Award-winning musicals, huge beach festivals, Halloween celebrations and the return of Gordon Ramsay…

It’s almost October and as we say goodbye to September, we say hello to a brand new month of activities across the city, and it’s looking like a massive one.

From musicals and festivals to new beach clubs and the return of Global Village, we’ve rounded up all the best things we can’t wait for this month.

Here are 10 things to look forward to in Dubai this October.

Throughout October: Enjoy oysters for Dhs5 at Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera

Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera is launching a month-long Shucktober festival this month. As well as a special menu of fresh seafood, raw specials and a dedicated Oyster menu, perch up at the Pearl Bar between 8pm and 9pm every day, and treat yourself to some freshly shucked oysters for Dhs5.

Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, throughout October, daily 8pm to 9pm, Dhs5. Tel: (04) 362 7312. seanconnollydubai.com

From October 5: Top up your tan at a new beach club

As we said goodbye to El Chiringuito in September, we’re set to say hello to a brand new beach club, Playa Nomade in its place, from October 5. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, the beach club will offer up a lively party vibe with a stripped back, nomadic vibe. Expect a weekly day-to-night Friday party, Saturday brunch and Sunday ladies’ day.

Playa Nomade, Rixos The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 11am to 8pm, Weds to Sun, 11am to 12am Fri, from Friday October 5. reservations@playanomade.com

October 9 to 13: See an Oscar-winning musical

Broadway Entertainment Group will be bringing Ghost the musical to Dubai for the first time this month. The iconic show will run for fivedays from October 9 to 13 at Dubai Opera. The Oscar-winning musical, based on the iconic 90s film starring Demi Moore (Molly) and the late Patrick Swayze (Sam), tells the tale of a young couple in love which quickly turns into tragedy as Sam is murdered leaving his beloved wife Molly alone, in despair and utterly lost.

Ghost at Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, October 9 to 13 2018, from Dhs250. Tel: (04) 4408888. dubaiopera.com

October 10: Exchange a drink for a cucumber

For a second year, DXB Cucumber Day is back on October 10, where you’ll be able to exchange a cucumber for a beverage at forty venues across the city. Spots taking part include Beefbar, Copper Dog, Folly, Treehouse and Soho Garden.

Various locations. Facebook.com/dxbcucumberday

October 11: Snap a selfie with a celebrity chef

As part of Atlantis’ Culinary Month, the five-star resort is set to host the return of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, who will be on the pots and pans at his Bread Street Kitchen restaurant on October 11.

Bread Street Kitchen, Atlantis The Palm, 7pm to 12am, Thursday October 11, Dhs295. Tel: (04) 426 2626. atlantisthepalm.com

October 18: Throw it back with a Euro dance act

All aboard the Vengabus – twenty years after making their debut, Eurodance group Vengaboys are headed to Dubai this month. The Vengaboys rose to fame in the late 1990s thanks to a string of irresistibly catchy hits including Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom and We’re Going To Ibiza. And who could resist hitting the dance floor when We Like To Party came on?

Vengaboys at Zero Gravity, Sky Dive Dubai Drop Zone, Dubai Marina, 8pm to 3am, Thursday October 18. Tel: (04) 399 0009. 0-gravity.ae

From October 19: Work up a sweat with the Crown Prince

The fitness initiative launched by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, is back this month, and will run from October 19 to November 17. Just like last year, there will be a whole host of activities you can take part in – walking, team sports, paddle-boarding, yoga, cycling and more. But this year, organisers’ goals are even more lofty. It is hoped that over one million people will take part, making Dubai the most active city in the world.

Dubai Fitness Challenge, October 19 to November 17, free. dubaifitnesschallenge.com

October 25 to 27: Party at a festival with a cause

The annual Sunset Festival is back this month for three days of free entry partying – and this year it’s got a sustainable theme. There’s set to be a sustainable pop-up bar, ‘zero waste’ workshops and an organic open air gallery of structures made from sustainable materials. Headlining acts are set to be announced soon.

Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort, 10am to 3am Thurs October 25, 9am to 3am Fri October 26, 9am to 1.30am Sat October 27, free entry. Tel: (04) 399 3333. Barastibeach.com

October 30: Tour the world without leaving Dubai

Popular theme park Global Village is set to open its gates for its 23rd season on October 30. Haven’t experienced Global Village yet? Well, you definitely should – it’s one of the city’s top attractions over the cooler months. The park is home to more than 25 pavilions, which represent over 75 cultures around the world. Within each pavilion, there’s shopping, shows, and amazing food. Want some delicious baklava? Head to the Syria pavilion. Craving some traditional Turkish delight? The Turkey pavilion has got mountains of the stuff.

Global Village, Exit 37, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, open October 30. globalvillage.ae

October 31: Get spooked out with a huge Halloween bash

Barasti’s now legendary Halloween bash is back on Wednesday October 31, and the ever-popular DJ Jazzy Jeff will be returning to the decks to celebrate the occasion. But can we expect an appearance from the Fresh Prince too? Let’s hope so.

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai Marina Dubai, 11am to 3am, Wednesday October 31. Tel: (04) 318 1313. barastibeach.com

– For more about Dubai straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook