Ah yes, the month of Jack-O-Lanterns, changing leaves, and cozy nights in are just around the corner. The smells of pumpkin spice and cinnamon are in the air, and we’re ready to take a deep dive into the season. Here are 40 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this October.
Live events/concerts
Michael Bublé
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 on the first of the month.
When: Saturday, October 1st
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: $130.65
Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)
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We know this one’s more of a sendoff for September, but the VIFF 2022 lineup looks amazing, and we can’t wait to celebrate the best of this year’s global cinema. Guests can expect 120 features and 100 shorts, as well as multiple talks, performances, and other unique events celebrating film culture. Individual tickets will be available for purchase starting September 7th for $15 a pop.
When: Wednesday, September 29th to Sunday, October 9th, 2022
Florence & the Machine
Even if you’re not an avid fan of Florence + The Machine – you’ve no doubt heard their incredible music in movies & TV shows for over a decade now, and for good reason. The English indie rock band consists of vocalist Florence Welch, keyboardist Isabella Summers, guitarist Rob Ackroyd, harpist Tom Monger, and a collaboration of other musicians, making their sound as dynamic as they come.
When: Tuesday, October 4th
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: $58.50
BP25YR
Get ready for a fall music festival presented by Blueprint Events and Live Nation this month! On the main stage on Friday, October 7th, we have Armin van Buuren and Kaskade at the Pacific Coliseum. On Saturday, there are performances by Black Tiger Sex Machine, G Jones, and more. And on Sunday, October 9th, Fisher and Artbat will perform on the Seasons House Stage. The latter two performances will be at the PNE Forum on Hastings.
When: Friday, October 7th to Sunday, October 9th
Where: 100 North Renfrew Street
Cost: $175.50 for a three-day pass
Cabaret Bijou
Cabaret Bijou brings together the best of the art deco scene, aerial art, and gourmet food – and the spectacular experience is coming to Vancouver on Sunday, October 16th. Guests can choose between a private booth or a centre table, where they’ll enjoy a 4-course gourmet meal while aerial artists, jugglers, contortionists, musicians, and “madmen and divas” perform around them.
When: Sunday, October 16th to March 2023
Where: 1655 Whyte Avenue, Burrard Civic Marina
Cost: $129-$279+
Elton John
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There are few artists alive that can compare to Elton John, AKA the “Rocket Man.” And as far as solo artists go – he’s had over 40 years of experience and put out 31 albums since 1969. 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.”
When: Friday, October 21st and Saturday, October 22nd
Where: 777 Pacific Boulevard
Cost: $108.24+
Hoppy Horror Beer Show
From local names like Brewhall and Humblebee Meadery to out-of-town breweries like Smog City Brewing, Dwinell Country Ales, and Third Moon Brewing – there will be no shortage of unique options at this Halloween beer festival. Oh, and the Halloween-themed event will also feature burlesque! So – if you’re looking for a fall-appropriate date idea, this is a great option.
When: Friday, October 21st
Where: 3250 Commercial Drive
Cost: $93.86 for early bird GA
DTES Heart of the City Festival
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
SNAKEHIPS
Coming to Celebrities Nightclub on the Friday before Halloween is none other than SNAKEHIPS, the British electronic music duo known for their remixes for Banks, The Weeknd, Bondax, and Wild Belle – as well as their 2015 hit single, “All My Friends.”
When: Friday, October 28th
Where: 1022 Davie Street
Cost: $49.69
Fright Nights 2022
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That’s right, it’s almost time for the return of PNE’s ever-popular and ever-terrifying Fright Nights. According to their website, Playland will be introducing a new opening “scaremony” featuring haunted house props, an early admission pass, and the new SKYBENDER ride. Definitely a must-visit this season!
When: Friday, October 7th to Monday, October 31st
Where: 2901 East Hastings
Cost: $45-$54
Cougar Creek’s House of Horrors
The longest-running haunted attraction in the Lower Mainland tends to conjure up quite a scare – including having evil circus clowns chase after you. If this sounds like your cup of tea, 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: See available times here.
Where: 12530 72nd Avenue, Surrey
Cost: $57.48
Carly Rae Jepsen
Yes, the “Call Me Maybe” singer and late-2000s pop icon is coming to Doug Mitchell at UBC this month. And yes, you should definitely snag tickets while you can.
