Muddy grounds and rain caused chaos at the 2026 Coffee Hong Kong @WestK festival in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District over Easter weekend, prompting backlash against the organiser's response. The arts hub’s authority urged timely measures for vendors. Return Coffee owner Cheng reported ankle-deep flooding and potential HK$20,000 losses.
Mud and rainy weather caused chaos and frustration at the high-profile open-air 2026 Coffee Hong Kong @WestK festival held over Easter weekend at the Great Lawn of Art Park in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District.
Visitors were seen wearing shoe covers to navigate the muddy lawn during the four-day event. Coffee Hong Kong, the organiser, said it had deployed water suction machines to ease the situation, while the arts hub’s managing authority urged it to take timely and appropriate measures to respond to vendors.
Cheng, owner of Return Coffee who gave only her last name, said her stall flooded due to its low-lying location, with water reaching her ankles. She estimated losses close to HK$20,000 (US$2,550) as some coffee beans became damp and now require inspection before repackaging for sale.
“Services [by the organiser] were actually very good last year. This year, the organiser was a bit unprepared … they could’ve done better,” Cheng said.