What’s On HKG: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on Sept. 18 – 25, 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. 34th Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival

Embrace the heart, humour, and passion of LGBTQ+ cinema, celebrating queer culture on the big screen. With a series of films from all over the world that examine the perspectives and stories from the community, prepare to be enthralled.

Join exhilarating panels, from Queer Asian Film to Queer Musical Visions, and dance the night away at the epic closing party that’s set to feature wonderful surprises and positive vibes for attendees regardless of orientation or identity. Plus, film-lovers can have a say and vote for the festival’s Audience Award to show your love for the best films in the lineup!

2. Soulful Live Acoustic Wednesdays at Louise in PMQ

Louise, Hong Kong's Michelin-starred French haven, is serving up some soothing tunes to pair with their cocktail and bites menu for a little bit of mid-week relaxation. Every Wednesday, beginning from Sept. 20, the place is set to come alive with stirring acoustic melodies from a live band. As the music wafts, explore the evening’s cocktail range and tantalizing bites, each echoing Louise's commitment to authentic French culinary flair.

3. The Hoppening at PMQ in SoHo

For both seasoned beer aficionados and budding enthusiasts, this festival serves as a fizzy, wheaty journey through a myriad of brews, from zesty IPAs to velvety stouts. The flagship Hoppening Bar awaits, offering a sneak peek into fresh releases and global beer styles, the festival’s main attraction. Engage with master brewers and unravel the tales behind each sip.

Join in on lively beer games and the competitive corn-hole showdown, and sway to infectious beats ensuring the festivity never fades. Starting at just HK$80, the ticket options cater to all, with each pass including a free beer, an exclusive Hoppening cup, and a chill-ensuring coozie. Opt for the Beer Buddies pass for added perks. Toast, taste, and tantalize your senses.

4. The Quality Quiz Show Presents: The Back to School Edition at Quality Goods Club in Central

Prepare for a thrilling quiz night at The Quality Games Show with the venue’s vivacious host, Georgie Ross. Setting the stage for a blend of light-hearted quizzes, interactive games, and spontaneous dance-offs, the September edition channels "Back to School" vibes by engaging your shared knowledge in all the subjects. Assemble your brainiest quartet and enjoy a complimentary choice of four Coopers beers and four Grainshaker cocktails between the table.

As usual, there will be plenty of Quality Goods Club snacks whet your appetite, with drink deals all around. The stakes? Strike gold, and a HK$2000 dinner awaits, plus an all-access pass to QGC nights throughout the rest of the month. Silver winners depart with a voucher worth HK$1000 and a Magnum of Perrier-Jouët Champagne. Lastly, achievers of third place will receive a HK$500 QGC voucher and a bottle of Tar & Roses Prosecco.

5. Perfect End of Summer Kayaking Day to Green Egg Island with DayOne IRL in Sai Kung

Providing a great escape from the digital dating realm, DayOne Dating App, designed for bustling singles to break away from endless texting, offering real-life experiences to connect with others. Coming in hot for the tail end of summer with a kayaking adventure to Hong Kong's pristine Green Egg Island, join this expedition to explore a beautiful part of Hong Kong’s natural landscapes and meet new people.

The day begins with a briefing and a moderate paddle across tranquil waters where you can take in the pristine surroundings. The afternoon trip brings everyone back to Sheung Sze Wan, and those tantalized by the aroma of the sea, have the option to linger for a seafood dinner. DayOne Dating App members can show their full app profile for an exclusive event discount.

6. Friuli Wine Dinner at Aria Italian in Lan Kwai Fong

Savour ‘la dolce vita’ with Aria's Wine Club Series, as the iconic LKF Italian restaurant toasts to its resplendent second season. Embark on a three-month vinous voyage through Northern Italy, starting with the sun-kissed landscapes of Friuli on Sept. 19. This region, blessed with a unique blend of mountains, beaches, and a winemaker's dream climate, offers some of Italy's most tantalizing vintages.

The debut evening features Wines from Meroi, a storied family estate nestled in Buttrio area of Friuli since the 1920s. Satiate your oleophilic thirst with their Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, crafted by Meroi in their signature Friuli flourish. Each wine pour is also harmoniously paired with five gourmet courses, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience.

Secure your reservation through Aria's website by Sept. 12, and you'll be treated to a 10% early bird discount.

7. Southside Market Long Lunch – Lantau Edition at My Seaside Park

Southside Market triumphantly returns after seven years, and it's grander than ever. Set in My Seaside Park in South Lantau, the event promises a feast with Steak King Market's smoky burgers, sausages, and biltong. Dive into a varied spread, including Spit Roast Dorper Lamb, Smoked Brisket, and Boerewors Rolls with a zesty ketchup twist, plus freshly made Neapolitan pizzas, and more. Sweeten the experience with Henry's new ice cream flavours. For a touch of the Steak King’s signature seafood, indulge in Lobster Boss's famed, buttery lobster rolls.

Aside from filling up from these delectable goodies, Southside Market also offers a carnival, complete with Hawaiian shirt contests for you to show off your summer style, skateboarding lessons, arts and crafts, and an array of water sports. And for those who enjoy a fine drink, there's South African wines to toast to a day well spent.

8. Miercoles Calientes with Chef Lexine Hepworth at La Paloma in Sai Ying Pun

Get ready for Spanish neighbourhood favourite, La Paloma's Hot Wednesdays revival. This time, Chef Lexine Hepworth of TheTasteLab joins forces with Chef Alex Fargas, blending Spanish zest with English-French finesse.

Enjoy an evening of curated, one-off tapas featuring items like Obsiblue Prawn Tartare, a symphony of clams with chorizo bathed in sherry beurre blanc, and the iconic Iberico Ham "La Prudencia" that promises a flavour crescendo with each bite. As with every Hot Wednesday event, the crown jewel is the Confit Rabbit and Artichoke Paella, served in a giant show-stopping pan.

9. “Moons & Stars” Rosé Summer Menu at Dan Ryan’s in Wan Chai

This summer, Dan Ryan's Chicago Grill is unveiling its special ‘Moons & Stars’ Rosé Summer Menu. Dive deep into the essence of French rosé wines: sample The Moon Rosé, capturing summer in a bottle, or elevate your evening with the opulent Minuit Rosé, reminiscent of France's lush vineyards.

There is also a selection of rosé-based cocktails; for an extra bit of chill amidst their al fresco seating in the heated summer air, indulge in the Rosé Slushie, a chilled blend promising rejuvenation. Or, if effervescence is your desire, indulge in the Rosé Spritz, an enticing concoction of Aperol, dragon fruit juice, and Prosecco.

10. A Symphony of Flavours at Honjokko in Quarry Bay

Nestled in Quarry Bay at The Sixteenth, Honjokko invites all to an intimate 6-course feast meticulously curated by Executive Chef Kyle Lee. Focusing on contemporary Japanese fare, with international influences, graze on delights ranging from delectable nigiri and gunkan, to 'no rice' rolls and premium sashimi. Complementing the spread is a diverse list of over 30 sakes and 100 global wines, so rest assured that your thirst for the good stuff will be thoroughly quenched.

Adding an authentic Japanese touch, the evening will be graced by Yasutaka Daimon, an inheritor of generational sake brewing wisdom. Each dish will be harmoniously paired with a signature Daimon Sake, ensuring an immersive palate experience.