What’s on? Things to do this October in Hong Kong

Make October more fun and entertaining with all the cultural events ranging from Sports events to trade shows and concerts that are taking place this month. Gafencu has picked the ones you should not absolutely miss.

National Day Fireworks

The traditional fireworks display in Victoria Harbour makes a welcome return to celebrate National Day. Taking place for the first time since 2019 following the lifting of Covid restrictions, the spectacle is sure to draw huge crowds keen to see colourful fireworks displays set against the amazing backdrop of the Hong Kong skyline. Whatever the weather, this world-class event is always an unforgettable experience. The event celebrates the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and the extravaganza is a goodwill gesture intended to bring happiness and prosperity to the city.

When: October 1-2

Where: Victoria Harbour

How much: Free

Ocean Park Halloween Fest

If ghoulish goings-on during Halloween appeal, hasten to Ocean Park this month as it celebrates the horror show in style. There will be monsters galore, ghostly apparitions and lots of shows to keep you scared stiff but wanting more. The large site contains haunted houses and amazing interactive experiences to make sure your visit to the park is a memorable one. Favourite themes should return such as Ghost Tours, Survivor of the Undead and Treasure Hunts. Holders of Halloween Terror Trio Tickets can present the ticket and experience the thrill of three designated Halloween attractions.

When: October 1-31st

Where: Ocean Park

How much: From $388

Freespace Jazz Fest

A fantastic cocktail of different jazz styles will be on offer at Jazz Fest 2023, which will feature more than 500 musicians from across the world. The festival includes Jazzscapes, a series of one-hour concerts held over three consecutive evenings with musical genres ranging from punk and electronica to fusion and world music. Arts, DJ booths, interactive activities and plenty of food and drink will be available. Jim Tomlinson and Stacey Kent headline on the final night.

When: October 3-8 / 26th October

Where: West Kowloon Cultural District

How much: From $160

Fine Art and Ink Asia

Running alongside each other, Fine Art Asia and Ink Asia are returning to Hong Kong in their traditional guise with the much-missed overseas exhibitors also present, promising to make the four- day event one to remember. Various exhibitors and collection categories will highlight the dynamics between East- West artistic interaction and showcase new trends in collecting.

When: October 5-8

Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai

How much: $15

One Ok Rock Luxury Disease Asia Tour In

Japanese band One Ok Rock finally gets to perform in Hong Kong after the cancellation of their scheduled concert in 2020 left many fans in a state of despair. The group first hit international music headlines with their superb 35xxxv album, released in 2015 to much acclaim. Since that breakthrough moment, they have toured the world. The superstars’ current tour is named for their 10th studio album, Luxury Disease.

When: October 7

Where: Central Harbourfront

How much: From $599

Hong Kong Tennis Open

Sports enthusiasts will be delighted to see the return of world-class tennis to our shores in the form of the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open 2023. Previous tournaments attracted top- ranking players such as Venus Williams and Caroline Wozniacki. Huge crowds are expected to watch the stars of the women’s game expertly serve, volley and lob to get their hands on some of the US$250,000 (HK$1.96 million) prize money.

When: October 7-15

Where: Victoria Park Tennis Stadium

How much: From $160

Mega Show Part 1

This annual trade show is notable for the wide range of household goods, gifts and toys on display. Exhibitors from around the world will flock to show off their wares and countless buyers will congregate for an amazing sourcing extravaganza. On offer will be houseware and kitchenware, lifestyle products, toys and baby products, plus arts and crafts and Christmas-themed items. There are special sections gathering the latest sporting products, and design and tech gadgets.

When: October 20-23

Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai

How much: Price varies

Hong Kong Cyclothon

The 2023 Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon will whizz through the streets late in the month, with places for 5,200 biking enthusiasts. There are multiple races being staged, ranging from 30 km to 50 km, the more leisurely Family Fun Ride and for top-tier professional cycling teams, the UCI Class 1.1 Road Race.

When: October 22

Where: Start / finish in Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

How much: Free for spectators

Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival

Foodies and wine connoisseurs will rejoice in anticipation of the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, which promises to cater for all tastes and sweet spots. This is a never-to-be-forgotten outdoor dining experience set against the stunning skyline and ambience of Victoria Harbour. Coming to the party are wineries and brewers from around the world who will bring some of the best beverages available and masters of culinary delights serving sensational dishes.

When: October 26-29

Where: Central Harbourfront

How much: Price varies

Get front row seats to the National Day fireworks at the InterContinental

If you’re looking for the best vantage point to catch the National Day fireworks, look no further. Ideally situated right on the waterfront, the InterContinental Hong Kong’s dining outlets are all offering specially curated menus for you to munch on as you take in the show.

At the aptly named Harbourside restaurant, you can enjoy an unlimited seafood and sushi dinner buffet with free-flowing house wine, beer, juices and soft drinks. There are two seating times, one in the evening and another later at night at different price ranges.

Meat lovers can head to The Steak House winebar + grill for a specially prepared three-course meal. With appetisers like fois gras terrine and main courses like sirloin or rib-eye steaks on offer, the menu does look quite wholesome.

Or if French cuisine is more your style, check out the five-course menu at Rech by Alain Ducasse which boasts lobsters, squid-ink pasta, sole fillet and many more such mouth-watering dishes.

Asian foodies might try the two-Michelin star Yan Toh Heen’s eight-course Chinese feast. Carefully curated by executive chef Lau Yiu Fai, the menu offers the very best of Cantonese cuisine.

For Japanese food lovers, there’s also an eight-course omakase menu on offer at the famous Nobu Japanese restaurant.

Or you could head to the Lobby Lounge to get a panoramic bird’s eye view of the Fireworks. Sipping into their signature cocktails and listening to jazz by Kathleen Leslie, while watching fireworks, will be an exquisite multisensory experience.

All you have to do is make a booking. Then just relax, enjoy the fantastic food and catch the fireworks from one of the best viewpoints in the city!

Prices:
Harbourside
First seating (6:30pm – 9:00pm): HK$1,288 per adult
Second seating (9:00pm – 11:30pm): HK$888 per adult

The Steak House winebar + grill: HK$1,288 per adult

Rech by Alain Ducasse: HK$1,588 per adult

Yan Toh Heen: HK$1,888 per adult

NOBU: HK$1,588 per adult

Lobby Lounge: minimum charge of HK$788 per person

Spectacular New Year’s Eve firework displays from around the world

As the clock struck midnight on 31 December, countries around the world ushered in the New Year. Firework displays in Dubai, London, New York and, of course, Hong Kong, lit up the night sky as people celebrated the end of 2016 and the start of 2017.

If you missed the fireworks in Hong Kong, fear not because we have compiled a list of the best pyrotechnic displays from across the globe.

Sydney

Australia was one of the first countries to ring in the New Year, with a huge firework display over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Sydney’s firework display featured a tribute to David Bowie, Prince and Gene Wilder and the 12-minute show used 132 tons of fireworks.

London

London celebrated New Year with music from artists who died in 2016 — David Bowie and George Michael. Party-goers watched 12,000 fireworks.

Dubai

The world’s tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa, hosted an opulent display in Dubai. Thousands of people watched fireworks in 23 locations in downtown Dubai, with the the Burj Khalifa at the centre of it all.

New York

Times Square once again hosted its famous dropping of the New Year’s Eve crystal ball, but the night will be remembered for Mariah Carey’s failure to lip-sync and on stage meltdown.

Hong Kong

Thousands of people watched Hong Kong’s firework display along Victoria Harbour, with the date “2017” displayed at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.