Music festivals, outdoor cinema and some brilliant restaurant experiences…

Say hello to October, Dubai, and say welcome back to all of your favourite alfresco pastimes. Whether it’s outdoor cinema, glamping or partying at some of the city’s biggest clubs and festivals, we’ve rounded up the 10 events you need to know about this month.

Here’s 10 things to look forward to in Dubai this October.

From October 1: Get glamping!

Hatta Wadi Hub and its neighbouring luxury glamping retreat reopens for the winter season on Tuesday, October 1, 2019. At the glamping retreat, guests have three options to choose from: Sedr Trailers, Damani Lodges and luxury Hatta Caravans, but no matter what you pick, you can expect a glamourous experience. As well as the luxury glamping accommodation, the outdoor adventure destination offers a range of both paid and free activities such as mountain biking, downhill carting, a human sling shot, axe throwing, archery, adventure rope courses, zip lines, and more.

Hatta Wadi Hub, Hatta, open from October 1. visithatta.com/en/caravan-park

October 1 to 7: Indulge in a Golden Week menu

To celebrate China’s National Day Golden Week, high-end Cantonese restaurant, Hakkasan, will be serving a limited-edition Golden Week menu. Priced at Dhs498 per person, the set menu includes dishes like Money bag with morel mushroom in golden pumpkin soup, and Wok-seared tiger prawn with golden egg yolk.

Hakkasan, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 6pm to 11pm, October 1 to 7, Dhs498. (04) 426 1166. atlantisthepalm.com

October 10 to 12: Glam up, ol’ sport

Dig out your flapper dresses and put on your best pearls; a glamorous Great Gatsby-themed dinner party is coming to Dubai this October. Taking place from Thursday October 10 to Saturday October 12, the three-course set dinner is priced at Dhs395 including soft drinks, Dhs495 for the house package and Dhs595 for sparkling, and promises a night of live music, entertainment and dance that will throw you straight into the roaring twenties.

Gatsby: The Dining Experience, QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai, 8.30pm to 11.30pm, 10 to 12 October, brunch 1pm to 4pm, Friday October 11, Dhs395 soft, Dhs495 house. Tel: (04) 526 8888. platinumlist.net

October 11: Head to the season opening of a super club

After a summer hiatus, Soho Beach DXB are back with a bang on Friday October 11 for their grand reopening party – and headlining will be legendary DJ, Carl Cox. The Brit DJ is one of the most famous faces on the house and techno scene and has headlined some of the UK’s biggest festivals and held residencies at Ibiza’s legendary Space Ibiza. Tickets start from Dhs175

Soho Beach DXB, Meydan, Dubai, 9pm to 4am, Friday October 11, from Dhs175. Tel: (052) 388 8857. Facebook.coom/SohoBeachDubai

October 12, 13 and 14: Catch a film at the Urban Outdoor Cinema

From Saturday October 12, Urban Entertainment will be putting on three films a week at their cosy outdoor cinema on the lawn of the Habtoor Grand, running every Saturday, Sunday and Monday. It kicks off on Saturday October 12 with the smash hit Queen biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, followed by Avengers: Endgame on October 13 and Top Gun on October 14.

Urban Outdoor Cinema, Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Dhs75. urbanoutdoorcinema.com

From October 16: See a world famous musical

It’s largely regarded as one of the most popular musicals in the world, and this October The Phantom of the Opera is set to make its Dubai debut. Taking to the stage at Dubai Opera in Autumn of 2019, the show will run for three weeks from Wednesday October 16 until November 6. The show in Dubai promises a larger-than-life spectacle with 130 cast, crew and orchestra members, including a spine-tingling performance of The Phantom which will be played by one of musical theatre’s most exciting talents, Jonathan Roxmouth. In addition to jaw-dropping scenery, breath-taking choreography and more than 230 costumes by the late international designer Maria Björnson, The Phantom of the Opera international tour will utilise state-of-the-art lighting and special effects, many of which are a first for the region, to provide modern audiences with a spellbinding visual feast.

The Phantom of the Opera, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, October 16 to November 6, from Dhs250. Tel: (04) 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

October 16 and 17: Dine at the hands of one of the world’s greatest chefs

His restaurant Osteria Francescana has twice been ranked the world’s best restaurant, and for two nights only, Massimo Bottura will be helming the kitchen at his Dubai outpost, Torno Subito, this month. On October 16 and October 17, guests can enjoy “Une Serra Con Massimo”, a tasting menu of signature dishes from both Massimo’s restaurant in Dubai, and his world famous Italian restaurant. It’s priced at Dhs450 inclusive of a welcome drink, or Dhs595 including three house beverages.

Une Serra Con Massimo, Torno Subito, W Dubai – The Palm, 7pm to 10pm, Wednesday October 16 and Thursday October 17, from Dhs450. Tel: (04) 245 5555. facebook.com/tornosubitodubai

From October 18: Take advantage of thousands of free fitness classes

This year, the Dubai Fitness Challenge 2019 will run from Friday, October 18, 2019 to Saturday, November 16, 2019. In case you’re new to Dubai or unfamiliar with the concept, the Dubai Fitness Challenge is a movement to help encourages residents to commit to at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, for 30 days. The Dubai Fitness Challenge and its partners have made fitness easy and accessible to all, offering a wide range of events and activities across two dedicated fitness villages, community-centric fitness hubs, free facilities and sport zones.

Dubai Fitness Challenge, various locations, Friday October 18 to Saturday November 16, free. dubaifitnesschallenge.com

October date TBC: Dine at an upscale new restaurant

Shanghai Me is an upscale Asian restaurant inspired by the glamour of 1930s Shanghai, and will open its doors in The Exchange Building, DIFC, this October. Shanghai Me will be split between a luxurious bar and lounge, bamboo-lined terrace, restaurant and private dining area with plush, rich-hued interiors and art-deco detailing that pay tribute to Asian traditions. On the menu, guests can expect a blend of flavours from across East Asia, with a mix of lighter plates and more indulgent dishes designed to suit every taste.

Shanghai Me, The Exchange Building, DIFC, Dubai, opening soon. @shanghaimedxb

 

October 31: Party hard at Party in the Park

Big beat dance legend Fatboy Slim will headline a Halloween-themed gig on Thursday October 31 on the first day of Party in the Park 2019. Worshipped for tunes such as Right Here, Right Now and Praise You, in a previous interview with What’s On in 2018, the legendary DJ told us that he “loves the abandon” of a Dubai crowd – so we can’t wait to see what he brings to the stage later this month. He’ll be supported by local talents DJ Chris Wright and DJ duo, Hollaphonic. You can buy your tickets here.

Party in the Park, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai Media City, 6pm to 1am Thursday October 31 and 2pm to 1am Friday November 1, from Dhs250. partyinthepark.ae

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Images: Provided