What’s On HKG: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on July 20 – 26, 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. Drag Brunch: California Girls at VIVERE in Causeway Bay

Greetings, loved ones! Let’s take a journey! This sizzling Sunday, Vivere invites ladies, gentlemen, and everyone in between to the dazzling 'California Girls'-themed Drag Brunch. Set amidst the warm and wild ambiance of Vivere, this is where exuberant energy meets the tantalizing flavours of a quality brunch menu.

Sip a couple of drinks, or more, with one of their drink packages, while basking in the charismatic performances of the fine, fresh, and fierce drag queens in attendance. Headlining are the captivating Jhara Latina, the vivacious Mocha Diva, and the charming Emma Orhey.

When: 12 PM – 3 PM, July 23

Where: VIVERE, 11/F, 31 Sugar Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

How much: Buy tickets here, HK$165

2. MindHK Youth Mental Health Workshop at One Capital Place in Wan Chai

Just as with physical health, MHFA empowers individuals with the practical tools to address mental health crises. Mind HK is offering an internationally recognized and accredited qualification in Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). This course covers various topics, from anxiety disorders and depression to substance abuse and psychosis, equipping participants with the knowledge to offer immediate assistance and referrals for additional support.

Whether you're a teacher, a parent, a social worker, or simply an interested individual, this course offers profound benefits. Topics covered include identifying and managing mental health emergencies, understanding the role of a lay person versus when professional help is needed, implementing Action Plans, and recognizing available resources within our community.

In addition to providing a deeply rewarding experience, the course also offers official certification in Youth MHFA, an internationally recognized achievement. Please note that all training is conducted by Mind HK staff or mental health professionals, and full attendance of both sessions is required for certification.

When: 9 AM – 5 PM, 22 & 29 July

Where: Mind Hong Kong, 18B, One Capital Place, 18 Luard Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

How much: Buy tickets here, Starting from HK$800 (concessions available)

3. Silkscreen Workshop at The Stallery in Wan Chai

Stone Nullah Lane’s The Stallery has announced an extension for the "Space Rich" exhibition, featuring the unique talent of multidisciplinary artist Ernest Chang. Reimagining the art world through the lens of his red-green colour blindness, Ernest’s work is now on display until Aug. 20. This vibrant collection features 14 silkscreen-on-Perspex works, and four intriguing sculptures progressing on a fascinating journey into the potential of deep space habitation.

Art lovers and pop culture enthusiasts alike will appreciate his clever incorporation of recognizable figures and luxury brand icons into his creations. What’s more, there is a free public silkscreen workshops hosted by Ernest himself where attendees will have the chance to create their own small print version of "Child of Space," a standout piece from the series.

When: 1PM – 3 PM (two sessions), July 22 - 23

Where: The Stallery, 82A Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

How much: Sign up here, Free entry

4. How to Build a Sustainable Wardrobe: Home Makeover HK & Style Carousel Panel at Taikoo Place

Step into a revolutionary world of luxury fashion with Style Carousel, which allows high fashion ladies to sustainably book, buy, and even trade preloved clothing on demand. Founded with the goal of offering a solution to overflowing designer closets and the perpetual 'nothing to wear' conundrum, Style Carousel is hosting a panel to introduce how to maintain a sustainable wardrobe without sacrificing on style.

The panel is led by Hannah Griffith, the brand director of Style Carousel, and Marianne Obena, founder of Home Makeover HK, who will be sharing their valuable insights. Explore key topics like discerning which pieces are worth investing in, understanding the wardrobe essentials every woman should own, and maximising your space and style quota through effective organisation, care, and storage.

When: July 20

Where: Berkshire House, 404, 25 Westlands Road, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong

How much: Sign up here, Free entry

5. ‘A Light Never Goes Out’ Film Screening at Tai Kwun in Central

Tai Kwun’s Vital Signs exhibition is an intimate portrayal of Hong Kong's vibrant, yet endangered, neon culture. Complementing the exhibition is a special screening of "A Light Never Goes Out," directed by Anastasia Tsang. This poignant film pays homage to the fading craftsmen who spent decades mastering the craft of blowing neon lights, their legacy slowly dimming in the city's skyline.

The film stars Sylvia Chang as Mei Heung, a widow who embarks on a journey to fulfil her late husband Bill's (Simon Yam) final wish - to recreate a renowned neon sign. Assisting her is Bill's young apprentice (Henick Chow). This heartening story spotlights the city's unique history and recent crackdown on neon signs, serving as a tribute to Hong Kong's resilience and determination.

When: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM, July 24 & Sept. 5

Where: JC Cube, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Buy tickets here, HK$80

6. 'The SS Journal’ Cocktail Series at Sugar EAST Hotel in Taikoo Shing

EAST Hong Kong's chic rooftop bar, Sugar, has debuted 'The SS Journal' - a cocktail collection inspired by mankind's undying fascination and historical journey towards space exploration. Curated by in-house mixologist Lydia Wong, the experience invites patrons to perceive the cosmos through the eyes of an astronaut seeking a second home, symbolized in nine futuristic cocktails. Each drink is named after a celestial planet in our Solar System.

