Vancouver isn’t the most affordable city in the world – but thankfully, we do have plenty to do this season that won’t break the bank. Enjoy the changing fall foliage, hit up a new cafe, and participate in one of the many free/cheap Halloween-themed events this season. From a free opera show to murder mystery improv, here are 25 free and cheap things to do around metro Vancouver this fall.
Stage Fright: Murder at the Improv
If you’re looking for a fun date idea, head to the Improv Centre on Granville Island for a special Halloween-themed murder-mystery show set in the 1950s. Think Clue but on the stage, with an eclectic cast ready to bring the story to life. Oh, and audience participation is required!
When: Every Friday and Saturday until October 29th
Where: 1502 Duranleau Street
Cost: $23+
DTES Heart of the City Festival
View this post on Instagram
This one’s more towards the end of the month, but the 19th annual Heart of the City Festival is coming to the DTES on October 26th, and this year’s theme of “Community Is Our Mentor” will spotlight the lived experiences and identities of the DTES community. Highlighted events include the launch of a new mural, a series of dialogues and short films on housing justice, and The Prop Master’s Dream, a new fusion opera produced by the Vancouver Cantonese Opera.
When: October 26th to November 6th
Where: 401 Main Street
Eastside Culture Crawl
View this post on Instagram
The 26th annual Eastside Culture Crawl is taking place next month across 80 different buildings on the east side, with more than 500 local artists showcasing their work. Explore the open studios, peruse unique jewelry and home goods, and connect with the artists themselves. Oh, and did we mention this event is completely free?
When: Thursday, November 17 to Sunday, November 20th
Where: See link above
Autumn pop-up market
A fall-themed pop-up market with over 70 local vendors is coming to The Pipe Shop in North Van on Sunday, October 16th. So mark your calendars, and get ready for some great finds, courtesy of Made in the 604. Admission is free and the venue is dog-friendly!
When: Sunday, October 16th
Where: 115 Victory Ship Way
BC Culture Days
From uncovering Vancouver’s lost architectural legacy to stories and exhibitions commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, BC Culture Days always has an array of free (and by-donation) offerings. Check out some live events going on this month, or tune in at home digitally.
Where: See locations at the link above
Check out some haunted places
Did you know that The Dominion Building in Gastown (home of Nuba) is likely haunted by its own architect?? If you’re into spooky histories, a self-guided tour of the most haunted places in the city is an essential October experience. Or if you want to plan an affordable, season-appropriate date, this is a great option too.
Where: See our picks above
Recent Posts:
A huge arts & culture festival is coming to Vancouver’s Eastside next month
Check out this massive haunted house with evil clowns in Surrey this fall
Frozen River (nîkwatin sîpiy)
Carousel Theatre for Young People presents the award-winning story of two 11-year-olds (Wâpam, who is Cree, and Eilidh, who is Scottish) born under the same blood moon, but in different parts of the world. Grandmother Moon narrates the tale, which unfolds from the ancient forests of the past to present-day Manitoba. Written by Michaela Washburn, Joelle Peters, and Carrie Costello – nîkwatin sîpiy explores how reconciliation efforts and environmentalism are connected in a family-friendly play appropriate for all ages.
You can catch a showing on September 30th, as well as anytime between Wednesday, September 28th and October 16th at Waterfront Theatre.
When: Wednesday, September 28th to October 16th, excluding Mondays
Where: 1412 Cartwright Street
Cost: $35 for adults
Pop-up Opera show
Classical music lovers, take note. The Vancouver Opera is putting on a free performance on Sunday, October 16th – complete with a Q&A session at the end of the show. Doors will open at 12:30 pm, and the show will commence at 1 pm and last until 3 pm.
When: Sunday, October 16th
Where: 630 Hamilton Street, Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Harvest Days at VanDusen
View this post on Instagram
If you’re looking for a celebration of autumn’s bounty in the form of seasonal eats, decorated scarecrows, and fall foliage – then look no further than Harvest Days at VanDusen. Take a stroll through the massive veggie garden, bales of hay, cornstalks, and pumpkins with a warm beverage in hand and fall colours all around you.
When: Every weekend in October, & Monday, October 10th and Friday, October 21st
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Cost: $8.60
Spooktacular Halloween Party
With Halloween just around the corner, we’re ready to start hunting down the best costume parties in the city. This one by YMCA Connections – open exclusively to permanent residents, refugees, and CUAET visa holders – is a chance for newcomers to Canada to connect, swap ghost stories, and learn about different haunted histories in Vancouver while donning their best costumes.
When: Friday, October 28th
Where: 955 Burrard Street, Robert Lee YMCA
Fall at Maan Farms
Maan Farms is sparing no expense when it comes to providing a fun-filled fall for everyone in the family. Hit up the pumpkin patch, enjoy their signature Double Pumpkin Spice Cream, and get absolutely spooked at Homestead: A “full contact haunted experience,” where you’re greeted as a guest at a “decrepit AirBnB, one you may never leave.”
