What’s on HKG: Haunted Halloween Cruise and More! Oct. 30 – Nov. 5

Ahh, another week is upon us, and you’re looking for cool things to get up to in the 852! We’ve saved you the hassle with The Beat Hong Kong’s rundown of the best places to hit up and things to do right now—from blink-and-you'll-miss-it pop-up sights and new restaurant openings, to the hottest activities that you shouldn’t miss.

To keep your finger on the pulse of the city, follow The Beat Hong Kong to see what’s best in store for the week ahead. 

1. Haunted Halloween Cruise on Aqualuna

All aboard for an eerie adventure on the aqualuna, the iconic red-sailed Chinese junk boat, as you sail through the blackened waters of Victoria Harbour to celebrate Halloween 2023 in Hong Kong. The aqualuna Haunted Halloween Cruise departs hourly from either Central Pier 9 or Tsim Sha Tsui Pier 1. This is your chance to immerse yourself in Halloween spirit at sea.

Don your Halloween costumes for a 45-minute to one-hour journey filled with haunting tunes that will have you doing the Monster Mash, while enjoying free-flowing drinks as you sail through these mysterious waters. As part of the package, choose from a complimentary Twilight cocktail or the Black Widow's Venom mocktail to set the mood. For a splash of luxury, upgrade to a Moët & Chandon Mini Brut for an additional HK$130, enhancing your Halloween in Hong Kong!

2. Spooky Pumpkin Festival at Ocean Park Water World

Ocean Park Water World has been taken over by spooky pumpkins for the amusement park’s annual Halloween Party. Explore the Reef Lobby and challenge yourself mastering Ghostly Booth Games or try your luck at winning a prize from the giant TRICK OR TREAT! gacha machine.

Embark on a 'Crazy Pumpkin Drifting Adventure’ through themed areas, from tropical rainforests to icy Arctic caves, promising a thrilling Halloween excursion. For a splashing good time, head to the ‘Inflatable Pumpkin Balls Pool’ at Big Wave Bay filled with giant inflatable pumpkins. Every Saturday at Big Wave Snacks, test your competitive eating skills at the 'Big Spooky Eater Challenge' competing for the title of fastest eater and reward. Join the lively group of "ghostly" dancers at Big Wave Bay and Horizon Cove every Saturday to dance and sing together, embracing the Halloween atmosphere.

3. LOUDER Connect at Causeway Centre in Wan Chai

LOUDER Connect is set to host a groundbreaking event for female entrepreneurs, focusing on the disproportionate challenges faced in the funding process. Showcasing the innovative RADICAL DEBATES™ platform unique to coaching business LOUDER, the forum is set to ignite compelling discussions, encouraging attendees to challenge existing norms.

The central theme of the event revolves around comprehending the financial obstacles faced by female-led businesses. Highlights include thought-provoking round table discussions, opportunities for networking with prominent entrepreneurs and investors, and exclusive mentoring sessions tailored for aspiring female entrepreneurs.

4. Haunted Kong 2023: “The Seven Gates” Halloween Festival in Repulse Bay

Prepare for a unique Halloween celebration that rounds together a series of dark and spooky activities, promising to leave you spooked. Enter the chilling Haunted House of the "Seven Gates" and face spine-tingling trials to unveil the forbidden door. Behind this mysterious entrance, you will find captivating illusions and mind-bending magic performances where reality and the supernatural merge in a night of mystery.

Immerse yourself in an explosive fusion of music, exploring a showcase of macabre masterpieces that blur the line between beauty and horror. For a deadly bite, sink your teeth into a chaotic banquet of devilishly delicious goodies at the Halloween market, and find some quirky artefacts from Vie-Won-Won while you’re at it.

5. Six Hands Dinner with Liberty Exchange x Patois Toronto in Central

Experience a remarkable culinary collaboration at the Liberty Exchange x Patois Toronto Six Hands Dinner. With Guest Chef Craig Wong from Patois Toronto, Chef Christopher Tuthill, Hong Kong's top barbecue smoker, and Chef Yong Soo Do, Group Chef of Liberty, this exclusive event promises an 8-course gastronomic journey that creates a fascinating harmony of diverse gastronomies.

