Macau Volleyball Nations League 2024, Road to Paris Olympics
Macau/ Vibe/ Sports

Volleyball Nations League 2024 Macau Hosts Premier Event After Hiatus

Volleyball Nations League 2024 Macau Hosts Premier Event After Hiatus header Photo by Website/Volleyballworld

After a four-year pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) is set to make a grand return to Macau in 2024. This prestigious international volleyball tournament will span nine countries, across four continents from May to June during its Preliminary Phase.

The 2024 Women’s Volleyball Nations League, organized jointly by the Sports Bureau, the Galaxy Entertainment Group, and the Macau-China General Volleyball Association, will grace Macau from May 28 to June 2 of 2024.

This six-day competition marks the sixth edition of the tournament and will showcase the top 16 female and male national volleyball teams competing with each other. Inviting participants who hail from Asia, Europe, North America, and South America, the climax of the event will see the best eight teams in each gender category vying for the titles in the VNL Finals.

Adopting a new system beginning last year, the VNL now spans six seasons, each season featuring six days of intense competition.

In Macau, eight national teams – China, Dominican Republic, Italy, the Netherlands, Brazil, Thailand, Japan, and France – will compete in 16 games, making it a must-watch for volleyball enthusiasts.

The VNL 2024 carries significant weight, as it plays a crucial role in determining the final teams to qualify for the Paris Olympics. Each match of the tournament's Preliminary Phase will influence the FIVB Volleyball World Rankings, crucial for securing the last five spots in the upcoming Games.

The women's competition finals are scheduled for June 20 to 23, 2024 and the men's from June 27 to 30, 2024. Setting the stage for an exciting prelude to the Paris 2024 Olympics, this event not only represents a return to international volleyball in Macau but also serves as a critical junction for teams aiming for the ultimate sporting glory.

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

This Week's Event In Macau View more

This Week's Event In Macau

Macau/ Vibe/ Happenings
Hear the 'Voice of God' Andrea Bocelli Live in Macau
Andrea Bocelli Photo by Galaxy Macau/Website

Prepare to be swept away by the “Voice of God” himself — legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli is bringing his highly anticipated concert to Macau on Saturday, Mar. 29, 2025, at the Galaxy Arena, the city’s largest indoor venue.

With over 90 million albums sold and a staggering 16 billion streams, Bocelli is the best-selling classical artist of all time. His unmatched ability to blend Italian folk, opera, and pop has captivated audiences for over three decades, earning him performances for four U.S. presidents, three popes, the British royal family, and world leaders across the globe.

andrea
Facebook/Andrea Bocelli 

Bocelli’s return to Asia marks his first solo concert in the region since 2016, and he’s set to deliver a unique, breathtaking setlist that spans his storied career. Fans can expect to hear timeless classics, including his iconic duet with Sarah Brightman, “Time to Say Goodbye," which held the No.1 spot on the German singles chart for 14 weeks.

Having performed at some of the world’s most awe-inspiring landmarks — from the Pyramids of Egypt and the Eiffel Tower to the Statue of Liberty and Milan Cathedral, Bocelli’s concerts are nothing short of extraordinary.

Don’t miss your chance to witness this once-in-a-lifetime performance. Tickets go on sale on Feb. 26, 2025, at 1 PM.

Prices include E Reserve (MOP480), D Reserve (MOP680), C Reserve (MOP980), B Reserve (MOP1,280), A Reserve (MOP1,680), and Platinum VIP (MOP2,880). You can purchase tickets via Galaxy Ticketing here or via Cityline. 

Location: Galaxy Arena, Galaxy Macau Resort, Cotai, Macau

Time: 8 PM

Stay updated via their website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

Macau/ The List/ What's On
Boom and Bloom Exhibition in Galaxy Macau Celebrates Spring Festival
Spring festival 1 Photo by Galaxy Macau

Art enthusiasts and creatives, stay tuned! This Spring Festival, Galaxy Macau is bringing the season to life with the vibrant Boom and Bloom exhibition at GalaxyArt, running until Mar. 9, 2025.

Curated by renowned Hong Kong art advocate Gary Mok, this display showcases celebrated artistic talents from the Greater Bay Area, headlined by the creative collaboration between Ray Chan, a Shenzhen-based artist, and Sanchia Lau, a Macau-based artist.

