Due to the challenging circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic and the sudden increase in untraced COVID-19 cases this summer, the status of the many events scheduled for October in Hong Kong is still to be decided and may change at the last minute. We will continue to monitor closely this rapidly evolving situation and provide relevant updates on this page.
The month would typically start with the spectacular fireworks display for National Day on October 1st. Fireworks have been cancelled for 2020. Under normal circumstances, this is a very busy week as the National Day is a favourite holiday for Chinese when they enjoy a "Golden Week" of days off. This year, things will probably be a bit quieter than normal, even with the Mid-Autumn Festival which also falls on October 1st, it is still likely to bring the usual array of colorful lanterns.
And as the flashy lanterns of the Mid-Autumn Festival wrap it up for the season, the pumpkins and goblins are just getting started as Halloween fests start to ramp up in October!
This month also welcomes some great Dragon Boat action as many of the June races were postponed to October.
For sports enthusiasts, October is Hong Kong's Sport Month typically featuring the Hong Kong Tennis Open, the Hong Kong Cyclothon and the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes, but keep in mind that due to the international nature of the events, they are likely to be postponed as travel restrictions are still in effect in most parts of the world.
Sadly next door in Macau, the 2020 International Fireworks contest which normally features its Grand Finale in October has been cancelled.
Hong Kong Highlight Celebrations and Events in October 2020
- National Day Events - October 1, 2020
- Mid-Autumn Festival - October 1, 2020
- Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships 2020 - October 11, 2020 - Cancelled
- Aberdeen Dragon Boat Races - October 11, 2020
- Hong Kong International Jazz Festival - October 14 - 16, 2020
- The 6th Vegetarian Food Asia and the 9th LOHAS Expo -
February 21 - 23, 2020Postponed October 23 -25, 2020 - Macau Fireworks Contest - Cancelled
- Hong Kong Tennis Open - Postponed
- Hong Kong Cyclothon - Cancelled
- Global Sources Consumer Electronics, Mobile Electronics, Gifts and Fashion Trade Exhibitions - Cancelled
- Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival Goes Virtual This Year -
October 29 - November 1, 2020moved to November - Chung Yeung Festival - October 25, 2020
- The Cross Harbour Race - Cancelled
- Hong Kong Disneyland Haunted Halloween Celebrations - through October 31, 2020
- Ocean Park Halloween Fest 2020 - Cancelled
- Next Door in Macao: The Festival of Lights - September 26 - October 31, 2020
- More Halloween 2020 celebrations - Through October 31, 2020
Hong Kong Attractions, Tours, Activities that have reopened This October 2020
- The Peak Tram, Peak Tower, Sky Terrace
- Ocean Park - Get discount tickets
- Water World Ocean Park - Get discount tickets
- Hong Kong Disneyland - Get discount tickets
- Big Bus Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours are running daily
- Sky100 Observation Deck - Special Offers
- Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car - Book Standard or Crystal Cabin
- Harbour Cruises have restarted, the following have resumed sailings:
- Fantastic outdoor excursions: hiking, kayaking, swimming, mountain biking, paddleboarding...
- Lion Rock Sunset Hiking Adventure - Victoria Harbour's most dramatic summit - 4 hours, starts from Wong Tai Sin MTR station
- Geopark Kayaking Adventure - 7 hours, meets at Hang Hau MTR Station
- The Mai Po Nature Reserve is OPEN, the WWF offers eco-visits Thrusdays through Sundays, which is the easiest way to visit the reserve without having to get a government permit. You can book an eco-visit here
- Hong Kong Wetland park - is open daily, the Mudflat Hide has also reopened
- Sai Kung Standup-Paddle Adventure - 5 hours, meets at Hang Hau MTR station
- Hike the Yellow Dragon Gorge Nature Trek in Lantau Island - 5 hours, meets at Tung Chung MTR station on Lantau Island
- Plover Cove Bicycling and Hiking Adventure - 4 hours, meets at Tai Po Market MTR station
- Tai Mo Shan Waterfall Hike the tallest waterfall in Hong Kong - 4 hours, meets at Tai Wo MTR station
- The Dragon's Back Hike and Tai Long Wan Beach - 5 hours, meets at Shau Kei Wan MTR station
- Ma On Shan Climbing Adventure - 6 hours, starts at Heng On MTR ends in Saikung town
- Tolo Harbour Cycling Adventure - 4 hours, meets at Tai Po Market MTR Station
For Kids and Families
- Hong Kong Disneyland Haunted Halloween Celebrations - mid-September - October 31, 2020
- Ocean Park Halloween Fest 2020 - October 2020
Also check-out these popular ongoing events during October 2020:
- 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, 2020 marks the 71st Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. To commemorate the occassion, a series of events are planned every year including the flag raising ceremonies and parades and a lavish fireworks display (2020 FIREWORKS CANCELLED) which lits up the whole of Victoria Harbour. Due to the Covid-19 situation this year, we can expect the celebrations will be a bit different in scope and number. Stay tuned for updates.
