The Hungry Ghost Festival is a special celebration for the Chinese diaspora, observed with unique interpretations worldwide in places like Hong Kong, Singapore, and beyond.

Marking the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month, this festival signifies a time when the boundary between the living and spiritual realms blurs. It is a day when the most hungry and angry ghosts come to the human realms to seek solace–and yes, it can be scary. Rituals surrounding the Hungry Ghost Festival would seek to distract, exonerate, or calm these restless spirits. There would be foods, performances, and other offerings to the spirit world, and in turn, it can be a healing way to combat both our seen and unseen grievances and rage. 

For the 2nd Annual Hungry Ghost Festival in 2024, we will embrace the theme, “Downpour, Uproar!”, chasing the emotions and catharsis of rage and sorrow.  The festival will be a rousing celebration with unique performances, a lively procession, and a bustling marketplace. Honoring our ancestors and wandering spirits into the night, we hope that the darker it gets, the bolder or more empowered we feel.

Participate in the Chinatown Shopping Challenge & other fun activities leading up to August 17th.

On August 17th, the Hungry Ghost Festival will begin at 4:00pm at Central Subway Station (Rose Pak Station) Upper Plaza with the “Ghost King Parade”. We invite you to join us.

Following the parade, there will be art and performances at Portsmouth Square & Rose Pak Station into the evening.

The parade will start at 4:00pm at Central Subway (Rose Pak) Station.

Come in your ghostly costume and follow the Ghost King as we parade around Chinatown.

The Festival is completely free and open to all! We believe in making the arts accessible to everyone, so you can come and enjoy the incredible performances, art installations, and activities without the need for purchase.

Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and join us for a memorable experience at our festival. We can't wait to see you there!

Absolutely! The festival is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages. Our performances showcase a diverse range of dancers, musicians and genres. Additionally, we have a variety of activity tables and interactive experiences that are perfect for both children, adults, and elders alike.

Shop and dine in Chinatown!

We are located in close proximity to a variety of fantastic restaurants which we highly recommend exploring for a delightful dining experience before or after immersing yourself in the festival atmosphere.

For accessible parking, we recommend utilizing the Portsmouth Square Parking Lot located directly under the square.

Our festival grounds have ramps and elevators to provide easy access to the parking area, and there are accessible washrooms available for your convenience.

Yes, we offer volunteer opportunities. If you're interested in being a part of our festival team, please visit the Volunteer page for more information on how to apply.