It’s a brand new month and yup… it’s still as hot and humid as ever! But don’t sweat it, because there are plenty of events happening this month to take your mind off the heat! So get your diaries ready and check out our July Cultural Round-Up for our top pick of all the shows, concerts, exhibitions and events going on around town…
What’s your beef?!
If you’re a sucker for a good piece of beef, then for the sake of your tummy, get your bookings in for The Langham Hong Kong’s “All About Beef” week of deliciousness! Just in time for American Independence Day on 4 July, this culinary adventure will be led by native Nebraskan rancher Steve Hansen, who will be making sure you’re totally beefed up with all his expert knowledge and some truly mouth-watering beef-inspired menus – we’re eyeing dishes like the rib eye wrapped mozzarella and the truffle crusted sirloin… droooool!
When: 4 July US Steak & Wine Dinner & 5-10 July Beef Tasting Menu, 6.30-10.30pm; 7 July Beef Appreciation Night, 6.30-7.30pm
Where: The Bostonian, The Langham Hong Kong, 8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
How much: Steak & Wine Dinner $928, Beef Tasting Menu $588, Beef Appreciation Night $288 (per person, plus 10% service charge); call 2375 1133 to book
Bollywood this way
We love the glamour and drama of Bollywood films… and now’s your chance to get a little taste of it all right on your doorstep! The International Indian Film Awards comes to The Venetian Macau for a night of star-studded celebration, paying homage to 100 years of Indian cinema with plenty of one-of-a-kind performances and celebrity appearances. We can’t wait to check out the famous green carpet to see what everyone’s wearing on the night!
When: 6 July, 5pm
Where: CotaiArena, The Venetian Macau, Estrada da Baia de N. Senhora da Esperanca, Taipa, Macau
How much: $399-2799, available via www.cotaiticketing.com
The best medicine
For a night of stand-up comedy from all around Asia, don’t miss out on the Ambassadors of Comedy show at the Fringe Club! We’ve got Sharul from Singapore (doing it for the ladies!), Orion from the Philippines, Jason from Malaysia and of course, Vivek from our very own Hong Kong; with such a diverse background of comedians, you’re sure to find something to tickle your funny bone.
When: 6 July, 8pm
Where: Fringe Underground, Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: $180-250, available via www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288
Take it to the streets
Ever walked past a really cool piece of graffiti art on the street and wondered how it all started? Come check out Work In Progress – a totally hip street art exhibition featuring specially commissioned pieces from nine internationally renowned street artists, plus works from upcoming home-grown Hong Kong talent too. You can also catch guided tours and film screenings over the weekend – who knew art could be so cool?!
When: Until 7 July, 10am-7pm
Where: 13/F, Somerset House, Taikoo Place, Island East, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
How much: Free!
Winning it at a gallop!
Bored of the same old cocktails at Happy Hour? Why not change venues to Happy Valley and celebrate the end of the 2012/2013 horse-racing season instead? It’s the Happy Valley Finale, so come and join the crowds for the final home stretch! There’s beer, music, fireworks… and let’s not forget the racing itself – have a flutter and you might just win some big bucks on a race or two!
When: 10 July, 7-11pm
Where: Happy Valley Racecourse, Sports Road, Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
How much: $10 entry for public enclosure
Rock around the block!
Hong Kong’s biggest block party is back! With over 100 world famous beer brands from all around the world for your tasting pleasure, plus tonnes of food stalls, live music and entertainment, the Lan Kwai Fong Beer & Music Fest is one event worth braving the crowds for! The festival runs all day, all weekend, so there’s no excuse not to join in… plus, be sure to get in on the fun (and hilarious) games and competitions to try and win big for the weekend too.
When: 13-14 July, 1pm ‘til late
Where: Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry
Cooking the books
Listen up you bookworms – the 24th Hong Kong Book Fair is in town for one week only, so this is your chance to fill some hungry minds… and empty bookshelves! Whether you’re looking for to stock up on your summer reading with their massive range of books (look out for even bigger discounts come closing day!) or hoping to catch one of the creative writing workshops, seminars, and author talks and readings going on, we promise there’s something for everyone.
