5 Things to Do in Hong Kong this May 2021
In a blink of the eye, we’re heading into the middle of the year 2021. Whether you choose to stay at home or head out for a change of scenery, there are plenty of things to do both offline and online this month, including admiring different types of art, enjoying some gin, attending a French arts festival, and celebrating Mothers’ Day.
We round up the top things to do in Hong Kong this May 2021.
DISCLAIMER: Some places may be temporarily closed due to the current safety precautions. Please check their respective websites before you visit. Do also follow Hong Kong’s social distancing guidelines before you head out to explore the city.
- Le French May Arts Festival (1 May – 30 Jun)
Price: Price varies based on the event
Location: Location varies based on the event
Website: www.frenchmay.com/en/home
It’s that time of year again where Hong Kong celebrates all things Française. Le French May Arts Festival is one of the largest cultural events in Asia. The 29th edition of the French May Arts festival has collaborated with Centre Pompidou, Paris and the Hong Kong Museum of Art to present a Surrealism exhibition.
With many of the countries’ borders still remaining closed, many local and international artists, festival and arts organisers alike had to make the painful decision of cancelling events. However, this year, the French May Arts festival is determined to go on (safely).
Marrying both French and local influences, interactions, and inspirations, the French May Arts festival will showcase a rich diversity of programmes – from exhibitions to performances, cinema, and even gastronomy. Hong Kong citizens can look forward to contemporary French comedy by acclaimed theatre director Tang Shu-Wing, ballet by the Hong Kong Ballet, and a series of classical concerts from the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Sylvain Gasançon.
- House of Ki No Bi pop-up at Sake Central (5 May – 31 May)
Price: Price varies based on the activities
Location: PMQ Sake Central, Showcase, S109 – S113, Block A, 35 Aberdeen St, Aberdeen Street
Website: https://sake-central.com/
Experience Japan right here in Hong Kong. Hosted by international chef Shun Sato, House KI NO BI is a special teaser into Shun’s new Japanese and French-inspired restaurant Censu that will open in June 2021.
There are a whole range of unique activities available during the pop-up.
7 May to 31 May: Whet your appetite and be delighted by this gin-pairing menu experience. This immersive experience will set you back by HKD388 for a sake-gin pairing flight, HKD1,388/person for a full pairing experience and HKD1188/person for a light pairing experience.
15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 May (2pm-4pm): Attend a 6 Elements Masterclass to learn how to enjoy the 6 Elements of KI NO BI – Base, Citrus, Tea, Herbal, Spice and Fruity & Floral. It costs HKD288/person for online bookings and HKD388/person for walk-ins.
13, 20, 27 May (7pm-10pm): At HDK388/person, enjoy a 3-course omakase cocktail session with Hong Kong’s leading bartenders in celebration of Kyoto’s KI NO BI Gin.
- HKwalls Street Art Festival (8 May – 16 May)
Price: Free
Location: Sai Kung
Website: https://hkwalls.org/
HKwalls annual street art and mural festival just got bigger and better. Fans of HKwalls Street Art Festival have two new things to look forward this year.
First-ever HKwalls youth mentorship programme: This mentorship programme offers young artists a chance to learn from an experienced HKwalls artist, improve their artistic skills, try new techniques, and transform their creative ideas into reality on painted murals as part of the HKwalls’ 2021 festival.
First thematic Tools of Trade exhibition: What’s your favourite art tool? From spray cans to drones, this exhibition will feature the evolution of street art and graffiti tools from the late 1960s till the present.
- Ask the Psychiatrist: Everyday Mental Health Tips (13 May or 27 May)
Price: Free
Location: Online
Website: bit.ly/AskthePsychiatrist
What better way to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by taking stock of your overall well-being?
Within 35 minutes, you can learn different tips and tricks on how to manage stress and improve your health. Better yet, this virtual event is completely free-of-charge.
The specialist, Dr Rachel Rohaidy, is highly accredited in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, addictive, and emotional disorders.
- Art Central 2021 (20 May – 23 May) and Art Basel Hong Kong (21 May – 23 May)
Price: Free for Art Central 2021, HKD160 and above for Art Basel Hong Kong
Location: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Website: https://artcentralhongkong.com and www.artbasel.com/hong-kong
The wait is over— Art Central 2021 is finally back this year, with spectacular artworks like large-scale installations, sculptures, and new media art projects. Both well-known international artists and rising talents in Asia will be showcasing their work. If you’re not too keen on attending the physical event, digital platform Art Central Capsule is available for individuals to experience the art fair virtually.
Art Basel Hong Kong will feature leading local and international galleries, with the highest quality and range of painting, sculpture, drawings, installation, photography, video and digital works. Similarly, Art Basel will also launch a virtual platform Art Basel Live: Hong Kong, which will feature live broadcasts and over 50 satellite gallery booths for exhibitors whose physical attendance is not possible due to current regulations.
Both Art Central and Art Basel in Hong Kong will take place together this year. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will be transformed into the epicentre of the two events.
