This weekend marks the first few days of October, which means it’s officially spooky season. Time to break out the skeleton decor and tiny pumpkins and get ready for a festive change of pace. Let’s dive right in: Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (September 30-October 2).
Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)
Listen up art lovers and film buffs, the Vancouver International Film Festival is back for its 41st edition this year. And it’s bringing back the OG in-cinema experience. Yup, the fest is happening IRL this year! Catch the most anticipated movies of the year, narratives from around the world, upcoming international talent, and a lot more. The impressive line-up showcases some 130 feature films and 100 shorts that will be played across seven venues in Vancouver.
When: Thursday, September 29th, 2022 – Sunday, October 9th, 2022
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Film screening tickets range from $15 – $17. Special events are priced separately.
Michael Bublé
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While certainly known around the world for his Christmas bops, it might be time to treat yourself to a little Bublé early this year…because the pop sensation and Canadian talent is coming to Vancouver this Saturday, October 1st. Fan girls, rise up.
When: Saturday, October 1st
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: $130.65
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 from September 30th to October 29th
Where: 1502 Duranleau Street
Cost: $58.60+
Harvest Days at VanDusen
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
Cougar Creek’s House of Horrors
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It’s the opening weekend for the longest-running haunted attraction in the Lower Mainland – so get ready for some quality scares! If having evil circus clowns chase after you sounds like a good time, you’ll definitely want to check out Cougar Creek’s House of Horrors this season. There are three ‘haunts’ available to choose from with different storylines, so be sure to check ’em out!
When: Open on Friday, September 30th and Saturday, October 1st. See available times here.
Where: 12530 72nd Avenue, Surrey
Cost: $57.48
Try some authentic bannock
Keep the momentum from the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation going and sample some authentic bannock from these Indigenous-owned businesses around Vancouver.
Where: See our picks above
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Vancouver Croissant Crawl
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If you’re looking to feast on the flakiest, softest croissants in Vancouver – we’ve got good news for you. The city’s first-ever croissant crawl is slated for early October, and the self-guided tour will take you to 10 of the best spots for croissants in the area. From Nelson the Seagull to The Bench Bakehouse, there are a ton of delicious limited edition flavours to check out.
When: Saturday, October 1st to Friday, October 7th
Where: See locations at the link above
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
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
And that’s a wrap on this weekend, folks. We hope it’s a great one!
