For Your Diary: what’s on in Hong Kong for October

Autumn is officially here and it’s packed with new cultural events! Our favourite colour pink takes over October for Breast Cancer Awareness month, along with plenty of other cultural highlights – so read on for our top picks of all the best shows, concerts, exhibitions and events going on around Hong Kong this month.

As we like it
Shakespeare fan? Bard hater? Either way, you’ll find The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) hilarious – with all 37 William Shakespeare plays condensed into a 97-minute three-man comedy show. Enjoy an evening of pure laughter with what is the longest running comedy show in London’s West End!

SASSY GIVEAWAY: Sorry, you’re too late!  The giveaway has now closed.

When: 16-20 & 22-27 October, 7.45pm (20 Oct 7pm); additional shows Saturdays & Sundays 3.45pm
Where: Drama Theatre, Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: $295-695, available via www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288

It’s pink party month!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and the city will be staging a Pink Revolution in its honour! You’ll be able to Shop for Pink as the likes of Elemis, Body Shop, Shanghai Tang, Pandora and Rigby & Peller have all got some beautiful pink products for purchase, with proceeds going to the Hong Kong Cancer Fund. Apart from all these cute products, there’s also Dress for Pink Day on 25 October – show your support and don your favourite girlie colour! If you want to go one step further (literally!), you can join in the fundraising Pink Walk on 20 October; everyone is welcome and there’ll be educational and face painting booths… and even the chance to win best (pink) dressed!

When: Throughout October
Where: All over Hong Kong!
How much: Proceeds raised go to the Hong Kong Cancer Fund

A day at the races
Celebrate National Day with a day at the races! Who doesn’t love the thrill and buzz around a Hong Kong racecourse, and the National Day Cup event also includes some amazing live performances from Mainland soprano Xu Xiaoying, the HK Police Band and the Inner Mongolia Acrobatic Troupe. You can also get your mitts on special commemorative souvenirs, plus have a flutter on one of the blue-ribbon races themselves (and, fingers crossed, win big!). Hopefully all this excitement will make up for our lack of fireworks this year!

When: 1 October
Where: Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
How much: $10 for public enclosure

Jazz it up!
Click your fingers and tap your feet, as it’s The Hong Kong International Jazz Festival! This four-day celebration of all things jazzy will see international musicians and groups (including performers from as far afield as Brazil and Denmark) take to the stage to get you in the mood, including a fab open-air concert on Sunday.

When: 29 September-2 October; see full schedule here
Where: Various locations, see more details here
How much: Free-$380, available via www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999 (see more details here)

Dance into the night
Let your hair down and head out to the Tiesto Club Life Music Festival, featuring one of the highest profile DJ line-ups that Asia has ever seen, including the one and only Tiesto himself! It’s guaranteed to be a night of amazing electro beats with cool video visuals on the walls, various giveaways, exotic dance acts, surprise shows and more.

When: 1 October, doors open at 3.45pm
Where: Asia World Expo, Lantau, Hong Kong
How much: From $880-1800, buy tickets here

Thunderbolts and lightening, very very frightening!
It’s time to get hair-raising for some theme park thrills! For the 13^th year in a row, Hong Kong’s Ocean Park will be hosting a number of spooktacular Halloween-themed events throughout October with their Halloween Fest! Look out for special Halloween Shows, a “Murder Factory” (oooeerrr…), a Pumpkin Creation Lab and plenty more. Meanwhile, Disneyland Hong Kong will be having their own Haunted Halloween, featuring a scary Carnival Extraordinaire, the all-powerful demon Chernabog (nope, us neither!), and Mickey and pals all dressed up for the occasion. Try and go to both… if you dare!

When: Ocean Park 1-31 October; Disneyland 4-31 October (Thursdays-Sundays)
Where: Ocean Park, 180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen; Disneyland, Lantau
How much: Ocean Park $272-320, more info here; Disneyland $299-450, more info here

Tickle your wine tastebuds
Finally, an event dedicated to wine! The ‘Test Your Palate’ Wine Tasting Event will give you the opportunity to taste a variety of prestigious wines from popular regions and you can even compare your tastings with expert judges! Test your wine connoisseur skills and learn about different wines from around the world and what makes their grapes so different (but equally delicious!).

