Hanoi events in October 2020
As Vietnam has successfully fended off the second wave of COVID-19 infections in the community, safety measures in major cities have been eased and public life is starting to pick up pace again.
So, if you are looking for things to do in Hanoi this October, check out these 9 social events. Whether you are a hardcore foodie, a health enthusiast, or just want to pursue your artistic passions, there is something for you to do outside your house at last.
– Parties and festivals –
1. Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at a chic lounge
Image credit: @sicuisineandmixology
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a major event in Vietnam that sees thousands of people flocking to the Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the Hanoi Old Quarter for celebration. So, on the night of 1st October, when the festival takes place, don’t hesitate to hit the streets to mingle.
SI Cuisine is known for its luxurious décor
Image credit: @sicuisineandmixology
But when you’re done roaming the streets, be sure to make a stop at SI Cuisine & Mixology. To celebrate the festival, this chic lounge is hosting a music night featuring DJ Mike Hào, one of the leading names in Vietnam’s DJ scene.
Image credit: @sicuisineandmixology
Coming here, you can also order one of SI’s unique mooncakes, which come in a wide variety of flavors from apple and cinnamon to salted eggs and durian.
Date: 1st October 2020
Time: From 7PM till late
Venue: SI Cuisine & Mixology, 18 Hàng Bài Str., Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Admission fee: Free
Website
2. Attend a music festival featuring popular musicians
Image credit: 1900
For a night of music and drinks, popular nightclub 1900 has got you covered on the night of 3rd October for a massive music festival featuring popular singers Miu Lê and Binz. Indulge in a lively night of dancing to the tunes of the diva-cum-actress, and the rapper of Rap Viet fame respectively.
Image credit: 1900
Entrance tickets to the event cost VND350,000 (~USD15.13), which includes a drink. Also, don’t forget to bring a mask with you as 1900 requires all its customers to wear one as a safety measure, in light of the fact that Hanoi has just recovered from a new wave of COVID-19 infections.
Image credit: 1900
Date: 3rd October 2020
Time: From 9PM till late
Venue: 1900 Nightclub, 8 Tạ Hiện Str., Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Ticket price: VND350,000 (~USD15.13), drink included
Website
3. Munch on some of the best tacos Hanoi has to offer at this taco fest
Image credit: Melting Pot Hanoi
Tacos are to Mexicans what bánh mì is to Vietnamese diners. The idea behind the dish is as simple as putting toppings on a tortilla, but it is this very simplicity that makes tacos highly customizable, leading to countless variations enjoyed by people all over the world.
Image credit: Melting Pot Hanoi
So, if you’ve fallen in love with the dish, or you want to try it for the first time to see what the fuss is all about, hit up The 100 Beer Garden on 10th October for a taco fest.
Image credit: Melting Pot Hanoi
Expect to see a wide assortment of tacos that’ll tickle your taste buds here – from Southeast Asian-inspired beef curry tacos to chicken tacos and more. Each serving is priced from VND40,000-VND70,000 (~USD1.73-USD3.03).
Image credit: Melting Pot Hanoi
There will also be live music performances and games from 3PM onward, so it’s a good opportunity to mingle with your fellow taco lovers.
Date: 10th October 2020
Time: 1PM-11PM
Venue: The 100 Beer Garden, 68 Alley 238 Âu Cơ Str., Tây Hồ District, Hanoi
Entrance fee: VND80,000 (~USD3.46) before 3PM | VND100,000 (~USD4.32) after 3PM | Free for children under 10
Website
– Outdoor activities –
4. Marathon around the Old Quarter
Image credit: Chạy Vì Mình – Run4Self
To spice up your morning routine, sign up for the Hoàng Thành Half Marathon, an open marathon event that’ll take you through the Hanoi Old Quarter, and past several notable landmarks such as the Hoàn Kiếm Lake, the Temple of Literature, and the Thăng Long Citadel.
Image credit: Chạy Vì Mình – Run4Self
Running through the old town at the crack of dawn, you’ll get to see Hanoi in a whole new light, one that’s much more serene than its usual busy self. The route is estimated to be around 7KM long, though if you want to push your limits, you’re more than welcome to take on more loops. Fruits and water will be provided along the way for some refreshment.
Image credit: Phạm Duy Cường
The event is free for everyone to participate in, but if you want a medal to keep as a memento, you can apply here to have one made for VND150,000 (~USD6.49).
Date: 11th October 2020
Time: 4.45AM-9.30AM
Starting point: Lý Thái Tổ Monument, 12 Lê Lai Str., Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
Website
5. Go on an overnight camping trip outside of Hanoi
Image credit: SALA CLUB [underground]
If you are tired of being cooped up in the city, register for this overnight camping trip to Sơn Tinh Camp, a popular event venue 50KM from Hanoi, for some fresh air. Waiting for you here is a lovely camping site with a swimming pool and a night of food, drink, and music aplenty.
