Catharina Cheung

Not sure how to spend your free time this week? We’ve rounded up some of the best happenings across the city – from art exhibitions and food pop-ups to music nights and kid-friendly activities – so you don’t have to go searching. But if all else fails, you can always turn to one of Hong Kong’s best restaurants, or cross things off our ultimate Hong Kong checklist. Whatever you decide, we’ve got you covered for the next seven days. RECOMMENDED:  🎨 Art exhibitions to check out right now📆 September events in Hong Kong🥹 Free things to do in Hong Kong

Temperatures are slowly dropping and with Halloween out of the way, we can finally start counting down to Christmas as a slew of festive events begin to take over the city! Even if it’s too early for your sleighbells to be ringing, there are still tons of fun activities taking place all across the city. Keep scrolling to see what we’ve picked out for your enjoyment this month. RECOMMENDED: After a day of fun, recharge at one of Hong Kong's 50 best restaurants, or get sipping at one of the 50 best bars in Hong Kong.

This year, Halloween happens to fall on a Friday, which means your classic party spots are bound to be absolutely rammed – we get it if you don’t want to go out gallivanting in costume on All Hallows Eve proper! The next best thing would be to watch some horror movies under the safety of your duvet. In case you’re not quite feeling the goosebumps yet, here are some classic Hong Kong horror movies that will surely make your hair stand on end.  RECOMMENDED: Want more? Here are some local ghost stories and urban legends, or learn about things you should never do doing the Hungry Ghost Festival.

Looking to make your weekend worthwhile? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you want to catch some live music, check out a new art exhibit, or just find a casual spot to relax with friends, Hong Kong knows how to keep you busy. Come rain or shine, day or night, here’s everything you need to plan the perfect weekend.  RECOMMENDED:  📆 Hong Kong events in October🎡 Top attractions in Hong Kong🛍️ Your ultimate Hong Kong checklist 2025

What’s scarier than a ghost story? One that’s set close to home! Satisfy your appetite for disturbing supernatural tales during this Halloween with our pick of the creepiest local urban legends. Just hopefully not before bedtime though, as the bone-chilling locations featured in these horrifying stories might be a little closer than you think. You have been warned.  RECOMMENDED: If you prefer to do the creeping yourself, pick out a scary outfit from Hong Kong’s best costume shops and prepare to have a fantastically horrifying party!

For the past eight years, we’ve made it our mission to scope out the coolest pockets of the world’s greatest cities in order to create our definitive annual ranking. The places where stuff like nightlife, art, culture, and affordable food and drink can be found on every corner and down every backstreet. Where diversity is championed and independent businesses thrive, from old-school boltholes to the newest avant-garde art space. Put simply, the world’s coolest neighbourhoods are places that represent the soul of our cities, while maintaining their own unique local character that draws people in to live, work and play. So, what are the neighbourhoods that fit the bill this year? To find out, we asked our network of writers and editors across a breadth of cities to nominate the vibiest district in their hometown right now. We then ranked every neighbourhood against criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life and that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’.  On our list this year, you’ll find everything from homely, village-like enclaves with tight-knit communities to revitalised city-centre hubs and formerly dormant, industrial areas transformed into creative districts. Many are underrated spots that sit in the shadow of their commercialised counterparts; others have become unexpected culinary hotspots or magnets for the city’s artists, writers and activists. What they all have in common is a DIY spirit – and an unshakeable proclivity f

Chung Yeung Festival falls on October 29 this year, and while it is one of the oldest major holidays in the Chinese calendar and has been celebrated for over 2,000 years, it is also perhaps the most easily confused with another festival with similar traditions. Chung Yeung actually reflects many of the values and beliefs that Chinese people hold dear – including respect for the elderly and ancestors – and is well worth commemorating. Here is your one-stop guide to celebrating Chung Yeung Festival in the city. RECOMMENDED:  🗣️Cantonese slang to make you sound like a local 🤬Things that make Hongkongers rage 🎶Upcoming concerts and music performances

When autumn comes to mind, most might think of the slight breeze that comes with the seasons changing, or leaves turning shades of yellow and orange. But there’s another thing that’s synonymous with Hong Kong’s autumns: hairy crabs. While some may choose to order and prepare them in the comfort of home, others prefer settling down at one of city’s finest restaurants and fully indulge. Here’s a list of the best places across Hong Kong for you to feast away on these hirsute crustaceans this autumn. RECOMMENDED: Get ready for Halloween by checking out the best Halloween parties and dinners taking place around Hong Kong!

