Here is what to do this June  (Photo: Getty Images)
Cover June in Hong Kong is going to be fabulous (Photo: Getty Images)
Here is what to do this June  (Photo: Getty Images)

Be sure to make room on your calendar for these exciting things happening this month

June is pride month across the globe and, like in many other places, Hong Kong will be celebrating the LGBTQ+ community through a plethora of events.

There are also several outdoor events—from a dragon boat championship to a fitness festival—taking place across the city (for when the weather is good). But worry not if you want to avoid the heat and take shelter in air-conditioned spaces—there are also plenty of indoor concerts and exhibitions happening this month.

Here is a look at some of the best events happening in June, and we are sure there is something for everyone, whatever your age or interests.

Read more: 7 cultural events you shouldn’t miss in June 2023

1. Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races 2023

When: June 24-25

Where: Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade

What: The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races returns after four years, drawing thousands of athletes from around the world. Mark your calendars to go and witness this incredible display of strength, speed and determination as the teams battle it out for the top prize.

Aside from this two-day event at Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade, you can also catch dragon boat races at Stanley, Aberdeen and other venues on the June 22 public holiday, which is the actual day of the Dragon Boat Festival this year.

2. Pride month at Eaton

When: June 10 - July 15 

Where: Eaton HK

What: To celebrate pride month, Eaton HK is hosting a month-long queer arts and cultural programme, which will include panel discussions, screenings, workshops, exhibitions, performances, parties and more. The extensive line-up spans more than 20 diverse activities for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

More information at eatonworkshop.com

3. ‘Cathay Proudly Presents: Joe Hisaishi in Concert’

When: June 22-24

Where: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall

What: After five long years and several cancellations due to the pandemic, Japanese composer-conductor Joe Hisaishi is returning to Hong Kong for three concerts from June 22 to 24 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The programme, titled Cathay Proudly Sponsors: Joe Hisaishi in Concert, will see the My Neighbor Totoro (1988) composer perform three pieces that will be played live in Hong Kong for the first time, and alongside the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HKPhil).

More information at www.hkphil.org

4. Double Ducks by Florentijn Hofman

When: From June 10

Where: Victoria Harbour

What: A decade after its first visit to Hong Kong, Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman’s giant Rubber Duck Project will be returning to the city this June. On its last visit to Hong Kong, from May 2 to June 9 in 2013, a solo giant rubber duck had delighted the city and attracted more than 8,000,000 visitors during its stay. This time, it’s bringing a friend, so get those cameras ready. 

5. Fit & Well Festival 2.0

When: June 16 and July 7

Where: Central Harbourfront Event Space

What: Fit & Well Festival 2.0, organised by Qintensity Fitness Limited—a Hong Kong-based health and wellness consulting firm—is a fitness-focused event for those who love an active lifestyle. The first event, happening on June 16, is a dance party that offers a blend of high-energy cardio dance and Bollywood moves. After that, to help you find balance and calm, a moonlight yoga session that’s happening on July 7.

6. SummerFest Hong Kong

When: June 9 - July 23

Where: Central Harbourfront Event Space

What: Get ready to have some fun in the sun as the large-scale outdoor event returns with a whooping list of 25 activities. From flea markets and dance parties to a forest breathing workshop and ukulele festival, the carnival invites Hongkongers and tourists alike to soak in the best of the summer sun by the gorgeous waterfront.

More information at summerfest-centralharbourfront.hk

7. ‘Hope—Patricia Piccinini’

When: May 24 - September 3

Where: Tai Kwun

What: Australian artist Patricia Piccinini’s immersive exhibition showcases her hyperrealistic yet surreal sculptures, photographs and moving images. Her work explores the impact of science on humanity and its somewhat undesirable consequences; but it also reflects on mankind’s collective ability to form caring and empathetic relationships.

More information at taikwun.hk

8. Cécile McLorin Salvant at Carlyle & Co.

When: June 21-24

Where: Carlyle & Co., Rosewood Hong Kong

What: The four-times Grammy-award-winning artist Cécile McLorin Salvant is set to bring her powerful brand of jazz to the Café Carlyle at Carlyle & Co. for four consecutive nights this June. Make sure to catch her inventive interpretation of jazz and her ability to infuse her music with playfulness, emotions and storytelling.

More information at carlyleandco.com

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Salomé Grouard
Digital Editor, Hong Kong, Tatler Hong Kong
Tatler Asia

Salomé Grouard was Digital Editor and Front & Female Content Lead at Tatler Hong Kong. Primarily focused on managing Tatler Hong Kong’s digital platform and content, she also covers gender equality, the music scene and sports through interviews with industry leaders, experts and trendsetters. 

Interview highlights include renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, Korean actor Park Seo Jun, singer Jorja Smith, Chinese TV host Yue-Sai Kan, YouTuber Kimono Mom, Japanese rapper Awich, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter Mikey Musumeci.

She has also produced stories on revolutionising sexual wellness in Asia, activism within the surfing community, Asian trans musicians reclaiming their narratives through music and looked at the toxicity of gym culture through the lens of the plus-size community. She also covers music festivals, such as Hong Kong’s Clockenflap and Bali’s Suara