Best things to do in Hong Kong in September

As the intense heat of the summer months dies down, lanterns will be lit and beer poured across the city to celebrate the change of seasons.  

Want to get involved? Head to these upcoming Hong Kong events and discover mooncake-stacked festivals, glitzy jewellery bargains, and entrancing classical performances. 

Ode to joy 

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra is celebrating a massive milestone this year as it enters its 50th season, joined by special guests like violin virtuoso Joshua Bell and classical pianist Rudolf Buchbinder. In addition to a thrilling new composition called The Elements slated to be performed by Bell and the orchestra at the season opening (8–9 September), concerts for classical lovers include a night of Mendelssohn and Beethoven (15 September) and an entire night dedicated to Verdi’s Messa da Requiem (28 September). While it’s a thrilling period for the orchestra, it’s also a bittersweet moment as long-time music director Jaap van Zweden is set to step down at the end of the season to join the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. 

Pint sized

You’ll find brew masters from all your favourite homegrown beer brands pouring pints on Central Harbourfront during 15 and 16 September, when the craft beer festival Better With Beer takes place. With brands like Young Master, Carbon Brews, H.K. Lovecraft and Moonzen Brewery on the roster, the event will feature over 150 beers on tap alongside an array of beer snacks, outdoor games and live entertainment. Soak up the last of the sun with your pals and a few brewskis in hand before winter creeps in. Tickets are on sale here .

Rings of power

September is set to be glitzier than ever because the Jewellery and Gem Fair is returning to Hong Kong – this time, in its full glory following scaled down pandemic offerings. With not one, but two separate fairs dedicated to jewellery and another to the gemstones and raw materials used to create them, the programme is set to bring over 3,000 exhibitors to the city. Those looking to spruce up their jewellery box should head to AsiaWorld-Expo between 18 and 22 September, while craftier types should head to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 20-24 September.

Full harvest moon

Lanterns will abound and a legendary “fire dragon” will rear its head in the latter part of the month, when Mid-Autumn season will be well and truly upon us. Thousands of people are expected to head to Victoria Park with lanterns in hand to celebrate during the main festival on 29 September, as others bustle for a good spot to see the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance: a traditional Chinese dragon crafted from lit incense sticks, which winds through the Tai Hang neighbourhood. Wherever you’re spending the festival this year, having a mooncake is mandatory – check out our guide to the best ones in town here.

Night terrors

Scare yourself silly in preparation for Halloween as Ocean Park and Disneyland kick off the spooky season early. With both parks throwing their doors open to ghouls and goblins from mid-September onwards, you can expect vastly different experiences. Ocean Park is known for bringing the extra creep factor as entertainers rush unsuspecting guests, and this year, the entire area will be transformed into a haunted school (fitting, as there’s nothing scarier than end-of-term exams). Over at Disneyland, you’ll find family friendly Halloween shows and your favourite characters dressed up in special costumes – as well as some festival-themed merchandise for your collection.