Hidden away in a Tsim Sha Tsui commercial building, Ankôma is an exquisite French restaurant that incorporates Japanese elements and local Hong Kong touches. This is the brainchild of Frankie Wong, who has only just turned 30 and has recently been awarded Michelin Guide Hong Kong and Macau’s Young Chef Award 2025. Just dig into a dish of Uroko-Yaki Tilefish, amadai on a bed of dried whitebait, clams, garlic chives, and cashew nuts – a nod to the Hong Kong dai pai dong staple ‘Stir-fry King’ – to understand why he is a culinary star to keep an eye on. Photograph: Courtesy Ankôma Some of Wong’s culinary inspiration comes from Hong Kong street food, such as in his housemade fish paste roll with French-style curry sauce. Sheung Wan is this young chef’s stomping ground for ingredients and gems, particularly along the streets selling dried seafood. “I like using dried goods like conpoy, mushrooms, conch slices to make stocks and soups. It gives a concentrated form of the ingredients’ tastes, so the sauces are exceptionally flavourful.” Photograph: Joshua Lin Wanting to move faster than everyone else At 18 years old, Wong’s life path diverged into three forks: athlete, designer, or chef. In the end, his passion for cooking and long-term consideration of the future led him onto the path of culinary arts, where he could combine design and creativity. During his two years in a culinary institute, Wong started gathering concrete experience earlier than his peers, working part-time i

Hongkongers are a superstitious bunch, but who can blame us when there are so many creepy, haunted locations in the city? From eerie abandoned villages to sites with spooky stories and murders attached to them, there’s no shortage of possible frights in the city – if you know where to look (or not look). Here are some places in the city you should probably avoid visiting this Hungry Ghost Festival. Please note that some of the places below are private properties – so no trespassing! RECOMMENDED: 👻 Hong Kong’s spookiest ghost stories & urban legends🙅‍♀️ 8 Things not to do during Hungry Ghost Festival💸 Your guide to Chinese paper offerings for spirits

Halloween is blessedly falling on the end of the work weed this year, so expect Hongkongers to tear the town up with festive F&B events and parties to celebrate the spooky occasion. If you’re ready to sip on creepy cocktails and do the Monster Mash all night long, these are the best Halloween events to check out this October.  RECOMMENDED: Grab a bite at one of the best restaurants with outdoor seating for a gorgeous meal during sunset!

Listen, we get it. Summer time means lounging on the beach, junk parties, and getting glorious tans. But this season can also be a struggle, especially in Hong Kong’s stifling subtropical climate. In fact, we’d even go so far as to label summer a bit of a pain in the ass. Whether it’s dealing with sweat in places we didn’t even know could perspire, or having your makeup melt off completely within five minutes of leaving your home, here are some summer struggles that every Hongkonger knows intimately. Read on to see if your hot weather pet peeve has made the cut! RECOMMENDED: Cool off at the end of a hike at these beautiful waterfalls, or check out the most aesthetically pleasing hotel pools in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s newest Parisian bistro Jean-Pierre unveils Mardi Rouge – during the first Tuesday of every month, the lights are dimmed and the vibes turned up for an evening of live music, French classics, and good company. Linger over a cornichon martini or a glass of red, accompanied perhaps by a steak au poivre and other bistro fare, as Jean-Pierre’s resident pianist and raconteur spins magic through music.  Reservations are required to secure a place at the monthly Mardi Rouge nights, with a minimum spend of $1,200 per guest. Doors open from 6pm.

Despite their tongue-in-cheek name, there’s nothing bad to be found in this retro joint that’s a cosy café by day and moonlights as a cocktail bar when night falls. Duck into the industrial Alhambra Building between the Eaton HK and the Kowloon Central Post Office to find this minimalist, dark wood-panelled space with 80s Hong Kong-inspired decor that’s somehow reminiscent of an old-school office (albeit without an air of depression). We love that the entrance is marked by large Chinese characters proclaiming a now-defunct fruit store – the proprietors of Bad Coffee & Liquor Club have deliberately not covered up the outline of this old signage as a show of respect to its history.