When: 2-4 October, 6-8.30pm
Where: Chancellor Room, 4/F, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: One day pass $250, three day pass $700, available via www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288

Drama, drama, drama…
Frozen is a Tony-nominated drama about the disappearance of a 10-year old girl; following three main characters (the killer, her mother and a doctor), this absorbing play confronts themes like forgiveness and human nature for a night of great drama. It’s gonna be an intense one!

When: 2-5 October, 8pm; additional show 5 October, 3pm
Where: Macaulay Studio, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: $200, available via www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999

Vamos a bailar, senorita!
The Ballet Nacional de Espana are bringing a night of Spanish-style ballet to the ‘Kong! This internationally acclaimed production, featuring three different dances, will be high-energy and packed with passionate, flamenco-inspired choreography. Get ready for fantastic ensemble routines with flamboyant traditional costumes (and beautiful Spanish ballet boys!) for a different ballet experience you won’t want to miss.

When: 3 October, 7.30pm; 6 October, 5pm
Where: 3 Oct, Auditorium, Sha Tin Town Hall, 1 Yuen Wo Road, Sha Tin; 6 Oct, Yuen Long Theatre, 9 Yuen Long Tai Yuk Road, Yuen Long, Hong Kong
How much: $160-$400, available via www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999

Bid for the best
Is your pad in need of that one special wow-worthy item? Then perhaps you might want to splash out and bid at Sotheby’s 40^th Anniversary evening sale. Marking their four decades in Asia, this quality auction house will be selling some of the best Asian contemporary artwork from artists such as Zao Wou-Ki, Wang Yidong and Luo Zhongli. Go check out some of these amazing artworks at the exbibition or treat yourself and buy a piece!

When: Public Exhibition, 3-5 October, from 10am onwards; Auction 5 October, 7pm
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: Exhibition free; if you’re going to make a bid, expect to be spending some big bucks!

Canvas cruisin’…
The Asia Contemporary Art Show, the second biggest art show in Hong Kong, is back this month showcasing the best in the current contemporary art scene. With over 2,000 artworks ranging from original paintings to limited edition photography and sculpture, this vibrant hub of all things contemporary art is a must see for art-lovers. Get your art critic glasses on!

When: 4 October, 1-5pm; 5-6 October, 1-8.30pm
Where: 27-30/F, JW Marriott Hotel, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
How much: Standard tickets $150, VIP tickets $240, available via www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288

Steamin’ ahead…
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hugely successful musical Starlight Express has careened its way to HK! Packed with daredevil stunts, award-winning costumes and sets, an amazing soundtrack and sensational rollerskate-choreography, this futuristic, high-energy musical is a treat for the eyes and ears. A fun-filled and entertaining night out with friends and family awaits…and you won’t be able to stop humming those catchy numbers for days after! Top photo also from Starlight Express

When: 4-6, 8-13, 15-20, 22-27 October, see full schedule here
Where: Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy Of Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: $395-$950, available via www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288

Looking fine!
A culmination of all the best art in the region, art aficionados will love the Fine Art Asia Exhibition! Don’t miss your chance to gaze upon exquisite antiques, including ancient Chinese and Himalayan bronzes and ceramics, antique Western and Chinese furniture and decorative arts, textiles, fine art, jewellery, and modern and contemporary works of art. This internationally acclaimed collection will be filled with an audience of major art dealers, collectors, curators and art enthusiasts… so get ready to mingle with the arty!

When: 4-6 October, 11am-7pm; 7 October, 11am-6pm
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: $200 (admits two people), available on the door

East meets West
The biennial World Cultures Festival this year brings us an enchanting take on Eastern European visual and performing arts with Lasting Legacies of Eastern Europe’, an eclectic programme of dance, theatre, music and film. Highlights include the Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg’s stunning interpretation of Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, a concert by the Budapest Gypsy Symphony Orchestra, the Maly Drama Theatre of St. Petersburg’s production of Chekov’s Uncle Vanya, and a traditional Cossacks song-and-dance show. Discover the rich diversity of a different culture at this interesting and unique festival right here in Hong Kong!

