From The Musical world of Yu Qiwei to International Women’s Day: Womxn Fest to the annual LGBTQI+ Pride Run, there are plenty of occasions to fill the calendar. Check out these upcoming highlights of this month…
The Musical world of Yu Qiwei
5 March
Yu Qiwei, that renowned master of the gaohu (a traditional Chinese string instrument), is celebrating 46 years of his dedication to his chosen oeuvre with a musical programme extending across several of the genre’s best loved pieces. Performed in association with prominent Cantonese music stars, including Zhang Chongxue and Mak Ka Yin, and backed by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, the concert is said to be a testament to his years of teaching and a tribute to the abiding appeal of Cantonese music. From HK$170. Yuen Long Theatre. hkco.org.
Spartan Kids Central
6 March
In a bid to inspire children with an abiding love for fitness, the people behind the Spartan Race – one of Hong Kong’s most gruelling trekathons – have launched a scaled down event for mini-me’s: the Spartan Kids Race. While certainly still challenging, this dedicated diddy obstacle course has been designed to enhance the confidence, self-esteem and sense of sportsmanship of all participants. Even better, the event provides the perfect opportunity for parents to cut their kids loose. From $420. Harbourfront Event Space, Central. tickets-hk.spartan.com.
TEDx Online
6 – 21 March
Four separate online seminars, all celebrating the very best of the global TEDx Program, are available to stay-at-home-Hongkongers this month. The virtual events have been organised by four of the leading universities participating in this much-lauded digital initiative – TEDxBerkeley, TEDxHultLondon, TEDxSalford and TEDxMileHigh. Each one captures the highlights of on-stage presentations by acknowledged industry experts, all of whom are recognised as thought leaders in their chosen fields. Among the many topics set to be given the unmistakable TED treatment are art, science, business and health concerns. Free. eventbrite.hk
International Women’s Day: Womxn Fest
7 – 8 March
As part of the celebrations for International Women’s Day, Hustle & Heart, the global-centric female-oriented entrepreneur training platform, is hosting a two-day virtual conference in aid of the UN Women programme. In keeping with this year’s #choosetochallenge theme and in order to promote gender equality and inspire women across the globe, this two-part event (hosted by keynote speaker and self-made serial entrepreneur, Sophia Amoruso), will feature discussion panels showcasing inspirational, educational and entertaining women from across the world. HK$297. eventbrite.hk
Scenes from a Marriage
20-28 March
The West Kowloon Cultural District proudly introduces Scenes from a Marriage presented by Tang Shu-wing Theatre Studio at Freespace this March. Acclaimed director Tang Shu-wing brings Swedish film maestro Ingmar Bergman’s classic to a Hong Kong theatre for the first time. In a star-studded production with winning actors Ben Yuen and Emily Kwan, the nearly five decade classic iteration still exudes the power to touch the hearts of its audiences. The Box, Freespace, Art Park, West Kowloon Cultural District. From $200. westkowloon.hk
Hung Shing Festival
25 March – 1 April
Why not take a cultural trip down to the south side of Hong Kong Island on the 13th day of the second lunar month as an opportunity to pay tribute to the God of the South Sea at Ap Lei Chau’s ancient Hung Shing Temple? Well within worshipping distance of the Aberdeen Fishing Village, look out for vibrant parades, entertaining Cantonese opera performances and lion dances as the high-energy celebration of the Hung Shing Festival rolls out throughout the day. Hung Shing Temple, Ap Lei Chau. Free entry. ctc.org.hk
The 49th Hong Kong Arts Festival
Until 26 March
For more than 40 years, the Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF) has been one of the most high profile and widely feted events on the city’s cultural calendar, rightly renowned for promoting local creatives and performance artistes. Although slightly scaled down this year on account of Covid-19, organisers still promise a varied hybrid mix of live in-person happenings and online digital spectaculars. With a programme set to stretch from opera to street dance and impromptu theatre, those of a cultural bent are sure to find something to and stimulate their senses. Locations vary. From HK$150. hk.artsfestival.org
Pride Run
28 March
Hong Kong’s one and only officially-endorsed LGBTQI+ event – the Pride Run – returns to the city with the promise that this year’s race will again go out of its way to promote diversity, acceptance and friendship throughout the Fragrant Harbour. Against the backdrop of an admittedly trying year, the race – available in either a challenging 9km incarnation or a more family-friendly 5km lite version – promises to be the perfect opportunity to put disputes and division behind you while hiking your way through Aberdeen Country Park. From $480. racebase.asia