The best things to do in Hong Kong today

Hopewell Mall is turning into an animal sanctuary this summer with the return of Exotic Pets World. The pop-up exhibition features four themed zones, showcasing over 15 rare and exotic species, including the Lesser Antillean iguana, the Aldabra giant tortoise, and the ever-adorable axolotls. Alongside a dedicated aquatic zone and fascinating wildlife displays, visitors can enjoy interactive experiences, hands-on workshops like insect specimen mounting, and a behind-the-scenes summer programme for kids aged seven and up. Admission to the main exhibition is free, with registration required for the workshops and educational activities.

Cj Hendry will be taking over Pacific Place with Juju world, an immersive experience centred around the signature character with the floppy ears and a flower over one eye. First up, a huge sculptural centrepiece will display Juju characters amidst a surreal universe; then, there’s also an infinity mirror zone where visitors can step into a dream-like reflection of Juju’s world. The star of the show, though, has got to be a room where you can be cocooned by over 400 Juju plushies. This exhibition event will also come with Jujus to be collected. The limited series features nine distinctive colourways that have slightly iridescent bodies, inspired by Hong Kong’s ever-changing energy and metropolitan spirit. These nine Juju types will be solely exclusive to our city, so get ready to grab your blind boxes!

Are you ready to go to the Jellicle Ball? Andrew Lloyd Webber’s world-class musical Cats is finally touring in Hong Kong! Inspired by a book of whimsical poems by T.S. Eliot named Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the musical follows the Jellicle cats at their annual gathering who share their stories and adventures before choosing one cat to be reborn into a brand-new life. Everyone should experience Cats’ intricate costumes, charming sets, energetic choreography, and unforgettable songs at least once in person!

In a landmark collaboration between the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) and the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) of Egypt, 250 treasures and relics from the land of the Pharaohs will be on display in Hong Kong for nine and a half months. Named ‘Ancient Egypt Unveiled’, this exhibition is the largest, most comprehensive, and longest-running display of ancient Egyptian artefacts Hong Kong has ever seen, displaying archaeological finds loaned straight from Egypt, many of which are being shown outside of their home country for the very first time. Some of our favourite highlights include a set of canopic jars used to store internal organs in the mummification and burial process; statues of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut and Rameses II; painted coffins of wood and stone; a Book of the Dead papyrus scroll; and even an ancient Egyptian toilet seat. Swing by the gift shop to find a wide range of Egypt-related merch, including an adorable series of blind box plushies created by HKPM which depict pharaohs, canopic jars, mummies, and more.

Landing in Wan Chai for a two-month run from July 1 to August 31, Marrow is a sleek, meat-led pop-up restaurant offering an unconventional take on open-fire cooking. Curated by chef Chris Ma, the concept moves away from traditional steakhouses to highlight lesser-known cuts with distinct local and regional flavours. Alongside a selection of fire-cooked mains, diners can enjoy a playful menu of creative starters, seafood options, and nostalgic desserts. The restaurant is open daily for dinner only, and with a short summer residency, booking ahead is highly recommended.

Following the success of its inaugural International Oil Painting Exchange Exhibition last year, the Hong Kong Oil Painting Research Society is returning with its second large-scale international oil painting exhibition. Running from August 11 to 16, the society is displaying an elaborate showcase of oil paintings by artists from Beijing, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Paris, alongside outstanding works by local talents at Hong Kong Central Library. Beyond the gallery, the six-day exhibition offers an engaging public program to immerse visitors in the art form’s rich history, distinctive techniques, and cultural significance. On August 12, Professor Nikita Mogilevtsev from St. Petersburg Repin Academy of Arts will be holding a masterclass on oil paintings. The following day, secondary school students are invited to a curator-led guided tour for deeper insights into the displayed works. Music and art lovers can look forward to the Chinese-Western music exchange concert night on August 14, which sees a fusion performance from the Yao Yueh Youth Chinese Orchestra and Locomotive Trio. For aspiring artists and enthusiasts, the society offers a live drawing demonstration on August 15, where oil painting techniques will be explained. Finally, on August 16, celebrated local artist Shen Ping will culminate the week with an insightful lecture exploring the artists of Beijing's Central Academy of Fine Arts.

Get ready for the ultimate girls' night out as Australia’s Thunder from Down Under makes its return to Macau. From August 14 to 16, the world-famous Las Vegas residency will take over the G Box theatre at Galaxy Macau for a three-night summer run. Featuring everything from fast-paced group numbers to steamy solo routines, this year’s production is dialling up the heat with an upgraded stage, immersive choreography, and a handful of fresh (and very chiselled) faces joining the troupe. Tickets are available across major ticketing platforms, with both standard ($480) and VIP options ($799) available.

Back by popular demand, the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong Cake Shop pop-up is returning to IFC Mall (Kiosk LA15, L1) from August 4, 2026, through February 14, 2027. Led by executive pastry chef Ringo Chan, this pop-up will be bringing signature creations, exclusive bakes, and limited-edition monthly releases. Highlights include Japanese cheese tarts, an oatmeal raisin cookie selection, and a grab-and-go morning menu. A range of Danish pastries as well as sliced and petit cakes will also be available throughout the day.

Discover the history, art, and cultural impact of gaming at CityUHK’s new interactive exhibition, The Power of Play. This hands-on showcase spans 5,000 years of gaming history, tracking the evolution of human play from ancient Egyptian board games and nostalgic 1980s arcades to immersive virtual reality experiences, modern esports, and collaborative robotics. Curated by professor Espen Aarseth, the exhibition offers a fascinating look at how society’s attitude toward gaming has shifted from a casual amusement to a global competitive phenomenon.  The Power of Play runs from July 4 to October 25 at the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery (18th floor of the Lau Ming Wai Academic Building at CityUHK). Doors are open from 11am to 7pm from Tuesday to Sunday. Entry won't cost you a penny, though you’ll need to register online before turning up.

Tucked inside Oi! Glassie, Hong Kong artist Chan Wai‑lap presents Jeremy’s Bathhouse – a dreamy, ceramic bathhouse as an extension of his ongoing ‘Swimming’ series. Inspired by love, connection, different bathing cultures, and the 2016 viral story of Jeremy, the left-spiral snail, the exhibition features a heart-shaped pool installation made with more than 1,200 handcrafted ceramic tiles designed by Chan. Visitors will also find a set of shower cubicles lined with casts of real soap bars that Chan has collected from bathhouses around the world, and every so often, timed release of mist drifts through, softening the edges and shifting the whole atmosphere from crisp clarity to a dreamy haze.