Celebrate the best October events in Vancouver. A favourite time of the year for many as autumn leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and yellow, and days become cooler, October lends itself to an array of fun-filled harvest activities. There are interesting culinary offerings, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, cultural performances, and so much more.
Look for a new immersive and interactive one-of-a-kind murder mystery dinner experience launching for the first time in Vancouver in collaboration with Netflix and Secret City.
If we have left off your favourite event, let us know in the comments below.
Plan ahead and save money. Look for early bird discount codes for some events – check out our 2024 Guide best pumpkin patches and corn mazes in Metro Vancouver, 2024 Haunted Halloween Guide for Metro Vancouver, and the 2024 guide for Vancouver Christmas events, holiday light displays and markets.
Subscribe below to be alerted to the next article as soon as it is published. We pride ourselves on writing informative articles with interesting facts. Please leave any comments, questions or suggestions below.
Search for accommodation for your next getaway using Booking.Com and any commissions earned will help keep this website running.
Jersey Boys – September 5 – October 20, 2024
The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage presents Jersey Boys, a true story about a group of troublesome blue-collar boys from New Jersey who became one of the most successful bands in music history as Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.
Vancouver International Film Festival – September 26 – October 20, 2024
Celebrating its 44th year, VIFF is one of North America’s largest film festivals. The festival will present about 120 features and 100 short films. Buy tickets online. Tickets are now on sale for two VIFF Live events, and VIFF+ Members can purchase festival ticket packs starting today. Ticket packs go on sale to the general public on August 28.
BC Culture Days – September – October 16, 2024
BC Culture Days is a three-week celebration of culture, heritage and arts in communities around BC.
With more than 100 events to choose from in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, discover pop-up Flamenco, free dance and music performances, a DIY Donut Workshop, art sessions, storytelling, walking tours, and more. Find an event.
Harvest Haus – October 4-5, 2024
Come for an Octoberfest celebration of the European fall harvest at the 9th annual Harvest Haus.
Activities: Traditional German Octoberfest food and entertainment with more than 16 beer vendors featuring seasonal local craft brews and European offerings. Wine and other spirits are available.
Admission: Register for presale access Buy tickets. Location: PNE Forum, Vancouver
Betrayers – September 26-October 28, 2024
Prepare for an evening of deception, deceit, lying and laughter as you enter the twisted world of “Betrayers”, a competition fueled by falsities and faux-friendships where improvisers will try to be the last performer standing.
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm from September 27 to October 28, with a special opening night performance on Thursday, September 26 at 7:30 pm. Buy tickets.
Location: The Improv Centre, Granville Island
Uncover a Dark Truth – Murder Mystery Dinner Experience – October 4-December 22, 2024
Don’t miss this entertaining, immersive, and interactive event. In collaboration with Netflix, Secret City presents a one-of-a-kind murder
mystery dinner experience launching for the first time in Vancouver, Canada. The Perfect Bite, A Dinner Experience Inspired by Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery takes a bite out of the captivating and thrilling universe of the Knives Out film series. This immersive and interactive event will have guests on the edge of their seats as they dine together and work to uncover a dark truth.
Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – October 11-27, 2024
The delightful story of Willy Wonka is based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory to only a few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination, including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka’s army of curious Oompa-Loompas.
Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre, 950 W. 41st Avenue
Fin-tastic Fall Days at the Vancouver Aquarium – September 28-October 31, 2024
Activities: Check out the hands-on Shipwreck Wet Lab, meet the new newly rescued sea otter pup, Tofino and other incredible rescued marine mammals. Discover small fish with big appetites and learn the wild secrets of bats at our seasonal Hagfish Feeds and Bat Talks. Immerse yourself in the wild world of whales, sharks and more in Coastal Predators, the new 4D movie airing only during Fin-tastic Fall.
Underwater Pumpkin Carvings – October 26-31 only. Watch in awe the talented team of deep-sea divers carve pumpkin creations below the surface, surrounded by aquatic friends.
Get a taste of fall with seasonal-inspired food and treats for a limited time only: BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, Fall Mac + Cheese, Sweet Potato Poutine, Seafood Chowder, Assorted Aquatic Fall-Themed Sugar Cookies, Hot Apple Cider, Pumpkin Spiced Latte’s, and BBQ Pulled Pork Poutine.Â
Location: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, in Stanley Park.
