Hong Kong's Cultural and Sporting Highlights to Catch This Spring/Summer 2025
Hong Kong is set for a busy season of events this spring and summer. Whether you're interested in traditional festivals, live sports, or art and music, the city's calendar offers a wide range of experiences to explore.
Kicking Off Festival Season: Cheung Chau Bun Festival
Hong Kong's events calendar starts strong with the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, held May 5 – 6 on the island of Cheung Chau. This historic celebration honours the sea god Pak Tai, who is credited with saving the island from plague centuries ago.
Highlights include the thrilling Bun Scrambling Competition, where climbers race up a 14-meter bamboo tower covered in buns, the colourful Piu Sik Parade featuring children on stilts, lion dances, Taoist rituals, and vegetarian feasts.
The festival attracts thousands of visitors, combining ancient traditions with lively community festivities. It also features a Climbing Carnival and extended activities that boost local tourism and economy.
Heritage and Culture Beyond the Bun Festival
The celebrations don't end with the Cheung Chau Bun Festival. From 7–8 June, the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races bring high-energy competition to the city's harbours, showcasing tradition, teamwork and festival spirit.
As part of the citywide Cultural Beat initiative, the races are just one of many events that highlight Hong Kong's vibrant cultural landscape this season.
Arts and Exhibitions Around the City
In addition to the many spring festivals, there is a range of sights to enjoy for art lovers. This includes events like the Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong (May 22 -25), where 98 galleries explore themes of identity, community and creativity.
Running through July 13 is the French May Arts Festival, which fills city venues with theatre, music, dance, cinema and exhibitions.
During this time, at M+ in West Kowloon, art lovers can experience Picasso for Asia: A Conversation, an exhibition showcasing over 60 works from the Musée National Picasso-Paris alongside pieces from prominent Asian artists — a dialogue between cultures and eras.
What Else Is New in 2025
This year, Hong Kong introduces the Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Month from May 31 to July 1, featuring tours, exhibitions, and carnival-style events celebrating the city's rich cultural traditions. A standout attraction is the Through the Looking Glass Miniature Exhibition (April–June), which uses interactive displays and lighting to bring Hong Kong's cityscapes to life in miniature form, offering a unique artistic experience.
Entertainment and sports also take centre stage this year. Cirque du Soleil's KOOZA debuts on May 21 at the Central Harbourfront, showcasing acrobatics and theatrical storytelling.
Sports fans can enjoy the Volleyball Nations League from June 18 to 22, featuring six international teams, and the high-profile Manchester United Challenge Cup match on May 30. Additionally, the new Kai Tak Sports Park will host a variety of events throughout May and June, injecting fresh energy into Hong Kong's leisure scene.
With traditional festivals, global exhibitions, and world-class sports on offer, Hong Kong is packed with things to see and do this spring and early summer.
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