Entertainment Calendar: What to do and see in October

Asia Contemporary Art Show, Backstreet Boys, Women of Wine festival… there are a lot of stuff that are still scheduled to take place in and around HK this month. Check ’em out.

1 Oct

National Day Holiday

While October’s National Day celebrations may not be kicking off in its traditional firework-punctuated style this year, the People’s Republic of China’s 70th birthday still affords the perfect opportunity to take a little break from everyday life. Aside from providing an interlude from office, it’s a chance to grab your loved ones and explore those hitherto-unvisited corners of Hong Kong. Explore the wonders of the Tai Po Marshes, treat your kiddies to a Disneyland adventure, or simply gather your loved ones for a sumptuous meal at home. Locations vary.

5 Oct

Jazz on the Beach 2019

After last year’s successful debut, Jazz on the Beach is all set to return to the 852 to ensure no foot is left untapped and no hip is left unswayed. With this year’s theme being “Love Wins. Love Always Wins.”, the nine-hour event aims to spread a positive message through the healing power of music and to keep guests entertained with activities such as yoga, art jamming and recycling workshop for kids. Treasure Island Beach Club, Pui O Beach, Lantau Island.HK$180. www.eventbrite.com

5–7 Oct

Asia Contemporary Art Show

Returning for its 15th-edition, the Asia Contemporary Art Show, is once again hoping to attract the culture vultures of the city with over 1,500 pieces of contemporary art. Art aficionados can spend the day browsing original paintings, limited edition artworks, sculptures and photographs from some of the world’s most promising and already acclaimed artists. With a complimentary cocktail in hand, inspiration might also strike buyers and art-lovers alike. Conrad Hong Kong, 88 Queensway, Admiralty.HK$270. www.asiacontemporaryart.com

11 Oct

The Women of Wine Festival

In its second year now, The Women of Wine Festival is bringing together Hong Kong’s female wine lovers, top businesswomen and key opinion leaders for wine pairings and much more. Promised to be bigger, livelier and more diverse than ever before, this year’s programme includes wine masterclasses, lifestyle workshops, networking sessions and panel discussions on women empowerment and sustainable lifestyles among female corporates. Tesla Motors Hong Kong’s country director Isabel Fan and LUSH Asia’s director and general manager Annabelle Baker will be among the speakers, ensuring that your wine company is indeed fine company. HKEX Connect Hall, Exchange Square, Central. HK$450–700. www.ticketflap.com

16 Oct

Pink Season 2019 – Wine Pairing Dinner

While LGBT+ group Pink Alliance officially kicked off their Pink Season festival late last month, that doesn’t mean the fun is over just yet. Those looking to support diverse communities while indulging in an evening of delectable gourmandry could do far worse than attend the Wine Pairing Dinner at Sai Ying Pun’s intimate eatery Brut!. Get ready to be spoilt by a selection of five natural wines, as well as a fabulous five-course meal – all tapas-styled plates made from only the freshest ingredients. Lest you feel too guilty about indulging, remind yourself that all proceeds will go towards the fundraising event for the organisation’s marriage equality campaign. Say ‘yes’ to a good cause… Brut!, 1 Second St, Sai Ying Pun. HK$1,288. www.eventbrite.hk

 

18–19 Oct

Soul of Shaolin

Fans of both kung fu and the theatre are in for a visual treat, as the martial arts production Soul of Shaolin hits the stage this month. Performed by Shaolinkung fu monks, the show has been receiving critical acclaim for over a decade, since it was nominated at the 63rd Tony Awards for the Best Special Theatrical Event. Shaolin follows the tragic tale of a mother and son who are separated by a civil war and are finally reunited after a series of trials and tribulations. Star Hall, KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay. HK$180–480. www.premier.hkticketing.com

19 Oct

Backstreet Boys DNA World Tour in Macau

Backstreet’s back alright… Indeed, the much-beloved American ’90s boy band Backstreet Boys are headed to Macau this month as part of their DNA World Tour. With over 23 years of smash hits such as, I Want it That Way and Don’t Go Breaking My Heart sure to be on the playlist for the night, expect millennials to make a beeline towards Macau, in a bid to relive their teenage years just for an evening. The quintet are also bringing new material from their 10th studio-album DNA, their first number-one album in over 19 years.  The Cotai Arena, The Venetian Macau.HK$688–2,488. www.cotaiticketing.com

25 Oct

Carly Rae Jepsen

Finally following through with her promise to call us, maybe – Canadian pop-star Carly Rae Jepsen is bringing her lovesick synth-pop tunes to Hong Kong as part of the world tour for her fourth album, Dedication. Rising to fame after coming in third place in the reality TV competition Canadian Idol,and touring with fellow Canadian darling Justin Bieber, Jepsen has been unstoppable on the international charts with such hits as Good Time and I Really Like You. Her Hong Kong return is sure to be a draw teenagers and pop music lovers alike. KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay. HK$850. www.livenation.hk

26 Oct

Rottenhead Music &Craft Beer Fest

Marketed as the most exciting thing to happen to Lantau Island since the Mongol invasion of 1276, Rottenhead Music & Craft Beer Fest is the newest in a series of craft beer festivals that have been taking Hong Kong by a storm these days. While the festival may be host to more than 10 local craft breweries, it is also a family affair with music acts, a baby disco and a dedicated kids area. Grab a reusable cup – as the fun is promised to be eco-friendly – and enjoy the biggest party Lantau has ever seen. Tat Tung Road Park, Tat Tung Rd, Lantau Island. From $80. www.rottenheadfest.com