Website: www.vanaqua.org/fall-days
Here is our video from last year’s Fin-tastic Fall visit. Website: www.vanaqua.org/fall-days
Fintastic Fall Days at the Vancouver Aquarium
Fintastic Fall Days at the Vancouver Aquarium
Latin American Heritage Month – October 15-November 3, 2024
Celebrating its 6th year, Latin American Heritage Month offers the perfect opportunity to learn about B.C.’s rich Latino culture through a series of events and activities. There are 167 artists, 38 shows, 17 events, five workshops and four exhibitions Â
Several events take place on Granville Island. Download an events list.
VanDusen Botanical Gardens Harvest Days – weekends from September 28 to October 20, 2024
Celebrate the beautiful fall colours at VanDusen Botanical Gardens with an autumn stroll during Harvest Days. There are great activities and photo opportunities for the entire family. Enjoy live entertainment, fall-inspired craft section for kids and a scarecrow-themed hedge maze. Tasty treats are available for purchase from vendors.
Cirque du Soleil ECHO – October 9 – December 15, 2024
The Cirque du Soleil 20th Big Top show brings a new performance with surprising new twists to Vancouver this season, bringing bold new visuals and a unique aesthetic on tour.
Cirque du Soleil ECHO invites audiences on a journey through a universe of colour, wonder, and infinite possibilities.
ECHO is a story of connection, intention, and the symbiotic unions between humans and the animal kingdom. Fueled by the power of change, the hope of the youth, and the value of empathy, Cirque du Soleil ECHO follows an inquisitive young woman named FUTURE as she wanders into a fantasy world that explores our sacred bond with animals and nature.
Under the Big Top at Concord Pacific features vibrant characters, inspiring music, astounding lights and projections, never-before-seen acrobatic feats and more to thrill any audience.
Admission: Tickets must be purchased in advance online.
American Crown Circus and Circo Osorio – October 17-28, 2024
Feel the excitement under the big top with African acrobats, high-flying flyers and much more. The Flying Circus is coming to:
- Coquitlam Centre October 17-28, 2024
Buy tickets here.
Apple Festival – UBC Botanical Garden – October 19-20, 2024
This is the 33rd year of the UBC Apple Festival at Botanical Gardens.
Activities: Apples and apple trees will be available to buy. There is a children’s area, a food and craft fair, entertainment, and a display of nearly 200 types of apples grown in BC. For an additional fee, you can taste a variety of heritage and new apples in the tasting tent. Tickets provide access to the UBC Botanical Gardens and Greenheart TreeWalk. Download a map.
Admission: $7 for the early bird and $10 regular. Tickets are only available online for the event and are limited for the best possible experience. Purchase an additional ticket for the Apple Tasting Tent. Early bird pricing is in effect until September 21. Everyone must have a ticket. Ages 7 and under are free.
Location: UBC Botanical Garden, 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC.
Fright Nights at Playland Oct 4 – 31, 2024
Celebrating 21 years, the Fright Nights experience is back at Playland for 2024 this fall. There are eight haunted houses, 15+ thrill rides, haunting characters, creepy décor, and live performances throughout the park. Look for mutant carnivores, terrifying monsters, and re-animated dolls. Check here for ride details.
Fright Night is recommended for people 13 years and older. See two videos on Instagram
Admission: Prices vary depending on the night and event. Early access includes an expedited line for park entry (beginning at 5 p.m. on select nights) and early access to three houses (The Void, Keepers Doll Factory, and Darkness) for an additional cost. Tickets sell out fast, and there is a daily cap on the number of tickets sold. Buy tickets now. Remember, guests are not allowed to wear costumes or face makeup.
Hours: Select nights from October 6-31, 2024. Wednesday to Saturday 6 pm-12 am, Sunday 6 pm-11 pm.
Warning! It is not recommended for children 12 and under, seniors 65+, people sensitive to strobe lighting or fog machines, people with high blood pressure or heart conditions, pregnant women, or people who are easily scared.
Location: East Hastings and Windermere Street at the Playland entrance, Vancouver, B.C.
Website: https://frightnights.ca/
Spooky characters at Fright Nights at Playland.
