The scorching heat and hummidity of the summer months are receding and cooler days are ahead as September 2020 welcomes a host of fantastic events and festivals.
Normally this time of the year, front and center are the preparations for the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations with the myriad of colorful lanterns which start popping up all over the territory and the fantastic fire dragon parades in Tai Hang. It has been touch and go with the Coronavirus measures so far and even though we seem to be turning the page with cases receding, social distancing rules have been extended through the Mid-Autumn Festival and sadly fire dragon parades have been cancelled, and we cannot expect any big gatherings or celebrations for the big day on October 1st, which also coincides with the National Day. The National Day fireworks have also been cancelled.
Next door in Macau the annual International Fireworks Display Contest has also been cancelled, although the National Day fireworks display is still scheduled to go ahead as well as the Festival of Lights which has been brought forward this year.
Highlight Celebrations and Events in September 2020
- Hungry Ghost Festival - Yue Lan - September 2, 2020
- Mid-Autumn Festival and Lantern Carnivals - end of September to early October
- Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance Parade - September 30 - October 2, 2020 - Cancelled
- Macau Fireworks Contest - Cancelled
- The Hong Kong Watch and Clock Fair - Scheduled for September 1 - 5, 2020 has moved online
- Hong Kong International Jazz Festival - Postponed to October
- Ocean Park Summer Water Battle - Suspended
- Water Play Street Summer Party at Hong Kong Disney, a Pixar Extravaganza - Suspended
- Hong Kong Disneyland Haunted Halloween Celebrations - mid-September through October 31
- It's race time! The 2020-21 horse racing season begins!!!
- Next Door in Macao: The Festival of Lights - September 26 - October 31, 2020
Hong Kong Attractions, Tours, Activities that have reopened This September 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 September 2020
- Free cultural exhibitions: Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Feng Shui
- The Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong's light and sound show
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?: September 2, 2020
Where?: Various locations throughout Hong Kong
Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations
The 2020 Mid-Autumn Festival is on October 1st 2020.
Social distancing rules have been extended through the Mid-Autumn Festival and most large scale carnivals and parades have been cancelled due to Coronavirus precautions
Urban Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival at Victoria Park - Suspended
This is the all-in-one mega event that offers fantastic lantern displays, a full cultural programme, and a Fire Dragon Dance Parade.
The cultural programs include kung fu demonstrations, folk songs and dance shows, acrobatics, Chinese folk arts and crafts demonstrations, etc.
When?: TBC October 1st, 2020 - from 8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
Youth Night: TBC September 30, 2020 - from 7:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.
Where?: Victoria Park
How Much?: Free
Mid-Autumn Lantern Exhibition in Tsim Sha Tsui
Bright and colorful lantern displays pop up in Tsim Sha Tsui along the promenade area.
This is a fairly easy spot to pop in for visitors as it's just around the corner from the Star Ferry Terminal and the TST metro station.
This is one of the longest running lantern displays during the celebration.
When?: Late September through early/mid October TO BE CONFIRMED, lit Friday through Sunday from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm, until midnight on Mid-Autumn Festival
Where?: Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and Cultural Centre Piazza near the Clocktower
How Much?: Free
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance Parades - CANCELLED
The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance Parade is another example of Hong Kong's traditional culture and a main part of the celebrations of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
This is a fantastic tradition and one you should not miss. You can take part and experience as the 67-metre Fire Dragon winds through the streets of Tai Hang, like it did over a century ago... It's an amazing sight with over 300 performers, 70,000 incense sticks, and lots and lots of firecrackers!
When?: September 30 - October 2, 2020 - approx. 8:15 pm - 10:30 pm
Where?: Tai Hang, Causeway Bay.
How Much?: Free
The 2020 Macau International Fireworks Contest - Cancelled
Just next door in Macau... Six evenings of mesmerizing fireworks and music extravaganzas!!! Fireworks displays can be some of the most sensational spectacles one can witness, imagine the best of the best in the world battling it out on a competition that encompasses six evenings of stunning lights and sounds, with international teams competing for the coveted trophy.
Two teams participate each evening, each performance lasts approximately 18 minutes.
When?: 2020 Fireworks Contest CANCELLED - 9:00 and 9:40 pm
Where?: Sea area in front of the Macau Tower.
A Fireworks Carnival will be held every fireworks evening next to the Macau Tower from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. The Carnival will be a confluence of delicacies, performances and games, enriching the event with more fantastic experiences.
How Much?: FREE!
Remember you can get Turbojet and CotaiJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets from Klook.com:
TurboJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets are as follows:
Hong Kong Island to/from Macau Harbour:
- Single Trip (weekday, slightly more on weekends):
HK200HK168 US$ 21.50 - Round Trip (weekday, slightly more on weekends):
HK400HK335 US$ 42.89
More information and Booking Macau TurboJet Ferry Tickets ››
CotaiJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets are as follows:
- Single Trip (weekday, slightly more on weekends):
HK186HK143 US$ 18 - Round Trip (weekday, slightly more on weekends):
HK310HK285 US$ 36
More information and Booking Macau CotaiJet Ferry Tickets ››
TurboJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets also available to/from Hong Kong Airport
Where to stay in Macau? Check out the latest deals:
The 2020 Hong Kong Watch and Clock Fair
The annual Hong Kong Watch and Clock Fair is the world's largest timepiece event which offers a remarkable selection of watches and clocks and a preview into the latest designs and trends in the market.
