Blackpink is coming back to Asia after their performances at Coachella (Photo: Getty Images)
Cover Blackpink is coming back to Asia after their performances at Coachella (Photo: Getty Images)
Blackpink is coming back to Asia after their performances at Coachella (Photo: Getty Images)

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

Spring of 2023 in Hong Kong has been really busy so far: March was marked by globally-recognised events such as Clockenflap and Art Basel, and April followed right after with the Hong Kong Film Awards, Rugby Sevens and Creamfields. And it looks like May means to continue on the same note, and there is an exciting and eclectic programme of festivities that are sure to please young and old, and locals and tourists alike.

From the 30th anniversary of French May and a varied collection of musical events to delicious new afternoon teas and colourful markets: here are 7 events you want to write down in your calendar for May 2023. 

You might also like: An exhilarating month of dance awaits with Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels

French May

When: April 19 - June 30

Where: Various venues

What: Established in 1993, French May is one of the largest cultural events in Asia. It is returning to Hong Kong stronger than ever with more than 100 programmes showcasing a variety of different art forms: contemporary art, hip-hop dance, cinema, painting, design, classical music and much more. The 2023 edition marks the festival’s 30th anniversary. 

More information at frenchmay.com

Luna and Solaris Afternoon Tea at the Ritz-Carlton

Tatler Asia
The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong And British Perfumery Penhaligon’s present The Luna and Solaris Afternoon Tea at Café 103 (Photo: courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton)
Above The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong And British Perfumery Penhaligon’s present The Luna and Solaris Afternoon Tea at Café 103 (Photo: courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton)
The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong And British Perfumery Penhaligon’s present The Luna and Solaris Afternoon Tea at Café 103 (Photo: courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton)

When: May 2 - July 31

Where: Café 103, The Ritz-Carlton

What: The team at the Ritz-Carlton’s Café 103 has teamed up with prestigious British perfume brand Penhaligon’s for the very first time to launch the Luna and Solaris Afternoon Tea. Designed to highlight the brand’s two perfumes, the chefs from the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong has carefully analysed each scent’s unique properties, drawn inspiration from them and infused key ingredients into a series of sophisticated and exquisite afternoon tea delights to perfectly complement Luna and Solaris.

More information at ritzcarlton.com

Blackpink World Tour in Macau

When: May 20-21

Where: Galaxy Arena, Macau

What: For all the Hong Kong folks who missed Blackpink when they performed at AsiaWorld-Expo in January, here is your chance to see Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo and Rosé live in Macau. As part of their Born Pink World Tour encore, the K-pop group will perform at Galaxy Arena in Macau for two nights only.

Cheung Chau Bun Festival

When: May 24-27

Where: Cheung Chau

What: After a three-year hiatus, the much-awaited Bun Festival will take place on the island of Cheung Chau again. Thousands of people are expected to travel there for the iconic Bun Scrambling Competition in which participants climb an 18-metre tall bamboo towers covered with plastic buns and try to grab as many as possible. The festival celebrates a Taoist tradition and dates back to the late Qing dynasty, and was originally a celebration for the end of a plague on the island. 

More information at cheung-chau.com 

Affordable Art Fair

When: May 18-21

Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre 

What: Affordable Art Fair is back and celebrating its 10th year anniversary with fresh contemporary artwork ranging from HK$1,000 to HK$100,000. Get ready to browse a wide array of inspiring, cutting-edge works of art from around the world, alongside interactive workshops, engaging tours, and fun-filled evening events. 

More information at affordableartfair.com

AXA X Wonderland: Space Music Festival

When: April 30, May 1 and May 5

Where: West Kowloon Cultural District

What: Whether you are more excited about international artists, such as K-pop star Hyuna, or local acts like Lolly Talk and Tyson Yoshi, Space Music Festival has something that will thrill everyone.

More information at tix-get-go.kktix.cc.

Chungking Express Market

When: May 13-14

Where: Heath, Chungking Mansions

What: As tribute to Wong Kar-wai’s iconic movie Chungking Express (1994), local brands and event organisers, Fierce and Y2K, are putting together Hong Kong’s biggest and most diverse market for the month of May. Meant for the creative community in Hong Kong to celebrate local culture and have fun, Chungking Express Market will take place at Heath, located in the basement of the iconic Chungking Mansions. 

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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