This September brings a feast of entertainment to enjoy, from the amazing Ultra music festival to many great theatrical and artistic productions, there is so much to lift the spirits.
Ultra Hong Kong
Billed as the world’s premier electronic music festival, this first Ultra Worldwide event in Hong Kong will shake the very foundations of two stages set up on the Central shoreline, where headliners including Alesso and Marshmello will perform. The fantastic backdrop of Victoria Harbour will only add to the intoxicating party vibe as the thumping electronic beat sends the throbbing crowd into frenzied delight. This is the full multi-stage version of Ultra following previously successful single-stage ‘Road to Ultra’ editions in the territory.
When: 14 Sep
Where: Central Harbourfront Event Space
How much: From $988
For more information: ultrahongkong.com
Centrestage 2024
For anyone who is fascinated by developments in the global fashion industry, this is a must-attend trade fair. Touted as Asia’s leading fashion event, the four-day annual spectacle has it all – glorious catwalk shows, revealing presentations by industry movers and shakers, the eagerly awaited Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest, and many discussion groups and seminars. Thematic zones cover the likes of circular fashion and contemporary and avant-garde design, while Hong Kong’s influence on the fashion world is also spotlighted.
When: 4-7 Sep
Where: Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai
How much: Entrance fee
For more information: hkcec.com
HK Phil Season Opening
Soak up the glorious music of Sibelius’ Violin Concerto and the breathtaking beauty of Bruckner’s Symphony No.9 as the Philharmonic begins its 51st season with two masterpieces. Young Swedish violinist Daniel Lozakovich, who has been winning plaudits for his fine musical interpretations, will leave audiences spellbound during the Finnish composer’s classic piece. Finnish conductor Tarmo Peltokoski will also wave his baton as the Hong Kong orchestra performs the Austrian maestro’s homage to God.
When: 5-6 Sep
Where: Cultural Centre Concert Hall, Tsim Sha Tsui
How much: From $380
For more information: hkphil.org
Hong Kong Open Badminton
As a World Tour Super 500 tournament sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation, these championships are a highlight on the international badminton calendar and always entice some of the sport’s best players to Hong Kong. The athletic prowess on show will be unmatched as competitors bid to earn top honours and a share of this year’s prize money (US$420,000).
When: 10-15 Sep
Where: Hong Kong Coliseum, Hung Hom
How much: Various prices
For more information: hkopenbadminton.org
Ambiguous
Don’t miss the opportunity to see this rerun of Matthew Cheng’s award-winning play about the complexities of married life and the true meaning of relationships. Returning by popular demand to the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre stage, Ambiguous explores the intricacies of simple daily activities that may have deeper significance. The plot unpicks the humdrum lives of stay-at-home husband Chan Chi-yung and housewife Wang Xia following their chance meeting outside a kindergarten.
When: 13-22 Sep
Where: City Hall Theatre, Central
How much: From $200
For more information: hkrep.com
Sheng & Didgeridoo!
Enjoy a unique collaboration of musical styles as local sheng master Loo Sze-wang joins forces with didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton. The pair, conducted by Australian Luke Dollman, perform with Hong Kong Sinfonietta in the world première of Coming Together, a concerto by Adelaide-based music-maker Dylan Crismani that showcases these two ancient wind instruments of Chinese and Aboriginal Australian heritage respectively.
When: 14 Sep
Where: City Hall Concert Hall
How much: From $200
For more information: hksl.org
Timeless Diva: Anita Mui
Grab this last chance to visit an exhibition dedicated to one of Hong Kong’s great cultural icons, Anita Mui. Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the idol’s passing, it gathers costumes, records, posters and trophies evoking memories of her glory years on stage, in film and as a driving force behind the emergence of Cantopop. Mui’s contribution to the local cultural scene in the 1980s and 1990s was immense, and this is a fitting tribute to an amazing talent.
When: Until 2 Sep
Where: Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Sha Tin
How much: Free
For more information: hk.heritage.museum
Art021 Hong Kong
Unlike other art fairs, the inaugural edition of the Hong Kong Contemporary Art Fair spreads its reach throughout the city. Showcasing the works of more than 70 galleries and artistic talent emanating from countries in West Asia and South Asia as well as the region as a whole, the cultural extravaganza is divided into five distinct thematic sections staged at various iconic local venues.
When: Until 8 Sep
Where: Various locations
How much: $300 opening pass (29 Aug – 1 Sep).
For more information: art021.org
Chinese Cultural Festival
This inaugural event has captured the rich tapestry of Chinese culture through a wide range of programmes catering to all tastes. Magnificent operas and dance shows staged to take your breath away over the summer have been interspersed by more sedate lectures, artist talks, films and master classes to appreciate the finer nuances of the country’s enduring heritage. September highlights vary in theme and format.
When: Until 30 Sep
Where: Various venues
How much: Various prices
For more information: ccf.gov.hk