Transforming GalaxyArt’s 6500-square-foot space into a lush traditional Chinese garden, the exhibition merges cultural heritage with contemporary creativity. Vibrant blooms, architectural details, and the debut of the artists’ iconic IPs — Ray Chan’s Shake Money Tree and Sanchia Lau’s Wishing Doll — create an enchanting blend of pop art and traditional Chinese New Year blessings.

spring festival exhibition
Courtesy of Galaxy Macau

Visitors can explore three specially commissioned pieces making their debut in Macau, and highlights from the interactive Shake Money Tree series, which invites guests to shake the golden tree to release symbolic gold ingots.

This experience extends to an art boutique featuring limited-edition collectibles and merchandise inspired by the artists’ work, making it the perfect spot for unique festival keepsakes. The exhibition also includes fun photo zones and engaging workshops, offering something for all ages.

Location: GalaxyArt, 1/F Galaxy Promenade, Galaxy Macau

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM

For more information, visit Galaxy Macau on their website, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.

Macau/ Vibe/ Happenings
FORTUNE REALMS: Art and Culture Museum Opens at Grand Lisboa Palace
Untitled design 2024 12 23 T122846 575 Photo by Facebook/ Grand Lisboa Palace

Calling all art enthusiasts and culture seekers — Macau’s Grand Lisboa Palace is now home to the FORTUNE REALMS: Pop-Up Museum of Chinese Culture & Arts (Macau Station).

This immersive exhibition runs until Feb. 9, 2025, offering a vibrant celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macau's return to China.

Set on Level 1 of the iconic Grand Lisboa Palace Resort — known for its East-meets-West flair with landmarks like The Karl Lagerfeld Macau and Palazzo Versace Macau — the exhibition invites visitors to explore Chinese traditions through bold, innovative art. Enter a meticulously crafted entrance archway, setting the stage for a cultural journey.

Museum interior
Facebook/Grand Lisboa Palace

Curated by the celebrated Chinese artist Michael Yip, FORTUNE REALMS blends intricate patterns, bold colors, and cutting-edge displays to showcase the evolution of Chinese culture.

Yip, a multiple award-winning artist renowned for harmonizing heritage with modern design, has created an experience that’s both timeless and forward-thinking. His work serves as a bridge between generations, making this exhibition as engaging for traditional art lovers as it is for fans of contemporary art.

Backed by the Macao Government Tourism Office, this exhibition is part of an ambitious global series spanning 30 global exhibitions from 2024 to 2027, aimed at spotlighting the intersection of tradition and innovation.

Whether you’re an art aficionado or just looking for your next inspiring day out, FORTUNE REALMS promises a dazzling journey through Chinese culture. Don’t miss your chance to experience this cross-generational masterpiece!

To find out more, visit Grand Lisboa Palace on their website, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.

Macau/ Vibe/ Happenings
Cai Guo-Qiang’s Solo Exhibition of Cai's AI Model in Macau
Untitled design 2024 12 03 T113824 752 Photo by Courtesy of MGM

Here’s something you can’t miss! MGM and world-renowned artist Cai Guo-Qiang have teamed up to debut a groundbreaking solo exhibition! Featuring Cai’s special AI creation, cAI™ at the historic Navy Yard No.1 in Macau’s Barra district, this exhibition promises to connect the younger generation to future insights and perspectives.

Running until June 1, 2025, the exhibition, "cAI™: Soul Scan," invites locals and visitors to explore the intersection of technology, creativity, and spirituality. Cai’s AI model, cAI™, takes center stage, presenting 20 stunning new works crafted specifically for Macau under Cai’s guidance.

Visitors can immerse themselves in a truly interactive journey. Start with an AI-generated self-introduction from cAI™, then marvel at its debut “painting exhibition,” inspired by Cai’s signature gunpowder art. Feeling creative? Design your own digital fireworks with the “fireworks master cAI™!” Wrap up your visit in the Divination Room, where cAI™’s robotic arms deliver an engaging and thought-provoking experience.

After the interaction with the robotic arms of the “diviner cAI™”, it will generate a fortune-telling slip.
Courtesy of MGM

The exhibit also draws inspiration from Macau’s 400-year-old Mazu traditions, as well as Cai’s hometown of Quanzhou, blending cultural history with cutting-edge technology. Nestled near the UNESCO-listed A-Ma Temple, Navy Yard No.1 transforms into a welcoming creative hub, inviting the community to co-create and connect with art.

