Birthday parties are far more than just meaningful occasions for celebrating growth and sharing joy. They are also the perfect gateway to exploring science and uncovering cultural traditions. From the balloons that create a festive atmosphere and the bubbly chill of carbonated drinks, to cakes that emerge soft and fluffy from the oven, these familiar party elements are all rooted in fascinating scientific principles. Hong Kong also preserves a wealth of intangible cultural heritage related to celebrating birthdays and welcoming new life. Examples include the lantern lighting ritual and the tradition of preparing pork knuckles with ginger and vinegar for postpartum confinement. By exploring these traditional customs alongside modern party elements, we can discover the shared scientific knowledge behind them.
To mark the 35th anniversary of the Hong Kong Science Museum, the "QK POST Roadshow - Party Science Trivia" invites everyone to uncover the scientific wonders hidden within our favourite festive moments.
During weekends, the exhibition also features the "Birthday Cake Candle DIY Workshop", where participants can decorate their own unique cake-shaped candle while discovering the structure of a candle and the science behind lighting it and keeping it burning!
Exhibition Details
| Venue | Exhibition Period | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Atrium B, G/F, Mikiki, San Po Kong 📍 |
14.9.2026 - 20.9.2026 (Monday to Sunday) |
11:00 - 21:00 |
| Atrium, 1/F, NINA MALL 1, Tsuen Wan 📍 |
22.10.2026 - 28.10.2026 (Thursday to Wednesday) |
10:00 - 22:00 |
| Arcade, Kowloon Park, Tsim Sha Tsui 📍 |
7.12.2026 - 13.12.2026 (Monday to Sunday) |
07:00 - 23:00 (Conclude at 21:00 on the last day) |
| Public Open Space, 7 Mallory Street/M7, Wan Chai 📍 |
15.12.2026 - 21.12.2026 (Tuesday to Monday) |
08:00 - 22:00 (Conclude at 20:00 on the last day) |
Birthday Cake Candle DIY Workshop Details
Date: 24.10.2026 - 25.10.2026 (Saturday and Sunday)
Time: 12:00 - 19:00 (20 minutes per session, please refer to the workshop schedule for details)
Venue: Atrium, 1/F, NINA MALL 1
Quota: 8 persons / teams per session
Fee: Free of Charge
Suitable for: Aged 6 or above (Participants aged 6 - 12 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian, and participate as a team to complete one piece of work. Participants aged 13 or above may participate independently)
Participation method: Please queue in person at the venue during the designated ticket distribution times below to collect a queue ticket. Each person / team may collect only one ticket per distribution time slot. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while quotas last
Workshop Schedule:
| Session | Queue tickets distribution time | Activity start time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11:45 | 12:00 |
| 2 | 12:30 | |
| 3 | 12:45 | 13:00 |
| 4 | 13:30 | |
| 5 | 13:45 | 14:00 |
| 6 | 14:30 | |
| 7 | 14:45 | 15:00 |
| 8 | 15:30 | |
| 9 | 15:45 | 16:00 |
| 10 | 16:30 | |
| 11 | 16:45 | 17:00 |
| 12 | 17:30 | |
| 13 | 17:45 | 18:00 |
| 14 | 18:30 |
Terms and Conditions:
- Queue tickets will be distributed at the designated times on a first-come, first-served basis. Places are limited and available while quotas last.
- Participants must queue in person to collect tickets. Each participant / team may collect only one ticket per distribution time slot. Queuing on behalf of others, collecting more than one ticket in the same slot, or using personal belongings to hold a place in line is not allowed. Members of the same group must queue together. Latecomers are not allowed to join friends or family already in the queue.
- Each ticket holder will receive one set of workshop materials. Participants must present their tickets for the corresponding session to on-site staff for verification.
- The workshop is suitable for participants aged 6 and above. As heated wax will be used, participants aged 12 or under must be accompanied and assisted by a parent or adult guardian throughout the workshop for safety reasons. Accompanying adults do not require a ticket and will not receive separate workshop materials. Participants aged 12 or under who hold a ticket but are unaccompanied will not be permitted to take part in the workshop.
- Ticket holders must arrive at the venue 5 minutes before the session starts. Failure to arrive by the start time will result in their place being offered to walk-ins.
- Participants must follow the instructions of the instructors and staff throughout the activity.
- Participants should take care of their belongings. The organiser will not be responsible for any loss or damage.
- Photos and video footage will be taken during the workshop. By participating, you consent to Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s use of the related images and videos across various media platforms free of charge.
- The workshop may be adjusted or cancelled due to adverse weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Final arrangements will be announced on-site and are subject to change without prior notice.
- In case of any disputes, the organiser reserves the right of final decision.