The chefs unite to blend Caribbean Chinese, Korean, and American culinary traditions, creating a fusion of flavours and cultures. Indulge in Juicy Jerk Chicken, Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Risotto, and Coconut Ceviche; featuring crayfish, abalone, and shrimp.

6. International Wine & Spirits Fair at HKCEC in Wan Chai

Drawing in industry professionals and traders of vino and strong pours, the HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair offers a global event that brings together exhibitors and buyers worldwide to connect, promote, and source the finest wine and spirits products.

The fair's highlights include a comprehensive promotion and sourcing platform of ‘Fine Wines and Premium Spirits,’ ‘World-Class Beers’ to cater for the growing segment, while ‘Friends of Wine’ showcases wine-pairing confectionery, snacks, and olive oil products. Those looking to enrich their insights into wine culture can head to 'The Wine Gallery’ to peruse wine magazines and selected wine displays. This event is a vintage gateway to Asia's dynamic wine and spirits markets for enthusiasts of all backgrounds.

7. Dark Centric Night: A Unique Halloween Experience at Porkcentric in Tai Hang

Get into the Halloween spirit at Porkcentric and tuck into a special BBQ set dinner. Priced at $298 per person, the feast promises a hauntingly delightful culinary journey. Porkcentric is known for its charcoal-grilled dishes featuring premium cuts like American Duroc and English Hampshire.

Enhance your evening with crafted cocktails such as the terrifying ‘Zombie in Centric' and chilling ‘Jiangxi Kiss'. Wine and beer enthusiasts can savour a 2-hour free flow for an added HK$198, which will include white & red wine, Prosecco, and house beer. Enjoy a complimentary glass of Prosecco or Lemonade when you arrive in costume! For those who prefer variety, the Porkcentric a la carte menu is also on offer.

8. Avalloween at Call Me Al in Sai Ying Pun

Ring up your homies and head to Call Me AI for a unique Halloween soirée that's set to transform the bar into an eerie realm. Show off your most imaginative Halloween attire for a chance to win exciting prizes!

In collaboration with Avallen Spirits, the Call Me Al team have conjured Halloween-inspired cocktails, including ‘A Chinese Ghost Story,’ ‘Black Cats and Voodoo Dolls,' and ‘Campfire Tales,’ each telling a story that is sure to delight the senses. Of course, there will also be Halloween-themed special dishes to match, and as the night deepens, a curated playlist will keep spirits high.

9. Art of Top Living at Art Roof Top in Happy Valley

Step into the vibrant heart of early-20th-century Paris with a transformative workshop series hosted by Art Roof Top. Guided by the experienced Andrew Dembina, a seasoned teacher and radio host, you'll explore artistic techniques and gain insights into this golden era. The Art of Top Living series kicks off with a session where attendees can become immersed in the world of renowned artists' salons and bars.

But that's just the start. In the following three workshops, you'll refine your public speaking skills, explore modern gender roles, and indulge in the art of spirits and food pairing. With Andrew at the helm and specialist guest speakers the workshops offer more than just learning, but also promises to elevate your lifestyle.

10. Eaton Workshops: Duchessland Experimental Music Weekend at Terrible Baby in Jordan

Join Duchessland for an extraordinary Experimental Music workshop weekend, welcoming individuals of all skill levels and musical taste. This inclusive event offers workshops in both English and Cantonese and features special guest NAVA, an innovative experimental artist.

DJs Just Bee, Farrah, Baby Diwata, and Ahura Mazda will share and discuss their DJ career journeys, while Zelos Wong, Sonia Wong, and Alexmalism are joining hands to present a Cantonese music creation workshop. Expand your musical horizons and connect with like-minded individuals, whether you're starting out or looking to further hone your skills.