Hong Kong’s Unmissable Festivals: Why the City is a Must for Cultural Explorers

We’ve partnered with Hong Kong Tourism Board to share why Hong Kong should be on your list as a must-visit destination.

It’s time to say hello to Hong Kong. 

In a city where centuries-old traditions blend seamlessly with cutting-edge modernity, every corner of Hong Kong is teeming with vibrant arts and cultural wonders. A must-visit dining destination for foodies (with a dynamic cocktail scene to match!), a shopping haven for fashionistas and a picture-perfect blend of nature and architecture, Hong Kong’s captivating East meets West feel gives it a distinct - and unmissable - charm. 

The perfect place to pop on your travel hit list, Hong Kong is a must for those seeking a mix of luxury and culture. The magical metropolis offers unique experiences that captivate the senses, stir the soul, and spark creativity. 

From the enchanting glow of the Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns to the whimsical bun towers of the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, these magical events provide a glimpse into the unique and authentic cultural experiences on offer for visitors to Hong Kong.

Here, we take you on a journey through the enchanting festivals and cultural events that make Hong Kong a must-visit destination for culture enthusiasts.

Also known as the Moon or Mooncake Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival is when families reunite to give thanks and celebrate the full moon and for families to reunite and have a good time together. Taking place this year between September 16 and 18, the festival is marked by both traditional and contemporary celebrations, making it the perfect time to visit Hong Kong. 

Expect to see vibrant displays of lanterns in all shapes and sizes illuminating the city, or purchase your own from a pop-up lantern shop to illuminate your own way. Lantern riddles are also popular during this time, with slips of paper attached to lanterns containing messages of good fortune and wisdom. With some lanterns also lit up by LED lights, don’t be surprised if you’re treated to a spectacular light show, too. 

Mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival are also a must. The quintessential symbol of the period, they contain lotus seed paste and a slated egg yolk centre, but there are a variety of more modern and creative versions also on offer (think mochi, coffee and truffle fillings).

The highlight of the festival is the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance Parade, which features a massive, glowing dragon carried by around 300 people lighting up the normally quaint and quiet streets. A tradition dating back to the 19th century, when residents of the then-small Hakka village combated plague with a fire dragon dance and roaring gongs and drums, today’s Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance attracts crowds from all over the world. 

Don’t miss the 67-metre-long fire dragon (whose head alone weighs 48 kilograms), adorned with an estimated 12,000 burning incense, as it parades, dances and does breathtaking manoeuvres through the streets of Tai Hang. And don’t forget to get your incense stick from the dragon as they are distributed to the audience, symbolising blessings and good fortune. 

16 - 18 September

One of Asia’s leading art and cultural hubs, Hong Kong is home to a wealth of world-class art galleries and exhibitions. While there are plenty of spots to spy outdoor art installations, hidden street art and the city’s famous iconic neon lights all year round, the Arts in Hong Kong event - by Art Basel - will bring together leading galleries from around the world to the vibrant city in March next year. 

One of the most prestigious art fairs in the world, Art Basel Hong Kong features exhibitions by local artists, as well as pop-ups from famous creators from around the world. There are also film programmes and a series of panels and discussions from key figures in the global arts and culture community to enjoy. 

Outside of the event, Hong Kong is a year-round art hub with world-class art venues and museums embracing both traditional and more contemporary expressions. The Hong Kong Museum of Art, in Tsim Sha Tsui, houses a collection of over 18,000 objects, including Chinese painting, calligraphy and classical art. M+ Museum, located in the West Kowloon Cultural District, however, focuses on 20th and 21st-century culture, with visual art, design, architecture and moving images, as well as features work by prominent Asian and international artists. 

Art Basel Hong Kong

March 28 - March 30, 2025

One of the world’s quirkiest local festivals - and one that dates back over a century - the Cheung Chau Bun Festival attracts thousands of visitors with colourful parades, traditional rituals and an exciting bun scrambling competition (yes, really).

Held to mark the end of Spring, the tiny and serene island of Cheung Chau is transformed to honour Pak Tai, the Taoist god of the sea, every May.

Bun towers are adorned with thousands of "lucky buns", with the festival culminating in the “Bun Scrambling Competition”, which sees competitors climb the towers to collect as many buns as possible. The person with the highest total score will be declared a winner, while the one who bags the most buns within the specified time will be the prize winner of “Full Pockets of Lucky Buns".

The Piu Sik parade is also not to be missed. The spectacular procession features children dressed as legendary and historical figures that “float” above the crowds, with lion dances, dragon dances and other traditional performances creating a lively and fun atmosphere. 

There are also various Taoist rituals and ceremonies on display, drawing worshippers and visitors alike, and the festival vegetarian diet sees street stalls and restaurants serving up creative vegetarian dishes - including buns filled with sweet lotus seed paste. 

Cheung Chau Bun Festival

Early May 2025

After experiencing the sights and sounds of Hong Kong and all the cultural experiences it has to offer, there's no better place to relax than in one of the city's many luxury hotels, 99 Bonham. 

Located in the historically and culturally significant Sheung Wan district, guest suites in the modern glass tower show off spectacular city views. The chic interiors have been designed by internationally renowned architects, with the neighbouring streets offering a lively mix of traditional architecture, contemporary art galleries, world-class restaurants and charming antique shops. 

Each suite offers a spacious and comfortable lounge and dining area, plus floor-to-ceiling windows so you can look out over the city and plan your next day (or night!) of adventuring.

99 Bonham Strand, Hong Kong

Embark on a journey of discovery and uncover the secrets of Hong Kong’s ancient festivities. Start curating your exclusive Hong Kong itinerary now here.