October 2021 Hong Kong Festivals and Events

National Day, Hong Kong Marathon, Halloween...
National Day Fireworks on October 1st

Due to the ongoing challenging circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic, 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. But at this time celebratory events and fireworks have not been announced for 2021.

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 due to the international nature of the events and as travel restrictions are still in effect in Hong Kong and most parts of the world, these events have been suspended for 2021.

On a better note, the Hong Kong Marathon WILL go ahead on the 24th of October, although with a vastly reduced number of participants. And this month will also welcome some great Dragon Boat action as many of the June races were postponed to October.

So as the flashy lanterns of the Mid-Autumn Festival wrap it up for the season, the pumpkins and goblins will be getting started as Halloween celebrations start to ramp up!

Hong Kong Highlight Celebrations and Events in October 2021

Hong Kong Attractions, Tours, Activities that have reopened This October 2021

For Kids and Families

Also check-out these popular ongoing events during October 2021:

Discount Tickets on Most Popular Attractions

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Hong Kong Staycation Hot Deals

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Hong Kong Celebrates National Day

Hong Kong October 1st National Day

October 1, 2021 marks the 72nd 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 (2021 FIREWORKS TO BE CONFIRMED) 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. Fireworks have not been announced. Stay tuned for updates.

In the event of fireworks, they 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, 2021, FIREWORKS TO BE CONFIRMED
Where?: Wherever there's a view of Victoria Harbour
How Much?: Free!

Watching the Fireworks from the water aboard a Harbour Cruise
Watch The Fireworks Aboard a Harbour Cruise

Hong Kong Restaurants and Rooftop Bars With Harbour Views
Restaurants and Rooftop Bars with a View

Hong Kong Hotels with Views of the Fireworks
Hotels with Best Views of the Fireworks

Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern Displays

Lantern Carnival in Victoria Park

Mid-Autumn Lantern Exhibition in Tsim Sha Tsui

Mid-Autumn Festival Lanterns by the Clocktower 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?: Through October 3, 2021, lit 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 2021 - Postponed

Stanley Dragon Boat Races

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 10, 2021 POSTPONED - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where?: Stanley Main Beach
Here's more on Stanley and how to get there.

More Info: Stanley Dragon Boat Association

Aberdeen Dragon Boat Races

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 3, 2021 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

Global Sources Trade Exhibitions

Global Sources Consumer Electronics Show

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, 2021
Global Sources Mobile Electronics Show - October 18 - 21, 2021
Global Sources Smart Home and Appliances - October 18 - 21, 2021
Global Sources Smart Home and Kitchen - October 18 - 21, 2021
Global Sources Lifestyle Show - October 27 - 30, 2021
Global Sources Fashion Show - October 27 - 30, 2021

Where? AsiaWorld Expo

Chung Yeung Festival - October 14, 2021

Altar Offerings for Chung Yeung Festival

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 International Jazz Festival

Hong Kong International Jazz Festival

Renowned jazz musicians from around the world will delight audiences with a series of performances.
When?: Concerts on October 27 & 28, Seminars on October 16 & 22, 2021
Where?: Hong Kong City Hall, Theatre
How Much?: HK280


Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon

Hong Kong Marathon

This is Hong Kong's first major mass sporting event scheduled to take place since the pandemic started although understandably with a vastly reduced number of participants, instead of the usual 70,000+, we will see a reduced field of 18,500 runners.

This enrollment quota is allocated among the 3 races, the Marathon, Half-Marathon and the 10K race with at least half of the respective race quotas reserved for participants that had enrolled for last year's cancelled race.

Anti-pandemic guidelines for runners include a pre-race COVID-19 test as well as having received two dosis of the COVID-19 vaccine.

New this year is a virtual marathon which will be held alongside the physical races, allowing runners from around the world to participate.

When?: Sunday, October 24, 2021. Virtual run partcipation from October 25 to November 14, 2021
Where?: Starting area at Nathan Road, Finish Area at Victoria Park
How Much?: FREE for spectators, registration fee for participants

Hong Kong Tennis Open - SUSPENDED

Angi Kerber, Venus Williams at HK Tennis Open

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 2021 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 in the past. Tournament's prize money is US$500,000.

When?: SUSPENDED
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 - SUSPENDED

Hong Kong Cyclothon

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?: SUSPENDED
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!

The Cross Harbour Race - POSTPONED

Hong Kong Harbour RAce

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?: Postponed to December 12, 2021
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 2021

LINE Friends in Halloween outfits at Ocean Parks Merry Go Round

Ocean Park is every year's Halloween Grand Central, with one of the largest events in Asia. The 2021 Ocean Park Halloween Fest is back after last year's fest was suspended due to unpredictablity of the Covid-19 situation

This year it will be a bit different, the traditional haunted houses are out but plenty of interactive experiences throughout the park are being planned. Trick-or-treating is still on, as well as the popular interactive experiences, Survivor of the Undead, Forbidden Rainforest Treasure Hunt and The Supernatural Ghost Tour.

And of course plenty of shows, roaming ghosts and monsters for photo ops, and great food and entertainment round up a day of fun at this year's Halloween Fest.

When?: October 1 - 31, 2021
Where?: Ocean Park Hong Kong
How Much? General admission ticket gives access to Halloween shows and attractions.

Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
Ocean Park Discount All Day Delight Tickets Adult HK498 HK$368, Child HK249 HK$233.

More Info and Booking at Klook.com

Offers for Water World Ocean Park HK Ticket

Hong Kong Disneyland Haunted Halloween Celebrations

Disneyland Halloween pumpkins

What?: The spooky fun of Disney Halloween Time is back once again at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort! From now to October 31, 2021, the iconic Villains from classic Disney stories, as well as beloved Disney Friends decked out in brand-new Halloween looks, will gather to put on an incredibly fun and wicked Halloween extravaganza! Guests are invited to join the Halloween party by dressing up in their own stylish Halloween outfits, inspired by their favorite Disney characters.
When?: Through October 31, 2021.
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 HK639 HKD584, Children HK475 HKD428
More Info and Booking at Klook.com

Dining Offers at Hong Kong Disneyland

Booo: More Hong Kong Halloween Celebrations

Witches for Halloween

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

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 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

Happy Valley Horse Races

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.

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