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, 2020, FIREWORKS ARE CANCELLED
Where?: Wherever there's a view of Victoria Harbour
How Much?: Free!
Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations
The 2020 Mid-Autumn Festival is on October 1st 2020.
Social distancing rules have been extended through the Mid-Autumn Festival and most large scale carnivals and parades have been cancelled due to Coronavirus precautions
Urban Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival at Victoria Park - Suspended
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?: TBC October 1st, 2020 - from 8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
Youth Night: TBC September 30, 2020 - from 7:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.
Where?: Victoria Park
How Much?: Free
Mid-Autumn 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 visitors 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.
When?: Late September through early/mid October TO BE CONFIRMED, lit Friday through Sunday from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm, until midnight on Mid-Autumn Festival
Where?: Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and Cultural Centre Piazza near the Clocktower
How Much?: Free
Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships 2020 - CANCELLED
These are some of the largest and most prominent Dragon Boat Races in the world with some 200 local and international teams participating in the action-packed high caliber races which attract a crowd of over 30,000 spectators. Normally taking place during the annual Dragon Boat Festival in June, this year due to the threat of Covid-19, the races were postponed to October.
The race will naturally be held in accordance with government regulations and health measures and is subject to changes or cancellation in case of an escalation of the Covid-19 situation.
When?: October 11, 2020 - CANCELLED
Where?: Stanley Main Beach
Here's more on Stanley and how to get there.
More Info: Stanley Dragon Boat Association
Aberdeen Dragon Boat Races
The charming Aberdeen Fishing Village is a great place for a day out and to enjoy the excitement of the Dragon Boat Races. Normally taking place during the annual Dragon Boat Festival in June, this year due to the threat of Covid-19, the races were postponed to October.
When?: October 11, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. to approx. 6:00 p.m.
Where?: Aberdeen Promenade/Aberdeen West Typhoon Shelter. Here's more on Aberdeen and how to get there.
More Info: Check out their Facebook page for the latest news Aberdeen Dragon Boat on Facebook
Hong Kong International Jazz Festival
Renowned jazz musicians from
around the world will delight audiences with a series of performances. This year's lineup includes m.a.R.K., Sonia R., NTBM, Tommy Ho Trio, Jazz Organix, Jason Cheng & Jerold Chu Duo, Paulo Levi and many more.
When?: October 14 - 16, 2020
Where?: Hong Kong City Hall
How Much?: HK 220
The 6th Vegetarian Food Asia and the 9th LOHAS Expo
This is Hong Kong's largest vegetarian and green living exhibition. It is open to the general public where visitors will be able to find and shop a wide variety of vegetarian and green living products from around the world throughout the three show days.
The expo's "Public Zone" was successfully debuted in the last edition with a record-breaking 30,000 visits. In the 2020 shows, the organizer will expand the Public Hall's scale. Apart from showcasing 4,000 vegetarian, natural, organic, and green living products, the expo will also feature exciting events for the public who embrace a green and healthy lifestyle.
When?: February 21 - 23, 2020 - Postponed October 23 - 25, 2020
Where?: Hong Kong Convention Centre Hall 3F
How Much?: Friday and Saturday: $10, Sunday $20 Online registration is now OPEN! Register now to get the FREE ticket!
The 2020 Macau International Fireworks Contest - Cancelled
Just next door in Macau... Six evenings of mesmerizing fireworks and music extravaganzas!!! Fireworks displays can be some of the most sensational spectacles one can witness, imagine the best of the best in the world battling it out on a competition that encompasses six evenings of stunning lights and sounds, with international teams competing for the coveted trophy.
Two teams participate each evening, each performance lasts approximately 18 minutes.
When?: 2020 Fireworks Contest CANCELLED - 9:00 and 9:40 pm
Where?: Sea area in front of the Macau Tower.
A Fireworks Carnival will be held every fireworks evening next to the Macau Tower from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. The Carnival will be a confluence of delicacies, performances and games, enriching the event with more fantastic experiences.
How Much?: FREE!
