Your guide to the best events, festivals, and things to do in Hong Kong this May
From art fairs and sailing festivals to Latin carnivals and wellness retreats, May 2026 is packed with experiences across the city.
Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s much-loved Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong returns with a vibrant showcase of contemporary art from over 100 local and international galleries. With original works starting from HK$1,000, alongside live artist demonstrations, workshops and interactive experiences.
When: 14–17 May 2026
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai
Tickets: From HK$175 via affordableartfair.com
The Cat in the Hat
Families can look forward to a dose of playful chaos this season as Dr Seuss’ beloved classic The Cat in the Hat comes to the stage in Hong Kong. Brought to life with plenty of mischief, music and audience laughs, the lively 50-minute production follows Sally and her brother as an ordinary rainy afternoon turns into a wildly entertaining adventure. Suitable for children aged 3+, the show also offers the chance to meet the Cat in the Hat after the performance for even more mayhem.
When: 14–17 May 2026
Where: Rita Tong Liu Drama Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), Wan Chai
Tickets: From $275 via cultural.cityline.com
Serve-a-thon 2026 (10th Anniversary Edition)
HandsOn Hong Kong marks the 10th anniversary of its city-wide Serve-a-thon this month with a two-week initiative that brings together more than 100 local NGOs, offering hundreds of volunteer opportunities across the city. From tree planting in Lantau and recycling initiatives to mentoring children or spending time with elderly residents, the programme is broad enough to suit all ages. To take part, sign up online and choose a session that suits you.
When: 10-24 May, 2026
Where: Citywide, across 100+ local NGO partners in Hong Kong
Sign up: handsonhongkong.org
Padel Central
Padel Central returns to Central Harbourfront this summer, bringing its energetic mix of sport, music and socialising. Whether you’re a seasoned player or trying padel for the first time, expect lively rallies, harbourfront hangouts, the return of the Social Serve tournament, live DJs, food and drinks, and plenty of chances to connect on and off the court. Bookings open from 8 May.
When: 15 May to 14 June.
Where: AIA Vitality Park, Central
How much: From HK$175
A London comedy night in Central
A touch of London humour arrives in Soho as comedians Kathryn Haywood and Mark Daniels bring a lively double bill to TakeOut Comedy Club. The show blends midlife musings with sharp observations on everything from wellness culture to modern life, with a distinctly British edge.
When: 16 May, 2026 8pm
Where: TakeOut Comedy Club, Central
Tickets: From HK$300 via takeoutcomedy.net
24 Hour Charity Dinghy Race 2026
If you’re after a more energetic weekend, check out the Hebe Haven Yacht Club 24 Hour Charity Dinghy Race 2026. Now in its 22nd year, this much-loved event returns with a playful “Flower Power” theme, bringing teams of all ages together to race continuously for 24 hours along the waters of Pak Sha Wan.
Even if you’re not sailing, the real draw is the atmosphere. Entry to the Race Village is free, live music, food trucks, family-friendly activities and plenty to keep children entertained.There are also paddleboard and raft races, fitness sessions and charity initiatives woven throughout the weekend.
At its heart, it’s a community event with purpose, having raised over HK$13 million for local charities to date. Donations are welcome on site or via www.hebehaven24hour.com until the end of June. Come along and join the fun, no registration needed, whether you stay for an hour or the day.
When: 23 – 24 May 2026 (12 noon on Saturday until 6pm on Sunday)
Where: Hebe Haven Yacht Club, Sai Kung
Extravaganza Latin Carnival 2026
Latin America’s biggest celebration returns to Hong Kong as Extravaganza Latin Carnival lights up the Central Harbourfront. Experience the rhythm and spectacle of Rio with Viradouro, the 2026 Rio Carnival Champion samba school, alongside live band Samba Latina, international DJs, illuminated dance floors, and dazzling carnival performances.
When: 23–24 May 2026, 4pm–11pm
Where: Central Harbourfront Event Space (Gate 3, next to Tamar Park)
Tickets: From $74 via extravaganzabrazil.com
Steering the Course: A Four-Day Sailing Festival
Set against the backdrop of Sai Kung’s coastline, Hebe Haven Yacht Club partners with Sailability Hong Kong for the 2026 Women’s Sailing Festival, Steering the Course. This popular four-day programme is designed to open up sailing to more women, whether you’re stepping onto a boat for the first time or simply looking to build confidence on the water.
Expect everything from hands-on sailing sessions and workshops to a relaxed line-up of social moments, including a wine-tasting opening forum, a lively garden bar evening and a mermaid-themed “Girls’ Night In”, which combines gentle watersports, from paddleboarding to sailing tasters, with creative crafts for younger participants aged 6 and up.
The festival builds towards a regatta and celebration on 30 May, but the real appeal lies in the mix: learning new skills, meeting like-minded people and spending time by the sea, doing something a little different.
When: 27 May (Opening Forum); 28 May (Girls’ Night In); 28–29 May (Sailing); 30 May (Regatta & Prize-Giving)
Where: Hebe Haven Yacht Club, Sai Kung
Sign up: steeringthecoursehk.com (most activities are ticketed)
Olaf arrives at World of Frozen
A little extra magic arrives at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort this month, as Olaf begins making surprise appearances in World of Frozen. Roaming freely through Arendelle Forest, the beloved snowman brings a more spontaneous, interactive element to the park, alongside new character encounters across Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point.
When: Ongoing
Where: Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
French May Arts Festival & French GourMay 2026
May welcomes the return of French May Arts Festival 2026 and French GourMay 2026, running across multiple venues citywide. Highlights span exhibitions, performances and dining events, with tickets available via official platforms including URBTIX and partner ticketing sites.
When: Throughout May
Where: Across Hong Kong
FIFA Museum arrives in Hong Kong this May
Football fans, this one is worth bookmarking. The FIFA Museum arrives in Hong Kong this month for a six-month exhibition. Expect an immersive look at the global game, from iconic World Cup moments to original memorabilia and interactive displays, all timed ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
When: Opening on 28 May
Where: Times Square, Causeway Bay
Tickets: From HK$140 via arena-tix.com
The Sleeping Beauty
Celebrated choreographer Vladimir Malakhov returns to Hong Kong Ballet with a new production of The Sleeping Beauty. Featuring a live performance of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, the production brings together international guest stars from leading ballet companies around the world, alongside HKB artists, for a visually spectacular retelling of the beloved fairytale. Tickets available via URBTIX.
When: 29 May to 7 June
Where: Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui
House of Healing 2026 at The Upper House
Upper House, Hong Kong brings back its signature wellness retreat towards the end of the month, inviting guests to reconnect through mindful movement, sound, and energy work. Enjoy two wellness experiences of choice — from hot sculpt and acupuncture to tea ceremonies and sound therapy — plus full‑day group sessions and a healthy lunch.
When: 30–31 May 2026
Where: Upper House, Hong Kong Pacific Place, Admiralty
Price: HK$988 per person (one day) / HK$1,788 per person (two days)
Book here: upperhouse.com
StellaLou’s Wonderful Wishes Ballet at Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Ballet and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort bring back StellaLou’s Wonderful Wishes Ballet at the Storybook Theater. This 30‑minute show follows StellaLou and friends Duffy, Gelatoni, and LinaBell as they chase their dreams through music, movement, and friendship.
When: Until 31 May 2026 (except Wednesdays)
Where: Storybook Theater, Hong Kong Disneyland
Lead photo credit: Sean Foley, Forgotten Streets. Photograph by Rupert Harding-Newman. Courtesy of Affordable Art Fair.