When: 17-18 July, 10am-10pm; 19-20 July, 10am-midnight; 21-22 July, 10am-10pm; 23 July, 9am-5pm
Where: HKCEC, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: $25 for adults (or $10 for entry before noon), tickets available on-site or via www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288
Wherefore art thou Romeo?
Romeo and Juliet has been retold so many times, but have you watched it as a ballet yet? Come see one of the world’s most beautiful and tragic love stories on stage with Geneva Ballet’s reinterpretation of Profokiev’s classic – just remember to bring the Kleenex with you! This contemporary version of the classical ballet is a must for all dance lovers.
When: 19-20 July, 8.15pm; 21 July, 2.30pm
Where: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
How much: $160-460, available via www.urbtix.hk
It’s a kind of magic…
Watched Now You See Me and got the magic bug? Then TRINE – The Beginning is just the thing for you! Come watch Trinity, three of the best magicians in town, joined by German magic master Pit Harling for this special close-up show that will make the impossible seem possible and definitely leave you going “Huh?!” by the end! Although the show’s in Cantonese, we don’t think there’s any language required for some of the spellbinding stuff that will be going on – so just sit back, enjoy the tricks and be prepared to be amazed.
When: 19-20 July, 7.30pm
Where: Fringe Upstairs, Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: $160-200, available via www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288
I’m forever blowing bubbles…
Thought bubbles were just for kids? You ain’t seen nothing yet! Guinness World Record Holder Fan Yang is bringing his world-famous Gazillion Bubble Show straight from Broadway to Hong Kong for the first time. Having wowed audiences on David Letterman and Oprah with his feats (think wrapping an 8,800lb elephant or a crowd of 181 people in just one bubble!), prepare to be amazed – and don’t be surprised if you find yourself stepping into a bubble on-stage by the end of the night too!
When: 19-21 July, 7.30pm
Where: Star Hall, KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong
How much: $100-400, available via www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288
A thousand year old tradition
Never set foot in a Chinese Opera theatre? Then July’s Chinese Opera Festival is the perfect chance to dip your toes into this most traditional of Chinese art forms. There’s something just so special about the singing, make-up, costumes and martial arts involved in Chinese Opera, so what better way to experience this unique culture than by watching a few shows and getting involved with some of the guided visits and expert talks? Be prepared for something completely new and different this July!
When: Until 28 July, see the full show schedule here
Where: Various locations; see the full programme details here
How much: $100-400, available via www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999
Flights of fantasy
Thought computer games were just for nerds? Think again! The award-winning Final Fantasy series has attracted a legion of devoted fans thanks to its incredible storyline, animation and orchestral score (quite a few numbers have become wedding favourites!) – and now you can catch the experience live with the Final Fantasy Symphonic Concert premiere. Lose yourself in the sounds of distant worlds performed by a full orchestra with over 100 musicians from the City Chamber Orchestra and the Die Konzertisten Choir, set to images from the game, for an unforgettable night of music and fantasy.
When: 27-28 July, 7.30pm
Where: Hall 10, Asia World-Expo, Lantau, Hong Kong
How much: $680-1680, available via www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288
Something for everyone
You’re sure to find something that’s up your alley at this year’s International Arts Carnival, which features a jam-packed programme of theatre, dance, music, film and much more! Our top picks include the supercool break-dancing Korean b-boy stars, the story of Hua Mulan presented by the award-winning Hebei Acrobatic Troupe and an amazing mix of dance, gymnastics and physics that defy gravity with Architecture In Motion. Make sure you grab your tickets before they sell out!
When: Until 11 August, see here for dates of specific performances
Where: Various locations, see full programme information here
How much: $55-380, available via www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999
Dioramas for grown-ups
McDonald’s and the Holocaust are probably not two things we’d normally associate together – but British artists Jake & Dinos Chapman’s The Sum Of All Evil exhibition of dioramas and paintings set out to question all our cultural and historical stereotypes. The themes of violence and gore mixed with the pop-culture references in intricate micro-sculptures will probably make us think twice about eating fries for a while… but they’re also likely to get us questioning society and morality too. It’s the first time the Chapman brothers’ work has been displayed in China, so make sure to pop by if you’re in need of a little brain stimulation!
When: Until 31 August, Tuesdays to Saturdays 11am-7pm
Where: White Cube Hong Kong, 50 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
How much: Free!