What’s On HKG: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, & Drink on June 1-7, 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. Festa della Repubblica at Vista in Tsim Sha Tsui

Mark your calendars for a weekend to remember! As part of Italian Week Hong Kong 2023, Vista in TST is proud to host "The Official Italian Week Festa della Repubblica Party". Join in to commemorate Italy's national day with stunning views of Victoria Harbour as your backdrop. Kick off your weekend from 5pm to 7pm with their HK$100 cocktail special, featuring signature selections such as Aperol Sour Smash and 0 Watermelon Martini, as well as innovative creations like Peach Negroni and Mediterranean Spritz that will get you in the mood for Hong Kong's sweltering summertime.

With soulful and afro house beats curated by acclaimed DJ Helen Ting, this celebration is all set to immerse you in the vibrant spirit of Italy. This spectacular event is proudly sponsored by Campari, Italian Week, and The Beat Asia. See you there for a night of Italian flair and stunning vistas!

When: June 2

Where: Vista, 30/F, One Peking, Peking Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

How much: HK$100 for cocktails

2. Italian Week 2023 Sausage Making Class at Macelle, Central

Steak King's popular sausage-making workshop is back with an Italo-twist, and it will be hosted at the group's SoHo restaurant, Macelle, in celebration of Italian Week 2023. The workshop includes a practical lesson in traditional sausage-making led by Chef Neil Tomes and group Executive Chef Brandon Tomkinson, followed by a delicious meal of your own handmade spicy Italian sausages, grilled to perfection and served beside a bed of Mediterranean grilled vegetables and pasta, plus a choice of two house drinks.

Plus, guests have the chance to take home a kilo of sausages, retailed at HK$300. Join these butchery experts and learn how to transform pork cuts into a whole new ingredient. From selecting and combining the meat to crafting your own recipes and grinding and stuffing the sausage meat into natural casings using a sausage stuffer, get ready to roll up your sleeves!

When: 3 PM-6 PM, June 3

Where: Macelle, LG/F, Shama Soho, 9-11 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Buy tickets here, HK$950

3. Four-Hands Dinner with One Star Michelin Chef Paolo Griffa at WHISK by The Mira

French-Japanese fine dining restaurant WHISK welcomes the talented young Italian Chef Paolo Griffa to cook up a storm beside the restaurant’s very own Chef de Cuisine William Lau. Owner of Paolo Griffa al Café Nazionale in Aosta, Chef Griffa is a distinguished Michelin-starred chef, the winner of the S. Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition in Italy in 2015, and was recently named in the prestigious list of “100 Under 30” by Forbes Italia in 2021.

The 10-course menu will introduce Chef Griffa’s harmonious flavours in stimulating and unexpected dishes. Highlights include Marc Chagall-Blue & Gold Rice, as well as Butter Pan-fried Black Cod with Mountain Herbs, served beside glasses of wine to complement (HK$480 for four glasses, HK$780 for eight glasses). Join along to see this fusion of Italian cuisine with WHISK’s uniquely multicultural palate.

When: June 1-2

Where: WHISK, 5/F, The Mira Hong Kong, Mira Place, 118 - 130 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

How much: Book here, HK$1,688 per person

4. Love Out Loud 2.0 at Candour in SoHo

Candour is starting Pride Month off with a bang this year and reviving their LGQBT community-centered Love Out Loud event for its second run. The bar’s very own Kervin Unido and Tracy Villegas will be crafting special cocktails, with each drink being inspired by what Pride means to them. These two mixologists are sure to impress with their unique concoctions, so stand loud and proud to be a part of this special event.

Hoping to raise a glass to Hong Kong’s bar scene by fostering a safe and welcoming space for all patrons, the event welcomes all to join in the fun regardless of gender identity or sexuality. DJ Crystal Soon will be spinning hip-hop and R&B jams all night long, so prepare to dance the night away. As an added bonus, the prize for Best Dressed is a special gift. Get creative and go all out with your outfit to win big – the true beauties will definitely make it to this ball, darling!

When: 9 PM till late, June 1

Where: Candour, 65 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Prices vary

5. Let Your Coffee Journey Begin Coffee Carnival at K11 Musea

Calling all who are crazy for coffee! K11 MUSEA is bringing together over 60 quality coffee brands on a caffeine-filled adventure of a carnival peddling premium coffee beans and coffee accessories, alongside a roster of coffee-themed events designed to deepen your love for the joe.

