20 Things to do this October in Vancouver

Every month, the Cit compiles a list of Vancouver’s must-see events. This makes it easy to ensure that you’re always around ‘n about town experiencing all that Vancouver has to offer.

We’ve drawn from various sources to make this calendar your monthly go-to list for all things Vancouver. The Cit is pleased to release the October edition of your Vancouver Social Calendar. As always, if you have an event you’d like us to include, share.

SEE ALSO:

Vancouver International Film Festival
When: Sept 25 – Oct 10
Where: Various venues
What: One of the largest film festivals in North America featuring 350 films from 70 countries
Website: www.viff.org

Richmond Night Market
When: Every Fri, Sat, Sun until Oct 13
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond
What: Over 250 booths + food + entertainment
Website: www.richmondnightmarket.com

Harvest Haus
When: Oct 2-5
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza
What: Vancouver’s new all-Bavarian food + drink experience inspired by Oktoberfest! Website: www.harvest-haus.com

Doors Open Vancouver
When: Oct 4, 10am-5pm
Where: 20 iconic Vancouver buildings
What: Get behind the scenes access to popular Vancouver buildings + learn about civic services + experience Vancouver’s architectural and cultural heritage
Website: www.doorsopenvan.ca

Vancouver Book Fair
When: Oct 4 & 5
Where: UBC Robson Square
What: The only antiquarian, collectible and rare book fair in Western Canada Website: www.vancouverbookfair.com

West Vancouver Pumpkin Festival
When: Oct 5, 10am-3pm
Where: West Vancouver Community Centre
What: Old fashioned harvest community festival with family-friendly activities + pumpkin patch + more!
Website: www.westvanpumpkinfest.ca

Vancouver International Improv Festival
When: Oct 6-11
Where: Performance Works Theatre & Studio 1398
What: 31 shows created live, using only your suggestions and the imaginations of two dozen talented improvisers
Website: www.vancouverimprovfest.com

PNE Fright Nights
When: Oct 10 – Nov 1
Where: PNE Playland
What: 7 haunted houses + 13 rides + The Monsters of Schlock + Kinshira Fire Performers
Website: www.frightnights.ca

Stanley Park Halloween Ghost Train
When: Oct 10 – Nov 1
Where: Stanley Park
What: Halloween Ghost Train, “Mother Goose’s Ghastly Garden” themed

Taste of Yaletown
When: Oct 16-30
Where: Yaletown
What: 26 participating restaurants offer 3-course menus for $25, $35 or $45
Website: www.yaletowninfo.com/events/taste-of-yaletown/

Vancouver Home + Design Show
When: Oct 16-19
Where: BC Place
What: HGTV design celebrities + 325 exhibitors + local foodie favourites
Website: www.vancouverhomeanddesignshow.com

Il Mercato: Italian Night Market
When: Oct 17, 3-7pm
Where: 3075 Slocan Street
What: Italian cuisine + music + handmade products from local artisans Website: www.italianculturalcentre.ca

Toast to the Coast
When: Oct 17
Where: Vancouver Aquarium
What: The Vancouver Aquarium’s actual fundraiser. Enjoy a delicious Ocean Wise dinner + top BC wineries + silent auction
Website: www.vanaqua.org

Diwali Fest
When: Oct 17-26
Where: Various venues
What: An annual South Asian arts & culture festival feat. Bollywood + cooking classes + performances + more
Website: www.diwalifest.ca

TEDx Vancouver
When: Oct 18
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
What: Be inspired by the great minds of Coleen Christie + Jay Demerit + Chip Wilson + more
Website: www.tedxvancouver.com

Vancouver Halloween Expo
When: Oct 18-19, 10am-9pm
Where: Sheraton Wall Centre
What: Celebrity guests + costumes + make-up + performances + more
Website: www.vanhalloween.com

Vancouver Halloween Parade
When: Oct 19, 12-3pm
Where: Route: Davie to Granville to Smithe to Howe
What: Vancouver’s inaugural Halloween parade feat. cosplayers + marching bands + floats + 16-foot ghost train + 10-foot giant pumpkin reaper + more
Website: www.vanhalloween.com

Vancouver Writers Fest
When: Oct 21-26
Where: Granville Island
What: Discover 100+ award-winning and emerging writers from around the world
Website: www.writersfest.bc.ca

BC Beer Awards & Festival
When: Oct 25
Where: Croatian Cultural Centre
What: BC’s best craft beer + samples + demonstrations + a Q&A with industry experts
Website: www.bcbeerawards.com

Halloween at the Hotel
When: Oct 31
Where: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
What: The hotel’s six ballrooms will be transformed into unique experiences + DJs + illusions + a costume contest + Day of the Dead fiesta + live music with professional dancers + comedians
Website: www.hotelvancouverhalloween.com

Editor: Danielle Johnson, @westcoastdcj

Created By: Kendall Titchener, @Kendall_Titch