August 2020 Hong Kong Festivals and Events

Hot days ahead! Great time to get out to the islands and beaches and spend much needed time outdoors! Due to the challenging circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic and the sudden increase in untraced COVID-19 cases this summer, there are some new measures in place. Plese note that masks are required in all public spaces, both outdoors and indoors as well as public transportation.

The status of the many events programmed for August may change at the last minute, many have already been postponed. We will continue to monitor closely this rapidly evolving situation and provide relevant updates on this page.

Regrettably many large scale events, concerts and performances have been postponed or cancelled but organisers are trying to reschedule as many as possible for later this year. Both the Chinese Opera Festival and International Arts Carnival scheduled for the summer months have been suspended.

Many of our most popular attractions like the Harbour Cruises and the Peak Tram, etc. are open but many have closed again, including Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park. Outdoor spaces, parks and beaches are thankfully open and ready for visitors wanting to hike, swim, kayak, bike... see list below for all activities and attractions that have reopened.

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:

Highlight Celebrations and Events in August 2020

• Stanley Dragon Boat Short-Course Races - August 9, 2020 - postponed
• The 6th Vegetarian Food Asia and the 9th LOHAS Expo - July 31 - August 2, 2020 - postponed
• Birthday of Kwan Tai - August 13, 2020
• Hong Kong Food Expo 2020 - August 13 - 17, 2020 - Postponed
• Hong Kong Film Festival - rescheduled to August 18 - 31, 2020 - Cancelled
• Hong Kong Computer & Communications Festival - August 21- 24, 2020 - Postponed
• Chinese Opera Festival - No 2020 Programme Confirmed
• Water Play Street Summer Party at Hong Kong Disney - Suspended
• Ocean Park Summer Water Battle - Suspended
• International Arts Carnival - No 2020 Programme Comfirmed

Hong Kong Attractions, Tours, Activities that have reopened This August 2020

Tours, attractions and activities that can be conducted safely while adhering to proper social distancing guidelines have reopened as have most outdoor activities.

It's time to get out! Here's a list of fun outdoor things to do that have restarted operations and can be booked now. When possible book tickets online and/or make a reservation as many of the activities are running on limited capacities.

• The Peak Tram, Peak Tower, Sky Terrace and Peak Galleria are OPEN
• The Hong Kong Observation Wheel - is OPEN
• Ocean Park - is OPEN, purchase tickets online, you also must make a reservation for the day of your visit
• Hong Kong Disneyland - is OPEN, purchase tickets online, you also must make a reservation for the day of your visit
• Sky100 Observation Deck - is OPEN
• Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car - is OPEN, purchase tickets online
• Harbour Cruises have restarted, the following have resumed sailings:
  • Aqua Luna evening cruises
• Fantastic outdoor excursions: hiking, kayaking, swimming, mountain biking, paddleboarding...
  • Lion Rock Sunset Hiking Adventure - Victoria Harbour's most dramatic summit - 4 hours, starts from Wong Tai Sin MTR station
  • Victoria Peak Private Evening Hike - 2 hours, meets at Central MTR Station, Victoria Peak Tram tickets for return optional
  • Geopark Kayaking Adventure - 7 hours, meets at Hang Hau MTR Station
  • The Mai Po Nature Reserve is OPEN, the WWF offers eco-visits Thrusdays through Sundays, which is the easiest way to visit the reserve without having to get a government permit. You can book an eco-visit here
  • Hong Kong Wetland park - is OPEN, the Mudflat Hide has also reopened
  • Sai Kung Standup-Paddle Adventure - 5 hours, meets at Hang Hau MTR station
  • Hike the legendary Ngong Ping 360 Rescue Trail to the Big Buddha - 4 hours, starts at Tung Chung MTR station
  • Hike the Yellow Dragon Gorge Nature Trek in Lantau Island - 5 hours, meets at Tung Chung MTR station on Lantau Island
  • Plover Cove Bicycling and Hiking Adventure - 4 hours, meets at Tai Po Market MTR station
  • Tai Mo Shan Waterfall Hike the tallest waterfall in Hong Kong - 4 hours, meets at Tai Wo MTR station
  • The Dragon's Back Hike and Tai Long Wan Beach - 5 hours, meets at Shau Kei Wan MTR station
  • Ma On Shan Climbing Adventure - 6 hours, starts at Heng On MTR ends in Saikung town
  • Tolo Harbour Cycling Adventure - 4 hours, meets at Tai Po Market MTR Station

Ongoing Events This August 2020

• Free cultural exhibitions: Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Feng Shui
• The Symphony of Lights - Hong Kong's FREE light and sound show

Booking.com

Highlight Celebrations and Events in August 2020

Stanley Dragon Boat Short-Course Races - Postponed

Celebrated a few weeks after the main races of the Tuen Ng festival, as the name suggests, the races are on a shorter course, only 200 meters.