When: Throughout October, see full schedule here
Where: Various locations throughout Hong Kong, see more information here
How much: Prices vary, tickets available via www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999

A night at the opera
In honour of Richard Wagner’s bicentenary, his opera The Flying Dutchman will be performed by international world-class singers, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and Opera Hong Kong this October. Directed by Volker Böhm, this production telling the story of the haunted, ghostly Dutchman and his crew, condemned to sail the seven seas until he can find love, will be the perfect fall treat for opera lovers. (Performed in German with Chinese and English subtitles).

When: 10-13 October, 7.30pm
Where: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
How much: $150-$900, available via www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999‎

Life’s a beach
Bring your friends and family out to Lantau for the Silvermine Bay Music Festival! With five zones, including the Food Fair, Music Zone, Party Zone, and even the Beach Zone, this is sure to be a relaxed, fun-filled day of music. With over twenty local performers (including HK faves ChoChukMo) and some overseas ones too, get ready to enjoy the sun, sea and sand with some sweet tunes too.

When: 11 October, 7.30pm-10pm; 12 October, 3pm-10pm; 13 October, 2.30pm-9.30pm
Where: Silvermine Bay Beach, Mui Wo, Lantau, Hong Kong
How much: Absolutely FREE!

You better Beliebe it!
That’s right Beliebers… Justin Bieber’s Believe tour is here! The Canadian teen heartthrob will be touring his chart-topping third album, bringing his slick dance routines and sweet tunes to the Venetian Macao. Time to feel like a teenager again… Oh baby, baby, baby ohhhh…!

When: 12 October, 8pm
Where: Cotai Arena, Venetian Macao, Macao
How much: $980-1280 (other seats sold out), available via www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288

Godfather of graffiti
Opera Gallery continues its Post No Bills exhibition by legendary American street artist SEEN. His debut solo exhibition in Hong Kong features original works from his Superhero series, with freehand aerosol works and stencils. SEEN is an acclaimed graffiti genius, and has even exhibited with the likes of Andy Warhol and Keith Haring in the past, so this is one talented, influential artist worth taking a look at.

When: Until 15 October
Where: Opera Gallery, G-3/F, W Place, 52 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry

Life is a cabaret, old chum
This October, the Fringe Club will play host to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival Roadshow, one of South Australia’s leading arts festivals. Over four nights a variety of performances will be featured, including soprano Ali McGregor, Jersey Boys star Michael Griffiths and cabaret king Paul Capsis just to name a few!

When: 16-21 October, see full schedule here
Where: Hong Kong Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: $280-$350, available via www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288

We will, we will, rock you!
Swing back to the era of rock ‘n’ roll at the Festival of Inclusive Arts! Held at various venues, this festival aims to encourage a diverse range of arts among all people, with or without disabilities. Alongside an Inclusive Arts Exhibition and expert Arts Workshops, there will also be three one-off concerts – Music Jams (featuring various percussion, classical and folk music acts), Local Inspirations (featuring hip-hop, contemporary dance and mime), and Lion Rocks You (for some rock n’ roll throwback tracks – and retro costumes are more than welcome!). So come celebrate diversity and the arts at this all-inclusive festival!

When: 16-23 October, see full schedule here
Where: Various locations, see more information here
How much: $120-$150, see ticketing details here

Reclaim the streets!
The coolest art around right now has to be street art – and now’s the time to absorb it all with the arrival of Art Fever Nights in Hong Kong, which aim to share art, support new talent and get art out of the canvas and into real life! Featuring three spectacular art-fused parties, Street Art Fever nights are sure to be visual stimulating and whole lot of fun! Don’t miss the opening Fluorescent Night at Drop, which will include live performances, body-painted dancers, exhibitions of international artists and all things glow-in-the-dark…or the Party and Play Nights at Fly and Nova, which will get you involved in constructing a giant UV puzzle, and even get painting yourself! So get ready to party and play hard!

When: 17 & 19 October, 11pm; 25 & 26 October, 11.30pm
Where: 17 Oct, Drop, 39-43 Hollywood Road, Central; 19 Oct, Fly, 24-30 Ice House Street, Central; 25 & 26 Oct, Nova, 2/F, Lyndhurst Tower 1, Central, Hong Kong
How much: $190 including one drink, buy tickets here

Feeling sketchy?
From this month until spring next year, Hong Kong will have a number of fun and creative events as part of The Big Draw, which encourages us all to get our pencils at the ready and start drawing! As part of the festivities, it’s time to unleash your inner Picassos for an innovative performance of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World, where you’ll get drawing while the action unfolds on-stage…and there will be some interactive post-show activities too. Release your creative side and have some fun while you’re at it!

