To start off the month is a spectacular fireworks display for National Day on October 1st. This is a favourite holiday for Chinese, when they enjoy a "Golden Week" of days off. Needless to say, if you plan on being here during this period, you need to make as many arrangements in advance as most hotels, and transport venues will be running at full capacity.
Shortly after, the colorful lanterns of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations will be lighting up throughout the territory, the fire dragons are rambling through the streets and the pumpkins and goblins are just getting started as Halloween fests will be in full swing in October!
Specially for foodies this month, the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival celebrates food and wine from around the world in one of the most spectacular settings overlooking Victoria Harbour and surrounded by Hong Kong's mindblowing skyline.
For sports enthusiasts, this is Hong Kong's Sport Month, featuring the Hong Kong Tennis Open, the Hong Kong Cyclothon and finally the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes are back after a five-year hiatus!
Here's what's up in October 2017:
- National Day Events and Fireworks - October 1, 2017
- Macau Fireworks Contest Final Night - October 1, 2016 CANCELLED
- Hong Kong International Jazz Festival - September 30 - October 7, 2017
- Mid-Autumn Festival and Lantern Carnivals - October 4, 2017
- Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance Parade - October 3 - 6, 2017
- Hong Kong Tennis Open - October 7 - 15, 2017
- Hong Kong Cyclothon - October 8, 2017
- Global Sources Consumer Electronics, Mobile Electronics, Gifts and Fashion Trade Exhibitions - Several dates October 11 - 30, 2017
- Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival - October 26 - 29, 2017
- Chung Yeung Festival - October 28, 2017
- Hong Kong Cricket Sixes - October 28 - 29, 2017
- Halloween 2017 celebrations Through October 31, 2017
Also check-out these popular ongoing events during October 2017:
- Free cultural exhibitions: Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Feng Shui
- The Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong's light and sound show
- It's race time! The Horse Races at Happy Valley are on!
Hong Kong Celebrates National Day - October 1, 2017
October 1, 2017 marks the 68th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. To commemorate the occassion, a series of events are planned including the flag raising ceremonies and parades and a lavish fireworks display which will lit up Victoria Harbour as in previous years.
The fireworks can be seen from both sides of the Harbour. In the Kowloon side, they can be viewed in Tsim Sha Tsui all along the Promenade
and Avenue of the Stars as well as the Hung Hom Bypass. In the Hong Kong Island side, there are many vantage points in Central,
Wanchai, Causeway Bay and the Midlevels.
When?: October 1, 2017 at 9:00 pm and lasted approximately 23 minutes
Where?: Wherever there's a view of Victoria Harbour
How Much?: Free!
- 2017 National Day Celebrations, Fireworks Cruises and Offers
- Guide for the best free vantage points and tips for enjoying the fireworks.
The 2017 Macau International Fireworks Contest
Grand Finale October 1st, 2017 CANCELLED
Just next door in Macau... Five evenings of mesmerizing fireworks and music extravaganzas start in September with the Grand Finale on October 1st.
Fireworks displays can be some of the most sensational spectacles one can witness, imagine the best of the best in the world battling it out on a competition that encompasses five evenings of stunning lights and sounds, with international teams competing for the coveted trophy.
Two teams participate each evening, each evening features a different theme. So who's competing this year?
When?: Saturdays in September 2, 9, 16, 23, grand finale on Sunday Oct 1, 2017
Times?: 9:00 pm and 9:40 pm
Participants and program for 2017
- Saturday September 2
- Saturday September 9
- Saturday September 16
- Saturday September 23
- Sunday October 1
Where?: Sea area in front of the Macau Tower. Where to watch? Just about anywhere in Macau, preferably where the Macau Tower is in full view
How Much?: FREE!
Remember you can get Turbojet and CotaiJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets from Klook.com:
TurboJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets are as follows:
Hong Kong Island to/from Macau Harbour:
- Single Trip (weekday, slightly more on weekends): HK175 US$ 22.40
More information and Booking Macau TurboJet Ferry Tickets ››
CotaiJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets are as follows:
- Single Trip (weekday, slightly more on weekends): HK175 US$ 22.40
More information and Booking Macau CotaiJet Ferry Tickets ››
TurboJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets also available to/from Hong Kong Airport
Hong Kong International Jazz Festival
Renowned jazz musicians from around the world will delight audiences with a series of performances, workshops, and photographic exhibitions.