Highlights of this event are the "Brand Name Gallery" and "World Brand Piazza", featuring limited edition and rare timepieces from the major global brands.
The Brand Name Gallery is open to the public on the last day of the event and timepieces from selected exhibitors are available for sale.
When?: Originally scheduled for September 1 - 5, 2020 has moved online. The online exhibition will be held from 16 to 27 November 2020.
Where?: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
How Much?: Free for trade visitors and the public
Hong Kong International Jazz Festival - Postponed to October
Renowned jazz musicians from around the world will delight audiences with a series of performances, workshops, and photographic exhibitions.
An open-air concert launches the HKIJF with an array of top-ranked musicians from around the world.
When?: Postponed to October
Where?: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza
How Much?: FREE
Festival:
When?: Postponed to October
Where?: Hong Kong Park Olympic Square
How Much?: FREE
Ocean Park Summer Programme TBA
2023 Summer Splash activities are TBA. Last year's Summer Adventure included a series of exciting activities with varying levels of challenges, suitable for children of all age groups. By immersing themselves in nature and making up-close observation, children will get to know the habitats, behaviours, and body features of various animals.
The Adventures included a variety of activities, children can take on challenges through teamwork, including treasure hunting and group games, to sharpen their senses, and train their scientific thinking skills. Explorers can also get imaginative and expand their endless creativity by creating different artwork, including designing a home and "toys" for animals.
When?: 2023 TBA
Where?: Ocean Park Hong Kong
How Much? There is a programme fee and enrolment is mandatory
Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
Ocean Park Discount Tickets Adult HK528 HKD360 US$46, Children HK279 HKD216 US$28, further discounts for weekday tickets
Autumn Package HK320 US$40 adults, HK190 $24 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
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, the 2023 summer edition programme is TBA.
Coming this summer is the highly anticipated Frozen-themed land, "World of Frozen" which is expected to open in the second half of 2023.
And also in 2023, the Walt Disney Company marks its 100th Anniversary! We can expect a series of exciting events including character appearances in their celebratory outfits, festive merchandise, foods and souvenirs.
When? June through August 2023
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
Hong Kong Disneyland Haunted Halloween Celebrations
What?: Trick or Treating with Mickey and the gang, Halloween parade, haunted mansions, creepy surprises!
When?: mid-September through October 31, 2020, some events run Thursday through Sunday only.
Opening hours are normally extended to 11pm on weekends during this period.
Where?: Throughout the park
How Much? Included 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
Horse Racing Season 2020-21 starts this month!
The horse races in Hong Kong whether or not you are a horse racing enthusiast is an experience not to be missed! At the moment however due to the tighter Covid-19 measures, THE RACES ARE RUNNING WITHOUT PUBLIC ATTENDANCE.
The beautiful horses, the skillful jockeys, the crowds going wild, they all add up to an exciting, fun-filled, thrilling atmosphere in two world-class venues, at the Sha Tin Racecourse and the iconic Happy Valley Racecourse.
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. We can't wait for the restrictions to be over and the on course experience to return!
Season opener at Sha Tin on September 6, 2020, season at the Happy Valley Race Course starts September 9, 2020, all races will be streamed live at the HK Jockey Club Racing Channel.
When?: Happy Valley Night Races on Wednesday Nights. On race day, 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.
Sha Tin Day Races are on Sundays. First race normally starts at 1:00 pm, earlier if there are more than 10 races. Gates open at 11:00 am.
How Much? Depends, when they return, 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. The "All inclusive VIP tour" provides transportation to/from your
hotel, dinner and drinks and access to the Member's Boxes.
Macao Light Festival 2020
Next door in Macao, the Festival of Lights is back with an earlier start this year! This is a highly anticipated annual event just in time for the holiday season that lights up the city's heritage landmarks creating a festive and enchanting atmosphere all throughout.
This year's Festival of Lights brings several projection mapping shows that will be staged at two locations: at Anim'Arte NAM VAN and at Tap Seac Square, shows lasts approximately 5 minutes and are staged every 30 minutes.
Light Installations and interactive games normally take place at various venues throughout the city in the Old Town and around Nam Van Lake.
When?: September 26 - October 31, 2020
Where?: Three main locations and routes:
Old Town - take bus 3, 3A, 4, 6A, 8A, 19, 26A, 33, N1A
Nam Van Lake - take bus 6B, 9, 9A, 18, 18B, 23, 32, 32T, N2
How Much?: FREE
Remember you can get Turbojet and CotaiJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets from Klook.com:
TurboJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets are as follows:
Hong Kong Island to/from Macau Harbour:
- Single Trip (weekday, slightly more on weekends):
HK200HK168 US$ 21.50 - Round Trip (weekday, slightly more on weekends):
HK400HK335 US$ 42.89
More information and Booking Macau TurboJet Ferry Tickets ››
CotaiJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets are as follows:
- Single Trip (weekday, slightly more on weekends):
HK186HK143 US$ 18 - Round Trip (weekday, slightly more on weekends):
HK310HK285 US$ 36
More information and Booking Macau CotaiJet Ferry Tickets ››
TurboJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets also available to/from Hong Kong Airport
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
- More on Hong Kong's Symphony of Lights, best spots to watch.
- Symphony of Lights Harbour Cruise with Aqualuna (NOW SAILING! Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)
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Most Popular Excursions in Hong Kong
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