Get your 2020 started off right! We’ve rounded up the best things to mark in your calendar this January, from wellness festivals in Bali to space-themed symphonies, and more!
January 4 & 5: “Star Wars” With Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra
If you’re a fan of Star Wars, (and really, who isn’t?) then a screening accompanied by music from the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra will take your appreciation to a whole new galaxy. Experience the epic film score by John Williams in all its glory, as the Academy Award-winning film “Return of the Jedi” plays at one of two rousing performances at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
Tickets range from $380-780 depending on seats. Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Concert Hall, 10 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui.
January 12: Lewis Capaldi
Lewis Capaldi made a big splash at his debut Hong Kong performance at Clockenflap 2017, and his return should be a welcome consolation for anyone still in mourning over the cancellation of Clockenflap last year. Tickets start at $490 from Ticketflap.
7:30pm. MacPherson Stadium, 38 Nelson St., Mong Kok. ticketflap.com/lewis.
January 9-12: The Hong Kong Open
Initially cancelled from its usual slot at the end of November, the city’s longest standing professional sporting event, The Hong Kong Open, has been rescheduled to the middle of this month. The tournament is still due to attract a star-studded lineup of pro golfers from Europe, US, and Asia, and the intimate course in Fanling promises an up close and personal view of the best in the biz as they navigate around this deceptively challenging 18-hole course. Family-friendly distractions will be found at the tournament village which includes games, entertainment and F&B.
Free to attend Thursday and Friday; $400 per day at the weekend. Under 21s free on all four tournament days. Hong Kong Golf Course, Sheung Shui, New Territories, thehongkongopen.com.
January 14: “Before The Flood” at The Hive
Concerned about the climate? Join The Hive for this special screening of the documentary “Before the Flood” which follows Leonardo DiCaprio as he travels the world to examine the effects of climate change. The doc includes one-on-ones with figures like Barack Obama, and remains a timely reminder of the climate challenges that still lie ahead as we enter a new decade. Tickets are a wallet-friendly $50 via Eventbrite and include a free drink and snacks.
The Hive Kennedy Town, 8/F Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield, Kennedy Town, tinyurl.com/uedceap.
January 19: Cold Half
Take the plunge in the eighth annual Cold Half, a 15k swim from Stanley Main Beach that can be completed solo or in groups of two. The main race is designed for strong and experienced swimmers but there’s also the more social Cold Plunge, a 1.5k fun race satellite race held concurrently at Deep Water Bay Beach. Thankfully, just because it’s a fun race doesn’t mean you have to ditch the wetsuit for a costume.
Entry costs $2,300 for the full distance and $500 for the Cold Plunge. Register online raceregistration.asia/coldhalf2020 before Jan 12.
March 29-April 5: Bali Spirit Festival
One to plan ahead for! The annual Bali Spirit Festival, in the lush wellness mecca of Ubud, marries wellness and fitness into a week-long extravaganza of mind and body transformation through yoga, dance, music, martial arts, personal development, ceremonies and healings. This event promises something for everyone, from solo travellers to families. Don’t forget to use the code LIV when buying your ticket to enjoy a US$50 discount on Abundance and 7-Day passes.
More on Liv: Everything You Need to Know About Wellness Week in Hong Kong