Image credit: Sơn Tinh Camp 3 – Đời Sống Trại
A ticket is priced at VND600,000 (~USD25,89), which covers a 2-way shuttle bus from Hanoi and grants access to the swimming pool and music stages. Renting a 2-person tent will further set you back VND200,000 (~USD8.63).
Image credit: Sơn Tinh Camp 3 – Đời Sống Trại
Food and drink costs are not included in the ticket price and there is no ATM at the site, so be sure to bring enough cash to cover all your expenses.
Date and time: 10th October, 11AM – 11th October, 2PM
Start point: SALA Club, 51 Alley 52 Tô Ngọc Vân Str., Tây Hồ District, Hanoi
Ticket price: VND600,000 (~USD25,89)
Website
6. Have a good time with your furkid at this pet social event
Image credit: Hachiko Mission
Hanoi pet owners should not miss out on Hachiko Euphoria, an occasion where dog and cat lovers unite to get social.
Image credit: Hachiko Mission
Coming here, you and your furkid will have the chance to team up and compete against others in a series of games, or participate in a raffle for the chance to win some useful prizes such as vouchers at pet shops and veterinary clinics.
Image credit: Hachiko Mission
You can also get a health check for your pet at the venue for free on the day of the event, and if you have an old item that you no longer use – a shirt that your dog has outgrown perhaps – you can bring it here to trade with others as well.
Health checkups for your pets are available for free at the event
Image credit: Hachiko Mission
Date: 4th October 2020
Time: 7AM-12PM
Venue: 1 Hoàng Minh Giám Str., Thanh Xuân District, Hanoi
Admission fee: Free
Website
– Art and wedding planning –
7. Get a new tattoo at this gathering of tattoo artists
Image credit: Tattoo & Pints
Tattoo aficionados can pay a visit to Caveman Custom Cycles on the first weekend of October, where over 20 elite tattoo artists of Hanoi will gather to share their trade.
Image credit: Tattoo & Pints
Come here to chat with other tattoo enthusiasts over a refreshing glass of craft beer, and perhaps get a new tattoo for yourself if you see something that captures your attention.
Image credit: Tattoo & Pints
You’ll also get to participate in entertainment activities such as a raffle and blind beer tasting challenge for the chance to win a tattoo voucher.
Date: 3rd & 4th October 2020
Time: 11AM-7PM
Venue: Caveman Custom Cycles, Alley 41, Tây Hồ Str., Tây Hồ District, Hanoi
Website
8. Learn to make your own handmade notebook at this workshop
Image credit: Xưởng Handmade Hoa Lá Cỏ
Hoa Lá Cỏ is a craft studio known by many Hanoi youths for its cute handmade notebooks decorated with real flowers, leaves, and grass. Now, if you are a fan, visit the studio’s upcoming workshop on 4th October to learn how to make one yourself.
Image credit: Xưởng Handmade Hoa Lá Cỏ
The workshop will provide you with all the materials, tools, and instructions you need to create your very own notebook. You’ll learn how to extract colors from clay and how to combine these colors with leaves and plants to create decorations that bear your own signature.
Image credit: Xưởng Handmade Hoa Lá Cỏ
Date: 4th October 2020
Time: 2PM-5PM
Venue: Room 209, D1 Trung Tự Complex, Đống Đa District, Hanoi
Entrance fee: VND350,000 (~USD15.13)
Website
9. Get tips on how to make your wedding perfect at this wedding fair
Image credit: TuArt Wedding
Soon-to-be brides and grooms, set aside the 3rd and 4th of October to attend Minimalism Wedding Fair, which brings together 30 of Hanoi’s biggest wedding-related service providers to answer every question you have.
Image credit: Juliette Bridal
The two-day fair features a plethora of workshops covering everything you need to know to make your big day perfect, from which wedding rings are trendy at the moment all the way to which suit to wear and how to keep your makeup fresh throughout the ceremony.
There will also be a fashion show displaying products from big names such as TuArt Wedding and Juliette Bridal.
Date: 3rd & 4th Oct 2020
Time: 10AM-7.30PM
Venue: Almaz Center, Hoa Lan Str., Vinhomes Riverside Complex, Long Biên District, Hanoi
Free entry
Website
Things to do in Hanoi in October 2020
If you are always on the lookout for fun social gatherings to attend, follow The Smart Local Vietnam, where we keep you regularly updated on the latest happenings in Vietnam’s biggest cities.
Whether it’s lively music nights you seek, or art fairs and sports events, there will always be something going on in Hanoi to meet your demands.
For more things to do in Hanoi, check out:
- 10 bars in the Hanoi Old Quarter
- 8 rooftop cafes in Hanoi
- 20 Vietnam natural attractions
- 10 antique cafes in Hanoi
- 9 Hanoi rooftop bars
Cover image adapted from 1900, Melting Pot Hanoi, Hachiko Mission, and Xưởng Handmade Hoa Lá Cỏ
Enjoying The Smart Local Vietnam? Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for more stories like this.