When: 19-20 October, 2.30pm
Where: Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre, 111 Shau Kei Wan Road, Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong
How much: $150-$200 available via www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999

Run rats run!
The CENTRAL Hong Kong Rat Race is here again – meaning it’s time to grab the best spectator spots as Hong Kong’s usually serious business community engages in an obstacle course relay all over Central! This tongue-in-cheek charity event raises money for MINDSET, a charity that supports mental-health related organisations and projects. So grab your briefcase batons (and maybe ditch the heels!) for this hilarious race for a worthwhile cause.

When: 20 October, 9am
Where: Starts at Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Free to watch

Love, family, tradition… and dance!
The Dream of the Red Chamber is a newly commissioned ballet, produced by The Hong Kong Ballet and Ballet Dortmund, based on one of China’s greatest love story. With themes of duty, forbidden love, family honour and despair along with stunning visuals that include costumes and set designs with a distinctly Chinese twist, we can’t wait to see this beautiful ballet for the first time. If you can’t get enough, gain an insight into the making of the show with pre-performance workshops, backstage tours and pre-performance talks (full details here).

When: 25-27 October & 1-3 November, 7.30pm; 26-27 October & 2-3 November, 2.30pm
Where: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
How much: $140-$1500, available via www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999

Beer, beer… and more beer!
It’s that time of the year again, when all Hong Kongers are susceptible to a beer belly! Oktoberfest is back and with more German sausages, yummy pretzels and lederhosen-clad partygoers than ever! Marco Polo’s German Bierfest promises all this and more with their regular traditional German band, Die Notenhobler, ready to fill the evening with hearty folk music and games, all with some stunning harbour views thrown in for good measure too.

When: 25 October-15 November, 6pm-11pm (Sunday-Thursday), 6pm-11.30pm (Friday-Saturday)
Where: Viewing Platform, Level 6, Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel
Harbour City, 3 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
How much: Sunday-Thursday $130 (includes glass of beer); Friday-Saturday $240 (includes glass of beer and commemorative mug), available via www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288

Ready, set, sedan!
The annual Sedan Chair Race & Bazaar at the Matilda Hospital kicks off again at the end of the month, with proceeds going to some great small charities. As sedan chairs were originally the only transport up to this 106-year old hospital, they are now used in this race as a test of teamwork, strength and endurance. If cheering from the sidelines is more your style, this historic Hong Kong community event also includes a bazaar full of food, shopping opportunities, entertainment and fun for the whole family!

When: 27 October, Race 10am-12pm, Bazaar 12pm-3.30pm
Where: Matilda International Hospital, The Peak, Hong Kong
How much: Free

Foodie heaven
For the fifth year in a row, the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival is back… but this time on the other side of the harbour! In this spectacular new location, you can expect only the best of the best in wine, cuisine and live entertainment under the glittering lights of Hong Kong. Sip on award-winning wines (especially in the Party Wine Zone) and refine your taste buds in the new Tasting Room with a food appreciation masterclass or special wine pairing dinner. Get ready for the ultimate gastronomic indulgence at this foodie extravaganza!

When: 31 October, 8.30-11.30pm; 1-2 November noon-12am; 3 November noon-10.30pm
Where: The New Central Harbourfront, Hong Kong (directions here)
How much: $30 entry, with further passes and tokens available to purchase inside; more ticket info here

Don’t get too crabby!
It’s Hairy Crab Season in the ‘Kong, which means everyone will be on the hunt for that creamy, strongly flavoured roe and sweet crab flesh! To honour this local foodie favourite, hotels and restaurants all over town will be offering some delectable crab inspired dishes and menus – simply pick your spot and find out what’s on offer! Don’t forget to check out our guide on how to eat the little blighters (hint: things might get messy!), plus our round-up of five of our fave places to get our hairy crab fix! Grab your chance to sample this seasonal Hong Kong delicacy!

When: Throughout October and November
Where: Restaurants and hotels all over Hong Kong!