Soundtrack Of Our Lives: Joseph Koo x James Wong x The Rise Of Cantopop
Channel your inner Cantopop-holic, or introduce yourself to the genre with Tai Kwun’s newest Summer Show, ‘Soundtrack of Our Lives’. The exhibition delves into the masterworks of legendary songwriting duo Joseph Koo and James Wong, especially in the introductory ‘Calming Room’, where the titles of their 236 Cantopop tracks are projected onto the floor and walls. Homage is paid to the two musicians through themed rooms representing decades of the late twentieth century – the 1970s living room and cha chaan teng diner setups are sure to spark nostalgia. Snap a photo with the Instagrammable neon television display, or step into the walk-in radio to hear iconic songs.
When: until Aug 28, 2024
Where: Duplex Studio, Block 01, Tai Kwun
Ticketing: Free entry
The Aubrey After Dark
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong takes guests back to the origins of the Hong Kong club scene with their all-new nightlife series, The Aubrey After Dark. The izakaya joins hands with local and international artists alike, from London’s Cosmo Webber to veteran DJ El Toro, showcasing vibrant Western music scenes. All this is coupled with a refreshing selection of tipples and The Aubrey’s gourmet Japanese culinary experience – your Friday nights will never be the same.
When: Friday nights from 10pm onwards
Where: 25/F, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central
TOP Swop x Colony Kids Market
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Take Out Plastic’s latest TOP Swop is for both the environmentally-minded and lovers of all things vintage. Bring up to ten pre-loved clothing items to exchange for hidden gems, or exchange vinyls with other music aficionados. The weekend-long swap will be held at Eaton HK’s own Terrible Baby; you’ll be able to savour the hotel’s cocktails and bar bites out on their sunlit terrace whilst you peruse.
When: Aug 10 to 11, 2024
Where: Terrible Baby, 4/F, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Rd, Jordan
Ticketing for TOP Swop: topswop.club or at the door
“The Adorned Body: French Fashion” Exhibition at the Palace Museum
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With “Croisettecore” taking off this summer, take a trip down the memory lane of French fashion. The Hong Kong Palace Museum is hosting a special exhibition called “The Adorned Body: French Fashion and Jewellery 1770–1910,” jointly organized by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, home to France’s foremost national fashion collection. Over 300 pieces of French costume, jewellery, and accessories are on display, many of which have never been shown outside of France. The exhibition features notable pieces including Chinese-inspired silk jackets, bell-shaped crinoline dresses, and a dress by Charles Frederick Worth, hailed as the father of haute couture. Organized in five thematic exhibits, The Adorned Body showcases the evolution of French fashion and sheds light on the cultural influences that shaped its fashion history.
When: until Oct 14, 2024
Where: Gallery 9, Hong Kong Palace Museum
Ticketing: Cityline
100% DORAEMON & FRIENDS Tour
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Get ready to step into the whimsical world of Doraemon with the “100% DORAEMON & FRIENDS Tour”. After the “Double Ducks” feature last year, creative brand AllRightsReserved is back with another exhibition, this time celebrating the 90th anniversary of Doraemon’s creator Fujiko F Fujio. Themed “A true friend is always there when you need them,” the highlight of the exhibition is the unveiling of a secret gadget, the “100% Friends-Calling Bell”. Visitors can also find Doraemon comic-style standees of stars like Louis Koo, Jay Chou, and Raymond Lam along the Avenue of Stars, the exhibition’s salute to Hong Kong cinema. With an original animated short film and 135 sets of life-sized Doraemon sculptures, this exhibition promises a delightful journey through the world of Doraemon that is sure to enchant fans of all ages.
When: Jul 13 to Aug 11, 2024
Where: Avenue of Stars and Tsim Sha Tsui Harbourfront (free entry), K11 MUSEA (ticketed exhibition)
Ticketing: Klook
MAMMA MIA! The Musical
Here we go again! After a five-year hiatus, “MAMMA MIA! The Musical” is set to make a grand return to Hong Kong. The beloved musical has captured hearts worldwide by staging ABBA’s timeless hits while weaving a heartwarming tale of family, friendship, and love. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the show promises a spectacular experience with a whopping 24 performances in Hong Kong this summer.
When: Jul 26 to Aug 15, 2024
Where: Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
Ticketing: Cityline
Hong Kong Food Expo
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Prepare your taste buds for the Hong Kong Food Expo, the city’s annual culinary extravaganza. With booths offering everything from local delicacies to international dishes, this event is a paradise for gourmets. The expo also coincides with the Hong Kong International Tea Fair, so visitors can enjoy both events and experience a world of flavours under one roof.
