Hong Kong Festivals and Events
July 2013

A wealth of exciting Hong Kong events await in July 2013:

• July 1, 2013 marks the 16th Anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR, a public holiday.

• And a weekend party that needs no introduction, the Lan Kwai Fong Beer and Music Fest on July 13-14, 2013

• Dragon Boat Races have come and gone, but another colorful festival will take place on the last day of July, the Birthday of Kwan Tai.

• In the Cultural front, the Chinese Opera Festival is underway.

• And there is an array of interesting and entertaining exhibitions and fairs:
  • HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair 2013 - July 17-23, 2013
  • Ani-Com And Games Fair - July 26-30, 2013

Also check-out these popular ongoing events during July 2013:

• Free cultural exhibitions: Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Feng Shui

• The Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong's light and sound show

• Victoria Harbour Cruises

• Last Chance for the Horse Races at Happy Valley!, racing season will be ending this month on July 10, 2013

16th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong SAR - July 1, 2013

This is a public holiday and the celebrations typically include parades and flag-raising ceremonies. Last year, to commemorate the 15th Anniversary, the programme included a spectacular fireworks extravaganza.

This year, the celebrations are widespread among over two dozen venues throughout the 18 districts, rather than concentrated at the Hong Kong Stadium as in previous years. There will be carnivals and performances by local schools and organisations.

The kick-off celebrations will be in Central at Tamar Park where the SAR Government Headquarters are located. There will be a flag raising ceremony and lion dance performances at this two-hour event.

When?: July 1, 2013 Flag raising ceremony at 12:30 p.m.

Where?: Tamar Park. Carnivals at many venues throughout the districts

How Much?: Free

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Lan Kwai Fong Beer and Music Fest - July 13-14, 2013

This massive outdoor party really needs no introduction...

When?: July 13 and 14, 2013 - 1:00 p.m. until late
Where?: Streets of Lan Kwai Fong. Take the MTR to Central Station Exit D2, on to Theatre Lane and up D'Aguilar Street.
How Much?: Free!

More information at www.lankwaifong.com.

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Birthday of Kwan Tai - July 31, 2013

Kwan Tai was the God of War and highly regarded among the police and military circles. His Birthday is celebrated on the 24th day of the 6th Lunar month, which this year falls on July 31, 2013 in the Western calendar.

One of the best and more convenient places to join in the celebrations is at the Man Mo Temple a stone-throw away from Central, which is also dedicated to this God and where an old statue of Kwan Tai from the 19th Century is revered.

When?: July 31, 2013

Where?: Man Mo Temple

How Much?: Free

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Chinese Opera Festival - June 20 - July 28, 2013

"Chinese Opera encapsulates the long history and traditional culture of China. The immaculately crafted movements of the hands, the eyes, the body and the feet of the actors are unique to a whole system of Chinese performing arts."

This art form has been around for centuries and to foster a better understanding of this ancient art, the Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department brings the annual Chinese Opera Festival to the community.

If you have never experienced this unique kind of traditional art, this is your chance! The festival will offer daily stage performances by some of the leading Companies in the genre. Besides the stage performances, the festival also puts together an array of events from symposiums, Chinese Opera film screenings and exhibitions.

When?: June 20 - July 28, 2013

Where?: Stage Performances at various venues including a couple of locations very convenient to visitors:

• The Grand Theatre at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
• The Hong Kong City Hall in Central
• The Hong Kong Space Museum

How Much? Ticket prices vary depending on event.

• Tickets for a stage performance at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre for example range from HK 100- HK 350.
• Tickets for a Chinese Opera Film Show at the Hong Kong Space Museum are HK 30.
• Discounts are available to students and seniors.
• Tickets can be purchased online at the Urbtix site.

More Info: Visit the official site of the Chinese Opera Festival.

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HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair 2013 - July 17-23, 2013

Organised by the HK Trade Development Council, it's not only books, books and more books on this week-long affair, lately the emphasis has also been on multimedia, e-books and e-learning resources.

Besides the publishers' exhibits, there is a range of cultural events including seminars and forums featuring English-language world-renowned writers.

If you are a book worm, don't miss this chance to snatch some bargains (specially on the very last day of the fair)!

When?: July 17-23, 2013, 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., extended hours on weekends, last day 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where?: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
How Much?: Visitors HK10, bring your passport to the "Tourist Counter" and enter through Bauhinia Square entrance. Otherwise:

• Adults: HK 25
• Children: HK 10
• Children under 3 and Seniors: Free
• Morning admission (before 12:00) everyone HK 10

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Ani-Com and Games Hong Kong - July 26-30, 2013

If you have teenagers you will not want to miss this one! Ani-Com and Games is Hong Kong's hottest event in the digital entertainment, comics, animation, video games and toys and collectibles arena.

Packed with the latest in big wave trend-setting entertainment, this is one of the most prominent shows in Asia.
Don't miss the many events including stage forums and presentations, model kit competitions, comic Master's autograph sessions, etc.

When?: July 26-30, 2013, 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., closes 8:00 p.m. last day
Where?: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
More on this year's Ani-Com and Games Hong Kong

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Ongoing Hong Kong Events for July 2013

These events feature some of the great and ancient traditions of the territory and are offered by experts in their corresponding fields:

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The Symphony of Lights

The Symphony of Lights is Hong Kong's light and sound show, a tribute to the city and its people, their diversity, energy and vitality.

The stage is the entire city, which is what makes it so unique, you can watch the lights from just about anywhere in the waterfront. This free show offered by the city, takes place every night at 8:00 pm and lasts aboout 15 minutes.

When?: Every Night

Where?: Can be seen from both sides of Victoria Harbour

How Much? Free

Click here for more on Hong Kong's Symphony of Lights and best spots to watch.

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The Happy Valley Horse Races

Happy Valley Hong Kong whether or not you are a horse racing enthusiast is an experience not to be missed!

The beautiful horses, the skillful jockeys, the crowds going wild, they all add up to an exciting, fun-filled, thrilling atmosphere in a world-class venue.

The Happy Valley race course itself is a sight in itself, the city has built around it through the years and it is now practically surrounded by skyscrapers, an awesome experience specially at night when the city is illuminated.

When?: Wednesday Nights. First race starts at 7:15 p.m. and the gates open at 5:15 p.m. The races are done by 11:00 p.m. Last race of the season on July 10, 2013.

Where?: Happy Valley Race Course

How Much? Depends, there are many ways to experience the races, from General Stand to Private Boxes and special packages including dinner and drinks. General Stand entrance starts at HK10.

Click here for more on Happy Valley Horse Racing, how to get there and options for viewing the races.

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Hong Kong Events