Join in on the festivities for Pride Month! (Photography: inkdrop)
It’s Pride Month! Recognise and support the LGBTQ+ community at these Pride Month events in Hong Kong.
To all the kings, queens, and everyone in between: happy Pride Month! There are so many ways to celebrate queerness this month, from watching your favourite LGBTQ+ movies to hitting the gay bars in town, to catching a stellar performance by your local drag queens. Many businesses in Hong Kong are also joining in on celebrating all things Pride and showing support for the queer community. Whether you’re a member or an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, there’s no such thing as being “too extra” in June – simply enjoy these events during Pride Month in Hong Kong and be your most authentic self!
Pride Month in Hong Kong: Celebrate queerness at these LGBTQ+ events in Hong Kong
1. Melody: Pride Brunch
Attention all gays and theys! Melody’s popular weekend brunch is getting the rainbow treatment for Pride Month. Celebrate with the vibrant local LGBTQ+ crowd over apps and bubbly on 29 June while endless loud and proud tunes are spun by Music Director Johnny Hiller. This all-inclusive (and fabulous) brunch ($688) includes two and a half hours of free-flow alongside a delightful array of food that includes Tuna Tartare, Suckling Pig, Roast Yellow Chicken, and Table-side Tiramisu. The best part? Melody will be giving back to the queer community by donating $50 per guest to Rainbow Hong Kong.
Melody, 100 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, p. 9593 8110
2. The Upper House
Throughout Pride Month 2024, get ready for some exciting out and proud events at The Upper House. Come by the Salisterra Bar on 7 June to sip on some colourful tipples from the Pride Month cocktail menu during a community guest shift with Ivan Pun and others. Meanwhile, on 14 June, electrifying drag queen Madame Mincemeat returns to The House for a night of revelry in the Green Room where you’ll also be able to enjoy a free-flow of cocktails, wines, and nibbles! Lastly, for those looking to connect with community through exercise, the Pride edition of #TUHRunningClub on 19 June is perfect for you. Enjoy The Upper House’s Pride activations this month with the knowledge that 10% of the proceeds will be donated to Hong Kong Marriage Equality.
The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong, p. 3968 1000
3. Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour
Celebrate Pride Month loudly and proudly with a host of rainbow events and installations right at Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour. Snap a picture-perfect moment at rainbow installations throughout the hotel like the hallway of rainbows at the Glass Corridor and the rooftop pool’s rainbow wall. The Pride influences continue with colourful drink concoctions at Cruise Restaurant & Bar where, on 22 June, you’ll party at a five-hour rooftop Draglicious Pride Brunch extravaganza alongside beloved queens like Miss Tina Uglyhaira, Pansze Diva, Kathy Pacific, and Coco Pop! Don’t forget to check out Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour’s longstanding tradition of showcasing local artists in the month’s “Art Centric” exhibition. If you’re itching to extend your rainbow festivities, commemorate Pride Month with the Urban Pride Getaway Staycation Package from 21 to 22 June, where you’ll be treated to a bevy of LGBTQ+ activities and promotions.
Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour, 1 North Point Estate Lane, North Point, Hong Kong, p. 3762 1234
4. Frites: Pride Brunch
Brunch enthusiasts, take note: Frites (Central) is hosting a Pride Brunch to celebrate all things queer on 15 June! In addition to delicious food and a fantastic four-hour free flow, watch the event’s fabulous drag queen host Violette Blanche slay the stage with incredible performances. Participate in amazing games for the chance to score prizes from Benefit Cosmetics as you have an afternoon of fierce fun!
Frites (Central), G/F, Queen’s Road Centre, 152 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 3950 9000
5. Eaton HK: Eclipsed Bodies, Embraced Pride
With this year’s theme of “Eclipsed Bodies, Embraced Pride”, Eaton HK is inviting the public to embrace queerness and the diverse identities that reject traditional binaries. With a series of arts and cultural programmes including parties, screenings, workshops, and talks, Eaton HK is putting queerness as well as disabilities front and centre from 26 May to 12 August. Learn and thrive in Drag Makeover 101; discover amazing queer artists; engage with a panel discussion on supporting trans youth; attend the “Vitaman Gay” party; and much more to step outside the confines of cis-heteronormativity and ableism!
Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Road, Jordan, Hong Kong, p. 2782 1818
MIN JI PARK
Min Ji was born in Korea, raised in Hong Kong, and went to university in New York City. She still considers Hong Kong her home and has settled back in after years away. When she's not out taking photos, she's trying to find the best cocktails and pasta in town.
These are the must-go music festivals in Asia: 2024 edition
Rock out to the music while feeling the rhythm of the crowd! (Photography: Nikada via Getty Images Signature)
Good vibes, good music, and good friends – what more would you need at the hottest music festivals in Asia?
The music scene in Hong Kong is growing with the presence of international influences and the cultivation of homegrown talent. And with social distancing a thing of the past (honestly, what is that again?), music festivals in Hong Kong and Asia have returned in full force. Karaoke lovers, party-goers, and music enthusiasts can rejoice as some of the most exciting things to do in Hong Kong have made their anticipated comeback – including a popular festival held annually in Cheung Chau. As you plan your year ahead, pencil in our roster of iconic music festivals in Asia – it’s almost time to grab those tickets!
Don’t miss these music festivals in Asia in 2024!
Music festivals in Hong Kong
1. Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival
After an extended hiatus, Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival came back in full force in 2023. Now get ready for Clockenflap 2024, which will take place from 29 November to 1 December – and is anticipated to be better than ever! Expected to return as an annual smash event after a period of restrictions, Clockenflap is becoming one of the most in-demand music festivals in Hong Kong and Asia. While details of the 2024 lineup are still under wraps, previous iterations have featured a range of international acts as well as rising local talent. Performers have included the likes of Wu Tang Clan, Caroline Polachek, Balming Tigers, Yack Studio, Yoasobi, and Swae Lee. The festival has also proven to be a hotbed for local businesses and dining establishments, making Clockenflap a true beacon of Hong Kong culture.
Learn more about Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival.
2. S2O Hong Kong Songkran Music Festival
What began as Thailand’s annual New Year celebration, where a huge water fight symbolises washing away bad luck and welcoming a new start, has now become the “hottest and wettest music event” across multiple Asian cities. After making its debut splash in the 852 in 2023, the S2O Hong Kong Songkran Music Festival is back for 2024 from 8 to 9 June at Central Harbourfront Event Space. Expect to be immersed in incredible visual effects as well as a 360-degree water splashing experience while Alok, Kayzo, Galantis, and more pump up the tunes!
Learn more about S2O Hong Kong Songkran Music Festival.
3. One Love Asia Festival Hong Kong
Get ready Hong Kongers – One Love Asia Festival is making its debut in the city this year with a music and lifestyle spectacular for three extravagant days. Taking precautions for any unfortunate weather, the festival is now rescheduled from 21 to 23 June at Central Harbourfront Event Space to Runway 11 of AsiaWorld-Expo from 9 June to 1 July. The lineup of local and international artists is slightly tweaked but still as exciting as ever, with select members of local superstar boyband Mirror, Hebe, Hins Cheung, and more ready to perform. A diverse selection of dining options will also be available at the festival along with a range of entertainment offerings.
Learn more about One Love Asia Festival Hong Kong.
4. Shi Fu Miz Festival
Venture over to the charming island of Cheung Chau to celebrate house and techno music at the annual Shi Fu Miz Festival! Since 2016, Hong Kong-based agency FuFu Creative along with La Mamie’s crew have brought music revellers to a farm in Cheung Chau to enjoy music and nature. Coming back from 8 to 10 November 2024, an incredible lineup including Marcellus Pittman and regional talents from eight different Asian countries will be blasting tunes in a space unencumbered by typical urban noise. Like previous editions of the festival, eco-friendly initiatives will be in place to reduce waste, farm to table food offerings, yoga, street art, workshops, and more – making Shi Fu Miz Festival one of the most unique and eclectic music festivals in Asia.
