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🎉 festival

Hong Kong Arts Festival

Friday, February 27, 2026

— days to go

The Hong Kong Arts Festival is one of Asia's premier international arts festivals, held annually from February to March for approximately one month. Inaugurated in 1973, the festival was established to enrich Hong Kong's cultural life and position the city as a cultural hub in Asia. The festival presents a diverse program spanning classical and contemporary music, opera, theater, dance, and visual arts, featuring both internationally renowned artists and local Hong Kong performers. The festival has hosted world premieres and exclusive performances by leading companies including the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Mariinsky Ballet, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. Beyond its main program, the festival operates extensive education and outreach initiatives, bringing arts experiences to schools and community organizations across Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Arts Festival Society, an independent non-profit organization, has managed the festival since its founding, with funding from the Hong Kong government, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and corporate sponsors.

History

The Hong Kong Arts Festival was founded in 1973 by the Hong Kong Arts Festival Society, established by a group of cultural leaders with support from the Hong Kong government. The inaugural festival ran from February 18 to March 18, 1973, featuring the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Ballet, and the Peking Opera. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the festival grew steadily, surviving economic downturns and political transitions. The 1990s saw expansion into new venues including the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, which opened in 1989. Following Hong Kong's handover to China in 1997, the festival played a key role in maintaining Hong Kong's international cultural connections. In 2002, the festival launched its 'Festival Plus' community outreach program. The festival adapted to digital streaming during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching global audiences.

How It's Celebrated

The Hong Kong Arts Festival presents hundreds of performances across major venues including the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Hong Kong City Hall, the Kwai Tsing Theatre, and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. The program includes orchestral concerts, opera productions, ballet and contemporary dance performances, theater from around the world, and jazz and world music. The festival's 'Festival Plus' series offers free outdoor performances, artist talks, masterclasses, and backstage tours. The 'Young Friends' program engages students and young audiences through discounted tickets and special events. Each year's festival includes commissioned works and co-productions that premiere in Hong Kong, alongside touring productions from leading international companies and artists.

Other Years

2021 Sat
27 Feb
2022 Sun
27 Feb
2023 Mon
27 Feb
2024 Tue
2/27
2025 Thu
2/27
2026 Fri
2/27
2027 Sat
2/27
2028 Sun
2/27
2029 Tue
27 Feb

Countries

🇨🇳 CN

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