22 Epic Things You Need To Do In Dubai This October
We’re just three months away from the new year and with all the fun stuff happening in Dubai this month, it won’t be too long before October is over.
Now that Dubai has got its mojo back, here are some great events and activities to keep you busy this month.
1. Don’t miss a show at Dubai Opera
The line-up at Dubai’s newest (and pretty iconic) entertainment destination has a little something for everyone. Check out the schedule here.
All through October; Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai; click here for more information.
2. A back-in-time sort of brunch
If the decor – ornate iron doors and striking art decor – doesn’t have you thinking you’re in the 1920s, the saxophonist and DJ with their combination of classic and contemporary jazz will. Brunch is a Belgian affair with dishes served sharing style. Other stuff includes Filet American brought out on a vintage trolley and a mussels cooking station.
Every Friday; 12pm to 4pm; Café Belge, The Ritz-Carlton DIFC; from AED 325; for more information call 04 372 2323.
3. Roast and reels
Two of our fave things come together every Saturday. Imagine feasting on a traditional roast (and a glass of grape if you like) while watching something on the big screen.
Every Saturday; 1pm to 3.30pm; Rose & Crown, The Atrium, Al Habtoor City; from AED 85; for more information call 372 2323.
4. Music makes life better
Freshly Ground Sounds is a homegrown independent music movement that’s back with its 22nd community gig – 16 artists, one main stage for bands and a plug in playroom for acoustics, all under one roof. Established acts meet new acts in an evening of music and mingling.
1 October; 4pm to 7pm; A4 Space at Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz; for more information call 055 724 1600.
5. Kickoff silly season with an al fresco brunch
Dubai’s best outdoor events are finally relaunching and this weekend the 180° Friday Brunch at 360° got well underway. Brunchers can tuck into Pan-Asian style nibbles (think copious amounts of amazing dim sum and sushi). Those sick of the day brunch routine can try the 180° Thursday evening brunch 7pm-10pm, which is followed by a hip hop and R&B night.
Every Friday; 1pm to 4pm; 360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel; AED 295 with house beverages; for more information call 04 432 3232.
6. Stay on top of your gadget game
Unique launches, exclusive deals and bundle offers are just some of the things you can look forward to at the region’s largest consumer electronics show.
1 to 8 October; Dubai World Trade Centre; AED 35; click here for more information.
7. Shop at an exhibition
Featuring a host of Asian designers, this event is your chance to pick up the latest in ethnic wear, jewellery and fashion accessories.
1 October; from 10am onwards; The Palace Downtown Dubai; free entry; for more information call 050 688 7905.
8. What’s October without Oktoberfest?
The world’s largest hop fest happens in Munich, but places in Dubai do their bit too. Think evenings of authentic Bavarian food and beverages (aka schnitzel and German hops) and cool tunes by Die Kirchdorfer band flown in from Munich just for the occasion.
5 to 22 October (open Tuesday to Saturday); 7pm to 1am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 7pm to 2am on Thursday and Friday; à la carte menu or Saturday brunch (12.30pm to 4pm) from AED 215; for more information call 04 317 1234.
9. There’s nothing like a pool party
Audio Tonic Elements will launch its Friday sessions at The Wet Deck with a night featuring Junior Sanchez, Arcade 82, Michael Robert and Russ Cooper. The pool shuts at 11pm but the music goes on until 2am.
7 October; 4pm to 2am; Wet Deck, W Dubai; strictly 21+; register for guest list here; for more information call 04 436 6666.
10. The biggest and the best on one stage
Expect it to be nothing less that incredible when Grammy-nominated Paul Van Dyk, Dutch brothers DubVision and British pair 99 Souls come together for this popular beach and poolside venue’s day-to-night Friday party.
7 October; 3pm to 3am; Zero Gravity; strictly 21+; free entry before 6pm, AED 150 thereafter; for more information call 04 399 0009.
11. Don an apron
Armani / Ristorante is bringing back another masterclass this month. The second in a series of four will see participants learn how to make a traditional artichoke salad, fregola mantecata with truffle and shrimp and roasted seabass served with olives and marjoram. The best part: it can then be enjoyed as lunch.
8 October; 11am to 3pm; Armani / Ristorante, Armani Hotel; AED 600 per person or AED 1,000 per couple (advance payment required); for more information call 888 3666.
12. Laugh your head off at a comedy show
One of India’s top ten comedians, Sorabh Pant, will be coming to the city with his show My Baby Thinks I’m Funny. Also joining him on stage will be local comedian Pawan Manghnani.
8 October; 7.30pm; Club Boudoir, Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa; strictly 21+; AED 100; for more information call 050 375 7377.
13. Is it answers to life’s questions?
Writer-director-actor Makarand Despande’s play Maa In Transit tackles questions of human frailty and death, especially that of a parent. With over 40 plays to his credit, you know this is going to be a good one.
15 October; 8pm; DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates; AED 150 onwards; for more information call 04 341 4777.
14. Build, build, build
With unlimited access to huge amounts of LEGO bricks, little ones can get building their own masterpiece. Plus, they can witness the masters creating giant sculptures right in front of their eyes.
19 to 22 October; Skydive Dubai; AED 100; for more information call 04 377 8888.
15. A class in fashion
Look forward to the most diverse line-up of fashion brands at season 8 of Fashion Forward. Shows, retail booths, presentations and parties are all part of this bi-annual event.
20 to 23 October; Dubai Design District; click here for more information.
16. Take on an obstacle course
Desert Warrior Challenge is back with some old and some new obstacles to make this year’s event a wee bit more challenging. If you think you have what it takes to do this, sign up asap! (Note: you don’t have to be a pro).
21 October; 7.30am; prices start from US$ 42; click here for more information.
17. Celebrate design
See and learn more about different aspects of design at Design Days. It’s not just about architecture or interior design but also textile, product and food design. The six-day event features exhibitions, new product launches, installations, competitions and workshops at different venues in the city.
24 to 29 October; multiple venues; free entry; click here for more information.
18. Just in time for Halloween
It’s thrills and chills at BOUNCE’S After Dark party this month. The venue will be transformed into a haunted dungeon packed with creepy spiders, pumpkins, ghosts and gore. DJ Kaboo will provide the tunes while residents bust their movies in the trampoline areas.
27 October; 8pm to midnight; 4B Street, Al Quoz; AED 80 per person, per hour; for more information call 04 321 1400.
19. Popculture takes the spotlight
The three-day festival will fuse the best of comic and pop. The programme also includes concerts and workshops. Everyone is encouraged to dress up like their fave character.
27 to 29 October; Autism Rocks Arena; register here; for more information call 04 423 4666.
20. Indian comedy at its best
Indian comedian Kapil Sharma comes back with his entourage for a second show in the city. They’re sure to entertain you as they take on several avatars.
27 October; Sheikh Rashid Hall, World Trade Center; doors open at 7pm, show starts at 9pm; from AED 250; for more information call 04 332 1000.
21. One for the Filipino community
Filipino rock icon Bamboo will be performing in Dubai this month. Expect classic tracks from his days with the band, we well as songs by artists such as Bruno Mars, Coldplay and Robbie Williams.
27 October; Dubai World Trade Centre; 6pm; from AED 125; for more information call 04 332 1000.
22. Your heart will skip a beat
Dubai Marina’s Pier 7 will be turned into a 28m high diving board for the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, an adrenaline-pumping high diving competition. Join the crowds to watch these daredevils perform some death-defying stunts.
28 October; Pier 7; free to watch; for more information call 04 436 1020.
