Best things to do in Hong Kong in October

Ghosts and Ken dolls will be let loose on Hong Kong’s streets this October, as Halloween rolls around on the 31st. In addition to lively celebrations and costumed crowds amassing at the city’s theme parks, things are going to get jazzy as internationally renowned musicians arrive in the city for a number of extravagant shows. 

Here are some of the best October events in Hong Kong, from spooky Halloween parties to electrifying firework displays. 

1. Fire festival

The month kicks off with a dazzling fireworks display over Victoria Harbour, as the city celebrates National Day in style. It’s set to be bigger and better than ever, especially as the pyrotechnics have been on hiatus for five years. While you can try braving the crowds on the waterfront for a front row seat on 1 October, we recommend heading to the city’s rooftop bars and restaurants for bird’s eye views without the hassle.  

2. VIP section

Stages will be set ablaze when singers Sam Smith and Charlie Puth bring their catchy pop music and soulful ballads to AsiaWorld-Expo. Puth demands your attention on 4 October, while on 6 October, Smith makes a stopover on their Gloria tour, which features tunes from the singer’s new dance album – a major departure from the heart wrenching songs you’ve probably come to expect from them. Meanwhile, Gen Z favourite Rex Orange County will croon to crowds at KITEC on 10 October and Freespace Jazz Fest will take over the West Kowloon Cultural District between 3-8 October and 26 October, bringing Stacey Kent, the Lawrence Ku Trio and The Comet is Coming. 

3. Making a racket 

Women’s tennis is back and better than ever. At this year’s Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open, a selection of the world’s best tennis players will compete on Victoria Park’s hard courts for a shot at a cash prize; with a tidy sum of US$250,000 on the line for competitors. Returning for the first time following a five-year hiatus, the tournament will run from 7-15 October. Grab your tickets now and get ready to cheer from the sidelines. 

4. Miz me? 

Music festival Shi Fu Miz is returning to Cheung Chau this 27-29 October, bringing three days of house and electro music to the island. Whether you’re camping overnight or ferrying over, come prepared to dance, as international DJs like Arthur Yeti, Gigi Testa, Soichi Terada and Jamie Tiller will be taking to the stage at the beachside Sai Yuen Farm. It’s one of the best festivals in Hong Kong’s calendar, so you’ll want to snap up your tickets quickly. 

5. A night at Gatsby mansion 

Hong Kong Ballet is bringing back its popular rendition of The Great Gatsby this October, and you can expect live jazz-filled numbers, glittering costumes and jaw-dropping sets. The contemporary ballet will run at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre from 27 October to 5 November. We chatted with principal dancer Garry Corpuz (who played Tom Buchanan in the 2019 production) about what to expect from the adaptation of the Fitzgerald classic. 

“This ballet is one best that I’ve danced with Septime Webre as a choreographer,” Corpuz said, calling it “one of the hardest roles in my career”. “The ballet has huge, beautiful sets, plus the costumes are magnificent. The jazz music will make you dance in your seats,” he added.  

6. Fright night 

Costume-wearing crowds will haunt the city on 31 October, with children embarking on trick-or-treat expeditions while adults party into the night. Pedder Street is always a hub of activity during Halloween celebrations, with revellers digging out inflatable sumo ballerina costumes and dressing up as whatever this year’s hottest character is. (We’re putting money down on Barbie.) Besides the Ocean Park Halloween Fest and Hong Kong Disneyland spooktaculars, you’ll find many a Halloween party in Lan Kwai Fong, while family-friendly events will be cropping up around the city such as the Halloween Night Market in Discovery Bay on 29 October.