When: Saturday, October 29th
Where: 6066 Thunderbird Boulevard
Cost: $58.60+
Food & drink
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
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!
Enjoy some of the city’s 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
Oktoberfest eats at Brewhall
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In the lineup of Vancouver’s Oktoberfest scene is Brewhall’s special Oktoberfest-inspired menu. Guests can expect everything from soft baked pretzels and currywurst to Oktoberfeasts and schnitzel burgers. And for drinks, they’re pouring a slew of rotating German beers, including Prost Helles Lager and Paulaner Hefe-Weissbier.
When: Wednesday, September 14th to Monday, October 10th
Where: 97 East 2nd Avenue
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. Why not do a bit of exploring of the scene sometime this month?
Where: See our picks above
Check out some star-studded restos
With so many TV shows and movies filming around Vancouver, it’s no surprise that celebs are spotted out at local restaurants, cafes, and bars rather frequently. Ryan Reynolds, Shay Mitchell, and the cast of Riverdale are just some of the bigger names that frequent Hollywood North. And none of them are shy when it comes to sharing their fave eats & drinks in the city!
Where: Check out the link above
Swing by your local Farmers Market
You better believe that we think a trip to the farmers market is worthwhile any time of year! Picking up great groceries from local producers? This requires no selling on our part.
Where: Locations around Vancouver
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Arts & Culture
Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival
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Every year, the Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival (VOAF) brings together dozens of exhibits, workshops, live performances, and visual art installations for visitors to peruse. Selected artists are often individuals/groups facing social exclusion in Vancouver – and self-identify as “outsider” artists. So, if you’re looking for an inclusive space to engage in the local art scene, this is a fantastic opportunity to do it.
When: Friday, October 14th to Sunday, October 16th
Where: 181 Roundhouse Mews
Cost: Free admission
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
Stage Fright: Murder at the Improv
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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+
Visit the Polygon Gallery
The Polygon in North Van always has interesting interactive art programming to check out, and this month is no different. Visitors can check out the Stan Douglas exhibit until November 6th, and Rydel Cerezo’s Home Sweet Home starting Thursday, September 29th. The latter exhibition explores the diasporic experiences of several Filipinx subjects, all through different lenses. Need an intellectually and artistically stimulating date idea that’s also affordable? Great pick right here.
When: Open throughout October
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Admission by donation
Thrift some vintage fits
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
Outdoors & Sports
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
Fall at Maan Farms
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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
Visit a pumpkin patch
And speaking of farms, there are a ton of pumpkin patches reopening for the season. You know what that means. Hot apple cider, a variety of small and giant pumpkins to peruse, farm animals, and fun activities for all ages.
Where: Check out our picks above
Chilliwack Corn Maze
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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
Go on a fall weekend getaway
From oceanside retreats to stunning forested getaways, there is no shortage of cozy options to check out this season. With the colours on the cusp of changing and the weather cooling down, the most vibrant, gorgeous time of year is almost upon us – so we think a little getaway is very much warranted.
Where: See our picks above
Kettle Valley Steam Railway
You can take a scenic ride through this historic railway in the Okanagan until Monday, October 10th. So if you’re a fan of trains and learning about local history, this activity is a must. Enjoy the fall foliage and brush up on your local history while you do it!
When: Open until Monday, October 10th
Where: 18404 Bathville Road, Summerland, BC
Cost: $19-$29
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+
Enjoy the fall colours
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The leaves are already starting to turn, so we thought we’d round up our fave spots in the city to appreciate the quintessential oranges, reds, and golds of the season. We know time is tight between work and school, but a leisurely stroll through the autumn trees only comes once a year!
Where: See our picks above
Scope 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
Go on a fall hike
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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
Visit a ghost town
With ‘spooky season’ almost upon us, there’s no better time than now to check out some ghost towns around BC & learn about their history. We say either because while some of these are just a stone’s throw from the city, others are downright impossible to get to (unless you’ve got some scuba gear handy).
Where: Check out our picks above
Play some pickleball
Interested in learning a new, beginner-friendly sport this month? Enter pickleball, the more casual cousin of ping pong and tennis. Luckily, Vancouver has several permanent outdoor courts as well as pop-up courts throughout the city to take advantage of.
Where: See locations above
Work on your short game
Mini-golf is a good option 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 this month’s roundup. We hope you take this list and run with it – and don’t stop there! Let us know what other October fun you get up to.
