Cover "Amélie" is back in the 55th HKIFF. (Photo: courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics)

A curated guide to the unmissable art exhibitions, live performances and other cultural events taking over Hong Kong this November

The year may be winding down, but the city’s cultural calendar is shifting into high gear with a rich line-up of international showcases, evocative visual arts exhibitions and world-class performances. This November brings a brilliant mix of music, theatre and film to venues across town. The atmospheric shift in the air brings with it an undeniable energy, prompting seasoned art enthusiasts, casual culture seekers, and weekend explorers alike to step out and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of creative expression taking over the metropolis.

Whether you want to catch live jazz by the harbour, see modern art gallery shows, or enjoy an outdoor classic car display, our editors have put together the ultimate guide to the best events in town. Here is what you should not miss this month.

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Dance: Falling Awake

Where: Freespace, West Kowloon Cultural District
When: November 26-28 

Co-presented by the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation (HKYAF) and WestK Performing Arts, Falling Awake is a physical theatre and dance performance exploring dreams, subconscious desires and the fragile line between waking life and fantasy. Featuring dynamic choreography, original music and striking stage visuals, this youth-led production brings together top emerging local talent for a powerful, emotive theatrical experience.

Music: Cathay WestK Jazz Fest

Where: Freespace, Xiqu Centre & Art Park, West Kowloon Cultural District 
When: November 13-24

Hong Kong’s signature autumn jazz gathering is even bigger this year, stretching across West Kowloon’s waterfront lawns and indoor venues for more than a week's celebration of the genre. Acts span headline performances by established international icons—among them Grammy-winning jazz pianist Diana Krall, smooth jazz star Kenny G and vocalist Stacey Kent—as well as local jazz instrumentalists teaming up with pop acts. With free events as well as ticketed food stalls set up along the harbour, and a “calm oasis” set up outside M+, you can easily make a day of it.

Exhibition: Yunyao Zhang: When the Surface Thinks

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Above Yunyao Zhang, "Connector XI", 2026 (Photo credit: White Cube)

Where: White Cube, Central
When: October 30 - December 18

In his debut solo exhibition with White Cube, Shanghai-born artist Yunyao Zhang presents a series of delicately crafted graphite and pastel works. Zhang draws on soft felt instead of the more usual canvas, which changes how the artwork absorbs light. Offering a fresh take on modern Asian art, the exhibition reflects the artist’s contention that meaning can reside within a surface, proposing painting as a sentient field that registers, reflects and thinks.

Exhibition: Mathilde Agius: Madame

Where: Tomorrow Maybe, Eaton HK, Jordan
When: October 24-November 22

French photographer Mathilde Agius presents Madame, an intimate photographic study dedicated to the lives and artistry of drag performers across major Chinese cities. Operating where portrait meets documentary, Agius captures performers both on stage and behind the scenes, offering a nuanced look at identity, self-expression and personal freedom. Set against a backdrop where drag and queer subcultures exist in complex spaces within urban China, Agius’ photographs spotlight the quiet resilience of these creative communities with warmth and honesty.

Music: Joji’s “Solaris” tour

Where: AsiaWorld-Expo (Runway 11), Chek Lap Kok
When: November 29, 8pm

Japanese Australian singer-songwriter and producer Joji brings his Solaris tour to Hong Kong for one night only. Known for his moody mix of chill R&B, catchy electronic beats and heartfelt vocal arrangements, the artist will perform selections from his latest records alongside catalogue favourites, paired with impressive arena visuals.

Music: Experiencia Queen’s Greatest Hits Asia tour

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Above "Experiencia Queen: Greatest Hits Asia Tour" with all classics. (Photo credit: Playground Production Ltd.)

Where: Tides, Whampoa Garden, Hung Hom
When: November 25 and 26, 8.30pm

International tribute show Experiencia Queen brings the energy, look and sound of Queen’s famous 1986 Magic Tour to Hong Kong for two nights only. Fans can look forward to live renditions of stadium classics like Bohemian Rhapsody, Somebody to Love and We Are the Champions, complete with period outfits and plenty of sing-along moments.

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Performance & exhibition: Hermèstories

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Above "Hermèstories" play and exhibition. (Photo credit: Hermès)

Where: Freespace, West Kowloon Cultural District
When: October 24November 8

Hermès brings its heritage-focused theatrical and exhibition experience Hermèstories to West Kowloon’s Freespace. A 50-minute stage performance brings the French maison’s history, craftsmanship and spirit to life, while a dedicated exhibition offers visitors an up-close look at some of its most famous creations.

Party: The Repulse Bay Motoring Classics

Where: The Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road
When: 7 November 2026 (2pm-6.30pm)

Brought to Hong Kong by the Peninsula Hotels Group, which has hosted motoring events around the world for over 20 years, this automotive showcase and luxury garden party takes over the lawn and courtyard at The Repulse Bay. Set against a backdrop of heritage architecture and the sea beyond, rare pre- and post-war vintage cars will be on display, while modern hypercars from brands like Pagani, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce will have their regional premieres. Guests can enjoy live acoustic music, fine food from top local eateries and free-flow Moët & Chandon champagne.

Music: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Where: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui
When: From November 4

Roald Dahl’s iconic story hits the stage in a musical adaptation from the West End and Broadway.  The show features big dance numbers, colourful sets, digital projections and original songs, alongside tracks from the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Prepare to take a magical tour through the eccentric Wonka’s factory of sweets and dreams.

Play: Over The Rainbow, Under Ethel: The Story of Judy Garland and her Mother

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Above "Over The Rainbow, Under Ethel: The Story of Judy Garland and her Mother " show on HK Fringe Club (Photo credit: Sweet and Sour Productions Ltd.)

Where: Underground Theatre, HK Fringe Club, Central
When: November 4-7

This dark comedy-drama explores the rocky relationship between Hollywood legend Judy Garland and her mother, Ethel. Presented by local theatre company Sweet and Sour Productions, the play combines live renditions of classic mid-century standards with a fast-paced plot about the personal price of childhood fame.

Music: Operation Oops!

Where: Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall, Central
When: November 22--December 6

Presented by the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, this new Cantonese musical comedy takes a hilarious, dark-humoured jab at Hong Kong’s housing market. Written by Macau playwright Lawrence Lei and composed by Leon Ko, who previously worked together on The Impossible Trial, the story follows a group of desperate people who plan to turn their lives around by kidnapping a property developer after a housing project fails. Filled with catchy tunes, witty lyrics and absurd plot twists, it is a light-hearted take on the modern urban struggle.

The 55th Hong Kong French Film Festival

Where: Various venues, including Palace IFC, Broadway Cinematheque and M+ Cinema
When: November 11-December 9

Asia’s oldest film festival dedicated to Francophone cinema, the 55th HKFFF returns with a line-up that is both retrospective and contemporary, with premiering features, restored classics and short films. This year’s centrepiece is a special look back at Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s beloved 2001 film Amélie. Along with screenings of the restored movie, the showcase features behind-the-scenes photo galleries and original production designs showing how the iconic visual world was crafted.

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