Die Fledermaus, Queen Elizabeth Theatre – October 26, 31, November 2, 3, 2024
Opening the 65th season of Opera in Vancouver, Strauss’ classic comic operetta Die Fledermaus, is synonymous with opulence, laughter, and revelry. The story revolves around a grand masquerade ball.
There are four performances at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver
Social Tango, Vancouver Playhouse – October 24-26, 8 pm
DanceHouse presents Social Tango with Argentinian Choreographer Agustina Videla and in partnership with Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre.
Take a journey into the heart of tango as a shy and hesitant woman steps into a new world and is swept off her feet by the seductive, sinuous dance form. known as tango. Her journey celebrates human connection brought to vibrant life by live musicians and a singer, along with evocative multimedia projections.
For tickets and further information, visit: dancehouse.ca
A Series of Concerts by Candlelight until December 31, 2024
Enjoy a series of live concerts illuminated by candlelight in a variety of locations throughout Vancouver.
Find out more about this Concert by Candlelight and to book tickets.
Burnaby Events
Pumpkins After Dark -Jack-O-Lanterns Come Alive – October 3-31, 2024
Pumpkins After Dark in Burnaby is back again for another season of fun and is becoming a tradition for Burnaby Halloween festivities. This family-fun event features a wonderland of lit pumpkin sculptures and displays, with music, sounds and special effects. Explore the 3D blacklight Monster Maze before winding your way along the magical pathway to see classic Halloween characters, dinosaurs and dragons, movie and pop culture icons. There are lots of great photo ops and live pumpkin carving demos.
See a video here of pumpkin carving and a walk through the event.
Pumpkins After Dark
North Vancouver and West Vancouver October Events
Ambleside Farmers Market – Now until the end of October
Shop the Ambleside Farmers Market for an assortment of BC Crafts, a variety of farm-fresh produce and delicious prepared foods.
The market is open from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sundays at Ambleside Park located at the foot of 13th Street.
Capilano Regional Park – Celebrate Salmon Season – mid-October through early November
Take a short hike at Capilano Regional Park to view salmon swimming up river to spawn. The Coho Look provides some of the best views. Walk through towering Douglas fir trees to cross two bridges to take in scenic views of the river.
The trail is a 1 km loop and starts near the Capilano Fish Hatchery. Download a map.
New Westminster October Events
New Westminster Cultural Crawl – November 4-6, 2024
The New Westminster Culture Crawl celebrates its 21st festival of visual arts, design and crafts showcased across the Royal City.
Hidden Wonders Speakeasy Magic Experience – every week through December 2024
Two-time world champion of magic Shawn Farquhar will perform his intimate sleight-of-hand trickery at a secret location in historic downtown New Westminster. Farquhar has appeared on Ellen, Masters of Illusion and Fool Us. Only ticket holders will be given the exact location. Book tickets.
Richmond and Delta October Festivals and Events
Richmond Night Market – Every weekend until October 14, 2024
The Richmond Night Market is the largest event of its kind in North America. Come experience the array of international foods, interesting characters and creative merchandise sold by many booths. There are more than 110 food booths along with food trucks offering more than 600 different foods, drinks and desserts.
Reifel Bird Sanctuary Lesser Snow Geese start arriving in October through mid-December
Visit the Reifel Bird Sanctuary, one of the top birding watching spots in North America, to see masses of white Lesser Snow Geese. In January 2021, the mid-winter count was 135,000.
Snow Geese like to sleep on the water and large dense flocks can often be seen in the marshes and rivers in the Sanctuary. Find out more.
Coquitlam October Events
Salmon Come Home Celebration – mid-October through early November
Celebrate the return of salmon to Coquitlam rivers. The prime time to see chum, chinook and coho salmon battle their way up the river to their spawning grounds is usually mid-October through early November.
There are eight viewing spots in Coquitlam, but one of the best is the Hoy Creek Linear Park. Download special free self-guided activities, scavenger hunt and map. Caution always watch out for bears. Know what to do if you encounter a bear.
