The best things to do in Hong Kong in February

February might be the shortest month, but for many it’s the most meaningful. With the dual festivities of Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day, this month celebrates human connection in all its forms – a time for sharing precious moments and recognising those dear to you. 

In Hong Kong, the memories you might choose to create together appear almost limitless – from cavorting on a giant bouncy castle to absorbing the high art of European ballet, or singing along to some shared musical guilty pleasures. And if you’re flying solo, we’ve got just the event to kick off the month on a high note. 

An anti-Valentine’s emo party 

Spending Valentine’s Day in Hong Kong? The city is full of wonderful romantic restaurants ideal for impressing a loved one. But what if you’re preparing to spend St Cupid’s day alone? Escape the schmaltzy spectacle and let out some lovelorn angst alongside fellow lost souls at The Aftermath’s Emo Anti-Valentine’s Day Party , at The Aftermath on 6 February. Expect to hear cathartic covers of breakup anthems by Taking Back Sunday, New Found Glory, My Chemical Romance and more, with not a slow dance in sight. 

The Big Bounce World Tour arrives in Hong Kong 

Described as the “world’s largest inflatable bounce party”, The Big Bounce arrives on the lawns of WestK from 6-22 February. More than just a massive bouncy castle, its multiple fun zones include a gigantic bounce house, a 150-metre inflatable obstacle course and a customised sports area with goals, nets, hoops and balls. Secretly wishing you were a kid again? Individual sessions are available for all age groups, from under-eights-only to adults-only “party sessions” after dark, designed to let your inner child run free. 

K-pop sensations Aespa 

These days, there’s never a dull moment in Hong Kong’s gig calendar, and February is no exception with another round of household names passing through town. First up, K-pop girl group Aespa bring the sass and moves to AsiaWorld-Arena on 7-8 February  – look forward to group singalongs on theatrical smash hits Drama, Supernova and Armageddon.

Nostalgic noughties boybands descend on Hong Kong and Macao 

Music fans of a certain vintage have a heartbreaking decision to make, with two early noughties boybands going head-to-head on 7 February: Britain’s Blue bring their 25th anniversary tour to Tides , while on the same night, Irish contemporaries Westlife are down the road at Macao’s Londoner Arena . Whichever you pick, throwback hits All Rise, Best in Me and My Love are sure to evoke a nostalgic tear or 20. Like things marginally grittier? From a similar era, US pop-rock band OneRepublic are at AsiaWorld-Arena on 21 February.

Artsy and alternative events for every culture vulture 

The Fringe Festival  continues throughout the first half of February, unleashing the bolder sides of local performers thanks to its open-call approach. The incredibly eclectic array of performances includes a live guzheng recital, an experimental “pseudo-one-man” theatre show, improvised dance, a speed-dating-inspired interactive spectacle, live communal tango dancing and, the closing improvised audiovisual ritual on 15 February. 

Celebrate Lunar New Year in Hong Kong

The most important date in the lunar calendar, Lunar New Year is celebrated in myriad ways across the world. In our home city, it’s not a date that passes quietly, marked by a three-day citywide holiday from 17-19 February. Bask in the spectacle of the annual Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade, which will see brightly lit floats and costumed performers taking over the streets across Tsim Sha Shui. Or get into the spirit by shopping for decorations, handicrafts and festive snacks at the lively Prince Edward Flower Market. Other traditional activities include seeking blessings at temples, looking for luck at the Lam Tsuen Village Wishing Tree, or banking on good fortune at the Happy Valley Racecourse’s festive meetings. 

Hong Kong indie bands celebrate a milestone

Few bands break out of Hong Kong’s fraternal underground scene, but two notable exceptions are Lucid Express and David Boring. Established local live lynchpins and former Clockenflap headliners, this rare pair have found fame overseas and mounted victorious US tours.  Formerly known as Thud, dreamy shoegaze-influenced quintet Lucid Express follow up their eponymous 2020 LP with Instant Comfort, its launch gig at Portal on 20 February . Exactly a week later at the same venue, David Boring celebrate the launch of Liminal Beings and Their Echoes , a thematic sequel to 2017’s debut Unnatural Objects and Their Humans.  

Hong Kong Arts Festival returns 

The city’s flagship performing arts festival returns for its 54th edition, kicking off a month-long programme of more than 170 performances of 45 individual programmes, from February 27, spanning music, theatre, dance and circus. February’s opening shows include Spain’s national ballet presenting La Bella Oter, Belgian avant-garde theatre group Ontroerend Goed and organ maverick Cameron Carpenter performing a live soundtrack to 1934 Chinese cinema classic Sports Queen. And if you never got the chance to see Ryuichi Sakamoto perform before he passed away, Kagami affords the opportunity to wear a headset and relive a piano recital by the late Japanese composer in surreal “mixed reality”.