What’s On HKG: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, & Drink on May 11-17, 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. Artmalade Circus at The Aftermath

Hosting a very unique night of low-key fun to light a fire under hump day, The Aftermath is hosting an event combining live art jamming, music, and improv that’s open to all. A cross between an art jam, a rap battle, and a comedy improv night, Artmalade brings together all the weird and wonderful elements of creativity that anyone can participate in. The theme of this occasion is “circus” so get ready to let your freak flag fly!

Audiences will be paired up at random with the guest artists to create one-off pieces based on suggestions from the crowd, with attendees also being given free rein to suggest ideas for a live improv performance using drawings. Don't forget about the auction at the end of the evening, where you can get your hands on a unique and affordable piece of art created as part of this eclectic mish mash. Best of all, the proceeds go back to the artists.

When: 8 PM-11 PM, May 17

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

How much: Buy tickets here, HK$50

2. Healthy Humans & Happy Hounds – ATLAS Chiropractic’s 5th Birthday Fundraiser

Kill two birds with one stone with ATLAS Chiropractic’s fifth anniversary celebration “Healthy Humans & Happy Hounds: ATLAS Chiropractic’s 5th Fundraiser for Catherine’s Puppies” in mid-May. As Hong Kong’s first-ever dog adoption and wellness market, the event promises a full day of wellness and fitness activities to support a worthy cause.

Get your workout clothes at the ready and sign up for a diverse range of fitness classes, sound baths, kid-friendly workouts, and refreshing tea tastings, including an opportunity to learn the “downward dog pose” from its inventor with the coveted dog yoga class! If you happen to be in the market for new fitness gear, check out the offerings from over 20 wellness brands for something to catch your eye.

When: 9 AM-7 PM, May 20 (Sign up by May 17)

Where: Secret Location on Hong Kong Island (to be announced on May 12 on Catherine’s Puppies and ATLAS Chiropractic‘s Instagram accounts)

How much: Buy tickets here, Starting from HK$80

3. Ma Wan Beach Cleanup by Green Hour

Situated on the small island of Ma Wan in Hong Kong, Ma Wan Beach is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists and urban residents alike. With grand views of the Tsing Ma Bridge, and an assortment of casual chill spots in the area, it’s an underrated spot for a relaxing day by the sea.

Like many beaches around the world, however, Ma Wan is also facing an issue of waste. If you have no plans for summer yet, Green Hour Foundation is hosting a beach clean-up in an effort to preserve the natural beauty of this destination. Volunteers will be given a rubbish bag and gloves for collection, and will be split into small groups for the activity.

When: 10 AM-1 PM, May 14

Where: Ma Wan Beach, Pak Lai Road, Ma Wan, New Territories

How much: Sign up here, Free

4. Mother’s Day Exhibition by Xyza Cruz Bacani at Ovolo Southside

Bringing light to women from underappreciated communities during this holiday weekend, Ovolo Hotels has joined hands with PathFinders and Morgan McKinley to deliver an exhibition by photographer Xyza Cruz Bacani for a special Mother’s Day run.

Xyza's personal story of being a second-generation migrant domestic worker fuels her passion for social practice and photography. Despite financial obstacles, Xyza pursued her passion for photography and broke the cycle of migration in 2014. Since then, she has held exhibitions worldwide, with Hong Kong being a particular focus. Her displayed works is an insightful glimpse into the ties between the identities of migrants who are also mothers, with photos from her book “We Are Like Air” making appearances.

There will be a Grand Opening party to kick off the showcase, where Xyza herself will be present to sign copies of her book. Plus, every ticket sold will include a HK$100 voucher for Ovolo Southside's Mediterranean restaurant, Kömune, so you can make a day out of your visit.

When: 6 PM-9 PM, May 12 (party)

May 12-14 (exhibition)

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

How much: Buy tickets here, Starting from HK$100

5. Crafting with Fabrics: Papercutting Workshop at Blue House in Wan Chai

Are you tired of having a cluttered closet? Don't throw out those unused clothes just yet! Blue House resident Nicholas Tsao is offering a unique opportunity to turn your unwanted garments into a piece of home décor that nobody else is guaranteed to have.

Join Nicholas on a tour of the Blue House to discover the hidden elements within the area relating to local fashion and design. Then, learn how to design your own papercutting, inspired by the artistic aesthetics of the Blue House community and surrounding neighbourhood. Nicholas will then digitize designs and produce a bespoke paper model using a blade-cutting machine. Participants must be 12 or older and are required to bring an unused thin garment, such as a T-shirt or shirt, to use as a component in the final product. The finished product can be collected by mail or at the location within two to three days following the workshop.

