Five Hong Kong electronic music festivals to look forward to this spring

Electronic music is having a moment in Hong Kong, highlighted by the arrival in April of Sónar, the pioneering electronic music and digital culture festival from Barcelona.

But Sónar isn’t the only celebration of dance music taking place over the coming months – there are an impressive five festivals to choose from, ranging from large-scale outdoor events to more intimate warehouse happenings.

Dragonland Music Festival

Electronic music is featured on only one of the three days of this new event on the Central Harbourfront, but fans of more commercial dance music won’t be disappointed with the line-up: Steve Aoki, Redfoo, Zedd, Infected Mushroom and Tom Swoon. After the dance side wraps up on February 25, the following day will showcase pop stars including Black Eyed Peas, Carly Rae Jepsen and Iggy Azalea.

Fans in for a three-day treat at Hong Kong’s Dragonland festival

Feb 24-26, Central Harbourfront, various times and prices

ALTN8

The debut instalment of ALTN8 offers a new take on the festival concept, presenting about 40 international and local artists at eight different venues over the course of one day. International artists such as German techno figure Stephan Bodzin, Chicago house music pioneer DJ Pierre and British rave icon Danny Rampling will be appearing at a range of venues including Volar, Zafran, Fly and Mercedes Me.

Mar 11, various venues and times, HK$680

Shi Fu Miz Southside Project

Presented by the same team behind last year’s debut Shi Fu Miz Festival on Lantau, the Shi Fu Miz Southside Project is being staged as a warm-up for the next festival in May. The Southside Project will present international DJs Paula Temple (UK), Le Camion Bazar (France) and Galcid (Japan) and a host of local artists spread across two stages (a rooftop and warehouse).

Mar 18, 4pm, Ovolo Southside, 64 Wong Chuk Hang Rd, HK$300 (advance), HK$400

Sónar Hong Kong

Founded in Barcelona in 1994, Sónar has grown into the world’s foremost celebration of electronic music, and its first foray into Hong Kong will include influential dance music figures such as US hip-hop DJ/producer DJ Shadow, British jazz/funk/world music DJ and radio host Gilles Peterson, UK grime star Lady Leshurr and British techno pioneer Dave Clarke. Taking place alongside the music is the Sónar+D programme of daytime conferences and workshops.

April 1, 11am, Hong Kong Science Park, Sha Tin, New Territories, HK$180 (Sónar+D programme only), HK$780 (all music performances and Sónar+D programme)

DJ Shadow, Ellen Allien, Dave Clarke – Sónar announces stellar line-up for Hong Kong debut

Shi Fu Miz Festival

This arts and music event, organised by local creative agency FuFu and the French music collective La Mamie, will return to the idyllic Life Base venue on Pui O Beach, Lantau, in May. The line-up has yet to be announced, but organisers have said to expect a “Japanese atmosphere” – and that could be a clue about the international artists.

May 13-14, Life Base, Pui O, Lantau, HK$350 (one day), HK$550 (two days)