Best things to do in Hong Kong in July

Escape the heat and immerse yourself in some of Hong Kong’s best (air-conditioned) concerts and art exhibitions this July. From stunning art to rock and roll shows courtesy of The Strokes, this month is jam-packed with exciting events and activities that will inspire and delight – but you’ll want to get tickets quick, as it’s all guaranteed to sell out.

Read on for the best Hong Kong events and activities this July.

All the pretty lights 

It’s finally happening. Macao, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing and Singapore have all had their own Teamlab exhibitions, and now it’s our turn. Starting from 9 July, the Japanese collective will transform MegaBox into a sensory and visual playground of colour and art. The show, “Teamlab Future Park ”, will span six different interactive spaces showcasing installations with unusual names like “Light Ball Orchestra” and “Hopscotch for Geniuses”. Tickets are available now, but don’t worry if you can’t get a slot immediately: the show runs until 14 January 2024.

Say Cleese 

British funnyman John Cleese is pulling out his best jokes for Hongkongers this month as he takes over the Hong Kong Convention Centre for one night only on 10 July. As part of his world tour, the Monty Python star will be firing off his usual zingers and sarcastic observations. This show might be a little more introspective than you’d expect, as the show teaser hints that Cleese will be talking about death and what happens afterwards – not exactly a topic ripe for comedy, but he could just pull it off. 

Music mayhem

Hong Kong’s music venues are welcoming back international artists this month, from K-pop groups to American rockers. Genre whiplash is the name of the game over at AsiaWorld-Expo, where K-pop boyband Ateez will serenade the crowds on 15 July – to be followed by the clash of guitars from American rockers The Strokes on 16 July. If you’re in a festival mood, Hong Kong and Taiwanese artists will dominate the stage at The Next Wave : a Discovery Bay beach music festival where attendees can cool off in the sea while listening to their favourite acts. (Water guns may also be involved.) 

Towards the end of the month, KITEC is the place to be for Gen-Zers who don’t want to miss Daniel Caesar ’s velvety vocals and his Hong Kong debut on 25 July.

Cheer on the jocks 

The Jockey Club’s series of Magnificent Race Days will conclude on 16 July at Sha Tin racecourse with all the usual pomp and circumstance: think adrenaline-pumping races, celebrations and even a few pyrotechnics to see out this year’s season. It’s a standout event for horse-racing enthusiasts or those who want to try their luck betting on the ponies. If you prefer the party atmosphere at Happy Valley racecourse, then head to Happy Wednesdays for a Brit Pop-themed party on 6 July and a carnival-themed one on 12 July. How about dressing up like the Spice Girls or in dazzling feathers to impress the crowd?

Tribute Song 

Now that Yayoi Kusama’s seminal retrospective has shuttered at M+, the visual arts museum is launching a new special exhibition. Focusing on the life of Chinese fashion, arts and pop culture - visionary Song Huai-kwei, the exhibition “Madame Song: Pioneering Art and Fashion in China ” will open its doors on 29 July. As muse to French designer Pierre Cardin for over 30 years, she was instrumental in shaping the country’s sartorial landscape and in bringing a global perspective to China’s cultural scene during the Cold War alongside her Bulgarian artist husband Maryn Varbanov.

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