In Hong Kong and throughout China, the 2008 Beijing Olympic Summer Games are first on the minds of many. Hong Kong is hosting numerous equestrian events at two venues built for the occasion. For further information on Olympic events in Hong Kong, visit the Web site http://en.beijing2008.cn for updated events and information.
Western music, dance and art coexist easily with Cantonese opera and time-honored festivals such as the Chinese Lunar New Year. Many of the festivals' dates are determined by the lunar cycle. A series of special events—the Hong Kong International Film Festival, Fashion Week and the Hong Kong International Arts Festival—add excitement to the Hong Kong calendar.
Note: Many of Hong Kong's Chinese festivals fall within the first half of the year. Because the dates shift according to the lunar calendar, it is easy to inadvertently arrive in Hong Kong during a holiday. Business travelers should ask their colleagues in Hong Kong about this to ensure that one of these events does not interfere with any scheduled meetings or other plans, as offices, banks and post offices will be closed on those dates.
For detailed information about upcoming events in the Hong Kong area, contact the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Phone 2508-1234. http://www.hkta.org. The site also has an interactive events calendar.
To call numbers listed in this calendar from outside Hong Kong, you must first dial your country's international access code, then Hong Kong's code, 852.
Information in this calendar is subject to change and should be confirmed.
August, 2008
1-17 Aug—International Arts Carnival. This youth-oriented arts festival features interactive workshops, music, dance, drama, puppetry, acrobatics, film and more. Various venues throughout Hong Kong. For information, call 2370-1044. For tickets, call URBTX at 2734-9009. http://www.hkiac.gov.hk. Concludes 17 Aug
7 Aug—Seven Sisters Festival. This holiday for lovers and young women is based on a 1,500-year-old folktale about a maiden permitted to visit her love in the Milky Way only once a year. Celebrations include religious rites and needlework competitions. Young women offer fruit and burn joss sticks and incense in gardens and at Lover's Rock on Bowen Road in Wan Chai.
9-12 Aug—Olympics Equestrian Eventing. The cross-country test of the Summer Olympic eventing equestrian competition takes place at the Beas River Olympic Equestrian Venue, Sheung Shui, New Territories. Tickets must be purchased through the National Olympic Committee of your country of residence. Many countries have designated an official ticketing agency for this purpose. For further information, visit http://en.beijing2008.cn.
13-21 Aug—Olympics Equestrian Jumping and Dressage. The Summer Olympics jumping and dressage equestrian events will take place at the Shatin Olympic Equestrian Venue, 25 Yuen Wo Road, Sha Tin, New Territories. Tickets must be purchased through the National Olympic Committee of your country of residence. Many countries have designated an official ticketing agency for this purpose. For further information, visit http://en.beijing2008.cn.
14 Aug—Hungry Ghosts Festival (Yue Laan). Local lore says that ghosts roam the world every year for a month. Starting on 19 August, believers burn paper money and other offerings in small roadside fires to appease the spirits released from Hades. Chinese opera performances figure prominently in the accompanying festivals. Venues include King George V Memorial Park in Kowloon and Moreton Terrace Playground in Causeway Bay.
17 Aug-Sino-Japanese War Victory Day. Public holiday.
Throughout August—Dance. The Hong Kong Ballet presents classic and contemporary dance productions at the Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon. For information, call 2573-7398. http://www.hkballet.com. Continues through late January 2009
September, 2008
14 Sep—Mid-Autumn Festival. This colorful festival celebrates the harvest moon and honors 14th-century rebels. Festivities take place at Victoria Park, Ko Shan Road and other sites.
15 Sep—Monkey God Festival. The birthday of the Monkey God, introduced in a novel from the Ming dynasty, is celebrated by burning incense and paper tributes. A temple to the Monkey God is in Sau Mau Ping in Kowloon.
26 Sep—Birthday of Confucius. Religious holiday.
Mid-Late September—Concert. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra performs frequently at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, and other venues. For information, call 2721-2030. For tickets, call 2721-2332, or URBTIX at 2734-9009. http://www.hkpo.com. Continues through mid July 2009
Throughout September—Dance. The Hong Kong Ballet presents classic and contemporary dance productions at the Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon. For information, call 2573-7398. http://www.hkballet.com. Continues through late January 2009
October, 2008
1 Oct-National Day. Public holiday.
7 Oct—Chung Yeung Festival. Public holiday. It's sometimes referred to as the Double Nine Festival (the ninth day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar). This ancient festival honors ancestors. Families usually picnic and hike in the hills, where climbing contests are held.
