That slight chill in the air that beckons the onset of October elsewhere hasn’t arrived yet but pumpkin spice and everything nice is truly filling the air in Dubai. For chills down your spine though, there are a host of Halloween events creeping it real. Dubai Fashion Week is in full swing as are a ton of music festivals and concerts proving that this is the month to be out and about and enjoy it. We’ve put together a handy guide of 31 things to do in Dubai this October so you can fall in love.
1. Groove away for three days at Defected Music Festival
The British record label Defected Records known for world-class raves is finally making its Dubai debut from October 13-15. The parties will be spread across 3 unique venues over the three days, from an unused warehouse to a beach and a pool. With a line-up that boasts house music legends such as Monki, Rio Tashan, Roger Sanchez, Sam Divine, you’re in for an unforgettable weekend. Get tickets here
2. Travel the world at Global Village’s 28th season
Everyone’s favourite theme park is back with a bang on October 18 at 6pm. The many pavilions, entertainment acts and dining experiences of Global Village will open its doors later this month. While details about what to expect for the entertainment park’s 28th edition have been scant, we’re sure it will be mind-blowing considering the 2022-2023 edition saw 27 pavilions highlight 90 cultures, over 3,500 shopping outlets, 250 dining options and 400 odd entertainment shows. Get your tickets here
3. Tiptoe through the tulips at Dubai Miracle Garden
Speaking of annual attractions, the world’s largest flower garden, Dubai Miracle Garden, is back in business too. You can see over 150 million flowers in full bloom and flora and foliage of every kind imaginable manicured and shaped into stunning gravity-defying structures such as a floating lady, an Emirates Airbus 380 and a colossal teddy bear all made of flowers. This is a spot that photo-op dreams were made of, so don’t miss it! Find our full guide here
4. Laugh your guts out at this stand-up comedy night
Dubomedy has been doing a bang-up job scouting for and promoting regional and local comic talent. Now, the Dubai-based comedy collective is hosting a comedy night on October 14 featuring the cream of the crop of homegrown comedians. Their Stand Up All Stars show will feature five different comics taking the stage at Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray over the course of the night. Ali Al Sayed, John Achkar, Mina Liccione, Miqdaad Dohadwala and Imah Dumagay knock you out with punchlines. Get tickets here
5. Gear up for a nostalgic concert of 3 boy bands
Millennials of Dubai, it’s time for us to all rise as three of the biggest boy bands descend on Dubai this October for one unified show. On October 20, Irish Village is hosting Blue, Five and Boyzlife (featuring former Westlife and Boyzone band members) at the Dubai Dutyfree Tennis Stadium. ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’ concert will let fans of pop music from the aughts and late 90s kick it old-school with evergreen hits such as One Love, Everybody Get Up and more recent tracks from Boyzlife such as The One. Tickets from AED 225 here
6. Rock out at this tribute music festival in Dubai
The following day on October 21, the Sevens Stadium will come alive with music by not one, not two but over 14 fantastic artists and bands. Trib Fest, a music festival featuring tribute acts paying homage to some the greatest musicians and bands, is coming to Dubai and they’ve got a jam-packed setlist planned. From headbanging to Queen’s We Will Rock You’ and Arctic Monkey’s Do I Wanna Know?, enjoying pop hits by Maroon 5 and Coldplay to losing yourself in the classics of Neil Diamond and David Bowie, this concert covers all the bases. Tickets from AED 75 here
7. WrestleFest DXB takes down Breast Cancer at a charitable match
To mark Pinktober and Breast Cancer Awareness month, Dubai’s only wrestling tournament is hosting special face-offs on October 14 at Warehouse 4 in Al Quoz to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness initiatives. Regional and local Pro wrestlers of different nationalities will fight each other in the ring to bodyslam a common foe – breast cancer. Tickets from AED 60 are available here
8-18. Spook yourself silly at these Halloween events
A host of theme parks, restaurants and entertainment venues have planned some of the creepiest Halloween celebrations. It’s time to plan your costumes (we already predict endless Barbie and Ken outfits) and book yourself into one of these events for a fun time. Full guide here.
