Expert recommendations of the top events—with tips on how to best experience these celebrations.
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Dragon Boat Festival
Each spring, ornate 20-person wooden vessels are dusted off, and athletes begin training for races that take place all over town in June. The biggest are in Stanley and Aberdeen Harbors. www.dragonboat.org.hk
Bun Festival
A beloved festival on Cheung Chau island, usually held in May. During a bun scramble, contestants race up a tower covered in steamed buns, sntaching as many as possible. Children also parade dressed as religious deities and standing on stilts. www.cheungchauhk.com
Lunar New Year
The most important holiday in the Chinese lunar calendar. High-rises are strung with lights, and fireworks light up the streets of outlying villages on New Year's Eve (dates vary). "The best time to be in Hong Kong."—John Batten, art gallery director and longtime resident.
Mid-autumn Festival
A celebration of the full moon, usually in September or October, marked by a spectacle of lanterns in Victoria Park. Revelers eat traditional moon cakes filled with lotus seed and salted egg yolk, or one of many newer varieties. Buy a colorful paper lantern from a vendor and head to the beach for moon-gazing. "You don't have to get seats or leave the island. Quite memorable."—Peter Moss, author of Hong Kong, What's In, What's Out.
Hong Kong International Festival
The main event takes place over three weeks each spring, with smaller events throughout the year. http://society.hkiff.org.hk/eng/news/index.html
Rugby 7's
An exuberant celebration of rugby each spring, with teams from all over the world competing. www.hksevens.com/index.html
Hong Kong Arts Festival
Every spring this eclectic festival featuring music, opera, dance, theater, and family shows, brings in acts from around the world. Started more than three decades ago as a tourist draw, the festival is now heavily attended by locals. www.hk.artsfestival.org/en/
