Fall has officially landed, folks, and we’re ready to make the most of it. Lucky for us, Vancouver is filled to the brim with things to do this October. From new art exhibitions to food and drink events to the return of hockey, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while the weather cools off. And, we’re here to find the best of it!
Here are the best things to do around Vancouver this October.
Outdoor Options
Playland Hallowed Eves
You didn’t think we would start this month on anything other than a spooky foot, did you? While Fright Nights has been cancelled again, Playland is bringing back its outdoor experience for the second year in a row. Contortionists and other performers, sweet treats, and thrill rides… what could be better?
When: October 8th to October 31st
Where: 2901 E Hastings Street
Cost: $39.50+
Laity Pumpkin Patch South
It might not be Halloweentown, but it’s a good alternative! This Maple Ridge experience has created its own ‘Pumpkin Town’ complete with a Sheriff’s Office, a saloon and a general store. Get yourself a photo opp that will blow standing in a field out of the water.
When: Open throughout October
Where: 12725 Laity Street, Maple Ridge
Cost: $8-$10
Maan Farms Haunts
For the truly devoted, this Abbotsford farm offers ‘The Scariest Corn Maze in Canada’. What’s more, they’ve unleashed ‘Pitch Black’, a claustrophobic walk-through experience that incorporates sights, sounds, and yes, getting touched by things that go bump in the night.
When: Open throughout October
Where: 790 McKenzie Road, Abbotsford
Tickets: Onsale Friday, September 5th at 5 PM PST
Chilliwack Corn Maze
The Chilliwack Corn Maze has returned to the Fraser Valley, and as always there’s a new design to explore! This year, look forward to a very cute forest setting, alongside the word ‘WANDER’. Is this a classic option for the fall? Absolutely, and we love every second of it.
When: Open throughout October
Where: 41905 Yale Road W, Chilliwack
Cost: $14.50+ for GA
See some fall colours
More about pumpkin spice than pumpkin monsters? Take a break this month and enjoy Vancouver in the fall, which we think is a seriously underrated time of year here. Don’t believe us? Well, just check out our guide to the best places to see fall colours, and then let us know.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Get back on the Sea to Sky Gondola
This incredible attraction along the Sea to Sky Highway offers stunning views, mountaintop trails to explore, and food and drink options so that you can kick back and take it all in. As far as day trips go, this is top-notch.
When: Open throughout October
Where: 36800 BC-99, Squamish
Tickets: $55.95 for GA, $14.29 for Ride-Down Only
Live Events
Flamingosis
Take these concert recommendations with a grain of salt, because they’re cancelled just as often as they happen right now (and fair enough). Flamingosis is a high-energy electronic producer with funk influence, so if you’re looking to dance off the past year or so this is a great option.
When: October 6th
Where: 881 Granville Street
Cost: $20+
Yukon Blonde with Guests
For those craving a little indie, we’ve got Kelowna’s own Yukon Blonde! Their latest album, Vindicator, blends classic alternative sounds with a bit of pop and EDM inspiration. The result? A project that sounds just as good at a dinner party as the pre-game afterwards.
When: October 23rd
Where: 3123 W Broadway
Cost: $25+
Eric Church
For the country fans, a superstar is headed to town. Eric Church has been one of country’s biggest names for years now, and is showing no signs of stopping. Plus, we’ll selfishly say that we love his pro-vaccine stance, so even if we were hesitant before, we’re seriously considering buying a ticket now.
When: October 29th
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: $42.50+
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
It’s not just major concerts and nightclubs this month, either. In September, the VSO officially started its live performances again! Head down for a night of classical music, or get the best of both worlds with their ongoing ‘live scoring’ of fan-favourite movies.
When: Concerts throughout October
Where: 601 Smithe Street
Cost: Varies
Arts and Culture
Vancouver International Film Festival
Vancouver’s beloved film festival is back with in-person shows! Celebrate movies and short films from Canada and around the world, and enjoy some delicious popcorn while you’re at it. Films will be screened across the city (and a few online), so chances are your local favourite has joined the fun too!
When: October 1st to October 11th
Where: Online and in-person options
Cost: Varies per event ($15+ for in-person events)
Vancouver Art Gallery- Yoko Ono: Growing Freedom
In addition to the ongoing exhibitions, a new one is coming to the Vancouver Art Gallery this October. Are we super pumped on Yoko Ono as an artist/activist? We’ll be honest and say no. Has she shone a light on contemporary art and activism in a way that few others have? Yes.
When: Opens October 9th
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: Varies
Bill Reid Gallery- Doctrine of Discovery
One exhibit we absolutely recommend is Doctrine of Discovery, which is a solo exhibition from First Nations artist Sho Sho Eqsuiro. Using textiles, photographs and actual clothing pieces, the exhibition is meant to spark conversations about the legacies of genocide, and injustices that continue in the present.
When: Open throughout October
Where: 639 Hornby Street
Cost: $13
Polygon Gallery- Lind Prize 2021
Meanwhile, the Polygon Gallery is bringing back the finalists for this year’s Lind Prize. What’s it recognize? Well, hopefully, the best BC emerging artist working in film, photography or video. Maybe see if you can snag a couple of prints while you’re there- we’re sure your walls will thank you!