Surrey October Festivals and Events
Dreadworks Haunted House – September 27 – November 3, 2024
Somnara Studios’ debut of Dreadworks Haunted House is an outstanding premier immersive experience that takes horror to a new level using science fiction and different genres of fear. Peeling back the layers, think of nightmares delivered into our realm of reality using the most innovative technologies. You can expect nothing short of amazing. This spine-chilling experience uses the skills of highly skilled, talented filmmakers, makeup artists, costume designers, and actors, some of the best in the industry, to create live immersive theatre with advanced production techniques, creating an unforgettable, spine-chilling experience.
Ken Honigman of the famous Anmore Manor has joined the Dreadworks team as co-owner of the haunted house as they push the boundaries of traditional haunted attracts.
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 7-11 pm. Tickets – $60.00 to $75.00 Find Dreadworks Haunted House at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.
Spooktacular Halloween Market – October 26, 2024
Activities: There are 60 vendors, free kids activities, food trucks, costumed characters, photo ops and more.
Admission: Admission by donation to Surrey Hospitals Foundation
Location: 6050 176th Street, Cloverdale.
Maple Ridge October Events
Celebrate the Night – Festival of Lights – October 19, 2024
Activities: Celebrating fall and Halloween. Family fun-filled activities include storytelling, pumpkins, crafts, games, food trucks and a fireworks finale.
Admission: Free
Hours: 6 pm – 8:00 pm. Fireworks at 8:00 pm.
Location: Memorial Peace Park, 11900 224 Street, Maple Ridge
Email: culture@mapleridge.ca
Phone: 604-467-7325.
Website: https://www.mapleridge.ca/1758/Celebrate-the-Night
Langley October Festivals and Events
Cranberry Festival at Fort Langley – October 12, 2024
The Cranberry Festival, with scarecrows on display at Fort Langley National Historic Site.
Discover the fascinating world of cranberry trade and how it shaped the Fort’s past
Location: Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada
Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/bc/langley/activ/calendrier-calendar
The Bog Riverside Cranberry Farm – Late September – October, 2024
Come experience the Cranberry Harvest and Farm Tour at Riverside Cranberry Farm.
Take the Harvest Walk around the perimeter of the cranberry field to watch active cranberry harvesting. On a self-guide audio tour to learn about cranberry farming and its history. There are lots of great photo opportunities. For an additional fee, take the cranberry plunge wading experience.
Remember to visit the farm to table store onsite to pickup fresh cranberries for Thanksgiving. The stage of harvest cannot be guaranteed for tour date purchased
Harvesting cranberries can be found near Vancouver in September at the Bog Riverside Cranberry Farm in Langley
Harvesting cranberries at the Bog Riverside Cranberry Farm in Langley.
Harvesting cranberries at the Bog Riverside Cranberry Farm in Langley
Abbotsford October Events
Terror at Tanglebank Estate – September 20-October 30, 2024
This Halloween season, Fraser Valley’s newest haunted attraction has arrived at Tanglebank Estate.
Terror at Tanglewood offers immersive thrills and scares with both family-friendly and adult-themed activities as well as seasonal fun and farm to table meals. At dusk, the forest comes alive with terrifying creatures lurking and eerie sights and sounds throughout the fog-shrouded labyrinth of trails.
The Fall Apothecary is brimming with seasonal wares. Discover a curated selection of Halloween themed goods including TAT gear, locally made soaps & candles, spooky home décor and scary Halloween masks.
The Pumpkin Market is filled with a variety of seasonal flowers, corn stalks and pumpkins from the classic orange to unique heirloom varieties in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours, ensuring you find the ideal pumpkin for your display.
Abbotsford Farm and Country Market – Every Saturday, September – October 26th, 2024
Pick up locally grown and produced products from Abbotsford farmers and artisans. The market is Abbotsford’s longest running market. All vendors are vetted, meaning the market showcases the best on the area. Location: Jubilee Park, 2552 McCallum Road. 9 a.m. – Noon.
Taves Family Farms Applebarn, Fall Fun at the Farm – August 29, 2024, & Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze September 27, 2024
Taves Family Farms still remains our favourite fall pumpkin patch experience and we appreciate all the hand sanitizing stations.
Activities: Pumpkin Patch, U-Pick apples, slides, zipline, bee hive viewing, cider press demonstrations, petting barn, three corn mazes (Mystery Maze, Corn Quest Maze, and the kiddie maze), pedal carts, hay rides, playground, Jumping Pillow and Pumpkin Pillow, Bunny Town and Farmville. Pick up a locally-grown pumpkin.
