HQ has a special 12th anniversary weekend, with two nights worth catching.

HQ Gwangan 12th Birthday: Live Music Night (Gwangan)
August 28 | Doors 8:30 PM, music starts 9:00 PM | HQ, Gwangan | Advance 25,000 won, door 30,000 won.
HQ turns 12 with a full night of live indie and rock from Erotic Worms Exhibition, ddbb, and Dangamjah. No one under 19 admitted, ID checked at the door. Find @hqbar_busan on Instagram to reserve, this one is expected to sell out.

HQ Gwangan 12th Birthday Party (Gwangan)
August 29 | Doors 7:00 PM | HQ, Gwangan | No cover charge.
Free entry, deep drink deals on Bud, Cafri, Jameson, and long teas, the Gwangalli drone show at 8 and 10, and live EPL matches on screen. Find @hqbar_busan on Instagram for details.

My take: HQ has been a staple in this city for 12 years, and this weekend they are doing it right, a paid concert night on Friday and a free open house on Saturday. That is basically an HQ takeover weekend, and I am here for it.

14th Busan International Comedy Festival (BEXCO and around Busan)
August 21-30 | Times vary by show | BEXCO Auditorium and venues around Busan | Paid performance, check bicf.kr for individual show pricing.
Busan's international comedy festival is still running through the month, spreading across venues citywide.

2026 10th Busan Inter-City Film Festival (Nam-gu)
August 28-30 | Times vary by film | Busan Cinema Center, Musai Theater | 5,000 won general, 4,000 won for members, seniors, and disability discount.
The tenth edition brings local films from UNESCO Creative Cities of Film and partner cities to the big screen, all with English subtitles.

2026 Busan Nail Expo (BEXCO)
August 28-30 | 9:00 AM-6:00 PM | BEXCO Exhibition Center 1, Hall 3A | Check the event page for entry details.
The 19th edition of Busan's nail industry expo, drawing artists and brands from across the scene.

3rd Jeonpo Sait-gil Beer Block Festival: Glocal Street Jam (Busanjin)
August 28-29 | 5:00 PM-10:00 PM | Jeonpo Sait-gil, between Jeonpo-daero 210beon-gil and Seojeon-ro 58beon-gil and 68beon-gil | Early bird 24,000 won for one day, 45,000 won for a two day pass, regular price 30,000 won and 55,000 won.
A street beer festival taking over Jeonpo's side streets with music and culture built into the block party format. Find @timingus_official on Instagram for ticket details.

HQ Gwangan 12th Birthday: Live Music Night (Gwangan)
August 28 | Doors 8:30 PM, music starts 9:00 PM | HQ, Gwangan | Advance 25,000 won, door 30,000 won.
HQ turns 12 with a full night of live indie and rock from Erotic Worms Exhibition, ddbb, and Dangamjah. Find @hqbar_busan on Instagram to reserve, this one is expected to sell out.

Kiyokawa Kenji Project: Osaka x Busan Jazz at The Old Man Jazz Lounge (Seomyeon)
August 28 | Part 1 at 9:00 PM, Part 2 at 10:00 PM | The Old Man Jazz Lounge | 10,000 won, includes both sets.
A returning collaboration pairing Osaka and Busan jazz musicians for a one night only lineup. Call 051-803-2775 or find @the_old_man_jazz_lounge on Instagram to reserve.

COLDE x KHAKII at JEJE (Busanjin)
August 28 | 9:30 PM-6:00 AM | JEJE, Busanjin-gu | Check the post for entry, ID required, no minors.
An R&B and hip hop night with special artists Colde and Khakii bringing sets that range from sensitive R&B to smooth flow raps. Call 010-9791-8284 or find @jeje_busan on Instagram to reserve.

Movie Night: Howl's Moving Castle at Space To (Busanjin)
August 28 | 8:00 PM-11:00 PM | Space To Cafe | 5,000 won.
A cozy Book'd x Space To movie night with popcorn, paninis, and dessert on the menu. Find @bookd_events on Instagram to reserve your spot.

Summer Organ Series II: Shin Dong-ill and Kim Hyo-young Duo Recital (Busan Concert Hall)
August 28 | 7:30 PM | Busan Concert Hall | Check the site for ticket pricing.
A pipe organ and mouth organ duo recital pairing two classical performers for a one night only program. Call 051-640-8888 for more info.

HQ Gwangan 12th Birthday Party (Gwangan)
August 29 | Doors 7:00 PM | HQ, Gwangan | No cover charge.
Free entry, deep drink deals on Bud, Cafri, Jameson, and long teas, the Gwangalli drone show at 8 and 10, and live EPL matches on screen. Find @hqbar_busan on Instagram for details.

Sons of Finn at OL'55 (Kyungsung)
August 29 | 9:30 PM | OL'55, Kyungsung | Free entry.
The beloved Celtic and rock trio returns for a singalong set, plus their "55 Special" pizza is on the menu for the night. Find @ol55busan on Instagram.

English Book Swap at Le Temps (Gwangalli)
August 29 | 11:00 AM-1:00 PM | Le Temps Cafe, Gwangalli | 5,000 won, includes a DIY bookmark.
A Book'd swap where you bring an English book and trade for something new to you, plus coffee and desserts. Note that Le Temps is a no kid zone. Find @bookd_events on Instagram to reserve.

Busan Immersed in Jazz II at Domoheon (Nam-gu)
August 29 | 5:00 PM-6:00 PM | Dahal Lecture Hall, Domoheon | Free, online registration required.
A talk concert format pairing domestic and international jazz artists with local musicians for stories and commentary alongside the music. Call 051-888-8705 for more info.

FitHop Master Class (Yeonje-gu)
August 29 | 11:00 AM | Yeonje-gu National Gym, multipurpose hall 2F | Check the post for ticket details.
A dance fitness master class hosted by Bella with a lineup of instructors bringing energy and choreography to the floor.

Cookies & Coloring at Cafe HanDee (Jeonpo)
August 30 | 3:00 PM-5:00 PM | Cafe HanDee, Jeonpo | 5,000 won, includes all coloring supplies.
A relaxed Sunday of cookies, coffee, and coloring with friends, family, or your dog before the week starts. Find @bookd_events on Instagram to reserve.

SALBRUN vol.4 (Gwangalli)
August 30 | 7:00 AM-8:30 AM, gather at 6:50 AM | Samik Beach Waterside Park, Gwangalli | 10,000 won, first 20 people.
A 5K group run along the beach with paced groups, a mystery recovery meal after, and a focus on connection over speed. DM @salbrun.run to join.

Busan Fit Day Vol. 2 (Haeundae)
September 12 | 12:00 PM-5:00 PM | The Bay 101 Rooftop, Haeundae | Check the post for ticket details.
Fitness, music, drinks, recovery, challenges, and new people, all rolled into one rooftop afternoon. Class lineup includes CrossFit x HYROX, Barre, Cardio Boxing, F45 Team Training, and Yoga, with one class included per ticket. A free 11:00 AM group run kicks things off before the rooftop party takes over with DJs, fitness challenges, recovery snacks, and a lucky draw. Find @busanfitday on Instagram for tickets and details.

HELP! If you have an event you want included next week, email me with the details. [email protected]