17 things to do in the Greater Bay Area this July

From world class architecture spotlights to joyful musicals, discover some of the best things to do in the Greater Bay Area and beyond this month.

1. Hong Kong: legendary architect

Chinese American architect IM Pei designed some of the world’s most recognisable landmarks – from private homes to skyline-defining towers on Hong Kong island. M+ hosts Pei’s first full-scale retrospective, chronicling his seven-decade career through themes representing six areas of focus. I. M. Pei: Life Is Architecture comprises drawings, architectural models, films, archival documentation and photographs, including newly commissioned ones of his built projects. Until 5 January 2025.

2. Hong Kong: let it glow

Ball pit for adults? Yes please. Dive headfirst into GlowBall , where cocktails, DJ-mixed beats and a gigantic ball pit filled with 750,000 balls lit by LEDs await. There’s even a chill-out area for when you’re tuckered out from jumping around.

3. Hong Kong: flavour eruption

The restaurant group behind popular brunch spot Aqua has opened Vesu Pizza Bar , where traditional Neapolitan flavours and Asian fusion creations are the order of the day. Think pizzas featuring toppings that range from Parma ham to Hutong’s Peking duck.

4. Hong Kong: prime peacocking

Following the opening of The Magistracy in Tai Kwun’s historic judicial house, Black Sheep Restaurants has opened Prince and the Peacock  in another section of the restored building. Chef Palash Mitra of the one-Michelin-starred New Punjab Club has devised an Indian royal cuisine-inspired menu, offering modernised renditions of the classics from different eras to diners.

5. Hong Kong: steak a claim

When that meat craving hits, prowl your way to Flat Iron Deluxe  at Southside by Ovolo. From the team behind gourmet supplier Steak King and burger bar The Butcher’s Club, the new steakhouse serves everything from its signature Flat Iron steak to a buffalo chicken parmo – and there’s also a kids’ menu for teeny carnivores.

6. Hong Kong: photo finish

Hong Kong photographers are getting their moment in the spotlight at Koon Man Space , an exciting new destination built in the historic Koon Man School in Chuen Lung Village. Operated by the Hong Kong Photographic Cultural Association, the project will spotlight homegrown talent and bring the art of image-making to life with events and exhibitions.

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7. Hong Kong: rock and laugh

Music or comedy? Get yourself to a gig this month

Hitsujibungaku

After their set at last year’s Clockenflap festival, Tokyo trio Hitsujibungaku are back for their first headline Hong Kong show, bringing their shoegaze sound to The Vine. 8 July.

Yussef Dayes

There’s jazz, and there’s The Yussef Dayes Experience . The London multi- instrumentalist, who studied under Miles Davis’s drummer, blends Afro-beats, rock, funk and soul into his contemporary sound. 19 July.

Atsuko Okatsuka

If you couldn’t get a ticket to LA-based comedian Atsuko Okatsuka’s sold-out Hong Kong show in March, you’re in luck. She’s back by popular demand for yet another gig at The Box in the West Kowloon Cultural District as part of her Full Grown tour. 20 July.

8. Hong Kong: labyrinth

The Wan Chai Harbourfront  has seen the addition of five themed mazes as part of the free new installation A-Maze-ing Harbourfront. It’s a fun way to experience Hong Kong’s iconic cityscape while giggling your way through twisting turns and taking a snap or five for Instagram. Until mid-July

9. Hong Kong: adorn you

French sartorial excellence is in the spotlight at Hong Kong Palace Museum, where masterpieces from Paris convey the history of French craftsmanship. With nearly 400 pieces, including outfits by royal couturiers and tailoring demonstrating Chinese influence, The Adorned Body: French Fashion and Jewellery 1770-1910 from the Musée des Arts Décoratifs , Paris is an exhibition fashionistas can’t miss. Until 14 October

10. Hong Kong: bat and ball

It’s the latest sport craze that shows no sign of stopping: padel has landed in Hong Kong. Padel+, the city’s first padel club, celebrates the launch of Adidas’s new line of equipment with Project After 6: Padel Tour 2024  at Taikoo Place, which gives you the chance to try the sport at a full-scale court with racquet rental. Until 19 July.

11. Macao: artistic influence

More than 300 artworks influenced by the artistic style of George Chinnery are on display at the Macau Museum of Art. Celebrating the 250th birth anniversary of the British painter, who spent many years working in southern China, Focus: Integration of Art between China and the West in the 18th-19th Centuries  explores how Chinnery’s work sparked a centuries-long dialogue between artists of different backgrounds in the Pearl River Delta region. Until 15 September.

12. Macao: meet the Moomins

Embark on a joyful adventure with the Moomins at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau. At Moomin Wonderful Encounter , fans of the beloved Finnish picture books will get to say hello to their favourite characters, indulge in delicious themed delicacies and shop for exclusive Moomin merchandise at the pop-up shop. Until 31 August.

13. Guangzhou: bad romance

Acclaimed choreographer Matthew Bourne’s adaptation of Romeo and Juliet , which premiered in 2019, is back on the road for an international tour. This month, it will stop off at the Guangzhou Grand Theater, where contemporary dancers will fire up the stage with an energetic, visually impactful performance based on the Shakespearean romantic tragedy. 5-7 July.

14. Guangzhou: no survivors

Based on Agatha Christie’s popular 1939 novel of the same name, And Then There Were None’s  stage adaptation by director Lucy Bailey is embarking on a tour of the Chinese Mainland this summer. Watch this classic murder mystery set on an isolated island unfold at the Guangzhou Grand Theater. 10-14 July.

15. Shenzhen: treasures for the ages

Travel back to Hubei province during the Ming dynasty at Shenzhen Museum’s Royal Screen of Empire  exhibition, where you’ll discover hundreds of artefacts that once belonged to the family and most trusted advisors of the Hongwu Emperor. The collection includes items such as imperial seals, gold and jade ornaments, ceramics, precious metalware, stone carvings and more. Until 28 July.

16. Zhuhai: here we go again

As part of its international tour, Mamma Mia! The Smash Hit Musica l will stop off at the Zhuhai Huafa & CPPA Grand Theater. Fall in love again with the classic comedy featuring a mother, a daughter and three possible dads on a Greek island and a lovely soundtrack of ABBA’s timeless tunes. Can’t make it to Zhuhai in time? The musical will land in Hong Kong later this month and stage multiple shows at the HKAPA’s Lyric Theatre throughout July and August. 2-7 July.

17. Foshan: golden classics

Zun Ling Zhi Xiu, a renowned classical Chinese music ensemble with a focus of promoting Lingnan culture, bring their Big Fish  concert to the Foshan Grand Theatre. During the show, they’ll serenade the audience with their rendition of theme tunes from popular TV series, including Story of Yanxi Palace and Eternal Love. 27 July.