Rescheduled to start on October 1, 2021 and run through March 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai will be showcasing the best of collaboration and innovation from around the world. A total of 190 countries will take part in the global event, where visitors will discover game-changing innovations by the world’s brightest minds, enjoy unique culinary experiences, live performances and more.  

Typically held in March every year, Art Basel Hong Kong will now take place in May due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic. The 2021 edition is set to take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, from May 21-23, 2021, with preview days slated for May 19-20. Art lovers, be sure to keep your eyes peeled on Art Basel’s website for further details on the fair and the names of participating galleries.  

See also: Art Basel Shifts Hong Kong Fair From March To May 2021

Calling all music lovers—Clockenflap has announced a new date for the 2020 festival. The event is set to take place from November 26 to November 28, 2021, which will offer festivalgoers spectacular Instagrammable installations and a wide array of cultural experiences alongside an eclectic line-up of established and rising artists from around the world, including 27 talents who are making their Hong Kong debuts. 

Hong Kong’s largest literary event, which postponed last summer, is set to take place at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre in July 2021. Themed “Inspirational and Motivational Reading”, the book fair will introduce authors and books of the spirituality genre to readers, encouraging people to find inner peace and seek solutions to personal challenges through books, especially during these turbulent times. 

See also: Hong Kong Book Fair Rescheduled to July 2021

Like many of you, our hearts fell when we heard the announcement that the 44th Hong Kong International Film Festival was cancelled due to the pandemic—for the first time since its launch in 1977. Originally scheduled to run from August 18 to 31, 2020, the event was expected to bring hundreds of films, directors, and actors from over 60 countries to the city. New dates and the full line-up of movies have not yet been announced, but plans are already in the works for this year’s festival, according to the organisers. 

See also: 10 Hong Kong Film Directors You Should Know

Broadway recently announced that it won't reopen its doors until at least June 2021, but let’s hope that at some point in the second half of the year, the show will go on. In the meantime, theatre fans can enjoy performances online through BroadwayHD. The theatre streaming platform is currently offering a seven-day free trial, where you can choose from a selection of nearly 300 productions and enjoy singing along to hit Broadway songs from Cats, Kinky Boots to The Sound of Music and more, in the comfort of your home.  

See also: 7 Global Cultural Experiences You Can Enjoy From Home

It certainly doesn’t hurt to be optimistic in travel planning for 2021, especially if you’re looking to book trips for the second half of the year. With the increasing production of the vaccine rollout, improved awareness of coronavirus and strict safety measures taken by governments around the world, there are plenty of reasons to hope that it’s soon to safe to hit the road again.  

See also: The Holidays That Hong Kong Travellers Are Booking For 2021

This year's movie calendar will be busier than ever, with a plethora of films lined up for release amidst all the delayed launches of 2020. Some of the most anticipated movies for the new year include: Dune, an adaptation of the sci-fi classic; The Matrix 4, the first new release in the franchise in 17 years; No Time To Die, the twenty-fifth Bond film; as well as the ninth instalment of Fast and Furious. Miss watching a movie in the cinema and the delicious aroma of buttery popcorn? Going to the theatre and enjoy a show in large groups might not be too far off now.

See also: The Most Anticipated Movie Releases Of 2021

The pandemic has affected all aspects of our lives, prompting us to find new ways to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, graduations, and other milestones in the era of social distancing. 2020 has been rough but bright things are ahead—let’s look forward to a time when we are able to enjoy large in-person gatherings and snap all the special moments our lives without having to wear masks. 

See also: Tatler Guide To Hosting A Luxury Birthday Party At Home