October has arrived, which in Hong Kong can only mean one thing: the weather is finally starting to cooperate, and suddenly our calendars are filling up again. From a much-anticipated restaurant reopening to a milestone birthday, a seriously fun Halloween celebration and an immersive theatrical experience, here are four things we have on our radar this month.
Maison Libanaise reopens in SoHo
If you’ve been missing the flavours of Lebanon, or simply fancy discovering them properly, Maison Libanaise has entered a new chapter. Reopening on 6 October, the SoHo favourite has returned with a more ambitious three-floor concept inspired by the grand homes, tree-lined streets ,and cosmopolitan spirit of Beirut’s Achrafieh neighbourhood.
The new Maison Libanaise includes a ground-floor Lebanese wine and mezze bar, a first-floor dining room inspired by an elegant Achrafieh apartment and a rooftop terrace designed for long lunches, sunset drinks and dinners under the Hong Kong sky.
Head Chef Teya Mikhael’s menu is all about generous Lebanese food made for sharing, with the charcoal grill at its heart. Think Farrouj al Fahem, Kabse Short Rib, hummus, falafel, smoked labneh, tabbouleh and freshly made saj bread, alongside an impressive selection of Lebanese wines and, naturally, arak.
Our pick: leave room for the Riz bel Halib, a comforting orange-blossom rice pudding that Chef Teya describes as one of her most personal dishes.
Bouillon turns Six
There’s something very comforting about a French bouillon: good food, a lively atmosphere and the feeling that you can sit down for a proper meal without needing to make an occasion out of it. And one of Hong Kong’s original French neighbourhood spots, Bouillon in Sheung Wan, is celebrating six years this October.
Six years is no small feat in Hong Kong’s ever-changing restaurant scene, so we’re more than happy to raise a glass to this milestone. Expect the anniversary celebrations to bring together the things Bouillon does best: French comfort food, conviviality and that relaxed, slightly buzzy atmosphere that has made it a favourite with Hong Kong’s French food lovers.
If you haven’t been in a while, October feels like a good excuse to head back. And if you’re one of the regulars, well… you probably don’t need much convincing.
Halloween gets seriously dressed up at Island Shangri-La
Halloween doesn’t have to mean throwing together a last-minute costume and calling it a day. At Island Shangri-La, things are getting considerably more glamorous for the hotel’s sixth annual Best Dressed Contest, taking place on 31 October from 3pm to 5pm.
The family-friendly celebration comes with a prize pool worth more than HK$100,000, with prizes awarded across three categories: Best Dressed Family, Most Creative Costume and Best Dressed Kids. The top prize? A one-night stay in a Themed Family Suite with in-suite family afternoon tea for four.
There’s plenty happening beyond the costume competition too, with kids’ activities, character meet-and-greets, a carnival-style F&B booth and a live theatre performance. Tickets include a goodies bag, photo keepsake and refreshments, with family tickets starting at HK$998 for up to four guests.
And because no Halloween celebration is complete without food, Café TOO is going all in with a crab-themed Halloween buffet from 24 October to 1 November, plus pumpkin carving and decorating activities for younger guests. The Lobby Lounge will also be serving a Halloween-themed afternoon tea during the same period.
When: 31 October 2026, 3pm–5pm
Where: Lobby Lounge, Island Shangri-La
Tickets: From HK$998 for a family of up to four
Step Inside WITHIN at Upper House
If you’re looking for something a little less traditional than dinner, drinks or another Halloween party, this one caught our attention. WITHIN, Upper House’s latest Art Encounters project, is bringing immersive theatre into the hotel this October. It's quite literally turning the House itself into the stage.
Created in collaboration with ONE HUNDRED, the creative studio behind projects connected to the world of Sleep No More, WITHIN invites audiences to become part of the story rather than simply sit back and watch.
The experience unfolds across three Upper House properties and three weekends, with each location offering its own story. In Hong Kong, The Dreamer takes place from 9–11 October, promising a dreamy journey into a peaceful sanctuary. Chengdu follows with The Phoenix from 16–18 October, before Shanghai hosts The Collector from 23–25 October.
Each experience lasts around 20 minutes and is complimentary, but advance reservation is required as spaces are limited.
Basically, this is one for anyone who likes their culture with a little mystery, and the fact that you don’t just watch the performance but become part of it makes it particularly intriguing.
When: 9–11 October 2026 in Hong Kong
Where: Upper House Hong Kong
Duration: 20 minutes
Price: Complimentary, advance reservation required