Learn more about Shi Fu Miz Festival.
5. The Next Wave Beach Music Festival
Crank summer mode up to 100 this year with the return of The Next Wave Beach Music Festival! From 29 to 30 July, revellers will descend upon Tai Pak Beach in Discovery Bay to take part in this incredible beach carnival. More than 25 music artists will be performing for the crowds, with Tyson Yoshi, Lolly Talk, and Billy Choi included in the highly anticipated lineup. Expect to kick up sand alongside fellow partygoers with The Next Wave Beach Music Festival’s new stage design, art installations, and much more to come!
Learn more about The Next Wave Beach Music Festival.
6. Ultra Hong Kong
One of the world’s biggest international music festivals, Ultra Worldwide, having held events in over 26 countries, is coming back to the 852 in 2024. Ultra Hong Kong will light up the Central Harbourfront Event Space on 14 September with electronic music that’ll get everyone up on their feet. While the final lineup is yet to be announced, previous global iterations have had top DJ talent as well as emerging artists manning the decks – including Skrillez, Zedd, The Chainsmokers, and Knife Party. In addition to Ultra Hong Kong, more 2024 Asian Ultra festivals have already been announced in cities like Japan and South Korea!
Learn more about Ultra Hong Kong.
7. Creamfields Hong Kong
UK’s famous EDM festival, Creamfields, charged back into Hong Kong in 2024 as one of the biggest electronic music festivals ever held in the city. A haven for ravers and dance music lovers, although Creamfields 2024 already lit up the city in April, the 2025 festival is in the works! Attracting top talent from the EDM world as well as emerging artists, Creamfields of the past have had Calvin Harris, The Chainsmokers, Miss K8, Armin Van Buuren, and more spinning at the decks.
Learn more about Creamfields Hong Kong.
Music festivals in Asia
8. Suara Music and Arts Festival, Bali
Prepare for a music and arts extravaganza in Nuanu City, a 44-hectare creative hub where the jungle meets the sea, as the Suara Music and Arts Festival comes to Bali for the third time. From 26 to 28 July, this multisensory event will bring to life nine dazzling stages inspired by Balinese culture and architecture, a cave club pool rave, spectacular light shows, a church-inspired intimate space, and even more yet to be discovered. A curated lineup of international and local musicians, artists, producers, and collectives will be coming to Bali to bring a one-of-a-kind experience for festival-goers. Performances from Deer Jade, Angus & Julia Stone, Batavia Collective, and more will be held across the stages throughout the three days of magic at Suara. Inspirational talks, wellness workshops, and installations from artists like Daniel Popper will also be present at this creative hub to complete this multi-genre music and arts festival.
Learn more about Suara Music and Arts Festival.
9. Summer Sonic, Japan
One of the most well known music festivals in Asia, Summer Sonic has cemented itself as an annual historic event since its debut in 2000. Taking place in Japan over a weekend in August, Summer Sonic consists of concerts held simultaneously in two cities. For Summer Sonic 2024, the concerts will be held in Osaka and Tokyo from 17 to 18 August with a truly killer lineup of musicians. Be prepared for Christina Aguilera, Maneskin, Jon Batiste, Lil Yachty, Laufey, and so much more to rock the mountains. As a prolific music festival that many specifically travel to Japan for, tickets often go in a flash every year. For those of you lucky enough to gain entry, expect a truly unforgettable experience!
Learn more about Summer Sonic.
10. Wonderfruit, Thailand
For a truly special music festival in Asia, head to Thailand for the annual Wonderfruit event. A no-holds-barred celebration of nature and the arts, Wonderfruit holds concerts, installations, workshops, feasts, and more outside Pattaya, in Chonburi Province. Highlighting local chefs, sustainable art, and architecture, as well as hot topics in Thailand, the festival is a salute to local culture. Wonderfruit 2024 will take place from 12 to 16 December and bring over 99 hours of diverse programming to attendees. The ticket-purchasing process this year will be set on specific days with ticket caps and time windows, so be sure to check Wonderfruit’s social channels for more information.