Standouts include Earth, a luscious concoction of Tanqueray Malacca Gin, pistachio paste, matcha, and sencha, elevated with marshmallow and caramelized condensed milk. Jupiter salutes its namesake planet with a beautiful fusion of tangy, sweet, spicy, and herbaceous flavours, while Planet X offers an intense reinterpretation of the classic Old Pal, smoky and robust. To accompany the stellar cocktails, Sugar introduces a newly curated Japanese-inspired snacks menu by Executive Chef Graham Long.

When: 5:30 PM – 1 AM, Monday to Thursday

5:30 PM – 1:30 AM, Friday to Saturday & PH

Where: Sugar, 32/F, EAST, 29 Taikoo Shing Road, Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong

How much: Book here, Prices vary

7. Free-flow Craft Beer Party at Blend & Grind in Kennedy Town

Blend & Grind are raising a toast in collaboration with craft beer connoisseur Yumm Beer. Hosting a vibrant beer party at their Kennedy Town location, attendees can enjoy a buzzing atmosphere while savouring eight unique Taiwanese craft beers, with the luxury of unlimited refills for a full two hours.

Complement your brews with a specially curated food platter full of Blend & Grind’s signature snacks. This delightful pairing of food and drink creates the perfect balance, complementing the bottled varieties on offer. Come for the vibes, and stay for the free-flow pours, starting at 7 PM.

When: 6:30 PM Until Late, July 21

Where: Blend & Grind, 20 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong

How much: Buy tickets here, Starting from HK$390

8. Unlimited Mussels Menu at Uma Nota in SoHo

Uma Nota, a unique fusion of Brazilian-Japanese flair, is bringing an unbeatable 'Unlimited Mussels' menu to Hong Kong. At a mere HK$238 per person, taste the heartiness of Brazil alongside the sophistication of Japan. Available during dinner hours this summer, indulge in mussels served in four mouthwatering broths. Options include a bright tomato and wine sauce, a tropical Moqueca sauce with coconut milk and Dende oil, a rich garlic butter sauce accentuated with sake and shiso leaf, and lastly, a fiery spicy coconut sauce. These flavourful mussels are accompanied by fresh bread, perfect for savouring every last drop of the fragrant broth.

Make the most out of the feast with some refreshing summer cocktails to match, designed to share. At HK$450 per jug, choose between the Watermelon Sakerinha, a vibrant sake-based cocktail infused with fresh watermelon and lime, or the Mango Caipirinha, a tropical delight combining Cachaça, fresh mango, and lime.

When: July 24 – 26, Aug. 7 – 9 & 21 - 23

Where: Uma Nota, 38 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Book here, HK$238 per person

9. Black Sheep’s Black Series Summer Tour 2023 Extended, Across Hong Kong

Black Sheep’s dining extravaganza has been in full swing this summer, delivering an enticing array of cuisines and flavours from their catalogue of restaurants. Extending the festivities to July 25, enjoy exclusive menus and distinctive summer dishes to make your stomach and wallet happy.

This edition presents an extra dash of excitement with the 'A Summer of Luxury' event, introducing exclusive Monday and Tuesday pricing at the luxury-tier establishments, allowing for Michelin-starred enjoyment without breaking the bank.

Highlights from the enticing line-up include the Magistracy Dining Room, a unique location steeped in Hong Kong's history, showcasing popular dishes such as Classic Caesar Salad, slow-roasted Prime Rib, and the dinner-exclusive Grilled Ora King Salmon. On the completely other end of the spectrum, Taqueria Super Macho maintains a cheerful and casual ambiance, featuring a refreshing Hamachi Tiradito alongside its signature taco lineup. For quick bite cravings, the all-American Burger Circus and Hong Kong's favourite bánh mì stop, Le Petit Saigon, offer irresistible HK$98 combos every day. Click here to see all the menus on offer this summer.

When: Now until July 25

Where: Click here to see all locations

How much: Click here to book, Prices vary

10. Casa Cucina Serves Up New A-la-Carte Menu in Sai Ying Pun

Fusing together influences from the traditional bàcaris of Venice with his homegrown favourites from Hong Kong cuisine, Chef Anthony Cheung of Casa Cucina has introduced a new à-la-carte menu centred around a range of sharing cicchetti, freshly made pasta, hearty mains, and fusion desserts. The roster showcases fresh market picks with small plates like the Octopus Carpaccio (HK$128), made tangy with additions of pickled red onion and basil aioli, and a creamy Chicken Liver Crostini (HK$88) dusted in an unconventionally delightful combination of cocoa powder and orange zest.

Hearty entrees are served in the form of Braised Ox Cheek (HK$248) that’s been cooked to tender perfection. Indulge in sauced-up pastas like the Cream of Morels Pappardelle (HK$188), fragrant with the classic earthy cheese and mushroom combination, or the Lobster Tagliatelle (HK$218) that’s rich with savoury flair from the crustacean's umami, yet still tastes fresh thanks to cherry tomatoes. Lovers of fusion cuisine should be sure to save space for the Tofu Panna Cotta (HK$58), which blends the lightness of vanilla-tinged fresh tofu with a tart sweetness from light soy sauce and red sugar.

When: 12 PM – 3 PM / 6 PM – 10 PM, Monday to Friday

12 PM – 4 PM / 6 PM – 10 PM, Weekends

Where: Casa Cucina, Shops 8 & 9, 158A Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

How much: Book here, Prices vary