What’s On HKG: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on Mar. 23-29, 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. Dogathon 2023 by SPCA at West Kowlon Cultural District

Themed ‘Sunshine Walk’, the SPCA’s annual fundraising walk is not just a charity event, but also an all-around party! The brand-new route trails around the West Kowloon Cultural District, and there will also be a PET X Handicraft Marketplace and Charity Sales. All enrolment fees go toward funding the medical and daily expenses of less fortunate animals at the SPCA, and you'll be helping to rehome animals in need.

Plenty of fun activities are around to enjoy with your canine friends; like the Wishing and Lock Wall, the Woof and Bricks Art Walk, and all sorts of Agility Games. You can learn more on doggie health at educational talks with on-site pet care experts. Don’t miss out on saying hi to SPCA ambassador Tong-Jai either!

Participants will receive a themed T-shirt, plus a bandana to twin with your doggos. Upon completion, you can also receive a commemorative souvenir, including a limited-edition medal and a certificate.

When: Mar. 26

Where: Art Park, West Kowloon Cultural District, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

How much: Sign up here, Starting from HK$299

2. ‘Back to Elgin Street’ by Bad Times Disco in SoHo

Hitting to the streets for an old-school block party, Bad Times Disco is joining hands with Sauce barbershop and Neonotic to bring an all-vinyl affair to round off Hong Kong’s big Art Week.

The line-up of DJs promises to be top-notch. DJ Jimmy Mak, also known as the “Disco Doctor”, will be spinning, followed by an interlude of trancey blends by Mihn club resident Vin Bes, before BTD co-founder Ani Phoebe joins to delight the crowd with some rare 90s cuts. The party will be kept satiated with delicious ciders and brews from Neonotic, and special bites from Fukuro. Proceeds from the bar will help fund future community projects and parties, so come along and support your favourite neighbourhood crate diggers!

When: 4PM – 10PM Mar. 25

Where: Elgin Street, SoHo, Hong Kong

How much: Free

3. Miss You Much Leslie Exhibition at Hong Kong Heritage Museum

Honouring the 20th anniversary since the untimely passing of pop legend Leslie Cheung, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum is giving us a glimpse into the Hong Kong superstar’s lifetime and greatest works by hosting the Miss You Much Leslie Exhibition.

The thoughtfully designed exhibition space showcases his personal collection, as well as a fine selection of representative photos from guest curators Florence Chan, William Chang, and Wing Shya – all of whom were also Cheung's close friends. Old sentiments are viewed with freshness, as the exhibition gives us a look back on Gor-gor's artistic achievements and influence on the city’s popular culture today and beyond.

When: Mar. 29 – Oct. 9

Where: 2/F, Open Space, Hong Kong Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin, New Territories

How much: Free

4. Kind of Blue Records Pop-up at Showa City Club in Sham Shui Po

Returning to the city after a widely welcomed pop-up in 2017, Taiwan-based Kind of Blue Records has set up a flash spot at Hong Kong’s very own Showa City Club in Sham Shui Po! This special 2023 edition pop up will feature exclusive cassette tapes, merch, and more than 200 second-hand rare vinyl from both English and Chinese artists.

Established in 2016, Kind of Blue Records’ home terrain is only a stone’s throw away from the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. The shop specializes in peddling cassette tapes and nostalgic tunes from a bygone era.

When: Now until Apr. 2

Where: Showa City Club, 15B Wong Chuk Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon

How much: Free

5. One Day Express Crash Course in Wines by The Flying Winemaker

The world of wine can seem a little intimidating to get into, but aspiring oenophiles will be delighted to learn about this crash course showcasing the entire spectrum of vino. Led by wine expert Kyle Oosterberg, this express workshop condenses rich knowledge into an accessible and fun taster session of over 16 wines that are each explained attentively.

Featuring a rotation of Bubbles, Whites, Rosés, and Reds, plus a few surprise bottles – you’ll be a confident home sommelier in no time. Light snacks are provided, and each participant will also receive a packet of tasting booklets for notes, plus bottle discounts if they want to bring any of the taster's home!

When: Mar. 25

Where: Ovolo Southside, 64 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong

How much: Buy tickets here, HK$1800

6. Zzura’s Latest Cocktail Menu

Bringing fresh flavours into their Maghrebi inspired space with their latest creations, the Zzura team has compiled their latest menu with inspiration from the rich flavours and spices of the Middle East. Drawing from various traditional ingredients found in the region’s cuisines, expect a flavourful journey in each cocktail.

