This fall, Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour will transform into the stage for a truly unprecedented spectacle. AllRightsReserved, the creative powerhouse known for its boundary-pushing art events, has announced the Water Parade — the first-ever floating parade of its kind. Combining art, culture, and entertainment, the event will bring together some of the world’s most recognizable characters in a celebration designed to captivate both locals and visitors.
The Water Parade is set to be a landmark moment for the city’s cultural calendar, signaling Hong Kong’s growing role as a hub for large-scale experiential art. From larger-than-life inflatables to an immersive market experience, the event promises to deliver a new kind of public art display — one that celebrates imagination on a grand scale while offering audiences the chance to participate up close.
A Fleet of Floating Icons
The centerpiece of the Water Parade will be Water Parade Day, taking place on November 1, when Victoria Harbour will come alive with a procession of giant inflatables sailing along both sides of the harbor. These sculptures, some reaching over 20 meters in length, will feature an eclectic cast of beloved characters. Doraemon, KAWS and Sesame Street’s Elmo, McDonald’s Grimace, and POP MART’s cult-favorite LABUBU are just some of the stars confirmed to float across the water.
This convergence of global IPs is unprecedented, uniting Japanese animation icons, American pop culture figures, and contemporary art favorites into one visual celebration. The fleet of inflatables is not only massive in scale but meticulously crafted to ensure they dazzle against the iconic backdrop of Hong Kong’s skyline.
The installations will be on public display starting October 25 in the waters off Tamar Park, allowing visitors to enjoy them in the days leading up to the parade. This preview period ensures that even those unable to attend the main event can experience the magic of the Water Parade and share in the city-wide excitement.
An Immersive Market Experience
Complementing the parade itself is the 8-Day Limited Water Parade Market, also hosted at Tamar Park. Running from October 25 through November 1, the market will deliver an experience that goes beyond art viewing. Visitors will find exclusive pop-up shops, interactive skill games, curated photo spots, and a selection of food and beverage vendors designed to turn the waterfront into a lively cultural destination.
The market’s design aims to encourage exploration and engagement, offering something for every type of attendee — from collectors eager to secure limited-edition merchandise to families looking for an afternoon of entertainment. The inclusion of skill games and experiential zones underscores the event’s focus on interactivity, making it not just a spectacle to observe but a celebration to take part in.
Early Access and Tickets
For those looking to get the most out of the Water Parade, early bird tickets for the market experience will be available through Klook beginning September 26. These tickets provide access to the full range of activities, giving attendees the opportunity to plan their visit in advance and secure a spot during what is expected to be one of the busiest events of the season.
The combination of free public viewing of the inflatables and ticketed access to the market ensures that the Water Parade remains inclusive while offering a premium experience for those who want to dive deeper into the festivities.
Art, Culture, and Entertainment Collide
The Water Parade exemplifies AllRightsReserved’s commitment to bringing world-class public art to Hong Kong. Known for producing the internationally acclaimed KAWS:HOLIDAY series, which placed monumental sculptures in locations from Seoul to Mount Fuji, the group has a reputation for curating experiences that resonate globally. With the Water Parade, they are expanding their vision into new territory — quite literally — by taking to the water.
This event also highlights the evolving nature of public art, which increasingly embraces scale, spectacle, and accessibility. By combining recognizable characters with the dramatic natural setting of Victoria Harbour, the Water Parade becomes both a nostalgic trip for fans of these icons and a bold artistic statement about the power of playfulness in contemporary culture.
A Cultural Moment for Hong Kong
Beyond its immediate visual impact, the Water Parade is poised to draw tourism, spark social media buzz, and strengthen Hong Kong’s reputation as a city that embraces creativity on an international scale. For local residents, it offers an opportunity to engage with familiar spaces in new ways, seeing the harbor not just as a backdrop but as an active stage for global artistic collaboration.
The timing of the event, kicking off at the start of November, positions it as a highlight of the autumn cultural season and a perfect lead-in to Hong Kong’s end-of-year festivities. With its combination of spectacle, interactivity, and exclusive experiences, the Water Parade is set to become one of the most memorable events of 2025.
Closing Thoughts
The Water Parade is more than just an art event — it is a celebration of imagination, scale, and community. With its massive floating characters, vibrant market, and stunning harbor backdrop, it promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those who attend.
Whether you’re a fan of Doraemon, a collector of POP MART figures, or simply someone who loves to witness cultural moments unfold in public spaces, this is an event worth planning for. As November 1 approaches, Hong Kong is ready to welcome the world to Victoria Harbour for a spectacle that will light up the water — and the city’s creative spirit.