When?: September 30 - October 5, 2017
Where?: Several Venues: Hong Kong Park Central, Hong Kong City Hall Theatre, Miller Theater
How Much?: Concert Hall prices HK 180, HK 260, HK 360. HK Park Central Free Admission
- More Info: Full line-up, programme and ticket information at the HK International Jazz Festival site.
Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations
The 2017 Mid-Autumn Festival is on October 4, 2017. Lantern carnivals, parades and festivities will run from late September on.
These are some of the most popular celebrations for you to take part in:
Urban Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival at Victoria Park
This is the all-in-one mega event that offers fantastic lantern displays, a full cultural programme, and a Fire Dragon Dance Parade.
The cultural programs include kung fu demonstrations, folk songs and dance shows, acrobatics, Chinese folk arts and crafts demonstrations, etc.
When?: October 4, 2017 - from 8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
Youth Night: October 5, 2017 - from 7:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.
Where?: Victoria Park
How Much?: Free
Mid-Autumn Thematic Lantern Exhibition in Tsim Sha Tsui
Bright and colorful lantern displays pop up in Tsim Sha Tsui along the promenade area.
This is a fairly easy spot to pop in for tourists as it's just around the corner from the Star Ferry Terminal and the TST metro station.
This is one of the longest running lantern displays during the celebration as they normally run for
over a month rather than just a few days.
When?: September 22 - October 15, 2017, lit Thursdays through Sundays. Displays are normally lit up from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm with extended hours on Mid-Autumn Festival October 4, expected until midnight.
Where?: Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and Cultural Centre Piazza near the Clocktower
How Much?: Free
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance Parades
The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance Parade is another example of Hong Kong's traditional culture and a main part of the celebrations of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
This is a fantastic tradition and one you should not miss. You can take part and experience as the 67-metre Fire Dragon winds through the streets of Tai Hang, like it did over a century ago... It's an amazing sight with over 300 performers, 70,000 incense sticks, and lots and lots of firecrackers!
When?: October 3 - 6, 2017 - 8:15 p.m.
Where?: Tai Hang, Causeway Bay.
How Much?: Free
Hong Kong Tennis Open - October 7 - 15, 2017
World class tennis returns to Hong Kong! The Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open is a WTA sanctioned International Series Event returning for its 4th straight year in 2017 and will feature more than 50 of the world's best female tennis players in Victoria Park.
Although a fairly newcomer, the tournament keeps increasing in stature and attracting a high calibre player field. The Open attracted over 56,000 spectators last year. This year's prize money has been doubled to US$500,000.
When?: October 7 - 15, 2017
Where?: Victoria Park Tennis Stadium
How Much?: HK$160 - HK$880
Tickets for the early draws on Saturday, Sunday and Monday October 7 - 9, are FREE! Tuesday is FREE for students.
- Find Hong Kong Tennis Open Tickets
- More Info, order of play at the official site for the Hong Kong Tennis Open.
Hong Kong Cyclothon - Sunday, October 8, 2017
Returning for the second time the Hong Kong Cyclothon will again welcome cyclists from around the world to immerse in the culture and breathtaking landscape only offered by Asia's World City.
With several different riding categories, from kids and family races, 30 km community rides, to international criterium riders, cyclists of all skill levels have the opportunity to participate and experience the beauty of Hong Kong.
When?: Sunday October 8, 2017
Where?: Vantage points along Salisbury Road near Tsim Sha Tsui promenade and
along Mody Road near UC Centenary Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui East
How Much?: Spectators Free!
Global Sources Trade Exhibitions - October 2017
9,000 booths with the latest in electronics, gifts, home products and fashion contained into four trade shows in October.
The Global Sources Consumer Electronics Show is the world's largest electronics sourcing event and Global Sources' flagship event. All four phases are packed with the latest products and trends and plenty of special activities...
If you are running an online business, there are special services for online and Amazon sellers with a "Ready-to-Buy" zone, an e-commerce service providers' pavillion and suppliers who accept small orders. This is a sourcing event, you have to register to attend. The Shows are conveniently timed for buyers who also attend the Canton Fair.
When?