19. Checkout the fashion shows and runaways of Dubai Fashion Week
Take dress-up way more seriously than mere Halloween costuming? Dubai Fashion Week is for you. The annual fashion event’s S/S24 edition is running until October 15 with a host of fashion showcases by top brands such as Carolina Herrera, trunk shows, pop-ups and more. Find details here
20. Learn about Van Gogh’s Japanese inspo and see his paintings digitally
You could head out to the desert to behold a Starry Night. But you can also catch the painted version at the Van Gogh x Japan immersive exhibition at TODA. The digital art experience brings the Dutch painter’s masterpieces to life and delves into how Japanese art forms influenced him. The 1-hour experience results in some unforgettable snaps and riveting storytelling, so don’t miss it! Find more info and tickets here.
21-22. Immerse yourself in these breathtaking Candlelight concerts
Attend one of the many stunning Candlelight concerts happening in Dubai this October. It’s your chance to be captivated by Taylor Swift’s pop anthems as well as Mozart’s moving symphonies. Set in spectacular venues such as the Burj Al Arab and Souk Madinat Jumeirah lit by thousands of LED candles, it’s a night out for the books. Click below for info and tickets.
💜Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
🎻Mozart’s Masterpieces at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
24. Lose yourself in a soulful concert by Anuv Jain
Indian Indie music star Anuv Jain is hitting up Dubai for his first-ever concert on October 20 at The Agenda in Media City. The crooner is known for dreamy Hindi ballads such as Baarishein which clocked 15 million Spotify streams and other hits like Mishri, Alag and others. Tickets from AED 200; buy here.
25. Catch the best of upcoming musical talent at The Fridge Concert Series
Alserkal Avenue’s musical incubator and performance venue, The Fridge, is known for their annual concert series that provides a platform to musical talent in the UAE, surrounding countries and overseas too. The 41st season of The Fridge Concert Series has kicked off with stupendous performances. On October 10, alternative rock band Redaround will rock you supported by Ibby VK. On October 17, musical dup Hawazin will be belting out tribal electronic music supported by DJ Andre Lyk. Get tickets here.
26-28. Play hard at these fun parties by The Spot
Let your hair down at one of these cool events by The Spot. Dazzling brunches at one of Dubai’s most beautiful restaurants, Afrobeat club nights, and Friday afternoon pool parties to drown away your work-week sorrows are all in place. Get more info and tickets below
🥂Soul Brunch Downtown at Papa Dubai
🪩WALL2WALL at Lekki Club
🤽♀️Out of Office Fridays: Pool Party
29. Add some drama to life with The Junction’s amazing new plays
Theatrics get a fun community twist at this Alserkal Avenue arts and culture hub. The Junction is not just boasting a fresh new look with a glorious mural, but also a stonking new repertoire of plays for theatre lovers. Homegrown acting talent will tread the boards and delight audiences with genres that range from thrillers, rom-coms, drama and more in a variety of languages. Click here for summaries of all the plays.
30. Dance the night away at Nikki Beach’s White Party
Time for a white out– on October 28, Nikki Beach‘s iconic beach party, White Party, returns to the plush beach club’s shores. The all-white-everything shindig will have DJs Alexis Nohra, Tom Noize, and Mademoiselle Sabah turn up the tunes so you can dance barefoot with your toes in the sand till the sunsets and the stars come out. The event also marks renowned electronic and jazz musician Jimmy Sax’s Dubai debut.
From 11am until late; call 054 791 0049 or email reservations.dubai@nikkibeach.com
31. See the best of Arab films at Arab Cinema Week in Cinema Akil
Arab Cinema Week is back for round 2 at our favourite indie movie theatre – Cinema Akil. Until October 15, you can dive deep into the cinematic talent of the region through 11 feature films and four short films that highlight the culture and stories of 10 Arab countries: Lebanon, Sudan, the UAE, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Syria, Iraq, and Palestine. The films being screened also include the creations of six female directors. Get tickets and schedule here