Located on the lower section of Peel Street, Not 2 Sweet is a welcoming dive bar that’s an industry favourite hang with bartenders in the area, well-liked for their super-unpretentious vibes. Founders Leo and Richard are among the most friendly bar people on the scene, and no night in Central is complete without one of their famous chicken ramen cocktails.  Wednesdays are for open-mic comedy while Thursdays are movie nights. See if you can procure a pen to leave your mark on the walls that are full of graffiti, swear words, and discreet love confessionals.

Tucked into the tiny space almost directly underneath the stairs at the top of Peel Street, Sugar King is the brainchild of award-winning bartender John Nugent, of The Diplomat and Cardinal Point fame. This is a Havana-inspired bodeguita, so ordering a daiquiri is a must, though we’re also big fans of their Cuba Libre which is magically made with no Coke at all. Their menu also contains a regularly rotating selection of cocktails and bites, as well as what Nugent and his partner Angel Chiu claim is the ‘world’s best flan’. Despite the cosy quarters, Sugar King still manages to have a little slice of the outdoors as a terrazza – where interestingly, visitors can glimpse the original stone steps of Peel Street which actually predate WWII.

Gin lovers mourned when Dr Fern’s Gin Parlour in the basement of Landmark closed in early 2025, but luckily they only took half a year before making a comeback as The Doctor’s Residence. Along with the new digs comes a new concept, so instead of being in the fictional Dr Fern’s plant-filled office as before, guests are now being seen to in the comfort of the good doctor’s home, a quirky space reminiscent of a 70s shag pad complete with psychedelic wallpaper, lava lamps, and all. If you’ve been to Dr. Fern’s before, you’ll be familiar with their quirky concept of the doctor prescribing curious, eccentric cocktails for ‘patients’, and the narrative thread runs through this new iteration as well. Try the Unholy Pairings, which mixes pineapple, cucumber, peach, sage, thyme, soy sauce, and comes with a bite of bacon; or Lick Me, made with Olorosso sherry, guava, pink peppercorn, citrus, strawberry yoghurt, and a lollipop. We’re also dangerously in love with their Codependent Fish Burger, a handsome affair of curry-spiced fish fillet topped with pickles and salmon roe.

Founded by Christal Leung, local beauty brand Skin Need aims to provide personalised vegan formulas made with United States Pharmacopeia-standard ingredients. Sensitive skin types will love that none of their products contain fragrance. Head into their flagship in Times Square to figure out what’s stressing your skin out, and how to combat it.

Again only measures about 300 square feet, so they mainly do grab-and-go service. Choose from about 15 types of drinks that start from $26, with the same price for hot and cold options. Our favourite part about this caffeine joint? It doesn’t cost extra to add an espresso shot or even change to milk alternatives, which is pretty much unheard of in Hong Kong!

Fans of early 2000s hit boy band Blue and their nostalgic pop and R&B tunes should mark their calendars for Saturday, February 7, 2026, when the four-piece act will take the stage at Tides, our newest music venue. It’s already been a quarter of a century since the release of their hit debut single All Rise, but Blue’s music remains timeless and iconic, and the night is sure to be filled with bangers such as Too Close, U Make Me Wanna, Guilty, Breathe Easy, If You Come Back, and more. Ticket prices start from $899, while the One Love VIP package will get you a pre-show group photo with Blue themselves, access to the pre-show soundcheck, a VIP laminate and lanyard, early entry, and an exclusive autographed poster. An HSBC Mastercard presale beginning at 12 noon on November 4, followed by a Live Nation members’ presale on November 5. Sales for the general public will then open from 12 noon on November 6.

We all know Disney villains are just as iconic as the heroes, and this Halloween, these bad-ass characters finally take the spotlight at Hong Kong Disneyland, as antagonists crash the party to turn the celebrations into the baddest in town. Maleficent sweeps down Main Street, U.S.A. with other villains in a wicked dance party, while iconic hero-villain duos such as The Queen and Snow White, or Loki and Thor, will be roaming the park waiting to be encountered. Jack Skellington himself takes over River View Cafe for a Halloween feast, the Jungle River Cruise offers a new after-dark voyage with spooky twists, and fans can grab their candy bags to join the return of the Trick-or-Treat Trail. The much-lauded musical Let’s Get Wicked also makes a comeback this season, spotlighting Disney’s most notorious baddies. The Halloween celebrations run until November 2, but Hong Kong residents can enjoy two visits for the price of one at just $879 until December 16.  

