The best things to do in Hong Kong this September

It’s up, up and away in Hong Kong this September, as hot-air balloons, early Mid-Autumn Festival displays and more take over the city. Popular events like the annual jewellery fair and lively bingo nights are set to return, alongside the much-anticipated return of horse racing and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra’s concert series.

As the weather cools down and the rain subsides, September is the ideal time to explore Hong Kong’s hiking trails and embrace the great outdoors. Below, discover the best events in Hong Kong this month.

Hong Kong International Hot Air Balloon Festival 

The Hong Kong skyline is about to get a lot more colourful as gigantic hot air balloons take to the skies from 4-7 September. The Hong Kong International Hot Air Balloon Festival will welcome balloonists from all over the world to Victoria Harbour where they’ll showcase vibrant inflatables, ranging from wolves to an 11.5-metre panda balloon soaring overhead.  

The festival also features a variety of other events, including a Night Glow Show where illuminated balloons light up the sky, a family-friendly fun run and tethered rides for those craving an eagle-eye view. Don’t miss the concert series happening alongside the action, with Cantopop stars Joey Yung, Serrini and Tyson Yoshi bringing the vibes to those on firm ground.  

The Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair 

All that glitters is gold – plus platinum, silver and more – at the Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair , running from 17-21 September. This long-standing event draws international jewellers to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, where booths will brim with sparkling stones and settings for serious jewellers, as well as exquisite finished pieces for casual buyers.  

With over 3,000 exhibitors, the halls are divided into specific areas dedicated to gemstones, pearls, Hong Kong superstars and fine design. This year’s highlights include a special exhibition exploring current trends and the evolution of metalworking, as well as an awards ceremony celebrating innovations in sustainable design.

Got Balls? 

This wild bingo night has built a cult following over the years, growing in scale and selling out as soon as tickets are announced. Expect outrageous costumes, great banter and a competitive game of bingo. 20 September promises yet another raucous Got Balls? night out , this time with a Rock vs Pop theme. Snag your tickets early, as they go like gold dust.

September concerts in Hong Kong 

Whether you’re into K-pop or classical, Hong Kong’s concert calendar is dialling things up to eleven. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra launches its new season with a Mozart, Haydn and Strauss triple bill from 18-19 September, featuring works like Strauss’ Don Quixote and Haydn’s La Passione. On 26 September, a special National Day concert will celebrate Chinese martial artists and composers in a dynamic cultural showcase.

For a full vibe shift, Korean superstar G-Dragon is set to take over Harbour City Hong Kong until 7 September with a special exhibition themed around his Übermensch tour. Immerse yourself in stunning visuals, up-close performance clips and the tour’s quintessential daisy-themed merchandise. Meanwhile, two old-school legends of the scene are rolling into town: Super Junior hits AsiaWorld-Arena between 5-6 September, and hip-hop crew Epik High bring the noise to AXA Wonderland on 14 September.

Mid-Autumn Festival Carnival 

Hong Kong is a city of lights, and this Mid-Autumn Festival, it’s set to shine even brighter with a grand carnival . To celebrate the season, gigantic lantern displays will take over Hong Kong Cultural Centre’s Piazza from 25 September for the ultimate Instagram snaps.  

Over in Victoria Park – where revellers usually gather for the holiday with handheld lanterns – more events will be taking place from 30 September. Whether you’re dropping by after work or dinner, the light displays run late into the night: until 11pm until 7 October in Victoria Park, and until midnight on 6 October.

Season opening of horse races 

The sound of pounding hooves returns to Hong Kong's iconic racecourses this September as the much-anticipated racing season kicks off. Action begins on 7 September at Sha Tin Racecourse, followed by another thrilling meet on 10 September, with the city’s most talented horses and jockeys vying for top honours as crowds roar from the stands. 

The fan-favourite Happy Wednesday races are set to make a comeback to Happy Valley Racecourse on 10, 17 and 24 September, with doors opening at 6pm for an evening of racing, musical performances, and food and drinks. Performances include a hip-hop lion dance, R&B concerts and acrobatic stunts – find out more here .