Say hello or rather, ‘boo!’ to October. When thinking of this month, Halloween usually comes to mind. And while there are plenty of Halloween-related happenings in October, Hongkongers and visitors to the city can look forward to other amazing events as well. If you’re looking for the most fun things to do in Hong Kong, you’ve come to the right place. Take a look at our top recommendations for the best Hong Kong events in October 2024.
Every October calls for a visit to Ocean Park for their annual Halloween Fest. This year, the theme park is bringing urban legends to life through six different haunted experiences. Lovers of Korean culture, whether it’s dramas, music, beauty, food, and more, shouldn’t miss out on Festive Korea. The event is the largest celebration of Korean culture and even lasts until November. This month, two flagship Hong Kong events make their return: the Hong Kong Tattoo Convention and the Wine & Dine Festival.
Meanwhile, cinephiles are in for a treat with the return of the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival. There are over 90 films to look forward in addition to special appearances from movie directors and lead stars. Finally, don’t forget to join the Oktoberfest festivities like the one in Central Market. Curious to find out more? Keep reading to see the best things to do in Hong Kong and the unmissable Hong Kong events in October 2024.
Hong Kong events: The best things to do in October 2024
1. Ocean Park Halloween Fest 2024
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Visiting Ocean Park for its annual Halloween Fest is one of the most popular events in Hong Kong every October. This year’s theme is ‘Horrors of the Hidden City’, bringing the scariest urban legends to life. The event is open to all ages and attendees can experience six haunted zones from various timelines. From the Dreadful Wall City to Hotel Morte, prepare yourselves for a night (or day) of scares and chills. For something mellower, join the Everyone Trick-or-Treat and enjoy various interactive games. Otherwise, there are also incredible performances to elevate your spirits.
Date: Until November 3
Venue: Ocean Park Hong Kong
Website: oceanpark.com.hk
2. Festive Korea
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Celebrate Korean culture right here in Hong Kong at Festive Korea. The annual event is returning for its 2024 edition to showcase the vibrancy of Korea and promote Korean culture through various activities. Kicking off the festival is an all-day open marketplace in PMQ called Korea Square. There is also an outdoor open-air concert with K-pop star Sung Si-kyung and Canto-pop hitmaker Hins Cheung. Don’t miss the Korean Ceramic Pavillion at Fine Art Asia and admire the amazing work of Korean craft artists including the famous moon jars. Food lovers can also take part in a series of workshops and classes during the festival.
Date: October 3 to Nov 29
Venue: Various locations across Hong Kong
Website: hk.korean-culture.org
3. Hong Kong Tattoo Convention
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The Hong Kong China International Tattoo Exhibition is back for its 8th edition in October. Taking place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, tattoo artists and enthusiasts gather under one roof for this event. Tattoo lovers can connect with different artists, get some new ink, and appreciate different tattoo styles, designs, and techniques. Meanwhile, tattoo artists can show off their work to a wider audience. Expect to see the likes of Marko Stamenkovic from Thailand, Meow Meow from China, and Sajin from Korea among others. Local artists such as Hana and Tuna are also making appearances.
Date: October 4 to 6
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Website: hktattoocon.com
4. Mind HK Mental Health Food Week
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In honour of World Mental Health Month this October, local mental health charity Mind HK is organising its third annual fundraising campaign. The aim is to continue promoting the crucial bond between social connections and mental health. This year’s Food Week campaign features over 50 of the city’s most popular restaurants along with bakeries, bars, and cafes to raise funds and awareness for mental health.
Mind HK is also hosting its first silent auction and raffle campaign. Another addition this year is the Pici Pasta Run 2024 on October 24, which invites participants to join a lively run while supporting the charity. Participants who finish the event can get Pici gift bags and enjoy an authentic pasta feast. Other eateries supporting the event include Salisterra, Matchali, Yung Kee, Wingman, and more.
