Hong Kong Festivals and Events
October 2015

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.

The colorful lanterns of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations are winding down... and the pumpkins and goblins are just getting started as Halloween fests are 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, Venus Williams returns to the Hong Kong Tennis Open and the first-ever Hong Kong Cyclothon will welcome cyclists from around the world to immerse in the culture and breathtaking landscape only offered by Asia's World City.

Here's what's up in October 2015:

• National Day Events and Fireworks - October 1, 2015

• Hong Kong International Jazz Festival - October 1 - 4, 2015

• Hong Kong Tennis Open - October 10 - 18, 2015

• Hong Kong Cyclothon - October 10 - 11, 2015

• The Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations are just wrapping up, try to catch the last of the lantern displays running through October 18, 2015

• Another festival is around the corner, Chung Yeung Festival is on October 21, 2015

• Hong Kong Halloween 2015 celebrations Through October 31, 2015

• Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival - October 22 - 25, 2015

• The Hong Kong International Literary Festival - October 26 - November 8, 2015

And check-out these popular ongoing events during October 2015:

• 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 2015

• It's race time! The Horse Races at Happy Valley are on!

Hong Kong National Day Celebrations - October 1, 2015

October 1, 2015 marks the 66th 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, 2015 at 9:00 pm and last approx. 23 minutes
Where?: Wherever there's a view of Victoria Harbour
How Much?: Free!
National Day Fireworks Harbour Cruise Deals from Groupon HK$ 338 Hurry!

Here's more on the 2015 National Day Celebrations

And our guide for the best free vantage points and tips for enjoying the fireworks.

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Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern Displays

Try to catch the last of the Lantern displays:

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 "Blossom Beneath the Moon".
When?: Thursdays through Sundays from September 10 to October 18, 2015.

Displays are normally lit up from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm with extended hours on September 27 until midnight.

How Much?: Free

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

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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?: October 1 - 4, 2015
Where?: October 1 - 3 at the Hong Kong City Hall Theatre, October 4 at the HK Cultural Centre Piazza
How Much?: Concert Hall prices HK 180, HK 260, HK 360. HK Cultural Centre Pizza Free Admission

Programme

Thursday October 1, 2015
Pasquale Stafano East-West Quintet, Italy/Taiwan
Hristo Vitchev Quartet, USA

Friday October 2, 2015
Luo Ning Trio, China
Bianca Wu 胡琳 with Sylvain Gagnon Quartet, HK/Canada

Saturday October 3, 2015
Veronica Nunes and Ricardo Vogt, Brazil
Ernesto Jodos Trio, Argentina

Sunday October 4, 2015
Pentatonic Jazz Fusion Band, Hong Kong
Swing Brosse System, France
Nate w. the Wong Way Down, Hong Kong
Dock In Absolute, Luxembourg

More Info: Full line-up, programme and ticket information check the HK International Jazz Festival FB page.

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Hong Kong Tennis Open - October 10 - 18, 2015

Seven-time Grand Slam singles winner Venus Williams will be a star attraction at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open at Victoria Park this October. The event will also feature Germany's Sabine Lisicki, the defending champion and WTA rising star Caroline Garcia.

When?: October 10 - 18, 2015
Where?: Victoria Park Tennis Stadium
How Much?:HK$160 - HK$880

More Info, order of play and tickets at the official site for the Hong Kong Tennis Open.

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Hong Kong Cyclothon - October 10 - 11, 2015

This is a brand new two day event of cycling and carnivals. With eight different riding categories, cyclists of all skill levels have the opportunity to participate and experience the beauty of Hong Kong. The two-day event kicks off the evening of October 10 as professional riders embark on night races through the neon-lit streets of Kowloon. Casual races begin the following morning on October 11. Spectators can enjoy the Hong Kong Cyclothon's free weekend carnival held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza on the picturesque Tsim Sha Tsui harbourfont.

When?: Saturday and Sunday October 10 and 11, 2015
Where?: Cycling Activities: Tsim Sha Tsui and Nam Cheong/Ma Wan
Carnival: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Tsim Sha Tsui
How Much?: Spectators Free!

More Info including how to participate in the races.

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Chung Yeung Festival - October 21, 2015

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.

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Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival - October 22 - 25, 2015

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 22 - 25, 2015

Where?: Central Harbourfront Hong Kong Island near Central Piers 9 and 10

How Much?: HK$30, 65+ and children 3-11 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.

Several Wine Passes from HK$200 - HK$1000 available for access to Wine Tasting Pavillions.

New this year is the Garden Party Pass HK$520 includes fast-track VIP entry, Garden Party, 5 wine tokens, etc.

More information at HKTB Wine and Dine Month.

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The Hong Kong International Literary Festival - October 26 - November 8, 2015

The Hong Kong International Literary Festival is an annual event featuring established and emerging writers from around the world in a programme that includes discussions, literary lunches and dinners, workshops, book signings and more.

HKILF celebrates English creative writing and emphasizes writing with an Asian connection.

When: 31 October - 8 November 2015

Where: Various venues, including The Fringe Club

How much: Various prices; some free admission

More Info: www.festival.org.hk

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Hong Kong Halloween Celebrations are in full swing now!

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, Fright Dome Las Vegas, touted as one of the top five scariest attractions in America is coming to Hong Kong.

Here are some highlights of this season:

Ocean Park Halloween Fest

What?:There will be many featured attractions this year, including fun for the little ones with games, funhouses, costume parties and contests, etc.

And the heavy-duty horror seekers will not be dissapointed, Ocean Park's array of haunted houses and live shows and concerts feature some of the best technological and state-of-the-art terror design.

When?: Selected dates from October 2 - Nov 1, 2015

Time: Park opens at 10:00 am, Halloween activities from 11:00 on

Where?: Throughout the Park

How Much? General Admission Adults HK 345, Children HK 173. The all day-and-night ticket gives access to the Halloween shows and attractions. You can buy a "Premium Ticket" that gives you priority access to some of the most popular regular and Halloween activities for Adults HK 690 and Children HK 345.

Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
Ocean Park Discount Tickets Adult H345 HKD293 Children HK173 HKD156
Fast Premium HK690 HKD612

More about Ocean Park's Halloween Fest.

Disneyland Hong Kong Haunted Halloween Celebrations

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

When?: Friday, Saturdays and Sundays in October. Opening hours are extended to 11pm during this period.

Where?: Thoroughout the park

How Much? Included with park admission Adults HK499 Children (3-11) HK355.

There are also reduced price night tickets for entrance after 6:00 p.m. HK$399

Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
HK Disneyland Discount Tickets Adult HK499 HKD445 Children HK355 HKD320
Night Ticket HK690 HKD612

More Info: Check our Hong Kong Disneyland Halloween page

Lan Kwai Fong Halloween Street Party

What?: A massive outdoor street party that needs no introduction

When?: October 31, 2015 dusk 'til...

Where?: Take MTR to Central Station Exit D2 and follow the crowds to D'Aguilar Street.

How Much? Free

More Info.

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Ongoing Hong Kong Events for October, 2015

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 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. The "Come Horseracing Tour" US$135 provides transportation to/from your hotel, dinner and drinks and access to the Member's Boxes.

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

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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 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.

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Hong Kong Events