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, an art lover, or just curious, this exhibition offers something truly unique.

For more information, visit MGM on their website, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.

Macau/ Vibe/ Happenings
Zhang Yimou’s Residency “MACAU 2049” To Premiere Dec. 15
Untitled design 2024 10 29 T120952 481 Photo by Instagram/ mgm.mo

After a 7 year wait, MGM’s brand-new residency, Macau 2049, is set to premiere on Dec. 15 at the MGM Theatre.

This highly anticipated production is directed by the acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, known for his legendary wuxia films such as Hero, and Curse of the Golden Flower, and Raise the Red Lantern.

Collaborating with MGM’s chairperson and executive director Ms. Pansy Ho, this show marks Zhang's first residency show in the Greater Bay Area.

2049 Zhang Yimou
Facebook/ MGM

Macau 2049 promises to be a spectacular blend of artistry and cutting-edge technology. Zhang has teamed up with an exceptional group of creatives, including multi-disciplinary musician Wu Tong as Music Director, Sang Jijia from the Hong Kong City Contemporary Dance Company as Chief Choreographer, and British video director Dominic Faraway, who has worked with major pop icons. Notably, Bernard Prentice will bring his expertise in underwater photography to the project.

In 2049, Macau’s unique semi-autonomous status, granted after its handover from Portugal, will conclude. This milestone year will be pivotal for the residency show, serving as a catalyst to enhance the city’s cultural and entertainment industries.

Viewers can expect to see remote-controlled robotic arms, AI-generated visuals, and bionic dirigible performances. Involving a Hollywood-level production crew of 582 people and 237 days of preparation totaling 2,838 hours of intricate craftsmanship, Macau 2049 is set to redefine the perception of Chinese cultural heritage.

Get ready, because tickets for the show go on sale on Nov. 2, 2024 at 11:19 AM.

For more information, visit MGM on their website, or follow them on Instagram, or Facebook.

Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.

Macau/ Vibe/ Sports
It’s Time! Ultimate Fighting Championship Returns to Macau After 10 Years
Its Time UFC to Make Its Return to Macau After 10 Years Photo by Facebook/UFC

Prepare for epic action as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is returning to Macau with a fight night event this November!

To be held on Nov. 23 at the city’s largest and most advanced indoor venue, the 16,000-seater Galaxy Arena, UFC Fight Night in Macau will see mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters from around the world battling it out for the championship.

Speaking about the announcement, Kevin Chang, UFC's senior vice president and head of Asia, said in a press release, "We are ecstatic to be back at this incredible destination city. We are proud to partner with Galaxy Macau and can't wait to put on an electrifying show at the state-of-the-art Galaxy Arena to the delight of fans across the region.”

The UFC is making its comeback in the city after 10 years, following its last event in Macau in August 2014. This also marks the championships’ return to Greater China, with fight night events previously held in Shanghai, Beijing, Macau, and Shenzhen.

As of this writing, more details, including fighter lineups, are yet to be unveiled. In the meantime, you can get updates and early access to tickets by signing up via UFC's website.

For more information, follow UFC on Facebook, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter).

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

Macau/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
Macao International Queer Film Festival Gears Up for Return This March
Macao International Queer Film Festival Poster Photo by YouTube/Macao International Queer Film Festival

Following its successful launch in February last year, the Macao International Queer Film Festival (MIQFF) is making a comeback for its second edition this month.

Themed “Love is the Answer,” the festival will screen 14 feature films and five short films that showcase the diverse nature of the queer community. These films will be shown from March 22 to April 6 at the Emperor Cinema in Lisboeta Macau.

One of the films to be featured in the festival is the award-winning queer film “Housekeeping for Beginners,” which bagged the Silver Q-Hugo award at the 2023 Chicago International Film Festival and the Queer Lion recognition at the 2023 Venice Film Festival.

Other films to be screened include American production “Mutt,” Japanese film “Kubi,” English independent film “Femme,” Taiwan’s “Murmur of Youth,” and “Blue Gate Crossing,” among others.

Tickets to these films are available via Emperor Cinema’s website. To learn more about the festival, you can visit MIQFF’s website or follow its Facebook and Instagram pages.

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.