The best things to do in Hong Kong this October

Hong Kong officially turns over a new leaf in October as the glow of hanging lanterns signals not only the arrival of Mid-Autumn but also the fine weather in the year’s final stretch. Yet the season is anything but a slow fade-out as the city lights up with National Day fireworks and moves to the rhythm of Fire Dragon drums.  

The cultural calendar responds in kind, with a stellar line-up of unmissable gigs and shows – from opera, ballet and hip-hop-infused jazz to myriad opportunities to eat and drink al fresco. Check out our guide to the best events in Hong Kong this month. 

Fireworks galore

The fun kicks off with National Day celebrations. And in Hong Kong, there’s no louder, prouder display than the annual 1 October fireworks that light up Victoria Harbour, as well as televisions across the city thanks to the popular broadcast and live stream. Arrive early to claim the best waterside views at Tsim Sha Tsui’s Avenue of Stars, West Kowloon Art Park or Wan Chai Waterfront, and marvel as Hong Kong’s iconic skyline comes alive with booms, bangs, pops and pizzazz.

Eclectic international artists

Musos of all stripes will find something to get hyped about this month. Hip Japanese indie artist Kai Takahashi brings his Lucky Tapes project to Portal on 2 October, followed by the local debut of compatriot Kanekoayano at the same venue on 3 October. Berlin’s Moses Yoofee Trio brings its hip-hop-infused jazz to the Fringe Club on 15 October, while multi-Grammy-winning US soprano Renée Fleming joins the Hong Kong Philharmonic for a special performance at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre on 24–25 October. 

Mid-Autumn nights 

Few festivities rival the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance , held from 5–7 October with the ceremony taking place in Victoria Park on 6 October and in Tai Hang for the rest of the period. This drum-thumping fiery spectacle sees a troupe of 300 performers lead a 67-metre dragon through choreographed dances, spreading seasonal good fortune via the 1,200 joss sticks that dangle from the mythical creature. The procession sets off at 6pm from Tai Hang’s Lin Fa Kung temple on 5 October. While you're in the area, don't miss the ongoing Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival  in Victoria Park.

Big-stage productions

There’s plenty to keep culture vultures glued to their seats this month, including Hong Kong Ballet’s acclaimed reimagining of Romeo + Juliet, which transplants the action from Renaissance-era Verona to 1960s Hong Kong. Catch it at Hong Kong Cultural Centre from 17–19 October. Keeping things more classic, Opera Hong Kong is staging Aida – one of Verdi’s most celebrated Italian dramas, set amid the pharaohs of ancient Egypt – also at Hong Kong Cultural Centre from 9–12 October.  

Food and drink ahoy 

As the weather cools, foodies flock to the Central Harbourfront for the annual Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival , running from 23–26 October. It’s a chance to sample innovative cuisine, local favourites and a wide selection of global wines from more than 100 pop-up stalls. And then there’s Oktoberfest . There are many places to celebrate the festive Bavarian beer bash in Hong Kong, most notably at Central Market from 9 October to 2 November. 

Homegrown sounds 

Don’t miss the fifth annual AUOM festival , where around 20 underground acts take over The Aftermath for three nights from 31 October – with free entry. Also on local scenesters’ radars is enigmatic post-punk supergroup Restless Waters who launch their debut EP at Mom Livehouse on 3 October. Finally, expect nostalgic singalongs when local legends George Lam and Sally Yip headline five nights at the Hong Kong Coliseum from 9 October, followed by fellow vintage Cantopop crooner Alex To, who headlines the same venue on 18–19 October.