Remember you can get Turbojet and CotaiJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets from Klook.com:
TurboJet Macau Ferry Discount Tickets are as follows:
Hong Kong Island to/from Macau Harbour:
- Single Trip (weekday, slightly more on weekends): HK175 US$ 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 Tennis Open - Postponed
World class tennis returns to Hong Kong! The Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open is a WTA sanctioned International Series Event returning for its 6th year in 2020 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?: POSTPONED
Where?: Victoria Park Tennis Stadium
How Much?: HK$160 - HK$880
Tickets for the early draws on Saturday, Sunday and Monday are FREE! Tuesday is FREE for students.
Hong Kong Cyclothon - Cancelled
Returning for the third 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?: CANCELLED
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 - Cancelled
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, 2020
Global Sources Mobile Electronics Show - October 18 - 21, 2020
Global Sources Lifestyle Show - October 27 - 30, 2020
Global Sources Fashion Show - October 27 - 30, 2020
Where? AsiaWorld Expo
Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival Goes Virtual This Year
This was then... 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 of course the Tasting Room with great offerings for wine pairing dinners, mastering wine and cheese, etc...
This is now... Rather than a four-day event, this year's festival will span multiple weeks in November allowing audiences around the world many opportunities to connect with Hong Kong's leading chefs, restaurateurs and industry thought leaders through virtual pairings, workshops and classes. Of course we will miss the fantastic setting and atmosphere, but the good thing is everyone can participate regardless of where you are in the world!
When?: Moved to November 2020
Where?: Central Harbourfront Event Space and Tamar Park in Hong Kong Island near Central Piers 9 and 10 HKTB is building an online hub where most of the Festival programs will take place. The full program and digital events line-up will be announced soon, stay tuned!
How Much?: General Admission HK$30, 65+ and children 3-12 HK$15.
Chung Yeung Festival - October 25, 2020
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.
The Cross Harbour Race - Cancelled
Yes, this is a swimming race accross Victoria Harbour! It is one of the most popular events in Hong Kong attracting hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators. Imagine swimming with the towering skyscrapers on both ends, it's certainly a sight!
There are several categories for competitors, from Youth (12 years old) to Masters (50 and above), there are categories for leisure groups, schools and universities as well. Course can be 1 km to 5 km.
When?: 2020 race has been CANCELLED
Where?: Race starts from Wan Chai Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier to Tsim Sha Tsui Avenue of Stars
How Much?: Spectators Free!
Ocean Park Halloween Fest 2020 - CANCELLED
Ocean Park is every year's Halloween Grand Central, with one of the largest events in Asia.
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 LINE Friends will be around in their Halloween costumes ready for pictures!
And for the heavy-duty horror seekers, the 2019 Ocean Park Halloween Bash features a whole new Park-wide approach in which spooky elements go beyond haunted houses to host six haunted zones each based on a themed story told through the set, lighting and acoustic effects, highlighted further by street actors, and where guests also naturally become participants in the interactive horror story.
When?: Selected dates in October 2020
Where?: Ocean Park
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
Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
Ocean Park Discount Tickets Adult HK498 HK$468, child (3-11) HK249 HK$234
Ticket + Halloween Attractions packages also available.
More Info and Booking at Klook.com
Offers for Water World Ocean Park HK Ticket
Hong Kong Disneyland Haunted Halloween Celebrations
What?: Restaurants, shops and hotels are offering unique Halloween experiences.
When?: Through October 31, 2020. This year's festivities will be held to conform with health and safety precautions. Character greetings are adjusted to avoid close interaction. Park is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Opening hours are normally extended to 11pm on weekends during this period.
Where?: Throughout the park
How Much? Included with park admission
Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
HK Disneyland Discount Tickets Adult HK669 HKD622, Children HK499 HKD475
More Info and Booking at Klook.com
Also available are exclusive experience for World of Frozen and Arandelle Royal Breakfast Buffet
Dining Offers at Hong Kong Disneyland
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.
Macao Light Festival 2020
Next door in Macao, the Festival of Lights is back with an earlier start this year! This is a highly anticipated annual event just in time for the holiday season that lights up the city's heritage landmarks creating a festive and enchanting atmosphere all throughout.
This year's Festival of Lights brings several projection mapping shows that will be staged at two locations: at Anim'Arte NAM VAN and at Tap Seac Square, shows lasts approximately 5 minutes and are staged every 30 minutes.
Light Installations and interactive games normally take place at various venues throughout the city in the Old Town and around Nam Van Lake.
When?: September 26 - October 31, 2020
Where?: Three main locations and routes:
Old Town - take bus 3, 3A, 4, 6A, 8A, 19, 26A, 33, N1A
Nam Van Lake - take bus 6B, 9, 9A, 18, 18B, 23, 32, 32T, N2
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
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
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.
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.
Hong Kong Events By Month
Most Popular Excursions in Hong Kong
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