The concession food is available on weekends and is delicious. Kids love the apple cider slushies and we tried the new Sweet Bubble Waffle Chocolate Brownie Explosion and savory Bubble Waffle with pulled pork. Both really hit the spot. Roasted corn on the cob and mini donuts are also a popular fall treat.
Check out our last visit to Taves Family Farms Applebarn.
Be sure to check out Taves Estate Cidery when you visit the farm. Remember to book a tasting. There are also cider based cocktail tasting flights .
Check admission rates here
Hours: The entire farm is open starting September 1, 2024. The Corn Maze opens September 10, 2024 and the Pumpkin Patch opens the last weekend in September until October 31, 2024. Check to see which activities are available.
Location: 333 Gladwin Rd, Abbotsford, BC
Taves Family Farms Pumpkin Patch adventures in Abbotsford. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Maan Farms Fall Festival opens September 14, 2024
Activities: Celebrate family fun at the 11th annual Fall Festival on the Maan Farm. The Barnyard Adventureland features a zip line, pedal kart track, giant tire crawl, play fortress, jumping pillow, and giant slides.
The Classic Pumpkin Patch includes taking a photo in the Pumpkin House with a Princess. The four-acre poop-themed Corn Maze is an interactive daytime adventure of interesting facts. There is also an animal play area with goats and hay wagon rides.
The festive fall and Halloween-inspired treats are popular and tasty. There are apple juice pumpkins, wine-filled ‘blood’ bags at the Blood Bar, Mad Jack Pumpkin Spice wine, and a Creepy Cloud Cocktail.
We tasted the Butter Chicken Naan Tacos, Double Pumpkin SpiceCream, and Pumpkin Spice Mini Donuts, which were all delicious. Hours: Opens September 14 for the Fall at the Farm. Pumpkin Patch opens around September 24, 2024
Location: 790 McKenzie Road, Abbotsford, BC
See our guide to Metro Vancouver Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes
A visit to Maan Farms Fall Festival. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
View this post on Instagram
Chilliwack October Events
Brewhalla Music and Beer Festival – October 5, 2024
Come to the festival for tastings available of more than 30+ Breweries, Cideries, Wineries, Distilleries, and Non-Alcoholic Options, food trucks, games and music from local performers. Buy tickets here.
Harrison Hot Springs October Festivals and Events
Harrison Pumpkin Festival – Closed this season
A tentative opening date of Sept. 29 has been set for a new autumn attraction at the farm — the Harrison Pumpkin Festival. Stay tuned for exciting details about this coming attraction.
Squamish October Events
Bald Eagle Viewing – Late October through February
Download a map of the best Bald Eagle viewing area. The Eagle Run viewing site, along the Squamish River, is open all year and the shelter has informational panels about eagles. Check here for the daily eagle counts.
BAT-to-the-Bone Fang-tastic Halloween – October 19, 20, 26 & 27, 2024
(about an hour from Vancouver)
Activities: A special Halloween underground tour.
Location: Britannia Mine Museum, 150 Copper Drive, Britannia Beach, BC
Website: Britannia Mine Museum
Going to Squamish? Why not make a weekend of it and stay over so you can also check out the Squamish Craft Tasting Trail.
Search for accommodation ideas using Booking.Com and any commissions earned will go back to us to help keep this website running.
If you are planning a trip to explore some of the most incredible spots in Vancouver and the rest of BC, don’t miss our suggestions for experiences to last a lifetime below. From breathtaking natural landscapes to vibrant city life, BC has something for every kind of traveler. Be sure to check out the **top Vancouver summer festivals 2024**, where you can experience the city’s diverse culture, music, and art scenes. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer or a city explorer, the Pacific Northwest will not disappoint!
– Road Trip – Top things to do driving from Victoria to Pacific Rim National Park
– Top 10 scenic drives in Canada that will leave you in awe
– Discover 19 of the best waterfalls in British Columbia
– Top things to do along the Sea to Sky Highway
– Top 10 day trips from Vancouver you will want to explore
About the Author:
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for template3.chewiemedia.com, a travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW and NATJA.
Leave A Comment