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

Devilish Days, Nefarious Nights: Halloween celebrations for the full day

This Halloween, begin the frightful festivities early and continue those chilling celebrations well into the night with our guide to a full-day hellish Halloween celebration.

Starting with brunch…

 Argentinean steakhouse Gaucho presents the Halloween Slaughter House Brunch. Go dressed in your ghoulish best to enjoy their free-flow Mumm Grand Cordon Champagne Brunch, complete with spooky cocktails in an even spookier setting.

Tuck into an early dinner…

Halloween celebration

Till 7 November, The Drunken Pot offers a Halloween-special Pumpkin Truffle Pot (HK$288) which features a wholesome, if wholly scary, pumpkin, black truffle and assorted mushroom broth, of course, with ghostly carving. Another scarily sumptuous serving on offer is the Halloween Glutinous Rice Dumpling Balls – which could kill with their cuteness.

Head out for some drinks…

Halloween celebration

Join the land of the dead this Halloween at Honi Honi Tiki Cocktail Lounge. Themed after Haitian spirit Baron Samedi, this Halloween celebration lures in your dark side over a night of heady cocktails, mischief and a little voodoo.

Go trick or treating…

Halloween celebration

The Cakery brings just the Halloween-inspired cupcakes to make your Halloween celebration hauntingly special. Enjoy a spooky and fun treat!

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

October Movies: What to watch in theatres in Hong Kong this month

With two public holidays and Halloween festivities around the corner, Hongkongers have more reason now to troop to theatres to catch the latest October movies, which cover everything from thrilling to action-packed to downright scary. Here are our top picks for October movies you just can’t miss.  

Venom

Marvel Studios is back with Venom, a superhero movie about reporter Eddie Brock (played by Tom Hardy) who acquires the powers of a symbiote, giving rise to an alter-ego “Venom”. A spin-off from the Spiderman franchisee, expect the movie to be packed with CGI effects and larger-than-life action sequences. A must-see for Marvel fans!

Destination Wedding

With a name like ‘Destination Wedding‘, this could only be a rom-com, and romantic it is from the word go, building on the tried and tested formula of two people who start off by disliking each other before eventually falling in love. With veterans like Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder playing leads, the chemistry should be crackling though.

A Star is Born

Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut charts the journey of an ageing musician who helps a young singer find fame and fortune even while his own career goes on a downward spiral as he copes with alcoholism. Starring Lady Gaga in a leading role, the movie has already achieved critical acclaim for its plot and music.

Halloween

Coinciding perfectly with Halloween, this is a typical October movie full of jumps and scares, perfect for anyone looking to be spooked out on Halloween. The 11th film in the Halloween franchise, it marks Laurie Strode’s final confrontation with Michael Myers, the masked figure who has haunted her since she escaped his killing spree four decades ago.

Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween

Another Halloween special for thrill-seekers, this is a film based on R.L. Stine’s widely popular Goosebumps stories – a series of children’s books that has sold 400 million copies worldwide. The plot revolves around two children Sonny and Sam who must thwart an evil plan to create a Halloween Apocalypse.

 

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Killer parties in town this Halloween

It’s that time of the year to embrace your darker side! Halloween’s round the corner and here are our top picks from the hippest parties and the coolest restaurants:

CÉ LA VI

LKF’s popular party destination, CÉ LA VI, is all geared up for a killer party – A Night to Dismember – to celebrate Halloween this Saturday, 28 October. Offering a bird’s eye view of the city from the 25th floor Club Lounge and Sky Deck bar, the venue is sinfully enticing to the lovers of glam and gore. DJ Bennie Blanco and DJ Fudge will be spinning well into the night for the monster’s ball where guests dressed in their Halloween best can ‘raise hell’ with their dance moves. On offer are poisons like Angel’s Blood (HK$118), Black Widow (HK$118) and Toxic Mary (HK$108).

25/F, California Tower
Lan Kwai Fung
28 October, 9pm onwards
Dress code: Frightfully fabulous or fiendishly fun
Cover charge:
Advance Early Bird Tickets: HK$150
Early Bird Tickets: HK$200
At the Door: HK$250
Tickets are available on Ticketflap

Dada Bar + Lounge

Dress up in your ghoulish best and find out ‘who’s the fairest of them all’ at Dada Bar + Lounge this Saturday, 28 October. There are special prizes for whoever is announced a winner by the magic mirror in the house. Body painter Jay’s handiwork and DJ Marina D’s haunting music promises to make things even more devilishly exciting. The lounge also has on offer drinks like Sinister Ooze (HK$90), Piledriver (HK$90) and E.T. Lou (HK$50/shot), specially crafted to give you goose bumps.

2/F, The Luxe Manor
39 Kimberley Road, TST
28 October, 10pm onwards
Cover charge: HK$180 per person (including free makeup service)
For reservations, visit http://www.dadalounge.com.hk/reservations.php

Gaucho

For those looking to start their parties early can head to Gaucho this weekend. The posh restaurant at Central celebrates Halloween with a weekend-long brunch featuring devilicious items like traditional empanadas, ceviches and succulent steaks. There is a special kid’s menu for the munchkins and minions as well. The surprise doesn’t end there! Gaucho has also organised special prizes for the best-dressed group on Saturday and four complimentary tickets to Ocean Park (2 adults, 2 children) for the best-dressed family on Sunday.

