Arty events for families in Macau this autumn

If you're eyeing a weekend escape with the crew, Ifat Kafry Hindes looks beyond the casino buzz and digs into the city's creative and culinary landscape

Arty events for families in Macau - enjoy Chinese sculptor Gao Xiaowu's exhibition at Galaxy Resort Macau

Playful art at Galaxy Promenade

Art shouldn’t be hushed behind velvet ropes; the best pieces invite children and parents alike to pause and connect. Galaxy Macau has embraced this spirit by teaming up with contemporary Chinese sculptor Gao Xiaowu for his solo exhibition, Dream Voyage @ Galaxy Resort: Gao Xiaowu's Art Exhibition.

Wandering through the open, light-flooded shopping promenade at Galaxy Resort, you can spot six groups of Gao’s cheerful, oversized sculptures spread across five themes. The installations are soft, whimsical and immediately relatable for young eyes. Galaxy has also partnered with the Macau Artist Society and six emerging local artists to craft miniature interpretations of Gao’s signature ‘Future Dreams’ angels.

• Drop into the Colour Your Angel Workshop, where little hands can paint their own mini angel figurine to bring home as a keepsake.

• Meet a giant, moving cat at the Pearl Lobby. ‘Dream Friend’ is a large-scale mechanical plush kitten nestled inside an oversized vintage suitcase. It moves, blinks and interacts with passersby throughout the day, complete with collectible blind box figurines to unlock.

• Finally, take a breather at Macau’s first Ralph’s Coffee, tucked inside the Ralph Lauren boutique at Pearl Lobby, for an espresso, a specialty brew, or fresh pastries. Or head to the new Starbucks Reserve Coffee Experience Store along Promenade Central.

Dream Voyage @ Galaxy Resort: Gao Xiaowu's Art Exhibition, Galaxy Macau, until November 17.

Gardens, lanterns and Alice in Wonderland at Grand Lisboa Palace

The fifth annual Legacy of Light and Craft Lantern Art Exhibition lights up the outdoor Jardim Secreto, East Lobby, and Level 1 shopping mall throughout the autumn. Four Macau artists have reinterpreted festive lanterns into striking, modern sculptural pieces. This event is stunning after dusk and there’s also plenty of creative programming to enjoy. The Sketch & Dine Package includes a guided lantern tour and an outdoor sketching session in the Jardim Secreto with artist guidance and art materials provided, followed by a set menu for two at Hua Ting, Bamboo Hut, or the pretty-in-pink EL&N café. This event takes place on October 10, priced from MOP300 for two people.

Legacy of Light and Craft Lantern Art Exhibition, Grand Lisboa Palace, until November 15.

Alice in Wonderland

Grand Lisboa Palace is also staging the new season of its residency show, ‘The Adventures of Alice’, at the Level 1 Atrium Performance Zone. Produced with internationally renowned ballet director and choreographer Septime Webre, the production features dancers from Hong Kong, Macau, the Greater Bay Area and overseas. Set on a 360-degree panoramic stage, it brings Lewis Carroll’s classic to life with a fresh score by composer Ng Cheuk-yin, costumes by Cirque du Soleil designer Liz Vandal, and eye-popping projection effects. Catch daily shows at 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., and stick around for character meet-and-greets where the kids can snap photos with Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts.

Date Night at The Cabana at Galaxy Macau

Galaxy Macau’s marquee outdoor culinary festival, Galaxy Stars of Gastronomy 2026, returns to the poolside Cabana during the adrenaline-fuelled Macau Grand Prix weekend. While the festival is a wonderful experience to share as a family, this is also perfect date night territory. Sit by the illuminated pool deck, listening to live music and savouring world-class bites prepared live by 12 celebrated culinary masters who command a jaw-dropping 24 Michelin stars. Accompanying every course, top-tier mixology innovators blend bespoke cocktails and non-alcoholic mocktails.

Galaxy Stars of Gastronomy 2026, The Cabana, Galaxy Macau, November 20 and 21, poolside dining or private VIP cabanas available for up to eight diners.

Where to stay

Families will love Andaz Macau (at Galaxy Macau). This stylish, modern hotel connects directly to everything happening at Galaxy - from the ‘Dream Voyage’ art walks to the ‘Galaxy Stars of Gastronomy’ festival at The Cabana. Best of all, staying here gives you access to the massive Grand Resort Deck, packed with a 575m water rapids ride, a wave pool and a real sand beach. With cinemas, tons of casual eateries and Broadway Food Street just a short footbridge away, it makes life with kids super easy.

If your crew loves live theatre, green spaces, and a gentler pace, book Grand Lisboa Palace. You’re just downstairs from The Adventures of Alice performance zone and steps away from the Jardim Secreto, where little ones can roam the European gardens and spot glowing lantern sculptures. With family-friendly bites at EL&N café and Hua Ting, it makes for a fun, culture-filled retreat.