54 things to do this Halloween in Vancouver

It’s the most spooktacular time of the year as Vancouver gets ready to get its Halloween on. From parties to pumpkin patches and costume balls to haunted houses, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this year.

So to help you separate the scary good from the scary bad, here’s our guide to 54 things to do this Halloween in Vancouver.

Explore a haunted house

Fright Nights

• What: The annual Fright Nights takeover Playland on select nights throughout October and feature seven haunted houses, 15 rides and two thrilling live shows.
• Where: Playland – 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
• When: Various days and times between October 7-31
• Tickets: Tickets are $22-$79 online

Haunted Circus

• What: If you’re not spooked by those creepy clown sightings and want to check out a new Halloween attraction in the city, then the Haunted Circus at the Beaumont Studios is for you.
• When: Friday, October 14 to Monday, October 31. Check website for hours.
• Where: The Beaumont Studios- 316 West 5th Avenue
• Tickets: Tickets available online.

The Valley Haunt

• What: For the 2016 Halloween season, the Valley Haunt will be enclosed in walk-through shipping containers. It will be a bigger and spookier Halloween display.
• When: October 15 to 31, for hours of operation check website
• Where: 1311 Appin Road, North Vancouver
• Tickets: The Valley Haunt runs by donation. All proceeds go to the BC Firefighter’s Burn Fund.

Potters House of Horrors

• What: Get ready to scream and cower in fear: Potters House of Horrors has reopened for the Halloween season.
• Where: 12530 72nd Avenue, Surrey
• When: Open now until October 31. Lil’ Haunters is from 4 to 7 pm, all-ages family hour is from 4 to 6:30 pm, and the regular ultra-scary show is from 7 to 10 pm.
• Tickets: Starts at $10 for tickets. Click here to purchase.

Reapers Haunted Attraction

• What: A number of attractions await for those looking for an adrenaline boost, like an insane asylum themed haunted house that brings the horrors of crazed patients to twisted doctors and hospital staff.
• Where: 9423 Gibson Road, Chilliwack
• When: Open until October 31 with various hours. Click here for more.
• Tickets: $11 for each attraction or $20 for both. Patrons get $1 off with a non-perishable food item.

Haunted Swamp House

• What: For the past four years, Greg McLellen and his wife have been putting on the Haunted Swamp House and it has continued to grow into a Halloween extravaganza. It now comprises of seven rooms, themed after the cannibal-infested, hillbilly-murderer settled swamps so common in horror movies.
• When: October 28 to 30 from 6 to 9 pm. October 31 from 7 to 9 pm.
• Where: 4120 228 St., Langley
• Tickets: Admission by donation

The Haunt of Edgemont

• What: The Haunt was created by Trevor Watson, Jodie Blank, and Asha DeChamplain in an effort to bring the Halloween spirit to the neighbourhood. The team has been working tirelessly to bring together live actors, creepy crawlies, and, terrifying props for this family friendly Halloween extravaganza.
• When: October 7 to 31. Monday to Friday 6 pm to 10 pm. Saturday and Sunday noon to 10 pm.
• Where: 3414 Emerald Drive, North Vancouver
• Tickets: By donation. Proceeds donated to the BC Professional Firefighters’ Burn Fund.

Hallow Nights 2016 

• What: Richmond’s Exit Canada escape room is hosting Hallow Nights 2016– a haunted house featuring 11 rooms of terror, scare actors, special effects interactive elements.
• When: October 14 to 31. Doors open at 5 pm.
• Where: 9111 Beckwith Road, Richmond
• Tickets: $32 at the door and $28 online

Check out a pumpkin patch

Southlands Heritage Farm

• What: Pick a perfect pumpkin, visit the farm animals, and explore the apple orchard at this Vancouver farm.
• When: October only from 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 5 pm on weekends.
• Where: 6767 Balaclava Street (at West 51st Avenue), Vancouver
• Cost: Admission by donation, $5 per pumpkin

