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.
As the colorful lanterns of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations which have been lighting up all over the territory wrap it up for the season, 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 2018:
- National Day Events and Fireworks - October 1, 2018
- Macau Fireworks Contest Final Night - October 1, 2018
- Beertopia - October 5-6, 2018
- Hong Kong International Jazz Festival - October 7, 2018
- Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern Displays - through Mid-October
- Hong Kong Tennis Open - October 6 - 14, 2018
- Hong Kong Cyclothon - October 14, 2018
- Global Sources Consumer Electronics, Mobile Electronics, Gifts and Fashion Trade Exhibitions Several dates October 11 - 30, 2018
- Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival - October 25 - 28, 2018
- Chung Yeung Festival - October 17, 2018
- New World Harbour Race - October 21, 2018
- Ocean Park HELLO-WEEN Fest 2018 October 5 - 31, 2018
- More Halloween 2018 celebrations Through October 31, 2018
Also check-out these popular ongoing events during October 2018:
- 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, 2018
October 1, 2018 marks the 69th 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, 2018 at 9:00 pm
Where?: Wherever there's a view of Victoria Harbour
How Much?: Free!
The 2018 Macau International Fireworks Contest
Grand Finale October 1st, 2018
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.
When?: Contest takes place on weekends in September and during Mid-Autumn Festival. Grand Finale on National Day, Monday October 1st, 2018
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
Where to stay in Macau? Check out the latest deals:
Hong Kong International Jazz Festival
Renowned jazz musicians from around the world will delight audiences with a series of performances, workshops, and photographic exhibitions.
An open-air concert launches the HKIJF with an array of top-ranked musicians from around the world. This year features Afternoon Tree, Tjoe Man Cheung w/ NTBM, Funktion and Alfonso Gonzalez Latin Jazz Quintet.
When?: Sunday October 7, 2018 - Outdoor Concert 3:00 - 7:00 pm
Where?: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza
How Much?: FREE
Festival:
When?: October 11 - 13, 2018
Where?: Hong Kong City Hall Theatre
How Much?: Concert Hall prices HK 200, HK 280, HK 380
Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern Displays
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 15 - October 1, 2018, lit Saturday through Monday from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm with extended hours on Mid-Autumn Festival September 24, expected until midnight.
Where?: Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and Cultural Centre Piazza near the Clocktower
How Much?: Free
Hong Kong Tennis Open - October 6 - 14, 2018
World class tennis returns to Hong Kong! The Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open is a WTA sanctioned International Series Event returning for its 5th straight year in 2018 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 58,000 spectators last year. Tournament's prize money is US$500,000.
When?: October 6 - 14, 2018
Where?: Victoria Park Tennis Stadium
How Much?: HK$160 - HK$880
Tickets for the early draws on Saturday, Sunday and Monday October 6 - 8, are FREE! Tuesday is FREE for students.
Hong Kong Cyclothon - Sunday, October 14, 2018
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 14, 2018
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 2018
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, 2018
Global Sources Mobile Electronics Show - October 18 - 21, 2018
Global Sources Lifestyle Show - October 27 - 30, 2018
Global Sources Fashion Show - October 27 - 30, 2018
Where? AsiaWorld Expo
Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival - October 25 - 28, 2018
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 25 - 28, 2018
Where?: Central Harbourfront Event Space and Tamar Park in 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 17, 2018
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.
Ocean Park HELLO-WEEN Fest 2018
This year with a Hello Kitty and Sanrio character theme! It's HELLO-WEEN time for fantastic family fun at the park.
Whisker's Harbour is party central as you find your way through the forest to the Halloween Party House, Trick-or-Treat Trail, the interactive games and of course, all Hello Kitty and Sanrio friends will be around in their Halloween costumes ready for pictures!
When?: October 5 - 31, 2018
Where?: Ocean Park: Whisker's Harbour and Aqua City Lagoon areas
How Much? General admission ticket gives access to Halloween shows
and attractions. There is a "Premium Ticket" which gives you priority access to some of the
most popular regular and Halloween activities, Adults HK 860, Children HK 430
Booo: More 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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