August 2019 Hong Kong Festivals and Events

Beautiful August Sunset in Cheung Chau Island

Hot days ahead! Get out to the islands and beaches! This August 2019, the International Arts Carnival is underway featuring a wide array of stage performances, films, museum and library programmes as well as workshops that will keep kids entertained through the summer holiday months.

Also back in August are some entertaining exhibitions and fairs: the Hong Kong Food Expo and the Computer Festival.

We are in the midst of the wettest and hottest time of the year, pack very light clothing, sandals, sun protection, and also a light jacket or sweater for the air-con at hotels, restaurants and shopping centres. An umbrella will also come in handy.

This is also the height of Typhoon season... watch out for any alerts. Here's what you need to know about typhoons in Hong Kong.

So let's get on with the fun part, here's what's going on in Hong Kong this August:

Discount Tickets on Most Popular Attractions

Hong Kong Staycation Hot Deals

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Highlight Celebrations and Events in August 2019

International Arts Carnival

A fascinating line up is put together every summer in all sorts of artistic fields: theatre, music, dance, film and magic! It's a great chance for family time, specially on those muggy hot days.

Besides stage programmes there are also outreach workshops, school touring programmes, backstage tours and more.

August 2019 highlights

"The Little Mermaid" by Theater Terra (The Netherlands) - July 31 - August 4, 2019
"Monsieur Croche: The Dreams of Composer Claude Debussy" by La Companyia del Princep Totilau (Spain) - August 1 - 2, 2019
"KU-SO- OLYMPICS" by Unlock Dancing Plaza X Namstrops (Japan) X SunFool - August 2 - 4, 2019
2019 Hong Kong Youth Music Camp Concerts - Concert II - August 4, 2019
"Chickens' Eggsecutive Order" by Fong Fong Projet d'Art - August 9 - 11, 2019

More Info at the International Arts Carnival official site

Chinese Opera Festival

"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 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 14 - August 4, 2024. You can also check out these 7 places to discover Cantonese Opera in Hong Kong
Where?: Stage performances are held at a variety of venues, including the fabulous Grand Theatre at Xiqu Centre, in the West Kowloon Cultural District, in itself worth a visit. Also very convenient for visitors are the Grand Theatre at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade as well as the Hong Kong City Hall in Central.
How Much? Ticket prices vary depending on event.

Tickets for a stage performance at the Xiqu Center for example range from HK180 - HK480, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre from HK 100 - HK 350.
Discounts are available to students and seniors.

More Info at the official site of the Chinese Opera Festival

Water Play Street Summer Party at HK Disneyland

Hong Kong Disney Summer Pixar Water Party

Every summer Hong Kong Disneyland creates a big splash of fun with a fun-filled water party as beloved Pixar Friends make a return appearance, including Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and more.

Mickey and friends will also take center stage and come together to deliver a special summer fun edition featuring special events with spectacular water features.

2024 programme is TBA. Stay tuned!

When? June through August 2024
Where? Throughout Hong Kong Disneyland
How Much? Disney Street Summer Party activities and shows are free with Park Admission.

Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
HK Disneyland Discount Tickets Adult ~~HK639~~ HKD584, Children ~~HK475~~ HKD428
More Info and Booking at Klook.com

Dining Offers at Hong Kong Disneyland

Ocean Park Summer Splash

Head to both Ocean Park and Water World for non-stop splashing and endless laughter. You will get soaked from head to toe, so be prepared!!!

Street Splash Battle will be fought at Applause Pavilion and don't miss the Dream Foam Party and enjoy a gigantic pool of vibrant bubbles, dazzling lights and upbeat music by live DJ performances.

And head over to the Kids Water Playground and cool off with mist-spraying arches, the Rainbow Fountain and stand under the massive bucket of the Mega Gush for an exhilarating experience.

When?: July - August 2024, exact dates TBA
Where?: Ocean Park Hong Kong
How Much?: Included with Park Admission, see special Summer Fun Ticket Offers below

More info on this year's Ocean Park Summer Splash 2023

Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
Ocean Park Discount Tickets Standard ~~HK438~~ HK$388

More Info and Booking at Klook.com

Offers for Water World Ocean Park HK Ticket

Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival Yue Lan

The seventh month of the Lunar calendar is considered the "Chinese Ghost Month". On this month, the spirits of the deceased are released and they come back to wander off in the living world.

It is said that some spirits may be restless and will have to be appeased, and thus, worshippers will burn paper money and make the usual offerings to make sure they are back in the good graces of their ancestors and any other wandering ghost that may happen to "drop by".

The Hungry Ghost Festival marks the middle of the Ghost Month, and offerings and activities will be held particularly on this day.

Activities other than the usual offerings of incense, Chinese paper money and food, include Chinese Opera and the dragon and lion dances with plenty of noise to scare away the evil ghosts, and are held in parks and plazas throughout the territory.