When: Aug 15 to 19, 2024
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Ticketing: To be announced
NAKED FLOWERS Exhibition at 1881 Heritage
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Spring may be over, but you can still immerse yourself in a sea of flowers with the NAKED FLOWERS Exhibition at 1881 Heritage. This vibrant, multi-sensory exhibition from Japan’s NAKED INC. takes visitors on a journey through eight experiential rooms, including the popular “Microscopy of Flowers” with rotating mirrors to reflect digital flowers. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy floral teas and cocktails at the interactive NAKED Café Bar, where flowers come to life with each drink.
When: until Oct 27, 2024
Where: G17B and Basement, 1881 Heritage
Ticketing: Trip.com
Wizard of Oz Ballet
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Enter the Land of Oz with the Hong Kong Ballet’s production of “The Wizard of Oz”, in collaboration with the new Kai Tak landmark AIRSIDE. The classic tale is reimagined through an “Arts Tech” ballet experience, combining dance with mixed and virtual reality technology. With live music performed by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, this family-friendly show is a must-see. Audiences can also visit the companion exhibit “OZ LIFE JOURNEY” at the AIRSIDE GATE33 Gallery, featuring immersive 3D visuals and neon light art installations.
When: Aug 30 to Sep 1, 2024
Where: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Ticketing: PopTicket
I.M.Pei: Life Is Architecture
Visual art hub M+ presents ‘I. M. Pei: Life is Architecture’ – a retrospective exhibition of the contemporary architect’s life and work. Pei’s illustrious career has led him to work on projects in Washington D.C. and Doha, as well as the Grand Louvre. With over 300 items on display, from models to archived sketches, visitors are given a deeper into the cross-cultural and historical influences on Pei’s creative output.
When: until Jan 5, 2025
Where: M+, West Kowloon Cultural District, 38 Museum Drive, Kowloon
Ticketing: mplus.org
Freespace Noise Fest
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Get ready to immerse yourself in the most unconventional soundscapes you’ve ever heard with the West Kowloon Cultural District’s Freespace Noise Fest. This ten-day experimental music festival is the first of its kind in Hong Kong, featuring over thirty artists hailing from all over the globe in performances and workshops. Throat singer Ken Ueno and ceramic instrumentalist Vica Pacheco are just two of the musicians taking part in the two weekends of free improvisation, with a showstopping closing performance by experimental icons Otomo Yoshihide and Senyawa – a show you won’t want to miss.
When: Jul 24 to Aug 6, 2024
Where: Freespace, West Kowloon Cultural District
Ticketing: westkowloon.hk
Tai Kwun Neon Connection Exhibition
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Hong Kong heritage is given a contemporary twist at Tai Kwun’s Neon Connection exhibition – from the minds of YARD Architecture Studio’s founders comes a brand-new light display covering three areas across Tai Kwun Lane. The Hong Kong of centuries past is given a minimalist revamp, with futuristic neon tubes recreating classic icons such as the red-white-blue of canvas bags and the ‘egg lamps’ of wet markets. Enjoy the display at night for the best visuals – you’ll feel as if you’re walking into a local 90s movie.
When: until Apr 10, 2025
Where: Tai Kwun Lane
Ticketing: Free entry
CENTRESTAGE
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CENTRESTAGE, Hong Kong’s very own fashion expo, is a must-go for lovers of all things style. Featuring over 240 brands from across 19 regions, the fair promises fashion shows from designer collections, an exciting array of parades and makeup demonstrations. Whether your style tends more to the extravagant or is a little more understated, this large-scale fashion fest will have something for you.
When: Sep 4 to 7, 2024
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wanchai
Buyer registration: hktdc.com
Coming To A Theatre Near You – Gems Of Hong Kong Film Trailers
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This summer, immerse yourself in vintage and restored Cantonese films galore with the Hong Kong Film Archive’s series of cinema screenings. The museum’s exhibition hall presents a collection of over 100 Hong Kong film trailers from a variety of genres, including martial arts movies, dramas and comedies. With a range of paraphernalia from film posters to making-of stills to browse, this exhibition will definitely be a feast for the eyes.
When: until Nov 3, 2024
Where: Hong Kong Film Archive, 3/F & 4/F, Lei King Road, Sai Wan Ho
Ticketing: Free entry (paid cinema screening tickets available at filmarchive.gov.hk)
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Sophia Zhang & Wing Hei WooCredit
Lead Image: Courtesy of The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
