As Hong Kong prepares for the cultural whirlwind of Art March, the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) has unveiled the lineup for its third annual WestK FunFest. Running from March 19 to April 12, 2026, this flagship festival transforms the harborfront into a family-centric playground, blending high-concept international art with accessible, interactive performances designed for all generations.
Feline Fantasies at the Art Park
The visual centerpiece of this year’s festivities is an expansive outdoor installation titled ‘The Cats that Slept for a Thousand Years.’ Created by the UK-based design studio Air Giants, the display makes its Hong Kong debut following a successful run at the Manchester Museum.
The installation features a massive, ten-meter-long inflatable feline accompanied by two larger cats and a kitten. Beyond their scale, these structures are tactile and sensory; they utilize synchronized light and soundscapes to mimic rhythmic purring, offering a meditative yet whimsical experience for visitors strolling through the Art Park.
World-Class Puppetry and Early Childhood Arts
The festival’s indoor programming is equally ambitious, focusing on storytelling that transcends language barriers. At the Xiqu Centre, Australia’s renowned Spare Parts Puppet Theatre will stage their award-winning production, Rules of Summer. The performance is noted for its sophisticated blend of traditional craftsmanship and digital stage effects.
For aspiring performers, the festival offers a rare educational component:
- Expert Workshops: Artistic Director Philip Michell will lead hands-on sessions exploring the technical nuances of puppeteering.
- Infant Engagement: The Barcelona-based collective La petita malumaluga will present Bob Marley for Babies, a multi-sensory musical designed specifically for toddlers under 36 months.
Celebrating Local Talent and Community
While the festival attracts global acts, it remains a vital platform for Hong Kong’s homegrown creative scene. The Hong Kong Sinfonietta will continue its mission to demystify orchestral works with the educational series This is Classical Music?!, while local arts collective ALAN is set to debut its much-anticipated production, Snowmelt.
To ensure the festival remains a community-wide celebration, the FunFest Market returns to the Art Park. Entry to the market is free, featuring local artisans, specialty food vendors, and a variety of “pop-up” dance performances and retro-themed photo opportunities.
Planning Your Visit
The WestK FunFest has solidified its place as a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s artistic calendar, bridging the gap between elite gallery exhibitions and community-driven entertainment. By prioritizing immersive, touch-friendly installations, the WKCD is successfully fostering a new generation of art enthusiasts.
Key Event Details:
- Dates: March 19 – April 12, 2026
- Location: Across West Kowloon Cultural District (Art Park, Xiqu Centre, and Freespace)
- Ticketing: Available now via the official portal at westk.hk
For those looking to maximize their “Art March” itinerary, the FunFest serves as an ideal outdoor counterpoint to the indoor fairs of Art Basel and Art Central, proving that Hong Kong’s cultural landscape is as vibrant on the grass as it is in the gallery.
