The best things to do in Hong Kong in May

Despite the rising temperature, Hong Kong really gets going in early summer. Whether it’s dancing to electronic music on the waterfront, watching your favourite footballers duel it out on the pitch or marvelling at the vibrant street parades at the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this May. Eager to know more? Check out our rundown of the most exciting upcoming events. 

Boiler Room

Returning to Hong Kong after a six-year absence, London-based dance music platform Boiler Room is known for supporting emerging talent and livestreaming their dynamic DJ sets to millions of online viewers. For the 2025 edition, they've invited legendary DJ and producer Bonobo to take over Wan Chai Harbourfront from 3-4 May – alongside DJ Nobu, Baby J and local collectives Magic Room and FuFu. With a stunning backdrop of Victoria Harbour, this is sure to be the outdoor clubbing event of the year.

Manchester United exhibition match

Get ready to practice your football chants as Manchester United’s touring squad jet into the city to face off against the Hong Kong, China national team. The showdown will take place at Hong Kong Stadium on 30 May, only five days after The Red Devils play their final Premier League match of the season against Aston Villa. The last time Manchester United made a visit to Hong Kong was over a decade ago, so head to Cityline to purchase your tickets as this one could sell out fast.

Dragon Boat Festival

On 31 May, celebrations will take place across Hong Kong with dragon boat races, traditional cuisine – including zongzi dumplings – and water parades. Watch the races in Stanley, Tai Po, Cheung Chau or Sha Tin, and head to Tai O to experience the stunning Dragon Boat Water Parade where statues of deities are towed through the waterways to ward off sickness and evil spirits. And when it comes to food, check out Cuisine Cuisine as they team up with Tsui Hang Village for golden oyster and crab roe dumplings, while Eaton HK’s Yat Tung Heen ensures vegetarians don’t miss out on any fun with their OmniPork vegetarian zongzi.

Ma Wan 1868 opens to the public

This newly renovated rainbow-hued village opened to the public in April 2025, replete with vibrant Instagrammable facades and street art. A former fishing village, Ma Wan 1868 has been given a fresh lick of paint and a renewed sense of energy with a family-friendly farm, sound bathing sessions and water sports activities. History buffs will also get a chance to visit the Stone Tablets of the Old Kowloon Customs and the Grade III listed historical Tin Hau Temple, as well as explore artifacts from the Tang and Qing dynasties. 

Cheung Chau Bun Festival

This bustling outlying island is all about seafood restaurants, pirate caves, beaches, and the annual bun festival , which draws thousands of visitors to watch competitors scramble up a tower covered in buns. The bun scrambling events will be held on 5-6 May, while the Piu Sik Parade – in which children dressed as deities are carried through the narrow backstreets – takes place on 5 May. Come prepared to eat, drink and cheer on the lion dancers as the island overflows with a cacophony of traditional festivities. 

Hong Kong International Reggae Ska Festival 2025

PMQ will be at its sun-baked best this 17 May when international reggae, ska and dancehall musicians take over the former police quarters. This year's festival will be headlined by genre-defining superstar Roy Ellis (aka Mr Symarip) of The Pyramids, with support coming from California-based “dirty reggae” act The Aggrolites, London-based Prince Fatty’s old-school reggae beats and local outfits The Red Stripes and Murphy and the Lawyers. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketflap .

Cantonese cooking collaboration

On 6 May, Ho Lee Fook will partner with local institution Kamcentre Roast Goose for a celebration of all things Cantonese barbecue in Ho Lee Fook’s Soho space. The event will feature a tasting menu stacked with char siu, fried dace balls and a mouthwatering collaboration called Jiangnan, or “Hundred Flowers Chicken” (chicken stuffed with prawn mousse and served in rich stock). It’s the first of several Cantonese cooking events that Ho Lee Fook has planned this year, so keep your eyes peeled for more.

The French May Arts Festival

Food lovers will be overjoyed as the French GourMay Food and Wine Festival rolls into town 1-31 May, with special offers and menus at several restaurants and bars throughout the city. Other highlights include the French May Cinema Programme ; Le Bal, a street parade inspired by Degas and Renoir, at Tai Kwun between 13-18 May; Hong Kong Ballet’s take on Giselle from 30 May and French cellist Gautier Capuçon’s Shostakovich concert with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra between 8-9 May.