Hong Kong’s first Being Human Festival runs from 5–15 November 2026. Led by the University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Arts (HKUArts), the festival brings humanities research into public events around the city, from creative workshops and performances to activities that combine art, technology and science.
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How Hong Kong’s festival connects to the UK original
The Hong Kong event is part of the international Being Human Festival, not a separate festival with the same name. The UK festival was founded in 2014 by the School of Advanced Study at the University of London; HKU describes its 2026 event as the festival’s inaugural Asian edition, with the university serving as a regional hub.
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HKUArts is leading the Hong Kong programme, bringing together university researchers and collaborators from local arts and culture communities. HKU’s Centre of Buddhist Studies is presenting the Mindful Connections programme.
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What “Crossroads” means
The 2026 theme, “Crossroads,” evokes discovery, encounter and change. It also draws on Hong Kong’s history as a meeting point for trade routes, cultures and ways of life. The festival invites visitors to reflect on how people live and express themselves, and on the legacies they inherit and pass on.
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Events and activities around the city
The festival is not limited to one exhibition or the HKU campus. Its programme includes events at venues around Hong Kong, with activities in areas including Sheung Wan, Admiralty and Tai Hang.
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- Try mind-controlled drone-flying: The public can try flying a drone using concentrated thoughts in a free festival activity. George Lee, a senior lecturer at HKU’s Centre of Buddhist Studies, has explained the technology at an earlier event.
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- See brainwave-responsive art: Resonant Reveries, an installation by Chris Cheung, is among the festival’s featured art experiences in Sheung Wan.
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- Explore Buddhism, neuroscience and wellbeing: Mindful Connections: The Science of Buddhism & Mental Health Wellbeing brings neuroscience and Buddhist mindfulness practices together in an open house and meditation workshops led by experienced practitioners.
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- Make a family zine or join a poetry event: The programme includes a family-themed zine-making workshop and writing, performance and spoken-word poetry activities.
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- Take part in fermentation workshops: The Being Human FiZZ Hub explores food preservation, culture and human connection through activities involving ferments, pickles, preserves and bacterial cultures.
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The examples above are highlights, not a complete timetable. The available sources identify free drone-flying, but do not establish that every festival event is free.
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