Fall has finally arrived in the city. The days of getting sweaty the moment you enter the humid weather have passed. Now, it’s time for some fun outdoor activities. For those seeking romance and fresh air, The Grounds offers you a new alternative to your fall to-do list.
Having debuted on November 5, 2020, The Grounds aimed to be “Hong Kong’s ultimate socially distanced entertainment experience”, according to its Instagram promotion. The concept quickly gained public attention, providing private space within a public open-air cinema for people to hang out under the strict distancing rules of COVID-19. After a brief shutdown in 2021 due to tighter restrictions, it triumphantly returned the following year. Its diverse appeal across age groups highlights a renewed enthusiasm for social outings, with many willing to spend significantly on tickets for a memorable experience with friends and family.
“I went to the grounds with my close friends! It was to celebrate a mini-reunion. I loved the experience. It was very cozy, we got snacks and drinks to watch the movie,” said Olivier Samson, a 24-year-old master’s student.
From classic deck chairs and bean bags to premium leather sofas and beds, The Grounds offers seating options ranging from 375 HKD to 1150 HKD per person. A convenient ordering system allows audiences to indulge in a variety of meals and snacks, promising a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Its success reflects a renewed interest in social outings and the willingness to invest in more quality experiences among Hong Kong citizens.
The Movies
Each year, The Grounds curates a wide range of movies, including classic hits and contemporary favorites. “It seems to me that the list is specifically designed to capture various defining eras of the film industry — from the wilderness of late 70s romance in Grease, to the wilderness of modern self-realization in Barbie, there’s something that’ll inspire anybody and everybody,” said 19-year-old movie enthusiast Alistair Woo. Positive feedback on social media about the movie lineup can be seen under its lineup announcement.
The Grounds 2024 movie screening schedule (updated on Nov. 10th)
However, it’s clear that attendees come for more than just the films. While standard cinema tickets usually range from 50 HKD to 150 HKD, audiences chose The Grounds for reasons beyond movies.
The Atmosphere
Margarita Cheng, a 26-year-old marketing manager, attended The Grounds for its opening party. “It was nice because the weather was good that day. We didn’t focus on the movie and it was more for the vibe.” The Grounds takes advantage of its prime location at AIA Vitality Park, making the crisp fall air and stunning views of Central Pier its selling point. The option to purchase bundle tickets for small groups enhances the feeling of intimacy, allowing friends to chat and enjoy each other’s company in a way that quiet cinemas cannot offer. “The highlight I would say was the start of the movie because many people around us were also equally excited and you could tell from their smiles and laughter, that they seemed to have been there for the first time like us,” said Samson.
The Challenges
Nevertheless, outdoor movie-watching comes with its own set of challenges.
“The improvement maybe would be having blankets during cold or light rain weather as when we went it was quite windy and even with our jacket it felt cold,” said Samson. Indeed, Hong Kong’s weather is unpredictable all year. The Grounds has acknowledged this, stating “In the unfortunate event of light showers, the session will proceed as planned” on its Instagram story.
The emphasis on social outings also puts pressure on people who need to go with friends. “It’s really hard to find someone willing to pay the price but also is free at the same time as me,” said 20-year-old student Jolene Gong. “I don’t mind going alone, but in that case, I would rather stay in and get cozy and watch the movie at home.”
Despite these challenges, The Grounds has received a surge in ticket sales. According to its Instagram advertisement, several screenings are selling fast, including Dirty Dancing, La La Land, and Mamma Mia. The Hong Kong movie Chungking Express was the first one to sell out on the list.
What: The Grounds outdoor cinema
Where: AIA Vitality Park
When: Starting from November 8th.
Visit The Grounds for more information (Instagram @The Grounds)
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