The Pumpkin Patch at Richmond Country Farms

• What: This Richmond pumpkin patch offers fun for the whole family. With music, entertainment, decorations, and a plethora of pumpkins, there is plenty of  fall-themed fun at this farm.
• When: October 8 to 31. Weekends and Thanksgiving Monday open from 10 am to 4:30 pm and 9 am to 1:30 pm on weekdays.
• Where: 12900 Steveston Highway, Richmond
• Cost: Admission $9 on weekdays, $12 on weekends and holidays

Westham Island Herb Farm Pumpkin Patch

• What: There are plenty of pumpkins to choose from at Ladner’s Halloween headquarters. During the last 10 days of October, the farm puts out over 150 carved pumpkins that are lit every evening. After picking your pumpkin, be sure to check out the on-site “haunted” house that is perfect fun for the little ones.
• When: Open daily until October 31, 9 am to 5 pm
• Where: 2485 Westham Island Road, Delta
• Cost: Admission is free, pumpkin prices vary

Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch at Gabriel Farms

• What: Besides pumpkins, Gabriel Farms also features hayrides, a petting zoo, and a mini corn maze. The farm will have their annual pumpkin carving contest on October 8. And to really get you in the spirit of Halloween, a bonfire will take place on October 29. The farm accepts cash only.
• When: Open every weekend from 10 am to 5 pm
• Where: 18507 20th Avenue, Surrey
• Cost: General admission $5 (kids under 2 are free), pumpkins sold by size $1 and up

Port Kells Pumpkin Patch 

• What: Go on a tractor ride, visit the chicken coop, get spooked in the haunted house and then search for the best pumpkin. Port Kells pumpkin patch offers a variety of activities to make a day of family fun.
• When: Open for the month of October from 9 am to 6 pm everyday
• Where: 18730 88 Avenue, Surrey
• Cost: General admission is free. $5 admission for guests who would like to enjoy unlimited hay rides during their visit. The $5 admission is fully redeemable towards pumpkins, concession treats, or nursery products.

Rondiso Farms 

• What: This family farm carries a hearty selection of pumpkins, mini-pumpkins, and gourds, that are perfectly suited for your Halloween needs. After visiting the patch, head down to the farmers market and general store to pick up some tasty treats and produce.
• When: Open for the month of October. Weekdays: 3 pm to 6 pm. Weekends: 10 am from 6 pm. Thanksgiving weekend: 10 am to 6pm
• Where: 8390 172 Street, Surrey
• Cost: Admission is free, pumpkins sold by size

Aldor Acres Pumpkin Patch 

• What: At Aldor Acres, there is no shortage of variety with over 15 types of pumpkins spread across the farm’s 20 acres. After you’re done with pumpkin picking, head over to say hello to the animals or go for a tractor-pulled hayride.
• When: Open for the month of October from 9 am to 5 pm daily
• Where: 8301 252nd Street, Langley
• Cost: $8 admission (anyone of walking age)

Laity Pumpkin Patch

• What: This 18-acre farm has been open for 25 years and is a hit with visitors from all over the Lower Mainland. The farm offers pumpkins, a corn maze, fairy tale trails, wagon rides, and a vegetable garden.
• When: Open for the month of October. Weekdays from 1:30 pm to 5 pm. Weekends and Thanksgiving holiday 9:30 am to 5 pm
• Where: 1145 128th Avenue, Maple Ridge
• Cost: $5 for admission. Pumpkins are $2 and up based on size.

Chilliwack Original Corn Maze and Pumpkin Farm

• What: It’s worth making a day trip to this family farm. With a 12-acre corn maze (this year it is Peanuts-themed) , a variety of pumpkins, a giant jumping pillow, an indoor hay bale maze, a corn train and farm animals, your day will be filled with non-stop fall fun.
• When: Open for the month of October. Hours for pumpkin patch and corn maze vary. Check website for details.
• Where: 41905 Yale Road West, Chilliwack
• Cost: $9.50 admission for ages 9-12. $11.50 for ages 13 and older

Taves Family Farms Apple Barn

• What: Make a stop at this family-run farm for a pumpkin patch adventure in the Abbotsford countryside.
• When: October 1 to 30. Open seven days a week from 9 am to 5:30 pm. October 15 to October 30, (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) open late from 9 am to 6:30 pm
• Where: 333 Gladwin Road, Abbotsford
• Cost: Admission is free for the apple orchard and pumpkin patch. Various rates apply for other attractions. Check website for details.

