The biggest Hong Kong events to look forward to in 2024

With the festival landing on June 22 this year, the Dragon Boat Festival sees dragon boat races taking place all over Hong Kong. The origins of the festival began with the suicide of beloved Chinese scholar Qu Yuan, who ended his life by drowning himself in a river. Upon learning of Qu's death, villagers raced out in boats with paddles and beating drums and threw rice dumplings into the water in an attempt to keep fish and evil spirits away from his body – hence, eating steamed sticky rice dumplings (aka 'Zongzi') and dragon boat racing became important customs every year. See our guide to find out more about this important festival and the traditions that come with it.

The Hong Kong Book Fair is the city's biggest literature event. Head down to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre between July 17 to 23 and browse through a huge variety of books, from the latest popular fiction to biographies to children's books and more. Aside from picking up a few paperbacks to catch up on your summer reading, the week-long event also offers a string of cultural activities for visitors of all ages to take part in.

Catch Hong Kong’s biggest anime, manga, and video game convention during the summer months. From limited-edition merchandise and the hottest video games to panel talks, cosplay competitions, and dance performances, Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong brings a wave of fans together under one roof. Be sure to snap pics with cosplayers and their creative outfits!

From August 15 to 19, taste your way around the world with international cuisine and delicacies and bring home your favourite snacks and food products from the Hong Kong Food Expo. What's more, the Home Delights Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, and Hong Kong International Tea Fair all usually occur at the same time, so there’s literally something for everyone.

In Chinese culture, the moon symbolises unity and love. Mid-Autumn Festival – which falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month when the moon is at its fullest – embodies just that. Before the big day is even close, you’ll be bombarded with millions of mooncake ads everywhere. Come the day itself, all kinds of festivities commence around town, most notably the Victoria Park Lantern Display and the extravagant Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance. In 2024, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on September 17, with the public holiday landing on the day following.

This booziest event needs no further introduction. In Hong Kong, numerous venues around the city celebrate Oktoberfest with an array of quality beers, German food, as well as traditional games and activities – so mark your calendars for October.

Every year, the New World Harbour Race takes swimmers across Victoria Harbour from the Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier in Wan Chai to the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui. Even if you're not quite Siobhan Haughey, the race is a fun spectacle as swimmers bob up and down to make their way across the harbour. No dates have been announced yet for the 2024 race, but it's never too early to start training!

The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival is one of the city's biggest foodie events that usually happens towards the end of October every year. Located at the Central Harbourfront, the four-day event sees the best of Hong Kong's culinary and bar scene offering everything from Chinese wines to local snacks to international dishes at various booths. A must-not-miss for foodies in town.

Ocean Park's Halloween Fest is an unmissable event – for those who dare, that is. The park takes on a different theme every year; guaranteed to send chills down your spine with all kinds of immersive games, haunted houses, and terrifying characters roaming around every corner of the park. If you're all about getting some spooky action for Halloween, this is the place to be.

Taking place from November 29 to December 1 at Central Harbourfront, Clockenflap is undoubtedly Hong Kong's biggest outdoor music festival. Expect a stellar lineup full of local and international music acts across multiple stages, food and drinks to fuel you through the night, and an array of art programmes. No further details have been announced yet, but keep your eyes on our website for more info to come.

Bringing Hongkongers and visitors a touch of Christmas magic every year, Hong Kong WinterFest sees the West Kowloon Cultural District transform with dazzling lights and its iconic 20-metre-tall Christmas tree. There are usually other activities such as workshops, live music performances, fireworks, and a Christmas Market happening throughout the holiday period to add to the festive vibes.