, soaked in Agora's homemade garum, a fermented fish sauce.

Reservations require a deposit of HKD 1,000 per person, deducted from the final bill.

When: 6 PM – 11 PM, Aug. 3

Where: Agora, Shop 14, G/F, D Hall, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Buy tickets here, HK$1880