Maan Farms

• What: The pumpkin patch at Maan farms is open every weekend in October. With live entertainment, a carving station, and treats from farm’s country kitchen, this should definitely be on your ‘fall things to do’ list.
• When: Every weekend this October from 9 am to 10 pm
• Where: 790 McKenzie Road, Abbotsford
• Cost: Free admission. Various rates apply for other attractions. Check website for details.

Halloween treats

Spooktacular Cabaret

• What: Damask Burlesk is bringing their smash hit Spooktacular Cabaret back for a second year. The burlesque show will feature Nite Mare of the renowned Lost Girls Burlesque, with special guests Veronica Vex and Scarlet Delirium.
• Where: The Columbia – 530 Columbia Street, New Westminster
• When: Saturday, October 22, doors at 8 pm, show at 9 pm
• Tickets: On Brown Paper Tickets, $20 in advance, $25 on the door. VIP seats with reserved seats and a goodie bag can be purchased in advance for $30.

Glow in the Garden

• What: VanDusen Botanical Garden is taking Halloween back to its childhood, hosting a spellbinding walk through the woods. The garden paths will be festooned with mystical lights as ghoulish music drifts towards you.
• Where: VanDusen Botanical Gardens, 5251 Oak Street
• When: October 24-27, 5 to 8 pm; October 28-31, 5 to 9 pm
• Tickets: Adults $10, Seniors and Youth $8, Children $6. Buy tickets online.

Pumpkin Express/Scream Train

• What: Need some pumpkins for your munchkin? Hop aboard the Pumpkin Express! Just want to scare them silly this Halloween? Maybe the Scream Train is for you. Look out for child-size pumpkins, pumpkin masks and Chainsaw Charlie.
• Where: Bear Creek Park Train & Mini Golf – 13750 88th Avenue, Surrey
• When:
  • Pumpkin Express – from Friday, October 7 to Monday, October 31, from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Open rain or shine.
  • Scream Train – from Friday, October 14 to Monday, October 31, from 6:30 to 10 pm. Open rain or shine.
• Tickets: On the door,Pumpkin Express $11, Scream Train $12

Halloween Wake n Shake

• What: The Wake n Shake Pre-Work Yoga Dance Party is an attempt to make Halloween healthy. There’ll be room for 200 people to enjoy yoga, food, dancing, DJs and live music – without the booze.
• Where: Beaumont Studios – 316 W. 5th Ave, Vancouver
• When: Friday, October 28, from 6 to 8:30 am
• Tickets: Available at wewakenshake.com, $12-$20

Monster Match

• What: The Vancouver TheatreSports League’s costumed performers will compete in two on-stage matches where all but the most cunning ghoul will perish. Palm reading, improv poetry, and a live DJ will also be on offer throughout the evening.
• Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
• When: Saturday, October 29, at 7:30 pm
• Tickets: Available online, $31-$39, include a complimentary goblet of Witch’s Brew

Sea To Sky Gondola Trick Or Treat

• What: Ever celebrated Halloween up a mountain? Now’s your chance. Costume-clad trick-or-treaters of all ages are invited to the Sea To Sky Gondola’s Basecamp Cafe for a Halloween party full of seasonal surprises.
• Where: Basecamp Cafe – 36800 Hwy 99 – Squamish
• When: Saturday, October 29, noon to 4 pm
• Tickets: Admission included in regular tickets, day tickets $11.95-$39.85, annual passes $10-$149

See also

• Best neighbourhoods for trick-or-treating in Metro Vancouver

The Haunted Village

• What: The Haunted Village is back at Burnaby Village Museum so get your costume ready and explore the spookiness at this historic site. This year’s theme is fairy tales – look out for Mother Goose, Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks, and the Three Bears.
• Where: The Burnaby Village Museum– 6501 Deer Lake Way, Burnaby
• When: Thursday, October 27 to Sunday, October 30, from 6 to 9 pm
• Tickets: On the door, $14

Night for All Souls

• What: In many cultures around the world, October is a time for many to show respect for those who have passed on. All Souls is a series of non-denominational sacred gatherings, offering the public the opportunity to remember and honour the dead.
• Where: Mountain View Cemetery- 5455 Fraser St., Vancouver
• When: Saturday, October 29 to Tuesday, November 1
• Admission: All events are free. Donations are welcome.

