Top 10 Things to Do in October

Woah, Mamma!

Looking back to 2004 feels like forever ago: George Bush was re-elected for a second term in the US, Facebook launched, and Mamma Mia ended its Hong Kong tour. And, yes, we've been broken-hearted, blue since the day they parted, but now–my, my–they’re back! After a decade of waiting, the ultimate "feelgoodphoria" on stage is in town for a month, meaning that there’s time for everyone to sing along.
Sep 24-Oct 18, various times. Lyric Theatre, Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd., Wan Chai. $395-995 from www.hkticketing.com.

Winner Takes It All

What better way to celebrate the anniversary of the end of the Chinese Civil War than with a a little sport? Having long been one of the highlights of the Hong Kong horse racing calendar, the National Day Race Meeting is an occasion for all, featuring spectacular cultural performances–as well as horse racing, duh! Grab your comrades and fascinators, and get on down.
Oct 1, noon. Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, $10 (public enclosure).

Move On

If 2014 is all a bit much for you, then don your finest double-breasted suit and a pair of spats, and Charleston on down to the Classic Car and Vintage Festival. This weekender on the Central Harbourfront showcases over 150 classics cars and motorbikes, but it’s not all about the automobiles, they also have a vintage fair that features a beauty area offering complimentary hair and make-up services for the ladies, and wet-shaves for the gents.
Oct 11-12. The Central Harbourfront Event Space, Lung Wo Road, Central. $280-3000 from www.ticketflap.com.

Should I Laugh or Cry

It's time you let loose for once at the Final of The 8^th Annual HK International English Comedy Competition–ROFLing and LYAOing are encourage but not required. Former winners include no one you’ve probably heard of but, just go, it should be a laugh.
Auditorium, KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay. $250 from www.hkticketing.com.

SOS

Hong Kong and Argentina soccer teams have a lot in common: our national football team is looking to bounce back after a recent string of unfortunate defeats against Vietnam, Guangdong, and Uzbekistan; Argentina recently suffered an unfortunate defeat against Germany in the World Cup Final. The Hong Kong team features Chan Siu Ki up front, while Argentina will be bringing over Lionel Messi. Our lads have been on a series of losing streaks of late, but we think they should come good. 3-0 HK, you heard it here first.
Oct 14, 8pm. Hong Kong Stadium, 55 Eastern Hospital Rd., So Kon Po, Causeway Bay. $250-1800 from www.cityline.com.

Name of the Game

A handful of talented men knocking tiny, white, dimpled balls across a beautiful, green courses: Sound serene or boring as hell? If golf is your thing, then October sees the HK Open, the city’s oldest sporting competition, which is also seen as the "jewel in the crown" of Asian golf. Past champions include major winners: Rory McIlroy, Padraig Harrington and Jose Maria Olazabal.
Oct 16-19. Hong Kong Golf Club, Lot No. 1, Fan Kam Road, Sheung Shui. $150-600 from www.cityline.com.

Knowing Me, Knowing You

We all know the feeling. You save up to buy yourself a new pair of lederhosen for Oktoberfest and then you realize that you haven’t saved enough money to get yourself to Munich–wah! Don’t feel down, the Marco Polo Bierfest saves you the trouble of a 10-hour-long Lufthansa flight, by bringing its own slice of Bavarian revelry all the way to town. German folk music, pretzels, bratwursts and beer–we'll prost to that!
Oct 17-Nov 8. Viewing Platform, Level 6, Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui. $140-240 (all tickets include one free beer/soft drink) from www.hkticketing.com.

Dancing Queen

You might not know your plié from your pointe but who needs the correct terminology when “She balls so hard, that ballerina so cray” gets your point across just as well. Join in with The Hong Kong Ballet’s 35^th birthday party at A Celebration of Dance–The Hong Kong Ballet at 35. The performance consists of a trio of ballets, including the third act of Swan Lake.
Oct 24-25, 7.30pm; Oct 25-26, 2.30pm. Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. $140-1000 from www.urbtix.com.

Super Trouper

You know the routine: assemble a crack team of colleagues, beg your boss for sponsorship (reach a compromise by offering your boss the seat), think of a moronic fancy-dress idea, and scale Mount Kellett with your boss in tow like he’s Henry VIII seated on the throne. The Sedan Chair Race returns for its 40^th year; it might get rowdy but it’s all for a good cause.
Oct 26, 10am-4pm. Matilda International Hospital, 41 Mount Kellet Road., The Peak, www.sedanchairace.com.

Thank You for the Music

Why not try something a little different this year, and usher in Hallows’ Eve with a night of high quality house music at the Hed Kandi Halloween Party at swank bar Zuma with DJ Stuart Ojelay and saxophonist Benjammin.
Oct 31, 10pm. Zuma Bar and Lounge, 6/F., Landmark, 15 Queen’s Rd. Central. $400-500 from www.hkclubbing.com, $650 on the door.