Recapping an epic night at Swinksfest ‘26 🎩 🍺🍹🕺🏻Celebrating the life and legacy of an incredible human, whose infectious energy and spirit continue to live on through the community he built.
This is just the beginning of a beautiful new tradition @swinksfest to raise funds for ocean awareness and supporting Rapid Onset Pulmonary Edema (ROPE) research— and we’re so proud to have been part of it 💛 #onthewagonkombucha
📸 @tracywongphoto
#swinksfest #sohohouse #kombuchalove -
We are celebrating the amazing life of Mark today by spreading ocean awareness. We miss him so much, and we want to honor his memory by making sure everyone knows how to stay safe in the water. Please swipe through, share these tips, and always look out for each other!
To continue celebrating Mark’s incredible spirit, we are holding Swinksfest on Friday the 1st! We would absolutely love to see you there to share memories and honor his life.
Tickets are linked in our bio!
We are heartbroken to share that our dear friend, Mark Swinkels, passed away unexpectedly on January 17, 2026. He died from Rapid Onset Pulmonary Edema while snorkeling on vacation with his wife, Kate, on Norfolk Island.
Whether you knew him as the inspiring leader of Creative Mornings Hong Kong, a fierce lacrosse champion from his native Netherlands, the charismatic bass player in a Doors cover band, or the legendary quiz master who lit up the room, you knew Mark’s infectious energy. In his eight years in Hong Kong, he built more than a network; he built a family through paddling, facilitating, and simply being the life of every party.
Mark lived with a playful energy, endless curiosity, and a deep love for live music, craft beer, and bringing people together. His greatest talent was connection.
His spirit lives on in the community he so lovingly built, in his true love, Kate—and in the hearts of his family and friends across the world
In that spirit, we will celebrate him and the beautiful life he lived. We invite you to SwinksFest 2026 on his birthday, May 1st. Let’s gather to remember our friend with an unforgettable day of good people, good music, and good beers—just as he would have wanted.
Sign up for Tickets via @swinksfest
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
To everyone who joined us on the 28th to remember and honour Mark, your presence and support meant the world. The outpouring of love, the shared stories, and the mix of tears and laughter were a powerful and beautiful tribute to a man who was a master of connection.
For those who may be new to this page, the community that gathered was a living testament to who Mark was. He was the life of the party, a curious connector, and a friend who built a family here in Hong Kong and beyond.
While the memorial was a time for remembrance, our journey now turns toward celebration. We will continue to honour Mark’s incredible spirit by throwing the party he would have wanted.
Stay with us as we plan *SwinksFest 2026* for his birthday on May 1st. Thank you for being part of his story, and now, part of ours.
Sincerely, Kate
#swinksfest
Welcome! This space is dedicated to celebrating the incredible life of Mark Swinkels and the community he brought together.
We are planning our first "Swinksfest" on his birthday, May 1st. This will be a day to share stories, laughter, and live music — just as he would have wanted.
Please follow along for updates as we build this celebration together.
With love,
#Swinksfest