The Lost Souls of Gastown

• What: This walking tour by Forbidden Vancouver is almost a roaming theatre experience, and a vivid account of Vancouver’s most dark, gothic early history, from the terror of smallpox through the Great Fire to the brutal killing of John Bray.
• Where: Starts at Cathedral Square, at Dunsmuir and Richards, finishes at Maple Tree Square, at Water and Carrall
• When: Until November 1, various times in the evening
• Tickets: Buy online, $25 for adults, $22 for students

Halloween on the Heights

• What: Families are invited to dress up and go trick or treating down Hastings Street. Kids and their adults will be able to get yummy treats from neighbourhood stores, ride the Halloween Trains in the Dark and enjoy fireworks later in the evening.
• Where: 
  • Trick or Treating is along Hastings Street in Burnaby
  • Halloween Trains in the Dark at Burnaby Central Railway at Confederation Park – 120 North Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby
  • Halloween Fireworks at Gilmore Community School – 50 Gilmore Ave, Burnaby
• When: Monday, October 31
  • Trick or Treating from 3:30 to 5:30 pm
  • Halloween Trains in the Dark from 6 to 9 pm
  • Halloween Fireworks at 8:15 pm
• Tickets: All events are free, except the Halloween Trains in the Dark, which costs $3.50 and includes free hot chocolate and cookies. Costumes strongly encouraged!

Stanley Park Ghost Train 

• What: The legendary Ghost Train returns to Stanley Park this Halloween. This year’s theme is the Day of the Dead so be prepared to be spooked by La Llorona, La Catrina and other creepy spirits as you ride through Stanley Park.
• Where: Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, via the West Georgia Street park entrance
• When: Until October 31; Friday to Sunday, from 11 am to 10 pm, Monday to Thursday 5:30 to 9:30 pm
• Tickets: On Ticketleader, $6-$11 depending on timing and age

Halloween Drive-In Movies 

• What: South Vancouver’s River District presents two weekends of spooky Halloween movies, including Beetlejuice, Hotel Transylvania, Edward Scissorhands, Monsters, Inc., Scream, The Blair Witch Project, Alien, and of course, Halloween.
• Where: River District Drive-In – 3560 East Kent Ave., Vancouver
• When: October 21, 22, 28, and 29, screenings at 7 pm and 9:30 pm
• Parking passes: Available online, $20

Haunted Vancouver Trolley Tour

• What: Take a tour of spooky spots in the city, including Mountainview Cemetery and the morgue at the Police Museum, while hearing gruesome tales of the Castelanni Milkshake Murder and the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s Lady in Red.
• Where: Tours start at Canada Place – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
• When: Friday, October 14 to Monday, October 31 (excluding Sundays and Mondays, except October 30 and 31)
• Tickets: $40 per person. Reservations can be made over phone 604-801-5515. No online bookings. This tour is for adults (13+) only.

Paranormal Hilarity

• What: Comedy gets spooky when The Fictionals and Friends presents Improv X Halloween, aka Paranormal Hilarity. Enjoy a night of eerie laughs, mini-chocolate bars, ghost stories, and a real-life Ouija Board!
• Where: Cafe Deux Soleils – 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
• When: October 25, from 8 to 9:30 pm
• Tickets: Available on the door, $5-$7

Get ready to party!

Halloween Costume Ball

• What: Twisted Productions is hosting the annual Halloween Costume Ball at Telus World of Science. Now in its 10th year, this event features six DJs, performers, five licensed bars, and a crowd of over 1,100.
• Where: Telus World of Science – 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
• When: Saturday, October 29; 9 pm to 2 am
• Tickets: Start at $55. Click here to purchase.