When?: August 15, 2019
Where?: Various locations throughout Hong Kong

More on the Hungry Ghost Festival or Yue Lan

Hong Kong Food Expo

Hong Kong is the city of food, and this annual fair sponsored by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, is the leading food trade event gathering over 900 exhibitors with delicacies and the finest selection of foods from all over the world.

Another draw for visitors are the series of special events including cooking demonstrations by prominent chefs, forums on a variety of topics such as nutrition and food safety, and games and competitions throughout the five-day event.

When?:August 15 - 19, 2019 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., last day closes at 6:00 p.m. Public Hall and Gourmet Zones are open to visitors.
Where?: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
How Much?: Free for Trade visitors, admission ticket price to public HK40

Here is more on the Hong Kong Food Expo

The Hong Kong Computer & Communications Festival

Organised by the Chamber of Hong Kong Computer Industry (CHKCI), the Hong Kong Computer & Communications Festival is the largest exhibition for the I.T. industry in Hong Kong.

And if you're wondering, yes, this is open to the public with items for sale to everyone. This is a very popular festival, everyone interested in computers, gadgets, and anything digital will want to take a look and take a advantage of the many deals offered by the suppliers. And for gaming fans, taking place concurrently and also at the Convention Center is the E-Sport & Music Festival, see below.

When?: Friday to Monday August 23- 26, 2019
Where?: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Hall 1
How Much?: HK30

More on the Computer Festival

This Month's Concerts and Entertainment

The Little Mermaid by Theater Terra (The Netherlands)

Following their sell-out show Spot (plus extra performances) in Hong Kong in 2016, Theater Terra returns to the city with another riveting combination of puppetry and live performance. This time, the Dutch theatre group stages an imaginative family musical based on Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale. With engaging puppets and actors, a whimsical set, and original songs, the sparkling production enthralls hearts of all ages.
When?: July 31 - August 4, 2019
Where?: Tai Po Civic Centre Auditorium
How Much: HK 240+

More Info and Tickets

Hong Kong Sinfonietta: McDull. my very very very best

Thanks to the film McDull, The Alumni, Yip Wing-sie and the Hong Kong Sinfonietta met Brian Tse and Alice Mak on the set, as Wing-sie played herself in the 2005 film, where she was one of the outstanding alumni from the same kindergarten McDull graduated.

As with all set romances, Hong Kong Sinfonietta and McDull started a relationship there and then - which organically grew into a "music project" idea where McDull and his friends meet classical music.

In "McDull.my very very very best", they have chosen the very very very favourites from their collaboration from the last 13 years. For those who have never seen it, it will change your perspective of classical music - and for those who have, it will bring back a lot of wonderful memories.
When?: August 2 - 4, 2019
Where?: HK City Hall Concert Hall
How Much: HK 180+

More Info and Tickets

PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure

It's Pirate Day in Adventure Bay, and Mayor Goodway is getting ready for a big celebration! But first, Ryder and his team of pirate pups must rescue Cap'n Turbot from a mysterious cavern. When they do, they also discover a secret pirate treasure map! The PAW Patrol set out over land and sea to find the treasure for Mayor Goodway's celebration before Mayor Humdinger finds it first!

The pups will need all paws on deck for this pirate adventure, including some help from the newest pup Tracker!
When?: August 3 - 4, 2019
Where?: Star Hall, Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Kowloon
How Much: HK 250+

More Info and Tickets

Hong Kong Ballet: Peter Pan

Two venues:
When?: August 16 - 18, 2019
Where?: Grand Theatre at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (with live accompaniment)
How Much: HK 140+
When?: August 23 - 25, 2019
Where?: Auditorium at the Sha Tin Town Hall (with recorded music)
How Much: HK 120+

More Info and Tickets

The Chainsmokers World War Joy Live In Hong Kong

Grammy award-winning and Billboard chart-topping duo The Chainsmokers are bringing their highly anticipated World War Joy Live to Hong Kong this summer.

Comprised of Alex Pall and Drew Taggart, the duo have evolved into a dominating musical force with a diverse repertoire of songs that have led them to become one of music's hottest recording acts. Their signature sound deftly reaches across indie, progressive, and pop realms.
When?: August 23, 2019 - 6:30 pm
Where?: Asia World Expo - Arena (Hall 1)
How Much: HK 697+

More Info and Tickets

Ongoing Hong Kong Events

These are some popular ongoing events that are worth checking out, specially since they are FREE or offered for a low fee!

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

Tai Chi Classes

Hong Kong Ongoing Events: Lion Dance Demonstration

Lion Dance Demos

Hong Kong Ongoing Events: Feng Shui Class

Feng Shui Classes

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 about 12 minutes.

When?: Every Night
Where?: Can be seen from both sides of Victoria Harbour, specially stunning aboard a Harbour Cruise.
How Much? Free