The open-air lounge bar within the courtyard of The Mira Hong Kong will play host to the neon-lit music scene of yesterday this Halloween. Local DJ duo Beat Friday will spin a mix of nostalgic Cantopop and Canton Disco hits from the 80s and 90s, so get ready for a hauntingly good time over five hours of revelry, accompanied by dance performers mingling on the dance floor and a face-painting artist who can spice up your look with some creepiness. The dress code is noir black, and the best three costumes of the evening can win a pair of tickets to the Canton Disco Vibes party in November, each worth $900. Tickets are available at $450, which includes two glasses of Hoegaarden beer and a welcome glass of house champagne.

This one’s for the provocateurs among us! Head to Pier 1929 as Spin Sum celebrates Halloween by bringing back one of their most-requested themes: kinky! It’s going to be a wild night of mischievous self-expression, playful discovery, and open vibes as everyone on the dancefloor comes together to celebrate inclusivity. And don’t let the kink theme intimidate you into thinking it’s all going to be leather and whips – everyone is welcome to range between playful and mischievous, hard and soft, or niche BDSM and accessible kink, and to dress the part.  Swedish producer Axel Boman will headline the music for the party, joined by hypnotic disco vinyl purist Ouissam. Hotel Revelateur runs from 9pm on October 31 until sunrise at 6am on November 1. Only 850 tickets are available, and general tickets cost $780 while VIP backstage access costs $1,500 (inclusive of $1,500 of credit to use on F&B), for access to the dedicated dance floor, VIP backstage bar, and outdoor balcony. There will be a number of tickets available at the door for $888.

Get ready to slay this Halloween with this party by DragJam, as drag queens, kings, and phantom performers rise from the crypt to serve chilling lip-syncs, killer choreography, and fierce looks all night. Expect to see Balatro, Bauhinia Black, Boy Bawang, Cindy Sheman, Falanja, Gin Pan, Gordon Bleu, Holok, Kameleon, Quasiturtle, and Sailor Ying in the lineup. Beware: Drag Manor’s doors are open, but they may never let you leave… Tickets are on sale for $250, which includes one complimentary drink.

If you prefer holistic herbal medicine to being prescribed bags of unpronounceable pills, then you’ll be glad to know Hong Kong will soon offer something new for your health journey. The Health Bureau has recently announced that The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) will begin operations in phases starting from December 11, 2025. The hospital will follow an integrated Chinese-Western medicine approach to diagnosis and treatment. All primary attending clinicians will be Chinese medicine practitioners, with TCM principles playing a main role in diagnosis and care, and supported by western medicine where appropriate.  During its first year of operation, the CMHHK will offer outpatient and day-patient specialised Chinese medicine services. These fields of practice include internal medicine, external medicine, gynecology, paediatrics, orthopedics and traumatology, and the Asian-centric acupuncture and moxibustion. Chinese medicines will be available in various forms from the hospital’s state-of-the-art integrated Chinese-Western pharmacy, including granules, processed herbal medicines, and proprietary, decocted, and compounded varieties. In addition, the hospital will also offer interventional measures such as acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, tui-na and bone setting, fumigation and bathe, and dressing application.  Photograph: AFP Meanwhile, the CMHHK will gradually roll out special diseases programmes following its opening in December, including diagnosis and tre

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you may want to grab a tissue for this news. Hong Kong baked goods brand Cookie DPT – pronounced Cookie Department – has just announced that they’re closing their flagship café and bakery in Central at the end of this week. Founded in 2018 by entrepreneur Wil Fang, Cookie DPT quickly garnered attention with their American-style cookies, which are crisp on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside, exactly the way we like them. Since then, they’ve gone on to become a mainstay in most of Hong Kong’s food events, festivals, markets, and pop-ups, eventually opening their first brick-and-mortar café in 2022. Aside from cookies, their menu expanded to include brownies, cinnamon rolls, banana bread, pies, cakes, and all sorts of classics that any American grandmother would be proud of. We’re also big fans of the kimchi pasta and pancakes on their all-day breakfast and lunch menu. Photograph: Courtesy Cookie DPT But after three years, rising operational costs and leasing pressures have meant that Cookie DPT has made the decision to close down their Central flagship store on Sunday, November 9. Thankfully, the one glimmer of light in this situation is that the brand itself is not shutting down – they’ll still be selling their cookies and baked goods online, available for next-day delivery, events, and corporate catering. Fans can also look forward to seeing Cookie DPT in person again at the AIA Carnival this December, where they’ve promised to debut n