Fairmont Waterfront Halloween

• What: Presented by Grey Goose vodka, this party features a 10,000 ft² ballroom that will be transformed into a haunted wonderland. There will also be cash prizes for best costumes – $500 for first place, in fact. This party is for grownups only, as it’s 25 and older – 19-year-olds will have to find another party.
• Where: Fairmont Waterfront – 900 Canada Place Way
• When: Saturday, October 29; 9 pm
• Tickets: General admission is $55. Click here to purchase tickets.

102.7 The Peak’s Halloween Party

• What: One of Vancouver’s beloved radio station is holding a Halloween party combined with an album release party for Bear Mountain. Little India will also be performing, as well as Trizzy and Harvey Harvey. Tickets start at just $15.
• Where: Imperial Vancouver – 319 Main Street, Vancouver
• When: Friday, October 28; 7:30 pm to 2 am
• Tickets: Start at $15. Click here to purchase.

Trick or Treat: The Halloween Party

• What: Trick or Treat returns again for another year, this time taking over the Butcher and Bullock. This is a true Halloween party, complete with a costume prize of more than $1,000 to be had for the best-dressed person.
• Where: The Butcher and Bullock – 911 West Pender Street, Vancouver
• When: Saturday, October 29; 8 pm to 3 am
• Tickets: Start at $45. Click here to purchase.

Cirque Noir Halloween

• What: Perhaps the most visually appealing out of any of the Halloween parties on this list, Cirque Noir Halloween will feature – you guessed it – real circus performers, like silk aerialists, stilt walkers, jugglers, and costumed dancers.
• Where: Club 560 – 560 Seymour Street, Vancouver
• When: Saturday, October 29; 10 pm to 3 am
• Tickets: Start at $35 for pre-sales. Click here to purchase.

Halloween Party Cruise

• What: Spirit Cruises is hosting their third annual Halloween on the High Seas bash. Dance the night away (on a boat) to DJs spinning tracks while enjoying beautiful views of the skyline from the water.
• Where: Departs from 450 Denman Street, Vancouver
• When: Saturday, October 29; 8 pm to 12:30 am

KSHMR Halloween

• What: Attention fans of EDM and electro house: this event might be for you. KSHMR  Halloween is taking place at Harbour Event Centre and is sure to be a blast.
• Where: Harbour Event Centre – 750 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
• When: Monday, October 31; 10 pm
• Tickets: $40. Click here to purchase.

Tim Burton Halloween

• What: Calling all Tim Burton Lovers: Get your best Jack Skellington costume out for the Belmont Bar. If you arrive before 9 pm, you get a treat from Absolut Vodka.
• Where: The Belmont Bar – 1006 Granville Street, Vancouver
• When: Saturday, October 29; 7 pm
• Tickets: $15. Click here to purchase.

Halloween Freak Show

• What: What better way to celebrate Halloween than marvelling at some (amazing) freaks? A plethora of strange, weird, bizarre, and unusual performances are set for this party at Venue. Expect live contortionists, aerial acts, and more by the Underground Circus.
• Where: Venue – 881 Granville Street, Vancouver
• When: Saturday, October 29; 9 pm
• Tickets: $20. Click here to purchase.

Anime Halloween at Sup Fu? Saturdays

• What: Anime fans, this one is for you. Dress as your favourite character and get down at Sup Fu? Saturdays Anime Halloween.
• Where: Fortune Sound Club – 147 East Pender Street, Vancouver
• When: Saturday, October 29; 9 pm
• Tickets: Start at $20. Click here to purchase.

Sexy Halloween

• What: Well, this event offers everything you crave at Halloween: a sexy party. The aptly named Sexy Halloween at Cabana Lounge gives you an excuse to dress in your most scantily clad outfit with some sort of animal ears. Because why not?
• Where: Cabana Lounge – 1159 Granville Street, Vancouver
• When: Friday, October 28; 10 pm
• Tickets: $15. Click here to purchase.

