The weekend before Halloween is always a scramble for last-minute costumes, party ideas, and stocking up on your fave candy before it’s gone. Luckily, there are plenty of things to do leading up to the highly anticipated Halloweekend to start the festivities a little early. Let’s get into it: Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (October 21-23).
Vancouver’s most terrifying Halloween experience is back
Returning to PNE Playland is Fright Nights, a Halloween-themed experience sure to scare your socks off. With seven haunted houses, 18 thrilling rides, roaming monsters, live performances, & more, Fright Nights is back for the spookiest season yet, Open select Fridays until October 31st, you better get your tickets now to get spooked later!
When: October 7th to October 31st
Where: 901 Hastings St E, PNE Playland
Cost: $45 – $54
Check out a film perfect for spooky season: Wendell & Wild at VIFF Centre
If you’re the type who loves Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline, then VIFF has a film by the same director you won’t want to miss. Check out showtimes for Wendell & Wild, a new PG film co-written by, and starring, Jordan Peele, as well as Keegan-Michael Key, as two demons summoned to a Catholic school who inevitably end up wreaking havoc.
With a stellar cast and on-season theme, it’s the perfect family-friendly way to get into the spirit of Halloween!
When: Friday, October 21st to Monday, October 31st
Where: VIFF Centre – Vancity Theatre
Cost: $10 to $15 per ticket
Elton John
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There are few artists alive that can compare to Elton John, AKA the “Rocket Man.” With classic hits that are still topping the charts to new singles like Hold Me Closer with Britney Spears, Elton John is truly the epitome of “the man, the myth, and the legend.” So seeing him live sounds pretty unbeatable.
When: Friday, October 21st and Saturday, October 22nd
Where: 777 Pacific Boulevard
Cost: $108.24+
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+
Vancouver Giants
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The Vancouver Giants are facing off against the Cougars on Friday, October 21st 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
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
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
Thrift some vintage fits
Now is probably the best time to thrift your Halloween costume – and if you happen to find some other vintage treasures to take home as well, even better. From Community Thrift to Mintage Mall, to all the hidden gems in between, here are some fantastic places to peruse if you’re looking to spruce up your wardrobe with some cool vintage finds.
Where: See our picks above
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
Hell’s Gate Airtram
Last but not least, we’ll toss in a fun day trip idea. Hell’s Gate is one of the steepest airtrams in North America, and it’s said to be haunted by the spirits of “Edward, The Smoking Man, and the lady behind the gift shop door.” Sounds like an adventure, to say the least!
When: Open throughout October
Where: 43111 Trans Canada Highway, Boston Bar, BC
Cost: $30.99 or $25 per ticket for groups of 8+
And that’s a wrap on this weekend’s roundup. We hope you make the most of it and enjoy some Halloween-themed fun while you can!
