The best things to do in September in Hong Kong

As the leaves start to turn and the summer heat dissipates, the action begins. From gigantic lantern installations to heart pounding DJ sets, there’s a lot to do in Hong Kong this month. 

We’ve curated some of the best September events below, from exciting fashion shows to fun activities that are ideal for the cooler weather.

Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong

Lanterns will be aglow and mooncakes passed around this month, as the Mid-Autumn Festival returns on 17 September to celebrate the moon goddess Chang’e and her little jade rabbit. Moongazing is a must at this time of the year, especially from one of Hong Kong’s many beaches or Victoria Park , where spectators gather for grand lantern and light displays while carrying their own in hand.  

Over in Tai Hang, a giant dragon made of sparklers will take to the streets for the annual Fire Dragon Dance every night from 16-18 September. The procession runs from 8.15-10.30pm on 16 and 18 of September, and 8.15-10pm on the 17 September (the day of the festival). Arrive early to snag a good spot – it's one of the city’s most cinematic moments. You’ll also be able to pick up mooncakes crafted by some of the city’s best chefs at spots like The Cakery, Ming Pavilion and more.

September shows in Hong Kong

Start your engines: driver’s license singer Olivia Rodrigo is coming to town on 24 September and it’s all anyone can talk about. Tickets sold out in the blink of an eye, so if you’re one of the lucky few going to see her at AsiaWorld-Expo, cheer extra hard for the rest of us. Electronic music festival Ultra Hong Kong is also back on 14 September, bringing headliners like Alesso, Steve Aoki and Marshmello to the Victoria Harbour stage. 

Kids won’t be left out this month either as The Gruffalo returns to the Rita Tong Liu Drama Theatre from 13-15 and 19-22 September, following an intrepid little mouse as he takes a stroll in the deep dark wood in search of nuts – and discovers a not-so-terrifying monster. 

Centrestage Hong Kong

Consider yourself a fashionista? Centrestage , Hong Kong’s annual fashion extravaganza, is back this year for a glamorous three-day event at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year’s special guest is London designer Robert Wun, whose latest couture collection featured the jaw-dropping galactic Soul Gown . Expect fashion shows, lectures and exhibits themed around five key themes, including circular fashion and athleisure, daily from 4-7 September.  

Watch aficionados can also hop over to the Hong Kong Clock and Watch Fair held in the same complex and running from 3-7 September. 

Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival

Asia’s longest running LGBT+ film festival, the Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival is celebrating its 35th year with a diverse programme of award-winning films from around the world. Highlights include Turtles (Les Tortues) , the story of an older gay couple rediscovering themselves, and the Bollywood-inspired family dramedy The Queen of My Dreams . You can explore the entire festival lineup here . 

Raucous opening and closing parties will also be held, with drag queens leading the entertainment. Tickets can be purchased here and films will be screened at Broadway Cinematheque, IFC and Movie Movie in Cityplaza.

Hong Kong self-guided walking tours

Autumn is the best time for exploring Hong Kong, bringing with it cooler, drier weather. Even better, a number of tours have cropped up recently to help you seek out new places. 

Kowloon City has launched its own self-guided experience , with five different routes encompassing Hong Kong’s densely packed tong lau tenement buildings, community art and even the history of the Walled City. Over in Causeway Bay, The Park Lane has similarly launched 50 Wonder Trails, a digital guidebook to the neighbourhood, found online here . If you’re an architecture buff, Central Market is also offering a Heritage Preservation Tour all about the work that went into transforming the former wet market into the shopping destination it is today. 

Negroni Week in Hong Kong

For seven days straight, bartenders will be slinging more negronis than ever in the name of charity. Negroni Week is an event centred around the blood orange drink that runs worldwide from 16-22 September, and Hong Kong’s bars are getting in on the fun.  

Over at Singular Concepts , a single week isn’t enough; teaming up with Campari, the group has declared September Negroni Month. Each of their bars will be putting its own spin on the classic cocktail as part of Singular City Drink: A Sip Around the World with Campari. You’ll be given a negroni passport and special goodies to get you started on your adventure, and a prize awaits those who tick off all the cocktails – from Tell Camellia’s tea-infused drinks to The Daily Tot’s fruity mango and coconut negronis. Proceeds will go towards Unicef Hong Kong and tickets can be purchased here .

Bar Leone , the recent winner of Asia’s 50 Best Bars , is partnering with sartorial powerhouse Mr Porter for the occasion between 17-22 September. With four different curated cocktails including a rum and chestnut-based Negroni, it’ll be a stylish occasion to watch out for.