When: Open until October 24th
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: By donation
Vancouver Maritime Museum- Canoe Cultures :: Ho’-ku-melh
This new exhibition at the Vancouver Maritime Museum both celebrates and honours the long-running canoe cultures of the Pacific Northwest. Some 20 different Indigenous artists have collaborated on a stunning ‘war canoe’, alongside a variety of supporting installations and works.
When: Open throughout October
Where: 1905 Ogden Avenue
Cost: $13.50
Museum of Vancouver- Boarder X
MOV is getting something new this October as well! Boarder X, presented alongside the Winnipeg Art Gallery, draws connections between the use of public space for alternative sports and the history of exclusionary policies and treaties towards Indigenous people. One is without a doubt worse than the other, but it’s an interesting way to highlight the issues.
When: Opens October 2nd
Where: 1100 Chestnut Street
Cost: Varies
Imagine Van Gogh
Ok, after an absolute marathon run, Imagine Van Gogh is actually ending this month. There’s a reason it’s been so popular- it’s a fantastic way to see the artist’s best works in a truly new way.
When: Ends October 15th
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Tickets: $39.99+
Imagine Picasso
As one immersive exhibition ends, another is set to open. And, we have to hand it to the organizers- Imagine Picasso looks just as fun as Imagine Van Gogh. Why can’t there be an Imagine O’Keeffe, though? Maybe that’ll come in the spring. We’re keeping our fingers crossed!
When: Starts October 27th
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Tickets: $34.99
DTES Heart of the City Festival
Back for its 18th instalment, this festival shines a light on one of the most talked-about communities in Canada. Filled to the brim with talks, workshops, installations, readings, and more, the Heart of the City Festival is a great opportunity to learn about the DTES.
When: Starts October 28th
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Varies
BC Culture Days
This massive celebration of all things BC culture features both virtual and in-person events across the province. From art workshops to live concerts and more, you’ve got hundreds of ways to celebrate all the things that make this province so great!
When: Until October 24th
Where: In-person and virtual events
Cost: Free
Sports and Activities
Vancouver Canucks
That’s right folks, the Vancouver Canucks are almost back! Preseason games are ongoing, but they’ll have their season opener against Edmonton in the middle of the month. Sadly, that’s the start of a lengthy road trip, with their home opener not happening until the last week of the month. Know what that means? Lots of time to plan!
When: October 26th
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: Varies
BC Lions
We’ve got a couple of Lions home games to look forward to this month as well! They’ll be facing off against Winnipeg to start the month, then they play Calgary right in the middle of it. Get outside, get some snacks, and enjoy a game of football!
When: Games throughout October
Where: 777 Pacific Boulevard
Cost: $21.75+
Vancouver Whitecaps
The Whitecaps are running out of regular-season games to watch! They’ve only got 4 matches left at home this season, and 3 of them are happening in October. They’re right on the cusp of making the playoffs too, so any extra local support is sure to help!
When: Games throughout October
Where: 777 Pacific Boulevard
Cost: $45+
Food and Drink
Taste of Yaletown
First the first time, Taste of Yaletown has decided to go on for an entire month! This celebration of all things food and drink is a great way to try a new spot in the neighbourhood. And while we’re sure each one is worth a visit, we can’t help but circle back to Provence Marinaside.
When: Throughout October
Where: Click the link above for participating restaurants
Try a new Restaurant
Ready to try something new this month? You’re in luck, because we recently rounded up some of our top picks. Even better news? A couple of them have actually opened! All you need to do is go sit down for a lovely meal.
Where: Click the link above for more info
Parallel 49 Biergarten
Craving a little bit of Oktoberfest fun? Fear not, because Parallel 49 has got you covered. This beloved local brewery has transformed its massive patio into a biergarten, with live music and a new food menu to match. Heads up though, you’re running out of time to check it out.
When: On until October 3rd
Where: 1950 Triumph Street
Swing by your local Farmers Market
If we ever miss recommending a trip to Vancouver’s farmers markets, then reach out and tell us to give our heads a shake. After all, Vancouver and the Fraser Valley is a goldmine for delicious, locally-produced fruits and veggies.
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Misc.
Go on a romantic date
Got a special someone in mind this fall? Do something special with them! We’ve rounded up some of our absolute favourite options for romantic dates this fall in Vancouver, from garden visits to live events to indoor activities. Whatever the weather, we’ve got you covered.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours
Half a nice walk outside and half a look at the unsavoury side of Vancouver’s history, Forbidden Vancouver’s walking tours offer a great way to spend an evening. Our top pick? The Lost Souls of Gastown, which will take you through the neighbourhood while you learn about its, uh, storied past.
When: Tours throughout October
Where: Gastown
Cost: $32
Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium has got a new exhibtion which focuses on the Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Program. Who doesn’t want to see an otter recovering from ill health? That’s like what dreams are made of. Easy pick for a day when you can’t decide what to do.
When: Open throughout October
Where: 845 Avison Way
Cost: $42 for GA
That’s our roundup for the best things to do in and around Vancouver this October! Hopefully, a few of these picks have piqued your fancy.
