All of Hong Kong might already seem to be getting in the festive spirit – but there’s still plenty of non-Christmassy stuff to keep us busy too! Here’s our guide to what’s on for the upcoming week…
Hyde and seek!
Clubbing and art might not seem the most obvious combination for a great night out… yet HYDE are offering just that with this month’s Opium Soul party! MTV award winning DJ GRAMOPHONEDZIE is dropping by with his trademark heavy house beats for his first ever performance in the 852, and it’s also opening night for HK-based artist Jonathan Jay Lee’s exclusive exhibition at Hyde. Whether you’re there for the dancing, the drinking or the drawings, it’s bound to be a night to remember!
Where: HYDE, 3F Lyndhurst Tower, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong
When: 18 November, 10pm til late
How Much: $150 (includes one drink)
Samba Saturday
The Rio Carnival is heading to HK for one night only! In a belated Brazilian National Day celebration, the Brazilian Association of Hong Kong is bringing their country’s much-loved party atmosphere to snazzy club Shore for a special Brazilian Masquerade. Bring your samba moves and dancing shoes for an exciting evening of Brazilian beats, daring dancers and live shows, including a three hour open bar and a complimentary Caipiroska, Brazil’s unofficial (and exceedingly yummy!) national drink. Remember the dress code is black and mask – no mask, no entry!
Where: Shore, 3F The L Place, 139 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong
When: 19 November, 9pm-midnight
How Much: $450 from [email protected] or $500 at the door
Jazz it up
Head to the Gold Coast for a day of non-stop harbour-side entertainment at the Gold Coast Festival. This weekend’s theme is Jazz Throughout The Ages, so there’ll be jazz, rock, swing standards and big band performances. There will also be interactive workshops about recycled music instruments and instruments from nature, plus the usual Sunday Montmartre arts and crafts fair along the waterfront too. Factor in an al fresco lunch and some sunscreen and it sounds like the perfect afternoon out to us!
Where: Gold Coast Piazza, 1 Castle Peak Road, Castle Peak Bay, Gold Coast, Hong Kong
When: 19-20 November, 2.30pm onwards
How Much: Free!
A taste of the Middle East
Olive has always been one of our favourite dining venues in Soho, especially since it offers something a little bit different… and their latest tasting menu, created by celebrity chef Greg Malouf, is not one to be missed! Let your tastebuds take a tour round the best of Middle Eastern cuisine with mouth-watering dishes like goat tagine, calamari couscous stew and spicy baked chicken… not forgetting to leave room for the best bit – the puds! – toffeed fig pavlova with rosewater mascarpone and saffron rice pudding. Nom nom nom!
Where: 32 Elgin Street, Central, Hong Kong
When: Until 24 November
How Much: $428 (plus 10% service charge)
Get musical
We’ve heard great things about Spring Awakening – the multi Tony Award winning rock musical that launched the careers of Glee’s Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff. So we’re extremely excited that Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation is staging their flagship production of the show for three nights only, with a cast of 35 talented young actors, singers and dancers ready to take us on a rollercoaster ride of teenage angst, busted taboos and show-stopping songs! With controversial themes throughout, trust us, this is anything but your average jazz hands type of musical!
Where: Shouson Theatre, HK Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
When: 24-26 November, 7.30pm; 26 November, 11am
How Much: $200, $250, www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999
P.S. Don’t forget to check out our bumper guide here for the scoop on all the city’s holiday fairs – they’re coming thick and fast at the moment so don’t miss out!