20-31 Oct—New Vision Arts Festival. This celebration of Hong Kong's Eastern and Western heritage features Asian and European stars and emerging talent. A variety of innovative performing- and visual-arts productions, ranging from modern dance and Chinese opera to abstract sculpture. Various venues. For information, call 2370-1044. For tickets, call URBTX at 2734-9009 or 2111-5999. http://www.newvisionfestival.gov.hk. Continues through 19 Nov
Throughout October—Dance. The Hong Kong Ballet presents classic and contemporary dance productions at the Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon. For information, call 2573-7398. http://www.hkballet.com. Continues through late January 2009
Throughout October—Concert. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra performs frequently at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, and other venues. For information, call 2721-2030. For tickets, call 2721-2332, or URBTIX at 2734-9009. http://www.hkpo.com. Continues through mid July 2009
November, 2008
1-19 Nov—New Vision Arts Festival. This celebration of Hong Kong's Eastern and Western heritage features Asian and European stars and emerging talent. A variety of innovative performing- and visual-arts productions, ranging from modern dance and Chinese opera to abstract sculpture. Various venues. For information, call 2370-1044. For tickets, call URBTX at 2734-9009 or 2111-5999. http://www.newvisionfestival.gov.hk. Concludes 19 Nov
Throughout November—Dance. The Hong Kong Ballet presents classic and contemporary dance productions at the Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon. For information, call 2573-7398. http://www.hkballet.com. Continues through late January 2009
Throughout November—Concert. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra performs frequently at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, and other venues. For information, call 2721-2030. For tickets, call 2721-2332, or URBTIX at 2734-9009. http://www.hkpo.com. Continues through mid July 2009
December, 2008
21 Dec—Dong Zhi Festival (Winter Solstice). The longest night of the year and the most powerful day of yin (yin and yang) is meant to be celebrated with family and friends to mark the coming increase of light and warmth.
25 Dec-Christmas Holiday. Public holiday.
31 Dec—New Year's Eve. Temple and church bells toll, and revelers gather in Causeway Bay's Times Square for the annual countdown. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department organizes festivities, including pop concerts, ethnic dance, children's entertainment and more. Victoria Park, Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay and other venues. For information, call 2807-6543.
Throughout December—Concert. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra performs frequently at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, and other venues. For information, call 2721-2030. For tickets, call 2721-2332, or URBTIX at 2734-9009. http://www.hkpo.com. Continues through mid July 2009
Throughout December—Dance. The Hong Kong Ballet presents classic and contemporary dance productions at the Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon. For information, call 2573-7398. http://www.hkballet.com. Continues through late January 2009
January, 2009
1 Jan-New Year's Day. Public holiday. New Year's Eve revelers gather for late-morning champagne brunches.
12-15 Jan—Fashion Week. The region's leading clothing and fashion fair, during which more than 1,000 exhibitors show collections to 25,000 buyers. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wanchai. For information, call 183-0668. http://www.hkfashionweekfw.com.
26 Jan—Lunar New Year. Public holidays. Shops and offices are closed, but restaurants remain open. Festivities include street performances, decorated storefronts and streets, and food, handicrafts and games at Tamar Site. The New Year Parade features colorful dragon dancers, decorated floats, marching bands, street entertainers, music and dancing along Wanchai harborfront. For information, call the Hong Kong Tourism Board at 2807-6543.
Mid January—Coast of China Marathon. Overseas entrants are welcome at this race through scenic Sai Kung Country Park. For more information, call 2594-5041.
Throughout January—Concert. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra performs frequently at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, and other venues. For information, call 2721-2030. For tickets, call 2721-2332, or URBTIX at 2734-9009. http://www.hkpo.com. Continues through mid July
Throughout January—Dance. The Hong Kong Ballet presents classic and contemporary dance productions at the Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon. For information, call 2573-7398. http://www.hkballet.com. Concludes late January
February, 2009
9 Feb—Spring Lantern Festival. Colorful lanterns adorn temples and parks, such as Ko Shan Road Park in Kowloon. This festival marks the end of the New Year celebrations and is sometimes called Chinese Valentine's Day, because lantern markets used to be rendezvous spots for young couples.