Hot on the heels of Hong Kong’s Bar Leone topping this year’s World’s 50 Best Bars list, another popular venue of ours has claimed the top spot as the best in the world. Rosewood Hong Kong has officially been awarded with the number one position on the prestigious list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels, as well as claiming the Best Hotel in Asia. This marks the third year in a row that this glamorous hotel on the Tsim Sha Tsui harbourfront has ranked within the top five on this list, having secured number two in 2023 and number three in 2024. With 413 luxurious rooms and event spaces occupying 43 floors in the Rosewood Tower, the Rosewood Hong Kong is home to 11 dining concepts including the one-Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant The Legacy House, classic French fare at Marmo Bistro, casual Italian at Bluhouse, and one-Michelin-starred refined Indian dishes at Chaat. Let’s not also forget the hotel’s sultry jazz-filled bar DarkSide, which was ranked number 17 in the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list last year. Photograph: Courtesy Rosewood Hong Kong Meanwhile, Asaya is Rosewood’s fantastic integrated wellness concept, which includes a spa, an outdoor infinity pool, a fitness centre, lodges for customisable wellness-focused stays, and exclusive usage of products by Parisian beauty brand Guerlain. There is also the Rosewood Residences, a range of 186 rooms and apartments for rental stays at the pinnacle of luxury, which includes access to a private club, special services, and dedicated

Returning for its 10th edition, PMQ Coffee Agenda 2025 will take place at the arts and cultural hub from October 31 to November 2. Coffee lovers and local gourmands can look forward to sampling some of our city’s best brews, sipping espresso shots against a background of live performances, and of course, witnessing rising talents compete for the top spot at the annual Hong Kong Barista Championship 2025.  Photograph: Courtesy PMQ This year’s coffee festival gathers some of the best local and international baristas in one place. Visitors to Coffee Agenda will have a chance to see these talents at work before tasting their award-winning brews using the event’s exclusive tasting set. Available at $160, this includes four tasting coupons plus a special tasting cup designed to elevate the aroma, flavour, and texture of each brew – each year’s Coffee Agenda releases new colours and 2025’s cups are either indigo or dusty pink! Get yours on-site or pre-order at PMQ’s website for collection. The highlight of PMQ Coffee Agenda 2025 is, of course, the crowd-favourite coffee market. Featuring over 40 local and international brands, coffee lovers can browse across a wide range of beans, equipment, and gourmet delights. Spotlighted offerings from local brands include Urban Coffee Roasters x Tankyu Distillery’s Ink Tonic coffee liqueur, a sugarcane cold brew by Stories Coffee and Kung Lee, and TeemToneFai x Crew Coffee’s cold brew coffee ice cream.  Photograph: Courtesy PMQ Coffee Agenda

Early 2000s hit boy band Blue is celebrating their 25th anniversary of music making, and they’re bringing their celebratory tour to Asia, including a stop in Hong Kong! Fans of their nostalgic pop and R&B tunes should mark their calendars for Saturday, February 7, 2026, when the four-piece act will take the stage at Tides, our newest music venue. It’s already been a quarter of a century since the release of their hit debut single All Rise, but Blue’s music remains timeless and iconic, and the night is sure to be filled with bangers such as Too Close, U Make Me Wanna, Guilty, Breathe Easy, If You Come Back, and more. Ticket prices start from $899, while the One Love VIP package will get you a pre-show group photo with Blue themselves, access to the pre-show soundcheck, a VIP laminate and lanyard, early entry, and an exclusive autographed poster. An HSBC Mastercard presale beginning at 12 noon on November 4, followed by a Live Nation members’ presale on November 5. Sales for the general public will then open from 12 noon on November 6. Tides is by no means a huge venue so these will literally be the hot ticket – set a calendar alert so you don’t miss out! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Foxglove is closing its doors this December after 10 years in Hong Kong HK Express launches $12 anniversary offers on selected flights Hong Kong records first locally transmitted case of c

