With its amazing array of things to do, Asia is a great place to be. Here are a few notable events to join this weekend in cities around the region.
“My Fantasy World 0.000000000123456789”
Those looking to be immersed in unconventional art can head over to Bridge Café & Art Space in Sathorn for Thepmetha Thepboonta’s newest exhibition, “My Fantasy World 0.000000000123456789.” A bisexual who came out last year, Thepmetha explores the fluidity of gender through his art. This showcase, which opened earlier this month, will run through May 31.
Love art but can’t afford the sky-high prices? The Affordable Art Fair has just opened at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, where it will be running all weekend. Expect thousands of artists’ work from over 110 galleries with a price tag as low as HK$1,000 (about US$128). It’s a great opportunity to bring home lasting souvenirs that will add pops of color and visual interest.
Joan Cornella: A Hong Kong Themed Solo Exhibition
Spanish cartoonist and satirical artist Joan Cornella lived in Hong Kong for a month ahead of this new showcase dedicated to the city. The exhibition is featuring works of art within the theme of popular culture and society, challenging and pushing people’s boundaries in their thoughts about gender and sexuality. Through May 21 (Sunday), you can head over to Space 27 in Quarry Bay to see Cornella’s work for yourself.
For those in the Lion City, there are two note-worthy spectacles to see this weekend. First up, the European Union Film Festival—which is the longest-running event of its kind in the country—is wrapping up on Sunday. For the first time ever, 27 films from as many countries are being screened at the National Gallery Singapore, with showings on Saturday and Sunday representing nations such as Poland, Hungary, Turkey, and Sweden. Short films by students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s School of Film and Media Studies will also be featured.
Broadway enthusiasts—you’re in luck! Sister Act has finally come to Singapore, and is ready to rock your socks off with laughter and uplifting music by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken. The story conveys an aspiring singer who is forced to hide out in a convent after witnessing a crime. An entertaining time is guaranteed at this extraordinary musical. You can head over to Mastercard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands and catch the show from today through Sunday.
Back for its second year, the Bamdokkaebi Night Market is a must-visit for its variety of locally made, artisanal products, and traditional food. Visitors can also look forward to watching magic shows, traditional Korean performances, and a party mood thanks to the presence of several local DJs. There are two different markets this weekend that you can find yourself sauntering to—both days starting at 6 p.m. at Yeouido Hangang Park, and at 7 p.m. at Seoul’s Zaha Hadid landmark, Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Only happening tonight and tomorrow, take your pick and have a great time!
Keyaki Hiroba Spring Beer Festival
What’s just as good as tucking into amazing omakase and tempura in Tokyo? Drinking the local beer! Hop on board a JR train for the half-hour journey to Saitama, where you can join the Keyaki Hiroba Spring Beer Festival to sample craft beers from various Japanese microbreweries. Happening at the Saitama Super Arena through Sunday, the event will also ply you with delicious bites like Hokkaido seafood and sausages to sate your hunger.
Back for its sixth year, the Okinawa Matsuri Festival is bigger and better than ever. With the array of Okinawan food and local crafts, you’ll have an amazing time while bobbing your head to live music, and taking in dance performances and traditional stand-up comedy (manzai) acts from that southernmost prefecture of Japan. Starting at 11 a.m., the festival will be held at Yoyogi Park on Saturday and Sunday.