Mid-Late February—Hong Kong Arts Festival. Hong Kong's premier arts festival showcases international performers in theater and dance productions. Also film screenings and special art exhibitions. Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts and other venues. For information, call 2824-3555. For tickets, call URBTIX at 2734-9011 or 2734-9009. http://www.hk.artsfestival.org. Continues through mid March
Mid February—Hong Kong Standard Chartered Marathon. Around 28,000 men, women and seniors compete in a full marathon, half-marathon and 10K run for more than US$65,000 in prize money. The routes begin on Nathan Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon. For information, call 2577-0800. http://www.hkmarathon.com.
Throughout February—Concert. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra performs frequently at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, and other venues. For information, call 2721-2030. For tickets, call 2721-2332, or URBTIX at 2734-9009. http://www.hkpo.com. Continues through mid July
March, 2009
Early-Mid March—Hong Kong Arts Festival. Hong Kong's premier arts festival showcases international performers in theater and dance productions. Also film screenings and special art exhibitions. Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts and other venues. For information, call 2824-3555. For tickets, call URBTIX at 2734-9011 or 2734-9009. http://www.hk.artsfestival.org. Concludes mid March
Late March—Hong Kong International Film Festival. This noncompetitive event screens more than 300 works, from award-winning features to avant-garde independents, by Hong Kong-based and international directors. Various cinemas throughout Hong Kong. For information, call 2970-3300. http://www.hkiff.org.hk. Continues through mid April
Late March—Hong Kong Sevens. Top rugby teams from six continents compete for cup, plate and bowl titles. Hong Kong Stadium. For information, call the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union at 2504-8311. http://www.hksevens.com.hk. Continues through early April
Throughout March—Concert. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra performs frequently at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, and other venues. For information, call 2721-2030. For tickets, call 2721-2332, or URBTIX at 2734-9009. http://www.hkpo.com. Continues through mid July
April, 2009
4 Apr—Ching Ming Festival. Public holiday. Chinese honor their ancestors by sweeping graves and repainting inscriptions on headstones. Expect delays on public transportation and also on roads and highways that lead to cemeteries.
10-12 Apr—Easter Holidays. Public holidays.
Early April—Hong Kong Sevens. Top rugby teams from six continents compete for cup, plate and bowl titles. Hong Kong Stadium. For information, call the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union at 2504-8311. http://www.hksevens.com.hk. Concludes early April
Early-Mid April—Hong Kong International Film Festival. This noncompetitive event screens more than 300 works, from award-winning features to avant-garde independents, by Hong Kong-based and international directors. Various cinemas throughout Hong Kong. For information, call 2970-3300. http://www.hkiff.org.hk. Concludes mid April
Throughout April—Concert. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra performs frequently at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, and other venues. For information, call 2721-2030. For tickets, call 2721-2332, or URBTIX at 2734-9009. http://www.hkpo.com. Continues through mid July
May, 2009
1 May-Labor Day. Public holiday.
2 May—Cheung Chau Bun Festival. Bun Festival celebrations feature towers covered with sweet buns that have been blessed to placate the spirits of shipwrecked pirates. Children parade about dressed like mythological Chinese heroes. Cheung Chau Island (7.5 mi/12 km southwest of Hong Kong). http://www.cheungchau.org.
28 May—Tuen Ng (Dragon Boat) Festival. Public holiday. One of Hong Kong's most spectacular festivals, it combines tradition with a fast-paced international sporting event. Local and international teams compete in boating races to the sound of drums. The narrow boats sport colorful dragon heads and tails. For more information, call the Hong Kong Tourism Board at 2508-1234.
Mid May—Birthday of Lord Buddha. Public holiday. Worshippers bathe Buddha's statue as a sign of devotion. The biggest observance takes place at the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island.
Throughout May—Concert. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra performs frequently at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, and other venues. For information, call 2721-2030. For tickets, call 2721-2332, or URBTIX at 2734-9009. http://www.hkpo.com. Continues through mid July
June, 2009
Throughout June—Concert. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra performs frequently at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, and other venues. For information, call 2721-2030. For tickets, call 2721-2332, or URBTIX at 2734-9009. http://www.hkpo.com. Continues through mid July
July, 2009
1 Jul-Special Administrative Region Establishment Day. Public holiday.
Early-Mid July—Concert. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra performs frequently at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, and other venues. For information, call 2721-2030. For tickets, call 2721-2332, or URBTIX at 2734-9009. http://www.hkpo.com. Concludes mid July