On October 26, beloved speakeasy, restaurant, and live music venue Foxglove announced its closure through a heartfelt Instagram post, posted through the words of its fictional founder, Frank Minza. The news came as a shock to both the bar’s regulars and Hong Kong’s live music scene.  Over its decade of operation, Foxglove has undoubtedly become a staple in the city’s nightlife and entertainment industry. Its 1950s-inspired interiors offered an extravagant recluse for creatives, gourmands, and everyone in between. The speakeasy-style restobar was known for its innovative cocktails, live music performances, and a menu of delectable dim sum. It certainly also helped that Foxglove’s iconic entrance masquerades as a fancy Kingsman-like umbrella store, and customers have to pull the correct one to access the restaurant proper. As one of the few Hong Kong venues offering a platform for local and international talents, Foxglove’s presence will be dearly missed once its doors shut permanently.  Photograph: Courtesy Foxglove But rest assured, the speakeasy is going out with a bang. From now until the end of December, regulars and fans of Foxglove can expect its usual offerings plus seasonal specials as Halloween and Christmas roll around. Highlights of upcoming performances include sets by On Point, Chris Palanco, The Carpio Brothers, and The Bloodest Saxophone.  Meanwhile, visitors can continue to enjoy Foxglove’s 10th anniversary dining offer. At $280 for lunch and $380 for dinner,

Hong Kong’s favourite budget airline is celebrating its 12th year of operations with an attractive promotion! HK Express Airways’ 12th anniversary offer features unmissable deals on one-way fares that go as low as $12. On top of heavily discounted plane tickets, travellers can also upgrade their journeys with HK Express’ ‘Inflight Part Celebration Set’, which includes a complimentary blueberry mousse cake, greeting card, two drinks, and a surprise gift. Here’s when and how to buy tickets, what destinations are included, and more.  What destinations are included? As an airline that primarily services southern and southeast Asian destinations, HK Express’ anniversary promotion will cover most of its regular short haul routes. Eligible destinations include Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and mainland China.  What travel dates do the promotion cover?  Rest assured, you’ll have ample time to plan for your upcoming holiday as the 12th Anniversary Ultra Offer covers travel dates from April 14, 2026 to March 17, 2027.  How much are discounted tickets? The promotion applies to all round-trip flights departing from Hong Kong during the designated travel period.  For flights to Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, and mainland China, travellers can enjoy one-way ‘Lite’ fares at $12 per person, which includes a small personal item and a carry-on baggage, and one-way ‘Essential’ fares at $112 per person, which includes a small per

The popular Japanese mascot series Namagaki is taking over Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong with a themed installation! Since Namagaki characters began popping up inside claw machines and arcades across town, so many hearts have been captured by their simple yet lovable designs and adorably blank expressions. The Namagaki Festival features a series of installations and exhibits for fans to take pictures with, as well as a charming merch pop-up with exclusive items for sale. Photograph: Courtesy Yell / Festival Walk At the centre of the installation is a four-metre-tall giant oyster can, where Namagaki characters spill out alongside rainbow-coloured sweets. Right next door is the pastel-coloured Namagaki Washoku House, where cute oyster characters act as chef and waiter at this makeshift traditional Japanese eatery. See if you can spot the pink pumpkins dotted around the space – it’s the installation’s discreet nod to the upcoming spooky season.  Beyond photo ops, fans will definitely delight in browsing through the themed pop-up store housing over 100 exclusive Namagaki products, including 80 first launches in Hong Kong that span everything from stationery to t-shirts and tote bags. Don’t forget to stop by the Namagaki claw machine and the collectible trading card capsule machine for an adorable surprise!  Photograph: Courtesy Festival Walk In the spirit of Halloween, Festival Walk is inviting visitors to trick or treat around designated stores in the mall. Exclusive to My F