From the tangy taste of Cypriot Halloumi cheese dressed with gin and calamansi, to the sweet delicacy of Dubai's Baklava with salt butter washed-whisky, and the fragrant Shiso liquer-tinged Greek Salad, each harmonious combination of flavours has been steeped in gastronomic history.

When: From Mar. 7 onwards

Where: Zzura, 2/F, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Book here, Starting from HK$120

7. OSA Sake Festival by FJSI HK at Royal Plaza Hotel

Founded last year, the Oriental Sake Awards (OSA) has become one of the largest sake-tasting competitions in Asia seeking high-quality sakes through blind tastings. This year’s competition brings a cohort of over 100 varieties from esteemed Japanese sake makers and is open for fans to come get a taste for themselves.

The competition will be divided into brackets that go on between the afternoon and the evening round. Each bracket will be divided into nine major categories, with each section encompassing three sub-categories. More details can be found on the event page here, though do note that it is offered in Chinese.

When: Mar. 26

Where: KOUDA, 1/F, Royal Plaza Hotel, 193 Prince Edward Road West, Mong Kok, Kowloon

How much: Buy tickets, HK$580

8. Sail with a Spark of Madness by Entourage

To fit the warming airs and as a prelude to junk season, enjoy a unique dining experience aboard three-story yacht, ENTOURAGE. On this special occasion, Simran Savlani, a renowned chef and founder of A Spark of Madness, will be serving her signature dishes to all in attendance.

Guests will enjoy a range of tapas from the Brunch Section of her A Spark of Madness Cookbook, as well as two live stations – the ‘Noodle Jam’ and ‘DIY Grilled Cheese’. Tuck into deliciousness like scallion pinwheels, orzo pine nut salad, and Spark bark brownies. And of course, no dining experience is complete without drinks! Free-flow bubbles, wine, house spirits, aperol spritzers and more will be served throughout the event.

When: 12PM – 6PM, Mar. 25

Where: Aberdeen Marina, 8 Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong (Sail & Drop-off)

How much: Buy tickets, Starting from HK$790.5

9. ‘Master Wong's Sing Yin x Yoishi Whisky Pairing Menu’ at Sing Yin W Hotel

Newly appointed Executive Chinese Chef at W Hotel’s Sing Yin restaurant, Simon Wong, has paired the whisky of Japan’s Yoishi distillery with innovative Chinese dishes. Infusing premium ingredients with Yoishi Whisky, the menu showcases Chef Wong's culinary expertise.

Three dishes highlight the flavour palate of the quality whisky, including the Iced Smoked Abalone Marinated with Whisky, Fried Japanese Wagyu Beef in XO Chili Sauce, and Whisky and Silkie Chicken Fried Rice in a Casserole with Whisky. Chef Wong has also added his signature Double-boiled Conch Soup, Wok-fried Spotted Garoupa Fillet stuffed with Shrimp Paste and Trio of Onion, and a dessert platter of Chilled Sago Cream with Pomelo and Pomegranate Juice, Purple Sweet Potato Pastry, Steamed Pumpkin, and Lotus Seed Paste with Pine Nut to round out the whisky journey.

When: Now until Apr. 30

Where: 1/F, W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, Kowloon

How much: Book here, HK$1088 per person

10. O Carnaval Brunch at Uma Nota

Get swept away to the lively streets of Rio for a vivacious brunch that hearkens to the legendary Brazilian ‘Carnival’ street festival and the nation’s dazzling culture of music and dance! The four-hour brunch will feature a feast of sharing appetizers like salmon roll with wasabi and cream cheese, grilled squid with red bell pepper chimichurri, Japanese-style fried chicken, alongside a hearty main course ensemble of a Churrasco platter of chargrilled rib-eye, pork sausage, and spring chicken.

To finish, guests can indulge in the stunning Amazonian dessert platter, featuring ice cream, fresh fruits, and other sweet treats. Go wild and take on the free-flow drink package with beer, wine, prosecco, and Caipirinhas, to match the energy of the venue’s bustling live Brazilian drumming performances.

When: Mar. 25

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

How much: Book here, HK$1288 per person