Hong Kong Festivals and Events
October 2012

Here are the top Hong Kong Festivals and events for October 2012.

To start off the month are the National Day celebrations on October 1st, featuring a Fireworks Extravaganza and other events.

And as the colorful lanterns and the Mid-Autumn celebrations wind down, the pumpkins and goblins are just getting started as Halloween fests are in full swing and the Hong Kong International Jazz Festival kicks off October 7, 2012.

National Day Fireworks and Events - October 1, 2012
Glitzy lanterns and fiery dragons: The The Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations wrap up October 2, 2012, but another festival is around the corner, Chung Yeung Festival is on October 23, 2012
Hong Kong Halloween 2012 celebrations Now until October 31, 2012
Hong Kong International Jazz Festival - October 7 - 12, 2012
Hong Kong Cricket Sixes 2012 - October 27-28, 2012

And check-out these popular ongoing events during October 2012:

Free cultural exhibitions: Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Feng Shui
The Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong's light and sound show
Victoria Harbour Cruises for October 2012
It's race time! The Horse Races at Happy Valley
Direct from Shaanxi Province: The Terracotta Army Exhibition in Hong Kong

Hong Kong National Day Fireworks - October 1, 2012

October 1, 2012 marks the 63rd Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. To commemorate the occassion, a lavish fireworks display will lit up Victoria Harbour at 9:00 p.m.

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, 2012. 9:00 p.m.
Where?: Wherever there's a view of Victoria Harbour
How Much?: Free!

Here's more on National Day Celebrations

Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations

Last chance for Lantern Exhibitions from the 2012 Mid-Autumn Festival. HURRY!

Mid-Autumn Festival Lanterns Mid-Autumn Thematic Lantern Exhibition

Tsim Sha Tsui at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza is fairly easy to pop in for tourists as it's just around the corner from the Star Ferry Terminal and the TST metro station.

This year's theme is Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty
When?: until October 21, 2012 6:30p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
How Much?: Free

West Kowloon , at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade features beautiful lantern displays with a different theme every year.

When?: until October 2, 2012.
How Much?: Free

Victoria Park Lantern Wonderland Lantern Wonderland at Victoria Park The Lantern Displays are state-of-the-art designs and the highlight of the event is Lantern Wonderland, the main signature piece which is chosen through a design competition organised by the HKTB and several design organisations.

The Design contest is held months prior to the festival and the winning entry is showcased during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
When?:unitl October 2, 2012.
Where?: Victoria Park
How Much?: Free

Here is more on Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern Carnivals and Exhibitions

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.

Come take part of this tradition when the 67-metre Fire Dragon winds through the streets of Tai Hang, like it did over a century ago with over 300 performers, 70,000 incense sticks, and lots of firecrackers.
When?:until October 1, 2012, 7:30 p.m.
Where?: Tai Hang, Causeway Bay. Here's how to get there.
How Much?: Free

Chung Yeung Festival - October 23, 2012

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.

Hong Kong Cricket Sixes 2012 - October 27-28, 2012

When?: October 27 - 28, 2012 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Where?: Kowloon Cricket Club, 10 Cox's Road, Kowloon

How Much? Varies, one-day Adult pass from HK 310 for Oct 27, HK 550 for Oct 28, package both days HK 800. Check prices and buy online from www.hkticketing.com

More Info: Hong Kong Cricket Association

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.

Here are some highlights of this season:

Ocean Park Halloween Bash for Kids

Ocean Park Halloween Bash for Kids What?: Halloween Fun Zone with family-friendly actvities including games, a "Pumpkin City Quest" and a costume contest.

When?: September 21 to October 31, 2012 Daytime during park hours

Where?: Whisker's Harbour

How Much? Free with park entrance

Ocean Park Night Time Hauntingly Hip Halloween

Ocean Park Halloween Bash What?: After dark for some heavy-duty horror and all-night parties, eight Haunted Houses and over a dozen Halloween Bash shows

When?: Friday to Sunday September 21-23, 28-30, 2012 5:30p.m. to midnight

Where?: Waterfront

How Much? Ticket pricing varies depending on day of visit and activities.

More on Hong Kong Ocean Park's Halloween Celebrations

Disneyland Hong Kong Haunted Halloween Celebrations

Disneyland Halloween pumpkins What?: Trick or Treating with Mickey and the gang, Halloween parade, haunted mansions, creepy surprises!

When?: October 4 to October 31, 2012

Where?: Thoroughout the park

How Much? Included with park admission, reduced price night tickets also available during Halloween celebrations, admission is from 6:30 p.m.

More Info: Check our Hong Kong Disneyland Halloween page

More on Hong Kong Halloween Celebrations

Hong Kong International Jazz Festival - October 7-12, 2012

Hong Kong International Jazz Festival In the backdrop of this year's theme "Rediscovery - Jazz into the Future", renowned jazz musicians from around the world will delight audiences with a series of performances, workshops, and photographic exhibitions.

This year's line up features 18-year-old Saxophonist LI Gaoyang, "the next generation jazz leader" from Beijing, topnotch American aritst Butterscotch, and Brazilian trio Diego Figuereido.

When?: October 7-12, 2012.
Where?: Many venues throughout Hong Kong
How Much?: Free outdoor concerts, Concert Hall prices HK 120 - HK 320
More Info: Full line-up, programme and ticket information check the HK International Jazz Festival site.

Ongoing Hong Kong Events for October, 2012

These are some popular ongoing events that are worth checking out, specially since they are FREE!

These events feature some of the great and ancient traditions of the territory and are offered by experts in their corresponding fields:

Tai Chi Class

Lion Dance Demo

Feng Shui Class

The Symphony of Lights

HK 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 aboout 15 minutes.

When?: Every Night

Where?: Can be seen from both sides of Victoria Harbour

How Much? Free

Click here for more on Hong Kong's Symphony of Lights and best spots to watch.

The Happy Valley Horse Races

Happy Valley Horse Races Happy Valley 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 a world-class venue.

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?: Wednesday Nights. 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.

Where?: Happy Valley Race Course

How Much? Depends, 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.

Click here for more on Happy Valley Horse Racing, how to get there and options for viewing the races.

Terracotta Warriors Exhibition: "The Majesty of All Under Heaven: The Eternal Realm of China's First Emperor" now until November 26, 2012

Terracotta Army Exhibit HK

The Terracotta Army is one of China's most significant discoveries, a collection of over eight thousand life-size warriors, designed to protect Emperor Qin in the afterlife.

This magnificent exhibit sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, brings us a sample of these two thousand year old cultural relics, including terracotta warriors, horses, and seldom seen bronze artifacts.

If you haven't been to Xian, this is your chance to appreciate these priceless treasures.

When?: Now until November 26, 2012

Where?: Hong Kong Museum of History, Special Exhibition Gallery and 1/F Main Lobby

How Much? HK10, you must get tickets in advance. Tickets sell out fast, check the LCSD for bookings and status. The second phase of ticketing for visits between September 3 and October 14 is now on sale. Third and final phase of ticketing opens September 24, 2012.