If you thought there would be a lull between Easter and the bank holiday weekend, think again. The next seven days are jam-packed with international sporting events and sensational concert performances, to name but a few of the event highlights in Hong Kong this week.

Head to the races

Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup

The races are something of a tradition in Hong Kong, and the Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup is one of the biggest events on the racing calendar each year. Celebrating the British monarchs’ 1975 visit to Hong Kong, the HK$20 million prize brings in some of the world’s best riders and horses, making it an incredibly competitive and high calibre event.

April 24, Shatin Race Course, hkjc.com

Enjoy a classical concert

Gabriella Montero and Ramon Ortega Quero Live In Hong Kong

Classical pianist Gabriella Montero plays live in Hong Kong in an exclusive one-night-only concert featuring works by Schubert and Schumann, as well as a rare improvised performance based on audience suggestions.

And if one concert isn't enough to satisfy your classical music cravings, world-renowned oboist Ramon Ortega Quera has travelled from Spain for an unforgettable evening with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, including favourites from Mozart and Bach.

Gabriella Montero, April 25, Hong Kong City Hall, pphk.org
Ramon Ortega Quero, April 27, Hong Kong City Hall, hksl.org

Debate for a cause

10x10 Charity Night

For one night only, three innovative local charities will battle it out to pitch their cause, Dragon’s Den style.

The theme of ‘Invisible Hong Kong’ sees the Mission for Migrant Workers, Society for Community Organisation SOCO and Richmond Fellowship of Hong Kong all stepping up to the forum to raise awareness in this fun and interactive event, at the end of which  the audience will choose where their money goes. Canapes start from 6.30pm; check out the full event rundown on their website.

April 27, 21/F California Tower, 30-32 D'Aguilar Street, Central, 10x10philanthropy.com

Be ahead of the curve

Opening of the Kerry Hotel

Opening this Friday, the Kerry Hotel is the latest five-star offering in Hong Kong's luxury hotel landscape. Situated in Hung Hom, the hotel offers stunning views of the Hong Kong skyline in their newly furnished suites.

Head along this weekend before the rest of Hong Kong hears about this lush new location, and enjoy a cocktail or two with live music at Red Sugar, their bar with a 270-degree wrap-around terrace. 

Open from April 28, 38 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2252 5875, shangri-la.com/hongkong/kerry

Wellness on the water

Zouk @ Sea x GuavaPass  

An unlikely collaboration between Zouk, the notorious Singaporean EDM club, GuavaPass, and Dream Cruises, has resulted in a weekend at sea like no other. Work (out) hard and party hard on a fun-filled voyage this long weekend. 

28-30 April, facebook.com/zoukatsea

Celebrate the arts

Le French May Garden Launch Party 

Le French May is coming to Hong Kong in May, and to celebrate the impending festival, they will be hosting a Garden Party at PMQ on Friday. The party kicks off at 6pm with a variety of French food and drink stalls, live music and traditional French games. 

April 28, 6pm-10.30pm; April 29-30, 11.30am-10.30pm; PMQ Courtyard, Soho, Central, frenchmay.com

Take part in a local festival

Cheung Chau Bun Festival

It’s been named one of the world’s quirkiest festivals, and it’s right on your doorstep—so what’s stopping you? This traditional Chinese festival wards off bad spirits, and the tiny island will be bustling all weekend.

The festival kicks off on Sunday 30, culminating in the infamous midnight bun scramble on May 3. Check out the full lineup here for one of Hong Kong’s most weird and wonderful festivals.

April 30, Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong, cheung-chau.com