Where: 790 McKenzie Road, Abbotsford
Bad Parent
The Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre is bringing a new play to the city’s stage this fall, created by Ins Choi (creator of Kim’s Convenience) and directed by Meg Roe. Bad Parent tells the story of two parents trying to figure out parenthood and their own relationship, starring Raugi Yu and Josette Jorge.
When: Multiple dates from October Thursday, 13th to October 23rd
Where: 1895 Venables Street, Cultch Historic Theatre
Cost: $29+
Chilliwack Corn Maze
The T.rex-shaped Chilliwack Corn Maze is open until the end of the month, and tickets are just $16 (or $18 at the door) for 30 to 40 minutes of October fun. Head to Greendale Acres and take advantage of the massive 12-acre experience while you can, or opt for the family-friendly short maze, which takes around 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
When: Open until October 31st
Where: 41905 Yale Road West, Chilliwack
Cost: $16 GA
Vancouver Giants
The Vancouver Giants are facing off against the Wheat Kings on Friday, October 14th at the Arena Bowl at the Langley Events Centre, and tickets start at just over 20 bucks a pop. There are several other home games scheduled for this season, which you can view here.
When: Several dates in October and November
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $16 GA
Cozy up at a neighbourhood cafe
Whether you want to visit a classic Vancouver coffee shop or bunker down for some serious work/studying, we guarantee that the city has a cafe for everyone.
Where: See our picks above
Visit a ghost town
If you’ve got some extra time on your hands this weekend, why not check out some ghost towns with haunted histories around BC and learn about what makes them so spooky?? Some are just a stone’s throw from the city, while others are downright impossible to get to (unless you’ve got some scuba gear handy), which makes it all the more exciting to try.
Where: Check out our picks above
Rent some e-bikes
Since we’ve been on the receiving end of some beautiful weather so far this season, we thought we’d remind folks that Mobi now has e-bikes available for usage. The 24-Hour Pass gives you access to e-bikes for 25¢/min for the first 30 minutes and 35¢/min thereafter.
Beaded Nostalgia at the Bill Reid Gallery
The Bill Reid Gallery has a ton of inspiring exhibits right now, including Beaded Nostalgia – a look into the past through the use of contemporary beadwork. Artists Audie Murray (Michif), Hazel Wilson (Haida), Nico Williams (Anishinaabe), and Serena Steel (Secwepemc), each use their innovative beadwork to express feelings of nostalgia and connections to their own experiences.
Pro-tip: If you’re looking to check out the rest of the gallery, note that the gallery offers free admission from 2 to 5 pm on the first Friday of every month.
When: Open throughout October
Where: 639 Hornby Street
Cost: $13 GA
Try some authentic bannock
Bannock is a delicious pan-fried bread that First Nations across the country have been making for centuries, and there are several Indigenous-owned spots around the city where you can try authentic bannock. Support Indigenous-owned businesses and try some new cuisine in the process!
Hell’s Gate Airtram
If you’re looking for a fun day trip idea this fall, why not take a ride on one of the steepest airtrams in North America? If that isn’t spooky enough, the area is said to be haunted by the spirits of “Edward, The Smoking Man, and the lady behind the gift shop door.”
When: Open throughout September & October
Where: 43111 Trans Canada Highway, Boston Bar, BC
Cost: $30.99 or $25 per ticket for groups of 8+
Save it for a rainy day
View this post on Instagram
While we’re blessed with pretty ideal weather right now – it never hurts to be prepared for those colder, rainier days when Raincouver is back in action. From checking out the local art scene to catching a movie at the Rio, here are our picks for rainy-day activities around Vancouver.
Where: See our picks above
Go on a fall hike
BC is absolutely stunning in autumn, and the season is about to bring changing colours and beautiful fall foliage with it. Explore our beautiful province and get your steps in for the month.
Where: Check out our picks above
Enjoy some covered patios
Whether it’s just drizzly or full-out storming, there are (thankfully) plenty of covered patios in Vancouver to choose from. Why not make the most of them and sip on a couple of happy hour bevies this month?
Where: See our picks above
Hit up a Farmer’s Market
The farmer’s markets at Trout Lake, Kitsilano, and UBC are still on until the end of the month, so why not stop by a couple more times to stock up on some fresh, locally sourced produce?? Grab some coffee and take in one of the most beautiful times of year surrounded by your fellow community.
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Work on your short game
Last but not least (because we’re still in summer mode) is mini-golf – a fun outdoor activity for just about anyone. Like bowling, the skill ceiling is weirdly high, but it’s so straightforward that a total novice will still have fun out there. Whether you’re looking for a date night option or a weekend that’s fun for the whole family, we’ve got you covered.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
And that’s a wrap on cheap and free things to do around Vancouver this season. We hope you use this list as a jumping-off point and make some amazing memories while you’re at it.
