The International Arts Carnival is Hong Kong’s biggest government-funded summer arts festival for families. Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department every July and August, it brings together performing arts companies from around the world for over 100 shows, workshops and interactive experiences designed for children and parents.
The 2026 edition features companies from the UK, Spain, Canada, South Korea and Mainland China alongside local Hong Kong groups. Performances span acrobatics, dance, music, theatre and multimedia, with age-appropriate options for babies as young as one year old all the way through to teenagers. Tickets went on sale via URBTIX on May 15, and the best seats tend to disappear fast.
If you are looking for more summer activities beyond the Carnival, our guide to fun things to do in Hong Kong covers year-round family picks.
Best Shows for Young Kids (Ages 1 to 5)
The Carnival takes early years seriously. Two standout shows are specifically designed for the youngest audience members.
The Magic Little Tree Hollow is an interactive theatre piece by Canada’s Théâtre Motus, created for children aged one to three. The performers use soft lighting, fabric puppets and live music to build a gentle sensory world that toddlers can explore at their own pace. There are no loud sounds or sudden changes, making it a comfortable first theatre experience for families with babies.
PLAY by Spain’s Aracaladanza is aimed at slightly older children from around age three. Dancers in quirky oversized costumes move through a dreamlike stage filled with curious objects, blending contemporary dance with ballet in a way that keeps young audiences transfixed. The company has won multiple MAX Awards, Spain’s top performing arts prize, and has toured the show across Europe and Asia.
Both productions run under an hour, which is about right for restless toddlers.
Best Shows for Older Kids and Families
The opening programme, Starchitects by UK company Motionhouse, is the headline act and suitable for all ages. Five performers turn cardboard boxes into rockets, launchpads and volcanic planets using aerial acrobatics, circus choreography and 3D digital projection. The show won Best Family Arts Programme at the UK Family Arts Festival Awards in 2023 and is making its Hong Kong debut on July 10 to 12 at the East Kowloon Cultural Centre. The Saturday 3pm performance on July 11 is an accessible show with Cantonese audio description and a pre-show touch tour.
The Little Musician: Icy Adventure by South Korea’s Grandi Theatre is a musical adventure about a child and a polar bear trying to save the Earth after the sun disappears. The performers use recorders, singing and live instruments to battle ice and rescue frozen humans. It was selected as one of the top three children’s shows at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2018. Performances run August 7 to 9 at Hong Kong City Hall Theatre, in English with Chinese and English subtitles.
Bear Tales by UK company Carrot Productions combines live music with animated fairy tales. The first half reimagines Goldilocks and the Three Bears with original compositions capturing every creaky floorboard and crashing chair. The second half screens an adaptation of the award-winning picture book The Piano in the Forest, set to a live soundtrack. It plays August 14 to 16 at Sheung Wan Civic Centre Theatre. Two of the August 15 performances are relaxed shows with adjusted lighting and sound levels for children with sensory sensitivities.
For families who enjoy seasonal events in Hong Kong, the Carnival pairs well with other summer programming happening at the same time.
Workshops and Interactive Activities
The Carnival is not just about watching. Several hands-on workshops run alongside the main shows.
Carrot Productions offers two workshops tied to Bear Tales. The Parent-Child Music Movement Workshop (ages 3 to 5) uses games, dancing and rhythm exercises to explore the show’s original music. The Parent-Child Music and Storytelling Workshop (ages 6 and up) lets children create their own musical stories using percussion instruments. Both run on August 12 and 13 at Sheung Wan Civic Centre.
The Carnival also partners with the Garden Company Foundation for community picnic events at the East Kowloon Cultural Centre and Yuen Long Theatre. Lobby spaces transform into picnic areas where families receive complimentary picnic packs, and world harmonica champion Li Jun-lok leads interactive harmonica sessions. Local artists contribute interactive installations throughout the venues.
Running alongside the Carnival, the Summer Family Cine Fest by the Film Programmes Office screens international children’s films, and Hong Kong Public Libraries host the Summer Library Fest with reading activities and storytelling events.
How to Buy Tickets
All tickets are sold through URBTIX. You can book online, by phone at 3166 1288, or through the URBTIX mobile app.
The 2026 edition introduces a family ticket discount for the first time, on top of existing group booking and bundle discounts. Not all shows are eligible for every discount, so check the official booking guide for details.
Students and children from underprivileged families may qualify for subsidised or free tickets through the LCSD’s outreach programme. Contact the enquiry hotline at 2370 1044 for eligibility details.
Accessible and relaxed performances are available for families with children who have special needs. These shows feature softer lighting, reduced sound levels and a more flexible audience environment.
Venues and How to Get There
Shows are spread across several LCSD venues. Here are the key locations and the easiest way to reach them.
East Kowloon Cultural Centre hosts the opening programme Starchitects and the community picnic events. Take the MTR to Kai Tak Station (Tuen Ma Line), Exit A. The venue is a short walk from the station.
Hong Kong City Hall Theatre in Central hosts The Little Musician. Take the MTR to Central Station, Exit J2, and walk toward Edinburgh Place. The theatre is next to the Star Ferry pier.
Sheung Wan Civic Centre hosts Bear Tales and its workshops. Take the MTR to Sheung Wan Station (Island Line), Exit A2. The venue is above Sheung Wan Municipal Services Building on Queen’s Road Central.
Yuen Long Theatre hosts select community events and local productions. Take the MTR to Yuen Long Station (Tuen Ma Line), Exit G. It is about a five-minute walk along Yuen Long Town Centre.
If you are planning a full day out with the kids, the SummerFest in Wan Chai runs during the same period and makes a good pairing with a City Hall matinee.
Quick Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | International Arts Carnival 2026 (國際綜藝合家歡) |
| Dates | July to August 2026 |
| Organiser | Leisure and Cultural Services Department |
| Venues | East Kowloon Cultural Centre, HK City Hall, Sheung Wan Civic Centre, Yuen Long Theatre and others |
| Tickets | URBTIX from May 15, 2026 |
| Phone Booking | 3166 1288 |
| Enquiries | 2370 1044 |
| Website | hkiac.gov.hk |