Own Halloween

• What: One of the city’s largest Halloween parties, Own will feature two fully decorated rooms and six DJs at Caprice Nightclub.
• Where: Caprice Nightclub – 967 Granville Street, Vancouver
• When: Saturday, October 29; 9 pm
• Tickets: $20. Click here to purchase.

Black*Magic Halloween at The Odyssey

• What: Vancouver’s premier gay club is hosting a party that asks you to get sexy and party hard. Black*Magic will be hosted by Ilona and Coco Klein for a night of surreal sexiness.
• Where: The Odyssey – 686 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
• When: Saturday, October 29; 9 pm
• Tickets: $20. Click here to purchase.

Circus Freaks

• What: A creepy evening is ahead at Joseph Richard nightclub. Costumes are absolutely mandatory, and the spookier, the better.
• Where: Joseph Richard – 1082 Granville Street, Vancouver
• When: Saturday, October 29; 9 pm
• Tickets: $20. Click here to purchase.

Stranger Things Halloween 

• What: Stranger Things fans unite! The Biltmore is throwing down an all-too-appropriate celebration of the hit series on Halloween. Come dressed as your favourite Stranger Things character to this 19+ bash, and pay homage to 1980s era films. Early-bird tickets have already sold out, so snatch up regular admission at $20 before they’re gone.
• Where: The Biltmore Cabaret (Mount Pleasant)
• When: Monday October 31, doors at 8:30 pm
• Tickets: $20. Click here to purchase.

Halloween at the Fox

• What: The Fox Cabaret + Love: Saturdays present a two floor Halloween blow-out dance party featuring the city’s best DJs, spooktacular thrills, costume contests, and more. With alternative dance and pop in the Main Room, and Hip Hop + R&B in the Projection Room; there’s something to suit every taste. 
• Where: The Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main St, Vancouver
• When: Monday October 31, doors at 10:30 pm
• Tickets: $24-28. Click here to purchase.

The Beautiful and the Damned

• What: If you’ve ever fantasized about being a vampire (you have, don’t lie), then this evening of decadence is for you. Get out your finery, masks, and false vampire teeth, gather your coven, and head to this black-tie Vampire Ball.
• Where: Terminal City Club – 837 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
• When: Saturday, October 29; 8 pm
• Tickets: $65. Click here to purchase.

Fireworks

If you’re looking for a Halloween fireworks show in Metro Vancouver, there are a handful of options in Richmond and Burnaby:

Richmond

Minoru Park Halloween Fireworks Festival

• What: Organized by the City of Richmond, this is Metro Vancouver’s largest and most impressive professional Halloween fireworks show. There will also be music, dancing demonstrations, children’s activities, clowns, a magic show, and fire juggling. the fireworks finale will be 10 minutes long.
• Where: Minoru Park (7191 Granville Avenue, Richmond)
• When: 6:30 to 8:45 pm on Monday, October 31

McLean Park Halloween Fireworks Show

• What: A 15-minute celebration of ‘spooktacular’ fireworks
• Where: McLean Neighbourhood Park (22500 McLean Avenue, Richmond)
• When: 8 pm on Monday, October 31

South Arm’s Halloween Street & Fireworks

• What: Come for trick-or-treating, arts and crafts in the Witches Brew and a visit to the Creepy Kitchen and The Darkness Haunted House. Fireworks will be lit from South Arm’s soccer fields.
• Where: South Arm Community Centre (8880 Williams Road, Richmond)
• When: 5:30 to 8:30 pm (fireworks start at 8:30 pm) on Monday, October 31

West Richmond Halloween Fireworks

• What: A 15-minute-long fireworks display.
• Where: West Richmond Community Centre (9180 No. 1 Road, Richmond)
• When: 8:15 pm on Monday, October 31

Burnaby

• What: The skies over Gilmore Community School will light up for a professional fireworks display.
• Where: Gilmore Community School (50 S. Gilmore Avenue, Burnaby)
• When: 8:15 pm on Monday, October 31