The month of May promises to be a music-packed month, with two music festivals taking place and two concerts from American singer-song writer Jason Mraz touching down in the 852. Also not to be forgotten are a wide variety of sports tournaments, cultural events and of course, art fairs. But which among these are absolutely unmissable? Check out our roundup of 9 must-see-and-do events in May before you block your calendars this month.
4-5 May
Le French May Paws & Friends Weekend Baazar
While it may feel at times that Hong Kong can be less than generous when it comes to including pups on any invitation list, Le French May Paws & Friends Weekend Bazaar is decidedly doggy-friendly. Indeed, should you and your four-legged friend be craving a weekend of French culture, this is definitely for the two of you. As well as catering to your canine chum, the event also promises a design showcase, plenty of pop-up shops and the chance to mingle with the city’s French community over food, drinks and live music performances. Central Harbourfront Event Space, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central. frenchmay.com
4-5 May
Shi Fu Miz Festival
Lovers of folk, lo-fi and underground electronic music won’t want to miss the return of the Shi Fu Miz Festival. Now in its fourth year and far more than just a music festival, the event sees the island of Cheung Chau transformed into a wellness and art hub for a whole weekend. Keen festivalgoers will find an array of activities on offer, including yoga, gong bath meditation and street art. In what is surely a bid to be a mini-millennial Woodstock, the organisers are also on a mission to introduce attendees to the joys of nature, while ensuring they have a truly eco-friendly festival experience. Sai Yuen, Cheung Chau. HK$508–932. eventbrite.com
6-11 May
2019 Hockey 5’s Adult Divisions
Rejoicing in its status as the largest ice hockey tournament in Asia, the 2019 Hockey 5’s Adult Divisions competition takes place this month and is scheduled to feature more than 25 teams from across Asia, including representatives from Hong Kong, China, Singapore and Taiwan. Taking place at Hong Kong’s Mega Ice rink, the only international-standard rink in the city, puck lovers definitely will be out in full force to cheer on their favourite jerseys, while the players skate it out for true ice hockey glory. Mega Ice, L 10 Mega Box, Kowloon Bay. megaice.com.hk
9-13 May
Cheung Chau Bun Festival
Get ready for a tonne of buns as the tiny island of Cheung Chau once again stages its legendary Bun Festival. Expect papier-mâché gods and lots of lively, lithe lion dancers. The whole gathering is dedicated to celebrating Pak Tai, a local divinity who – legend has it – stepped in and saved residents from an epidemic that was raging across the island. With many locals spared from the plague, he gets a special ‘thank you’ every year on Buddha’s birthday. Among the highlights to look out for is the Bun Scrambling Competition, which sees participants scrabble to collect as many ‘lucky’ buns as possible from a 60ft tower. Pak Tai Temple, Pak She St, Cheung Chau.
10-26 May
War Horse
After a spell of not-so-kid-friendly dramatic works dominating the stages of Hong Kong, theatre-minded families will be delighted to know that War Horse, an award-winning rite-of-passage production, is stopping by the city as part of its global tour. Written by Michael Morpurgo, a renowned British playwright, War Horse tells the tale of a friendship between a young boy and his horse during the dark days of World War I. A tale of loss, sacrifice and reunion, it is sure to make the whole family sniffle – but in a good, bonding sort of a way. Lyric Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 19 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai. HK$395–3,488. hkticketing.com
12 May
Gluestick FEST
Gluestick, Hong Kong’s very own independent music event organiser, is set to hold its very first mini-festival, following its successful string of sold-out solo shows late last year and early this year. The event sees Thai indie musical sensation “lover boy” Phum Viphurit, as well as two of Taiwan’s most talked-about performers – soul singer Sunset Rollercoaster and rapper ØZI – take to the KITEC stage, with more acts yet to be announced. Sure to be every hipster’s dream date, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to catch some of Asia’s true up-and-coming superstars. KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay. HK$680. ticketflap.com
17-19 May
HKFC CITI soccer sevens
If your still-lingering hangover from last month’s Rugby 7’s hasn’t put you off live-action sports long-term, then the arrival of the 20th edition of the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens may well be a timely one. Showcasing upcoming talents and bringing in the biggest names in soccer, fans can expect to witness some unforgettable footie feats performed by the array of participating international teams. If the games alone don’t sufficiently appeal, former Liverpool FC striker Dean Saunders will be the guest of honour at the 16 May Sportsman’s Dinner, which formally kicks off the tournament. Hong Kong Football Club, 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley. hkscoccersevens.com
17-18 May
Jason Mraz Good Vibes Tour
Guitar-toting American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz is returning to Hong Kong later this month as part of his Good Vibes tour that he embarked upon following the release of Know, his sixth studio album. Many of his most delightful melodies are sure to be given an airing, including I’m Yours, I Won’t Give Up and Have It All, his latest chart topper. For chaps, you’re sure to get brownie points for taking your lady along, while ladies might want to ditch their chaps for the night and just bask in a few wouldn’t-it-be-lovely moments. Hall 5BC, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai. HK$588–1,088. hkticketing.com
17-19 May
Affordable Art Fair
Opening its doors later this month is the Affordable Art Fair. As collectors and art enthusiasts know only too well, this is one of Hong Kong’s most acclaimed art events and, new for this year, an “immersive creative hub”. Said to guarantee visitors an intimate expressive art experience, the family-friendly hub includes poetry workshops and more. For buyers, meanwhile, a selection of traditional ink paintings, sculptures and a host of other options will all be on offer at prices ranging from HK$1,000 to $100,000. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai. HK$100–300. premierehkticketing.com