Hong Kong Festivals and Events
July 2012

These are our top picks for Hong Kong Festivals and Events for July 2012.

July 1, 2012 marks the 15th Anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR, a fireworks extravaganza is planned for this day.

The Dragon Boat Festival has come and gone but the high caliber dragon boat racing events continue this month including Victoria Harbour's signature International Racing event, the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races.

Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races - July 2, 2012
Club Crew World Championships - July 4-8, 2012
Stanley Dragon Boat Short-Course Races - July 15, 2012

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 2012 - July 18-24, 2012
Ani-Com And Games Fair - July 27-31, 2012
Better Living Expo 2012 - July 20-22, 2012

Also check these Ongoing Hong Kong Culture Events during the month of July 2012 offering an array of FREE programmes ranging from tai chi classes, lion dance demonstrations, etc.

Fireworks Extravaganza to commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong SAR - July 1, 2012

July 1st, 2012 marks the 15th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and for the occassion, a fantastic fireworks display over Victoria Harbour is planned.

When?: July 1, 2012 8:00 p.m.

Where?: Places to enjoy great views of Victoria Harbour. Get there early!

How Much?: Free!

The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races - July 2, 2012

Sponsored by the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Association, this event along with the Stanley Dragon Boat Championships, is one of the top events in the dragon boat-racing calendar. International teams as well as local and company sponsored teams compete in one of the most prestigious of tournaments.

When?: July 2, 2012
Where?: Victoria Harbour, Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade.

Club Crew World Championships - July 4-8, 2012

Sponsored by the International Dragon Boat Federation and supported by the Hong Kong Toursim Board, there are races in a great number of divisions besides the usual men, women, and mix.

There are divisions for junior (under 18), breast cancer survivors, senior racers, small boat, etc.

When?: July 4-8, 2012
Where?: Victoria Harbour, Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade.
More Info: www.idbf.org

Stanley Dragon Boat Short-Course Races - July 15, 2012

Celebrated 3 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?: July 15, 2012, 9:00 a.m. - approx. 4:00 p.m.
Where?: Stanley Main Beach.
More Info: www.dragonboat.org.hk

PICASSO - Special Exhibition from Musée National Picasso, Paris - May 19 - July 22, 2012

This exhibition brought to you by the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, showcases over 50 of Pablo Picasso's original works from the Musée National Picasso in Paris.

Works representing every phase of Picasso's extensive career from his Blue, Rose, Cubist and Expressionist periods, selected from the Museum's permanent collection, make this exhibition a first of its kind in Hong Kong and really worth a look for art enthusiasts.

Viewing sessions and tickets are in VERY limited supply, so plan ahead of time if you really want to see this!

When?: May 19 - July 22, 2012.

Where?: Hong Kong Heritage Museum

How Much? HK 20 but limited tickets for viewing sessions available.

Check out the official site below for Ticket Sales latest status and availability.

More Info: Picasso Special Exhibition at Hong Kong Heritage Museum

Chinese Opera Festival - June 15-August 5, 2012

"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 15 - August 5, 2012

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.

HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair 2012 - July 18-24, 2012

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.

There are over 500 exhibitors in the following categories:

Books and Publications
Children's and Teen's
Multimedia and Electronic resources
Religious Books
Stationery

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 18-24, 2012, 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: Fre
Morning admission (before 12:00) everyone HK 10

The Book Fair is held concurrently with the newcomer Better Living Expo at AsiaWorld Expo, there is a free shuttle bus to connect the two.

More Info: Hong Kong Book Fair official site.

Ani-Com and Games Hong Kong - July 27-31, 2012

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 27-31, 2012, 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., closes 8:00 p.m. last day
Where?: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
More Info: www.ani-com.hk

Hong Kong Better Living Expo 2012 - July 20-22, 2012

This fairly new trade show is open to the public and with over 200 exhbitors representing major brands from all over the world, this is a great chance to get some bargains and enjoy the entertainment events from concerts, magic shows, wine tastings, etc.

The categories include beauty and wellness, cooking and dinning, hobbies and learning and value shopping.

The "value shopping" category is like one giant outlet mall and bazaar with offerings from clothes, fashion jewellery and accessories, watches, electronics and houseware products at heavily discounted prices.

When?: July 20-22, 2012, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Where?: Asia World Expo by the Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau Island
How Much?: TBA

The Better Living Expo is held concurrently with the well-established Hong Kong Book Fair at the Convention Centre, there is a free shuttle bus to connect the two.

More Info: HKTDC Better-Living Expo.