Date: October 4 to 20
Venue: Various locations across Hong Kong
Website: mind.org.hk/mentalhealthfoodweek2024
5. Central Market Oktoberfest
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Raise a glass and join in the festivities as Central Market celebrates Oktoberfest in style. Guests will feel like they’ve been transported to the heart of Germany, along with a performance from Hong Kong’s favourite German band Die Notenhobler. Listen to musicians Martin, Uwe, and Thomas as they perform live every night from 6:30 pm to 10 pm, bringing their infectious energy to boozehounds. This year’s Oktoberfest brings two popular beer brands: Löwenbräu and Franziskaner to the drinking lineup. Additionally, there is also a delectable menu of German specialities to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the fun beer-themed games from classic drinking contests to kid-friendly balloon-pumping challenges and more.
Date: October 17 to November 2
Venue: Central Market
Website: centralmarket.hk
6. Hong Kong Asian Film Festival
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The 21st edition of the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival takes place in October this year. Get ready for a showcase of over 90 Asian films, most of which have been screened at international film festivals. This year, there is a special “Made in HK” section that showcases a variety of new local films. Meanwhile, two highly anticipated Hong Kong titles are the opening films: The Last Dance and Blossoms Under Somewhere. Closing the festival are the movies Daughter’s Daughter and Papa.
In addition to the strong lineup of local movies and South Korean titles, there are also documentaries that focus on Palestine to connect audiences to the real-life situation today. Furthermore, the director in focus this year is Mipo O, a distinctive female voice in Japanese cinema.
Date: October 17 to November 10
Venue: Various locations across Hong Kong
Website: hkaff.asia
7. Performing Arts Expo
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This five-day expo allows cultural exchange among different creative people and artists across Hong Kong and the world. Get ready for a range of performances, workshops, and collaborations to further inspire creativity and encourage artistic potential. Culture lovers can watch a series of musical theatre performances, dances, comedies, and more. Some of the highlights include a collaboration between Hong Kong composer Leon Ko and Japanese set designer Hiroko Matsuo for a theatrical production. There is also a performance led by Hong Kong-born music director Ng Cheuk-yin with young musicians from South Africa and Hong Kong.
Date: October 24 to 18
Venue: Various locations across Hong Kong
Website: hkpax.org.hk
8. Airside’s Hollow City Immersive Experience
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Relive the glory (or gory) days of the infamous Kowloon Walled City with Airside’s ‘Hollow City’ immersive experience. Within the Kowloon Walled City lies the urban legend of the ladies’ restroom. Word is upon discovering the incident, officers who tried to investigate mysteriously vanished. This immersive experience allows attendees to try to uncover the truth. Navigate the complex buildings and corridors within a limited time. Gather clues and unravel the mystery of the unsolved case before time runs out.
Date: Throughout October, every Thursday to Sunday and public holidays
Venue: Airside
Website: airside.com.hk
9. German Film Festival
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This year marks the 25th edition of the German Film Festival. Get ready for a showcase of German films across various genres. The New German Cinema section highlights new films from the country, led by female directors. In German Masters, cinephiles can find the great works of master directors. The opening film is In a Land That No Longer Exists with director Aelrun Goette in attendance to greet the audience during the after-screening talk.
Date: October 12 to 22
Venue: Various locations across Hong Kong
Website: goethe.de
10. Wine & Dine Festival
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Attention all foodies and wine lovers, the Wine & Dine Festival is returning to the Central Harbourfront Event Space. Promising to be bigger than the previous years, expect an expanded array of food and wine booths. Plus, for the first time, the event is taking place over five days with extended opening hours until 11 pm. This year, the spotlight is on emerging wine and spirit varieties ranging from classic brands to Chinese Baijiu and craft beer. There are also masterclasses led by renowned chefs to join in as well as the chance to sample limited-edition local-themed cocktails.
Date: October 23 to 24
Venue: Central Harbourfront Event Space
Website: discoverhongkong.com
Which of these Hong Kong events in October 2024 will you attend?
(Hero Image credit: Airside, Featured Image credit: Hong Kong Tattoo Convention)