When: May 13

Where: Wan Chai Blue House, King Sing Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

How much: Sign up here, Free

6. Chungking Express Market at Heath in Tsim Sha Tsui

Inspired by the seminal Wong Kar Wai film “Chungking Express,” Hong Kong’s finest homegrown brands and creatives are taking over the eponymous building’s latest cultural hub for a weekend of cool. Welcoming fashionable vendors like No Thrillsss and Deliriothelabel and accessories from 1570Watch, Crue, and more, get your closet space ready for some revamping. Bites and sips will be provided by Fukuru, Yatbui, Furutu, and others, plus raw sounds blasted by Y2K and an open deck session for all who are keen to hop on to share their selects.

When: May 13-14

Where: Heath, B/F, Chungking Mansions, 36-44 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

How much: Free entry

7. Ginsanity Master Classes at PMQ

Returning this weekend for their 2023 run, Ginsanity is taking over PMQ to provide gin enthusiasts with a paradise brimming with their favourite herbaceous spirit. While you’re free to enter the vendor showcase, the Ginsanity Master Classes will require payment (HK$100) and have limited slots. Hosted in the PMQ Taste Library, the workshops will be presented by some of the city’s favourite gin labels.

The Two Moons Master Class allows visitors to explore and blend up to 20 different flavours to create their own Two Moons 100ml bottle (25%). The bottle will come with a customised label and wax seal to take home alongside one free Two Moons gin and tonic to sip on.

Jebsen then kicks off the evening sessions with an orange twist, where Hong Kong martini legend Alberto will show participants how to make the best Four Pillar Martini. As the night goes deeper, Amir from Stranger & Sons will introduce his favourite two Stranger & Sons cocktails, the Gibson and Gimlet. These two strong cocktails are perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif.

When: May 12-13

Where: PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Buy tickets here, Free / HK$100 for Master Classes

8. Gishiki Lounge at Tai Kwun Unveils New Signature Cocktail Menu

Designed to take drinkers on a journey through traditional Japanese Noh theatre practices, Gishiki Lounge’s menu draws inspiration from the otherworldly realm of fantastical characters and mesmerizing flavours. Stepping onto the stage with a menu revamp, their drinks selection is rhythmically categorised.

Setting the scene is Fudō (HK$138), which is presented in a smoke-filled wooden box to take reference on the God of Fire and to give hints at the drink’s smokey undertones. The sour yet ashen Magojiro (HK$138) showcases a sleek blend in reverence to a Noh character famous for her noble feminine charms. Take a bow with the umami Yamanba (HK$138) and sip on its unique blend of shiitake mushrooms, nori tincture, and black winter truffles over a base of Gishiki-signature whisky.

When: Now available

Where: Shop 01-LG103, LG1/F Block 01, Tai Kwun, Shama Soho, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

How much: HK$138 each (signature cocktails)

9. Kwan Cheuk Heen Unveils All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum at Harbour Grand Hong Kong

Award-winning Cantonese restaurant Kwan Cheuk Heen at the Harbour Grand hotel is running a 150-minute all-you-can-eat dim sum, featuring over 35 bite-sized delicacies and classic Cantonese dishes to satisfy all your cravings.

With appetisers like Roasted Pork Belly and Barbecued Pork, the meal is off to a delicious start. The Deep-fried Wild Mushrooms with Spicy Salt, in particular, is a must-try. Indulge in Steamed Fresh Shrimp Dumplings, Steamed Beef Dumplings, Steamed Chicken and Vegetable Dumplings, and Shrimp Dumplings in Superior Soup as well. Best of all, the desserts such as Wolfberry and Osmanthus Jelly, Crispy Egg Dough with Honey Sauce, and Sweetened Egg White Chestnut Soup are ideal for a touch of nostalgia.

When: 12:30 PM-2:30 PM, Daily from May 4 onwards

Where: Kwan Cheuk Heen, 5/F, Harbour Grand Hong Kong, 23 Oil Street, North Point, Hong Kong

How much: Book here, HK$355.30 (Adult) / HK$305 (Child)

10. Tacomakase Monday at Rosita in Wan Chai

Ship Street’s ROSITA has graced Hong Kong with their unique neo-Latin American delights, with influences from Japanese and French cuisine. Making Mondays just a little less unbearable, the concept is offering a series of “TacOmakase Nights,” where guests can enjoy an omakase-style menu featuring progressive interpretations of the beloved taco.

Pairing perfectly with ROSITA's South American-focused wine list, tuck into delicacies like the Tostada de Hamachi x Avocado and Spot Prawn x Hamachi x Sour Pisco Ceviche for bocadito bites. The main attraction, though, is definitely the range of creative tacos with pairings of toppings like Chicarron de Pulpo x Yuzu, Al Pastor x Achiote Orange, Anticucho Gambas Rojas x Amaranth, and more.

When: May 15

Where: Rosita, 1-7 Ship Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

How much: HK$888