What’s On HKG: Fitness and Wellness Expo 2023 and More! Nov. 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. FWE: Fitness & Wellness Expo at AsiaWorld Expo

Embark on a wellness journey at the third Hong Kong Fitness + Wellness Expo (FWE), Hong Kong's premier indoor fitness event! This year, FWE expects over 15,000 visitors, including 2,500+ spirited HYROX racers who will take on the gruelling relay and individual challenges.

For some expert advice, the "Talk Stage" hosts international instructors leading fitness, dance, and yoga sessions, tailored for wellness aficionados. Offering firsthand participation, attendees can check out the Fitness Stage for diverse training styles - from high-energy dance routines to invigorating HIIT - the Yoga Stage for an exploration of its various disciplines, and the Experiential Zone to try your hand at different sports. Also complementing the fitness excitement is the Lifestyle and Leisure Expo, showcasing over 100 eminent health, wellness, and local lifestyle brands.

2. Gin Fest 2.0 & Spirits Fest Hong Kong 2023 at Shun Tak Centre in Sheung Wan

Gin Fest 2.0 & Spirits Fest Hong Kong 2023 promises a sensory delight with exceptional craft gins and spirits distillers gathering under one roof. This latest edition is set to bring forth new and unique gin, vodka, rum, tequila, brandy, and whisky brands. The event offers a tasting journey of craft and premium brands, with sips to delight every palate.

Beyond tastings, enjoy live music, delectable foods, exciting games, and Master Class seminars led by global brand ambassadors. These seminars provide a hands-on way to expand knowledge of exceptional spirits and gain insights from drinks experts.

3. Thanksgiving Dinners in Hong Kong

Keeping to the wintertime traditions, Thanksgiving is a time that serves as a joyous occasion to celebrate the bountiful harvest and the year's blessings. Bring together family and friends for a Thanksgiving dinner in Hong Kong that promises the ultimate indulgence!

The undeniable centrepiece of any Thanksgiving menu is the grand roasted turkey, accompanied by a symphony of trimmings and side dishes. From velvety mashed potatoes to succulent roasted vegetables and seasonal pies, Hong Kong offers a myriad of choices to craft your perfect Thanksgiving feast. Check out our list of the city’s best feasts to enjoy a celebration filled with warmth, gratitude, and delectable flavours.

4. Hong Kong International Literary Festival: Illustrated 2023

Embark on a literary journey into the world of illustrations and visual storytelling. Beyond their annual main festival, HKILF invites book lovers to ‘Illustrated 2023,’ with the key event featuring a captivating panel discussion between Josée Bisaillon, Pearl Law, Libby Lam, and Maoshan Connie. There will also be a series of workshops and intimate talks led by Josée Bisaillon that work to foster creativity and share crafting techniques inspired by her style.

5. Good Fortune Club Brunch at Ho Lee Fook in Central

Elevate your Sunday at this exclusive brunch held only once a month. Curated by Ho Lee Fook’s very own Chef ArChan, this culinary bazaar pays homage to Hong Kong's dim sum tradition with a modern twist.

Setting the tone with eight distinctive Champagne vintages and producers, the delightful dishes include items such as 'Har har har gow,' fried taro puff with Wagyu beef and black truffle, mala beef ball with kaffir lime leaves, and Kurobuta pork char siu puff with pineapple. Savour substantial dishes like lotus leaf-wrapped wild mushroom fried rice and prawn roe stirred noodles, concluding with signature desserts—Ho Lee Fook mahjong tiles and pandan milk bread French toast.

6. World Press Photo Exhibition 2023 at Lumenvisum in Shek Kip Mei

The World Press Photo Exhibition 2023 is a unique chance to engage with global stories and witness the excellence of photojournalism. Making a stop in Hong Kong along its tour, Lumenvisum hosts the exhibition as it showcases the selected works from the 66th annual World Press Photo Contest. It represents a profound exploration of the past year's significant moments in photojournalism and documentary photography.

Enhance your experience with a Free Guided Tour available every Saturday and Sunday from 3 PM to 4 PM. These tours offer deeper insights into the artistic and journalistic processes behind these powerful images.

7. Boozy Pasta-Making Workshop at Posso in Sheung Wan

Posso's unique Italian gastronomy workshop is an extraordinary culinary journey into pasta-making. Here, you can craft perfect cappelletti, all while enjoying free-flowing wines and Posso's signature Italian snacks in a vibrant, creative atmosphere. The experience is elevated as participants take home their handmade pasta, a unique blend of fun and skill.

The session culminates with Chef Max presenting two exquisitely prepared pasta dishes, allowing attendees to taste the fruits of their labour. Plus, every participant receives a special goodie bag filled with Posso's signature dried pasta, an exclusive recipe, and discounted Posso merchandise. An added bonus for the first 10 classes is a 15% off coupon, allowing attendees to get another taste of Posso’s offerings.

Please note that reservations for the workshop are made via WhatsApp at +852 9870 0898.

8. Franks Arcade feat. MARIO KART (N64) at Franks Records in Central

Dive into the nostalgic world of retro gaming with Franks Records’ N64 edition of Franks Arcade, headlined by the beloved classic, Mario Kart 64. This retro evening takes you back in time to the charming 90s, bringing back the revolutionary experience of 4-player split-screen gaming that Mario Kart 64 pioneered on its headlining console. Challenge your friends, perfect those iconic wall jumps, and compete for the glory to become the ultimate Mario Kart champion of the night.

9. Men’s Health Below the Belt by Joint Dynamics in Central

Join Joint Dynamics for a pivotal panel discussion on Men’s Health in support of the Movember movement. This informative event delves into critical topics such as: male pelvic floor awareness, hormone health throughout life, pelvic health's impact in sports, addressing sexual function and dysfunction, managing pelvic pain including prostatitis, and the link between pelvic health and mental well-being. The panel features esteemed experts from Hong Kong’s wellness community.

Enhance your experience with sponsored goodies from men’s fitness apparel brand Brutal Buddha and enjoy provided food and drinks. Proceeds from tickets go towards Movember's initiatives in male mental health and cancer prevention, supporting a good cause.

10. Artist Portfolio Studio Sessions (16+) at Art Roof Top Club in Happy Valley

Focused on young students looking to pursue a career in art, Art Roof Top Club is offering Artist Portfolio sessions designed to elevate an artist’s skills. Perfect for both art students looking to hone their foundational skills or to work on a passion project, these studio sessions offer comprehensive guidance.

From the nuances of colour theory to proportions and advanced techniques, the course covers essential materials and tools, allowing each participant to focus solely on their artistic journey. Seasoned artists stand ready to share their insights and expert advice, having a track record of helping high school students secure admissions to globally renowned Art Universities. For artists aged 16 and above, live portrait, life drawing, and Saturday sculpture sessions are available with parental consent.