When?:Sunday August 9, 2020, 8:00 a.m. - approx. 5:00 p.m. - Postponed
Where?: Stanley Main Beach.
How Much?: FREE

The 6th Vegetarian Food Asia and the 9th LOHAS Expo - Postponed

This is Hong Kong's largest vegetarian and green living exhibition. It is open to the general public where visitors will be able to find and shop a wide variety of vegetarian and green living products from around the world throughout the three show days.

The expo's "Public Zone" was successfully debuted in the last edition with a record-breaking 30,000 visits. In the 2020 shows, the organizer will expand the Public Hall's scale. Apart from showcasing 4,000 vegetarian, natural, organic, and green living products, the expo will also feature exciting events for the public who embrace a green and healthy lifestyle.

When?: Rescheduled to July 31 - August 2, 2020 - Postponed
Where?: Hong Kong Convention Centre Hall 5E
How Much?: Friday and Saturday: $10, Sunday $20 Online registration is now OPEN! Register now to get the FREE ticket!

Birthday of Kwan Tai

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 August 13, 2020 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.

Birthday of Kwan Tai is NOT an official public holiday in Hong Kong.

When?: Thursday, August 13, 2020
Where?: Man Mo Temple
How Much?: Free

Hong Kong Food Expo - Postponed

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 13 - 17, 2020 Postponed 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

Hong Kong International Film Festival - Cancelled

The Hong Kong International Film Festival is one of Hong Kong's largest cultural events, and as all film festivals, this is an event for those involved in the film industry, actors, directors, screenwriters, etc. and film enthusiasts and fans from all over the world.

Although this is not Cannes or Sundance or Toronto, the Hong Kong Film Festival is considered a major launching pad for films from all parts of the world into the China and Asian markets. Some big names in the Asian cinematic scene make an appearance to promote their latest works.

It is easy to catch a screening and ticket prices are quite reasonable, if only to see some of Hong Kong's magnificent venues from the inside!

When? March 24 - April 6, 2020 August 18 - 31, 2020
Where? Several venues including the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong City Hall, the Hong Kong Science Museum among others.
How Much? HK$ 55+

The Hong Kong Computer & Communications Festival - Postponed

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.

When?: Friday to Monday August 21 - 24, 2020 - Postponed
Where?: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Hall 1
How Much?: HK30

International Arts Carnival - Suspended

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.

Chinese Opera Festival - 2021 TBC

"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?: 2021 Festival not announced. But you can check out these 7 places to discover Cantonese Opera in Hong Kong
Where?: Stage performances are held at a variety of venues, including the newly opened 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.

Water Play Street Summer Party a Water Extravaganza!

Every summer Hong Kong Disneyland creates a big splash of fun with a fun-filled water party. Themes have varied throughout the years, most recently we enjoyed the Pixar-themed "Water Play Street Party" joined by our favourite Disney Pixar stars...

Who will we find soaking up the cool, water-filled streets this summer? Perhaps some of our previous heroes: our Toy Story friends, Woody, Jessie, Buzz, Slinky, Mr. Potato Head, Rex, Bullseye... or many of our favorite old-timers, Mickey, Minnie and the gang, stay tuned!

When? For Summer 2021 no Water Party but an ongoing 15th Anniversary Celebration
Where? Throughout Main Street USA at Hong Kong Disneyland
How Much? Disney Street Summer Party activities are free with Park Admission.

Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
HK Disneyland Discount Tickets Adult HK639 HKD570 US$73, Children HK475 HKD435 US$56
More Info and Booking at Klook.com

Ocean Park Summer Nature Playground and SumFUN Entry Pass

This summer, Ocean Park will be transformed into Hong Kong's biggest and best nature playground. The Park is calling out for curious families to go on a fun-filled and intriguing adventure with Redd to discover the wonders of nature!

Explorer R, the new technology-driven attraction that applies a stimulating mix of virtual games and interactive fun play to spark children's imagination and scientific thinking through experiential learning along with a fascinating array of additional conservation and education elements have officially launched at the Park's Whiskers Harbour and other designated locations at the Waterfront area.

The Park is offering an all-new SumFUN Entry Pass for Hong Kong residents which allows unlimited entry from now until end of September for the price of less than two regular admission tickets.

When?: Now through end of September
Where?: Ocean Park Hong Kong
How Much? Summer events included with General Admission to the Park.

Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
Ocean Park Discount Tickets Adult HK498 HKD468 US$60, Children HK249 HKD229 US$29
Autumn Package HK360 adults, HK195 child, and Halloween Combo Tickets also available.
Limited Early Bird Offer for Water World Ocean Park HK Ticket

More Info and Booking at Klook.com

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:

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

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