For the summer of 2026, make your way to Hong Kong. The city is gearing up for a spectacular season of fun with dragon boat races, roaring crowds, waterfront promenades, and a global football stage.
The city’s calendar brings headline events and family-friendly experiences together, from walks along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, theme parks, and skyline cruises to mountain views, cultural districts, and easy transport links that make traveling easy.
A season of sporting highlights
The 50th Anniversary Dragon Boat Festival
The 2026 Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, celebrating its 50th anniversary, will be its grandest edition yet.
The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade will come alive with a 13-day celebration from 19 June to 1 July, bringing day-and-night festivities to Hong Kong’s iconic waterfront.
On 27 and 28 June, over two hundred elite teams from 16 countries and regions will compete for the coveted “Best of the Best” title along the Avenue of Stars and Salisbury Garden.
The races are free to watch from the promenade, with close views of one of Asia’s most thrilling sporting traditions.
Beyond the races
Beyond the races, the promenade becomes a fun zone with heritage workshops, VR dragon boat games, live music, stage performances, themed photo spots, and a 22-meter dragon boat display.
The Dragon Boat Food Lane keeps the energy going with Hong Kong street-food classics and festive favorites.
Local races across the city
Across Hong Kong, the spirit of the dragon boat racing continues throughout June. Head to Stanley’s scenic seaside, Aberdeen’s lively fishing harbour, Sai Kung’s lush coastline, or the Shing Mun River in Sha Tin for a glimpse of a more intimate community-driven side of the celebrations.
Explore the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront
Pair the Dragon Boat Festival with a stroll along Tsim Sha Tsui’s iconic waterfront, where cultural landmarks like the Clock Tower, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Space Museum, and K11 MUSEA sit just steps from the race action.
Stay into the evening for A Symphony of Lights at 8 PM, when Victoria Harbour comes alive with synchronized lasers and LED displays across 43 buildings. For an even closer look at the glittering skyline, hop aboard a nightly Star Ferry Harbour Tour from Tsim Sha Tsui.
The Hong Kong Football Festival at Kai Tak Sports Park
After the FIFA World Cup wraps up in July, Hong Kong keeps the football momentum going with the Hong Kong Football Festival at Kai Tak Sports Park.
Running from 31 July to 5 August 2026 at the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium, the festival brings four of Europe’s biggest clubs to Hong Kong for two headline fixtures:
- The Asahi Super Dry Trophy: Manchester City vs Inter Milan — 1 August, 7:30 PM
- The Herbalgy Trophy: Chelsea FC vs Juventus — 5 August, 7:30 PM
Fans can also catch open training sessions for Manchester City on 31 July and Chelsea FC on 4 August, with tickets priced at HK$299.
Please note that player appearances are subject to each club’s travelling squad and availability.
Ticket categories and prices are as follows:
- Category A: HK$2,999
- Category B: HK$2,399
- Category C: HK$1,999
- Category D: HK$1,399
- Category E: HK$799
- Category F: HK$399
- Open Training Sessions: HK$299
Dedicated fan zones for each club will be set up inside the stadium. Purchase your tickets before visiting via the official Hong Kong Football Festival website.
Audi Football Summit 2026
To keep the football fever going, catch the Audi Football Summit 2026 on 7 August at Kai Tak Stadium, where FC Bayern Munich takes on Aston Villa at 8 PM.
Bayern Munich returns to Hong Kong for the first time in nearly two decades, while Aston Villa makes its long-awaited comeback after 15 years.
Ticket prices range from HK$388 to HK$2,688. Together, the Hong Kong Football Festival and Audi Football Summit will bring multiple European football events to the city between 31 July and 7 August 2026.
Hop into summer fun at Hong Kong’s theme parks
Hong Kong’s theme parks are pulling out all the stops this season, with larger-than-ever seasonal programming that makes the city an easy choice for families traveling with kids of every age.
Ocean Park
This summer, celebrate the second birthday of the giant twin pandas with a visit to Ocean Park Hong Kong.
Since their birth in 2024, the cubs have become one of the city’s biggest family attractions — keep an eye on Ocean Park’s website for the latest birthday celebration details.
Ocean Park x Sanrio characters’ “Marine Wonders” brings Hello Kitty, Pompompurin, and friends into a playful deep-sea adventure, complete with character encounters, themed photo spots, limited-edition merchandise, and special celebrations for Pompompurin’s 30th anniversary.
Pair your visit with Water World Ocean Park, Asia’s first all-weather seaside water park.
There are five themed zones that offer everything from playful family favourites like Whiskers’ Splash and Lazy Cruise to high-speed thrills such as Rainbow Rush, Thunder Loop, and Daredevil Drop.