5/F, LHT Tower
31 Queen’s Road Central, Central
28-29 October, 11am – 4pm
Prices start from HK$350 per person (HK$100 per child)
For reservations, visit http://www.gauchorestaurants.com.hk

Jinjuu

It’s double the fun at Jinjuu’s this Saturday. Celebrating “Cirque du Jinjuu: Hour of the Dark Twins” on 28 October, Jinjuu calls out to the two-faced Janus in each of us. With ‘best-dressed pair’ competitions, free-flowing spirits, Korean fare by celebrity chef Judy Joo, Jinjuu promises to spice up things two times over! Things may take a wilder turn post 1am, with drink prices dropping to just HK$60.

UG/F, 32 D’Aguilar Street, Central
28 October, 11pm onwards
Advance tickets: HK$350
At door: HK$400
For details, call 3755-4868

Ms B’s Cakery

Moving over to the dark side can be a sweet experience as well! Asia’s Queen of Confectionery, Bonnae Gokson, has created special Halloween-themed cakes to make the scariest night of the year a tad sweeter. Cakes like Happy Halloween, Death by Chocolate, Halloween Taster are decadent indulgences especially designed to tempt you to lost paradise.

Halloween Taster: HK$60 each 
Death by Chocolate: HK$5,200 for 1,000gm
Happy Halloween: HK$880 for 500gm, HK$1,500 for 1000gm

Ms B’s Cakery
Shop 248, Landmark Prince’s
10 Chater Road, Central
Tel: (852) 2530 0203

Ms B’s Cakery
39 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2815 8303

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Dive into the world of Tim Burton

tim burton exhibition

More than 500 original creations by the whimsical film director, the mastermind behind the likes of Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas, go on display.

Venue: 1F Cornwall House, Taikoo Place ArtisTree, 979 King’s Road, Quarry Bay
Date: 5 November – 23 January
Enquiries: 3700 8103
Website: http://www.theworldoftimburton.hk/

Spooky shenanigans: Top 4 Halloween parties in Hong Kong

Seeing a constant stream of drunk ghouls on their way to spooky parties can only mean one thing: it’s Halloween.

The yearly night of revelry and fancy dress is nearly upon us, but where are the best parties to flaunt your witch’s costume and get your monster mash on?

Luckily Gafencu is here to help if you are still unsure about where to go this weekend.

We have selected the four best Halloween parties in Hong Kong to be seen at, dead or alive.

Witch’s House Halloween Party at Dada Bar + Lounge

The Luxe Manor in Tsim Sha Tsui is hosting a dark party for evil witches.

The entertainment venue on Knutsford Terrace will turn into a haunted house on Saturday, which is the perfect place for you and your coven to meet and sample the ghoulish cocktails (HK$90) and dance to the live band.

There will also be a makeup artist on hand just in case your scary look needs a quick touch up.

Venue: Dada Bar + Lounge, the Luxe Manor, 39 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.
Date: 29 October
Time: 8pm till late
Entrance fee: HK$200 per person, includes one drink.
Reservations: (852) 3763 8778

 

Shipwrecked Halloween Party at Armani/Prive

With a nautical take on Halloween, the Armani/Prive rooftop bar in Central is hosting a Shipwrecked Party on 29 October.

The bar’s biggest event of 2016 will cover both floors, with the rooftop acting as a chill-out area and the first floor — or lower deck as they call it — acting as the dance venue where the lost souls can party the night away.

Venue: Armani/Prive, Landmark Chater (Chater House), 8 Connaught Road, Central.
Date: 29 October
Time: 10pm-3am
Entrance fee: HK$450, includes 2 drinks
Tickets: Fatsoma

 

The Pawn Ripper’s Sanatorium Halloween Party

The Pawn in Wanchai will turn into a hospital with 3 different themed rooms this Halloween.

The Ripper’s Sanatorium, which is a much more sinister sounding word than hospital, will be held on the first floor Botanicals Bar with cocktails served in blood bags and syringes.

Guests can enjoy their blood bag cocktail at a surgical table or one of the other hospital props at the party.

There will also be makeup artists, Halloween nibbles, best dressed prizes and different concoctions sponsored by Belvedere.

Venue: The Pawn, 62 Johnston Road Wan Chai
Date: 29 October
Time: 9pm till midnight
Entrance fee: HK$160 advance ticket. HK$199 at the door
Tickets: Ticketflap

 

Dead Not Alive Halloween Party

The ever-popular Dead Not Alive Halloween Party is back for its 9th year and will be held at Hullett House. And costumes are mandatory.

Undoubtedly one of Hong Kong’s sexiest parties, Dead Not Alive is taking over the luxury boutique hotel and restaurant and transforming it into a haunted party, including a haunted dungeon in the building’s historic Mariners’ Rest jail cells.

Dancers and models in costumes will roam among the guests and there will also be a special 3-course dinner and party package

Japanese hip hop act M-Flo will headline the party and perform in the main courtyard.

Venue: Hullett House, 1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.
Date: 29 October
Time: 8pm till late
Entrance fee: HK$600 advance ticket, includes 2 drinks. HK$800 at the door, includes 2 drinks.
Tickets: Alivenotdead

Haunting chocolates

With Halloween creeping up on us, Hong Kongers can expect to see a lot of people roaming the streets trick or treating or heading to parties dressed as witches, ghouls or, ummm, Fred Flintstone.

People love to dress up, and over time the classic ghoulish Halloween costumes have given way to superheroes, pirates, princesses, sexy cheerleaders and pretty much any item of food.

Thankfully, the Belgian chocolatier Godiva is sticking to the classics with its 2016 Halloween collection.

Chocolate-lovers can enjoy pretzels, truffles and pearls, tastefully packaged in different orange boxes with a drawing of a black cat lying on a pumpkin on the cover.

The only things missing from Godiva’s Halloween chocolates are a cackling witch and a cauldron full of potions and spells.