Global Sources Consumer Electronics Show - October 11 - 14, 2017
Global Sources Mobile Electronics Show - October 18 - 21, 2017
Global Sources Gifts & Home Show - October 18 - 21, 2017
Global Sources Fashion Show - October 27 - 30, 2017
Where? AsiaWorld Expo
Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival - October 26 - 29, 2017
Over 300 booths overlooking fantastic Victoria Harbour celebrating food and wine from around the world...
Wine tastings, live music and entertainment, culinary highlights, signature dishes from Hong Kong's top hotels and restaurants, pastries, cheeses, great wines and a fun atmosphere.
And don't miss the Tasting Room with great offerings for wine pairing dinners, mastering wine and cheese, etc.
When?: October 26 - 29, 2017
Where?: Central Harbourfront Hong Kong Island near Central Piers 9 and 10
How Much?: General Admission HK$30, 65+ and children 3-12 HK$15.
Tokens can be purchased as part of a package for wine and spirits tasting,
while food and non-alcoholic beverages can be purchased from vendors with cash.
Chung Yeung Festival - October 28, 2017
Chung Yeung Festival is Autumn Remembrance Day.
This is a day for families to get together, visit the graves of the ancestors and pay their respects.
You are likely to see a lot of activity around the cemeteries throughout the territories as the typical offerings of Chinese paper money, incense, fruits and other foodstuffs are being brought.
Chung Yeung Festival IS a public holiday in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Cricket Sixes - October 28 - 29, 2017
After a five-year hiatus, the Sixes are back in 2017. The fastest cricket format in the world will see eight international teams participating over two frenetic days with each match taking just 45 minutes to complete.
Who's participating? South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Australia, Sri Lanka and the Marylebone Cricket Club.
Details are trickling in, but word has it the tournament has transformed itself and will be presenting Hong Kong with the most hi-tech, innovative cricket tournament in the world.
When?: October 28 - 29, 2017
Where?: Kowloon Cricket Club
How Much?: HK$350 +
Booo: Hong Kong Halloween Celebrations
The ghostly decorations and waves of orange pumpkins, skeletons and vampires are making their way into the shopping centers and the theme parks in the territory. Villains, ghosts and goblins are already making the rounds.
There are many events, parties, and parades centered around Halloween this year.
Ongoing Hong Kong Events
These are some popular ongoing events that are worth checking out, specially since they are FREE or offered for a low fee!
These events feature some of the great and ancient traditions of the territory and are offered by experts in their corresponding fields:
The Symphony of Lights
The Symphony of Lights is Hong Kong's light and sound show, a tribute to the city and its people, their diversity, energy and vitality.
The stage is the entire city, which is what makes it so unique, you can watch the lights from just about anywhere in the waterfront.
This free show offered by the city, takes place every night at 8:00 pm and lasts about 12 minutes.
When?: Every Night
Where?: Can be seen from both sides of Victoria Harbour, specially stunning aboard a Harbour Cruise.
How Much? Free
- More on Hong Kong's Symphony of Lights, best spots to watch.
- Symphony of Lights Harbour Cruise with Aqualuna (NOW SAILING! Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)
The Horse Races Are On! This is how you can attend
The horse races in Hong Kong whether or not you are a horse racing enthusiast is an experience not to be missed!
The beautiful horses, the skillful jockeys, the crowds going wild, they all add up to an exciting, fun-filled, thrilling atmosphere in two world-class venues, at the Sha Tin Racecourse and the iconic Happy Valley Racecourse.
The Happy Valley race course itself is a sight in itself, the city has built around it through the years and it is now practically surrounded by skyscrapers, an awesome experience specially at night when the city is illuminated.
When?: Happy Valley Night Races on Wednesday Nights. On race day, first race starts at 7:15 p.m. and the gates open at 5:15 p.m.
The races are done by 11:00 p.m.
Sha Tin Day Races are on Sundays. First race normally starts at 1:00 pm, earlier if there are more than 10 races. Gates open at 11:00 am.
All races will be streamed live at the HK Jockey Club Racing Channel.
How Much? There are many ways to experience the races, from General Stand to Private Boxes and
special packages including dinner and drinks. General Stand entrance starts at HK10. You can join this guided experience and learn all about horse racing and betting, Enjoy the HKJC horse races from the 2M roof deck.
Hong Kong Events By Month
Most Popular Excursions in Hong Kong
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