Before visiting, purchase tickets from the official website of Ocean Park Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland keeps the magic going with two back-to-back celebrations. The park’s 20th-anniversary seasonal offerings run through 7 June, highlighted by the “Friendtastic!” Parade, featuring 11 floats, and the castle stage show “Disney Friends Live: Party at the Castle.”
If you can make it before the anniversary festivities wrap up, you can catch the Wildest Zootopia Celebration, where Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde appear in all-new looks at Adventureland. Inspired by Zootopia 2, the experience features a scavenger-style mission, themed treats, and easy access to World of Frozen — home to the first and largest Frozen-themed land at any Disney park.
From 12 June to 31 August, its first-ever Pixar Summer Fest brings beloved Pixar friends to the park, from Toy Story, Inside Out, The Incredibles, Up, Turning Red, Coco, and Brave. Families can cool off at the “Pixar Water Play Street Party!” by day, then watch the “Pixar Pals Spectacular” drone show light up the Castle of Magical Dreams by night.
Marvel Super Heroes will also make surprise appearances throughout the season, alongside exclusive merchandise.
For families planning a fuller visit, the Non-stop 2-Day Fun Ticket adds a second park day for just HK$100.
Experience the city’s cultural gems
Hong Kong’s summer isn’t just about blockbuster events. The city’s cultural landmarks, neighborhoods, and everyday experiences reward the curious traveler with discoveries around every corner.
West Kowloon Cultural District, M+ and the Palace Museum
In between all the big thrills of Hong Kong 2026, make your way to the heart of the city’s art scene at the West Kowloon Cultural District.
Explore performance venues, exhibition spaces, open green lawns, and a harbourfront promenade made for slow walks and skyline views.
M+
The district is home to M+, Asia’s global museum of contemporary visual culture, with 33 galleries spread across 17,000 square metres.
Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the museum lights up Victoria Harbour each evening with one of the world’s largest media facades.
Hong Kong Palace Museum
Nearby, the Hong Kong Palace Museum showcases treasures from Beijing’s Palace Museum collections, bringing centuries of Chinese art and culture into a striking harbourfront setting.
CATS – The Musical
If your trip stretches into August or early September, make time for CATS – The Musical at the Grand Theatre of the Xiqu Centre in West Kowloon.
Running from 6 August to 6 September 2026, the beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber classic brings its timeless score, oversized set, inspired choreography, and playful costumes to the stage for a family-friendly evening in the district.
The CR7 Life Museum
Football fans can keep the excitement going beyond Kai Tak with a visit to the CR7 Life Museum at K11 MUSEA in Tsim Sha Tsui. The Asia-first experience brings Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary career to life through memorabilia, trophies, golden boots, match-day moments, and interactive exhibits.
Set close to the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, it is an easy addition to a harbour-side day out, especially if you are already exploring the promenade or nearby attractions.
The program runs through June 2026, so plan ahead and check the K11 MUSEA website for the latest opening hours, tickets, and availability before your visit.
The Big Buddha
For a quieter break away from the city’s buzz, take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to Lantau Island’s Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.
The 25-minute ride offers sweeping views of the South China Sea, Tung Chung Bay, and the lush Lantau mountains before arriving near the Tian Tan Buddha, one of the world’s largest seated outdoor bronze Buddhas.
At the base, Ngong Ping Village offers themed shops, cafés, and cultural experiences, making it an easy half-day escape.
Make time for the summer fairs & expos
Hong Kong’s convention calendar comes to life every July and August with some of Asia’s biggest fairs, all held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.
Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong
For a burst of pop-culture energy, head to Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong, one of the city’s biggest gatherings for fans of animation, comics, games, cosplay, art toys, and collectibles.
Scheduled to be held from 24 to 28 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event brings a lively show-floor atmosphere. Families with kids and teens can look forward to colourful displays, game zones, cosplay moments, limited-edition finds, and plenty of photo-worthy surprises.
Hong Kong Book Fair
For an exciting indoor break, head to the Hong Kong Book Fair, one of the city’s most-loved annual events for readers, families, and culture lovers. Held in mid-July, it brings together books, talks, children’s zones, and publishing highlights from across the region.
The fun continues next door with the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks, both running from 15 to 21 July 2026, turning the venue into a full-day family stop with activities, treats, and plenty to browse between book hauls.
HKTDC Food Expo
In August, the HKTDC Food Expo takes over from 13 to 17 August 2026, bringing together local and international flavours under one roof.
Taste the myriad flavors of Asia as you browse and sample dishes across the food halls, and choose edible souvenirs to bring home. Expect everything from Hong Kong favourites like dim sum, egg waffles, pineapple buns, fish balls, cakes, and milk tea to regional snacks, sweets, sauces, and specialty products from across Asia and beyond.