From classic espresso drinks to unique signature creations, there's something for everyone. You can start your coffee journey hopping between the destination’s cafés and collect stamps on the way to redeem special prizes. For artisans seeking a more upscale or educational coffee experience, check out these technical masterclasses that’ll have you become an expert home barista in no time, or explore the Coffee Corner market offering top shelf beans and coffee gear from both international and Hong Kong coffee brands.

When: Now until June 4

Where: K11 Musea, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

How much: Prices vary

6. Secret Theatre Presents ‘The Bonded City’ at a Secret Venue in Central

Get a little shaken with excitement from a mystery set to stir, as Secret Theatre is back in town with an exclusive new immersive experience: The Bonded City. Held at a secret venue in Central, the show takes audiences on an unforgettable investigation as they become secret agents and dive into a mystery laid by the world's most infamous villains. Bond meets The Usual Suspects in this action-packed show where you'll help solve the case of the world's most famous secret agent who has gone missing.

Admission includes three drinks, or you can upgrade to a Bond VIP ticket at HK$1,999 which also includes three bespoke cocktails and a free flow of champagne from 7 PM to 11 PM, plus an additional Secret Experience.

When: 7 PM till late, Thursdays to Sundays, Now until June 17

Where: TBA, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Buy tickets here, Starting from HK$799 (early bird, until supplies last)

HK$1,399 (standard admission), HK$1,999 (VIP admission)

7. 「拾色濃情」 Art Exhibition at 10 St. Francis Street in Wan Chai

Discover an up-and-coming world of local art, music, and culture at the historic St. Francis Street. This bustling building serves as a hub of creativity and inspiration, culminating in their latest exhibition.

Ten incredibly talented local artists, including Matsushimaon 松島安, Novel Friday, Taku, Ayumi, and more, have come together to create a mesmerising showcase that merges the intense emotions of our current era with forgotten primal desires. Their art brims with virility and sensual implications, tearing apart constraints and exploring the nostalgia that taps into the underlying sensual desires of those used to our city.

When: Now until June 10

Where: G/F & 1/F, 10 St. Francis Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

How much: Entry upon purchase of beverage from Busybird Bottle

8. Unwinding Through Soy Candle Making by The Blomstre in North Point

Candles are the perfect tool to help you relax. In fact, the process of making one is also an opportunity to unwind. Explore your creative side with THE BLOMSTRE's soy candle making event and follow along as their expert candle makers guide you through the process of creating your own unique scents and designs using natural ingredients.

THE BLOMSTRE is a passion project by a Hong Kong-based husband-and-wife duo, offering a modern selection of hand-crafted and hand-poured soy wax candles and home fragrances. Choose from a rotation of 30-35 different blends from their scent library and discover your new favourite fragrance to burn during your downtime.

When: All Saturdays of June

Where: THE BLOMSTRE, Suite 1702, 17/F, Wellborne Commercial Centre, 8 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong

How much: Book here, HK$500

9. (Almost) Summer Improv Show by Hong Kong Improv at Fringe Club in Central

Get ready to laugh out loud and beat the heat with Hong Kong Improv's latest show! Ringing in the Hong Kong summertime from the cushy indoors theatre, the troupe brings hilarious improv skits from two teams: Caught in the Crossfire and Where Are These Chairs?

Don’t get too comfy in your seat, though, as you’ll likely get on your feet since audience participation is key! These talented comedians will use your suggestions to create a one-of-a-kind performance that will have you rolling in the aisles. Head out for an evening of laughter and fun with the unexpected just around the corner.

When: June 3

Where: Fringe Club - Jockey Club Theatre, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Buy tickets here, HK$250

10. Millennial Quiz Night: Summer Action Blockbuster Pub Quiz at The Aftermath in Central

As anyone who grew up in the ‘90s or wee beginnings of the 2000s can remember, summer holidays were once a time for catching up on the latest blockbusters or re-watching old classics on DVD. Whether it was Spielberg or Nolan directing, Star Wars or Star Trek, Spiderman or Superman, Hollywood always delivered.

In honour of these nostalgia-filled summer nights, Millennial Quiz Night is bringing back the action and memories from the past four decades in one jam-packed evening to test your filmography knowledge. Grab some popcorn and get ready to relive those sweet summer holidays through your favourite Blockbuster characters and creatures.

When: June 5

Where: The Aftermath, B/F, 57-59 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Buy tickets here, Starting from HK$390 (team of three)

HK$520 (team of four), HK$650 (team of five), HK$780 (team of six)