Remember when we all saw a giant Doraemon sitting unexpectedly at the dockyard along Tsing Yi last week? Well, the news is out and it’s not that a robotic cat is invading Hong Kong – instead, a fleet of floating inflatable sculptures will be making their appearance along Victoria Harbour next month. AllRightsReserved, the local creative brand behind last year’s thousands of panda sculptures and the recent Chiikawa exhibition in Tsim Sha Tsui, is putting on the Water Parade, where a set of four giant, floating inflatable figures will be making a debut at sea. In the lineup is Doraemon, perched on his favourite dorayaki snack; Elmo from the Kaws & Sesame Street collaboration; McDonalds’ purple blob-shaped mascot Grimace; and Labubu, the globally viral Nordic-inspired monster by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung. After a trial run in the waters of Tsing Yi on September 20, these four figures will be set afloat along Victoria Harbour on October 25, and will be shown in brand-new poses. Visit them just off of Tamar Park in Admiralty and snap plenty of photos, because when else are you going to see such universally recognised and different cartoon characters all sitting together? Photograph: Courtesy AllRightsReserved On November 1, the floating sculptures will be taken on a water parade between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, sailing along both sides of Victoria Harbour, before departing from our waters on the evening of the same day. For the entire duration of the sculpture displ

Hong Kong has been dealing with the mosquito-transmitted chikungunya fever (CF) since early August this year, and the numbers have gradually risen to reach just under 50 cases so far. As of Sunday afternoon, October 26, we have now recorded the first locally acquired case of CF – that is, one where the patient got infected in Hong Kong instead of bringing in the virus after having been abroad. With cases by the thousands just across the border in mainland China, the unfamiliar nature of the CF virus – more commonly seen in South and Southeast Asia – is giving rise to a lot of questions and concerns among Hong Kong residents fearful of an outbreak. From 2016 to 2019, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health recorded between one and 11 imported cases of chikungunya fever cases per year, with no new cases being reported in the city since then – until recently. Here’s what you need to know about chikungunya fever, the symptoms, how to prevent it, and more. How many people in Hong Kong have chikungunya fever? As of October 27, there are 46 confirmed cases of chikungunya fever in Hong Kong. While the ages of patients range between eight and 82 years old, all cases have been imported – with the exception of this latest local case – and the majority of our CF carriers have travelled to Guangdong province in mainland China or Bangladesh. How many people in Hong Kong have died of chikungunya fever? One patient with CF has passed away in Hong Kong recently. The

The Hong Kong Space Museum has launched a brand-new 3D dome show catered to little Einsteins and space-loving adults. Instead of a documentary-style short film like its 2D counterpart ‘T. Rex’, ‘The Great Solar System Adventure 3D’ offers an immersive journey across space. The 25-minute animation takes audiences through the characteristics and composition of planets in the Solar System, with the witty Great Schiaparelli acting as a tour guide for your cosmic adventure. Hopping on magical orrery – that’s one of those old-school mechanical models of the solar system – you’ll journey through Mercury’s extreme weather and Neptune’s raging winds, escape Venus’ high pressure atmosphere and Jupiter’s lightning storms, marvel at Saturn’s rings and Uranus’ unusual sideways orbital, and make an exciting landing on Mars.  Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong Space Museum  ‘The Great Solar System Adventure 3D’ replaces the museum’s previous 3D dome show programme exploring the Arctic wilderness. This interstellar voyage is a perfect way to end a day of wandering through the cosmos within the egg-shaped building on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront.  The show will run until October 14, 2026, with screening times at 2pm and 6.30pm on weekdays, 12.30pm and 5pm on weekends and public holidays at the Space Theatre. Tickets are priced from $15 to $40 per person.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: P

Since its inception in 1870 as Tung Wah Hospital, the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs) has established itself as Hong Kong’s largest and longest-standing charity organisation. Over its many years in the city, TWGHs has made a significant impact from providing quality free medical services for those in need, to supporting education institutions of all levels, as well as extending support through comprehensive community services for those in need. As a charity, they rely on the generosity of Hongkongers to continue operations that help its community, and one of its fundraising activities is the ‘One Love One Hug’ charity pottery class. Unlike standard fundraising events that don’t yield tangible products, this engaging arts and crafts workshop allows donors to create heartfelt memories while making a difference. Conceptualised by Hong Kong celebrity Bernice Liu, this event will raise funds for the TWGHs MK Cancer Treatment Subsidy Fund, so participants can enjoy the therapeutic experience of pottery making while contributing to a worthy cause. Liu had learned about the TWGHs’ cancer subsidy fund through a friend and was deeply moved by its mission, and initiated this pottery programme after being inspired by the western concept of hug pottery – embracing art as a form of self-expression, translating love into a physical keepsake. She then reached out to her pottery teacher Aidan Wong for help creating her vision, and everything fell into place. “She had just opened her own s