The first local festivals that mark autumn in Metro Vancouver

As soon as the air turns crisp and the leaves start changing, Metro Vancouver comes alive with festivals that mark the beginning of autumn.

From cultural celebrations to food events and spooky nights, here are some of the first local gatherings that mark the start of the season.

Shipyards Festival in North Vancouver

The Shipyards Festival returns on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, bringing live music, food trucks, and community spirit to Lower Lonsdale.

This free one-day event runs from noon to 9 p.m. with stages at The Shipyards Commons and along East 1st Street, plus a site-wide beer garden featuring local craft breweries.

With multiple music stages, brewery activations, food trucks, and family-friendly programming, Shipyards Festival is one of the first big events to mark autumn on the North Shore.

When: Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
Time: Noon to 9 p.m.
Where: Lower Lonsdale, The Shipyards District, North Vancouver
Admission: Free

Harvest Days at VanDusen Botanical Garden

Every fall, VanDusen Botanical Garden transforms with pumpkins, scarecrows, and colourful autumn displays.

It’s one of Vancouver’s most family-friendly seasonal traditions, offering hay-bale mazes, photo spots, and festive snacks.

This year’s displays also feature eco-friendly art installations by local artist Nickie Lewis. Harvest Days is one of Vancouver’s most family-friendly fall traditions, running on weekends from late September through mid-October.

When: Weekends, Sept. 27 to Oct. 19, 2025, plus Thanksgiving Day (Oct. 13)
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St., Vancouver
Admission: Included with regular Garden admission (Adults $12.59 online / $15.05 in person; discounts available for seniors, youth, and children; free for preschoolers and members.

VIFF (Vancouver International Film Festival)

One of the city’s biggest cultural highlights of the season, the Vancouver International Film Festival returns Oct. 2 to 12, 2025, for its 44th year.

VIFF showcases some of the best cinema from around the world alongside live performances, industry talks, and special events that celebrate film and film culture. It’s a must for movie lovers looking to dive into the arts this fall in Vancouver.

When: Oct. 2 to 12, 2025
Time: Various timings
Where: Various venues across Vancouver, including VIFF Centre, Vancouver Playhouse, and International Village
Admission: Single film tickets $16 to $21; ticket packs and festival passes available online

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival at Coquitlam Heritage

This year, families can celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival at Mackin House in Coquitlam on Oct. 4, 2025, from 12 to 3 p.m.

The free family day event includes lanterns, cultural activities, and the chance to learn about the festival’s traditions while enjoying seasonal treats like mooncakes. The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is all about gathering together under the full harvest moon to honour peace, prosperity, and community.

When: Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025
Time: Noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Coquitlam Heritage at Mackin House — 1116 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam
Admission: Free, no registration required

Mid-Autumn Festival in Richmond

This year, Richmond families can celebrate at To The Moon: Mid-Autumn Celebration, a Gateway Theatre community event on Oct. 5, 2025.

The afternoon includes lobby activities, a musical performance by Renee Fajardo at Minoru Chapel, and complimentary mooncakes from Anna’s Cake House.

The festival honours the harvest moon as a symbol of peace, prosperity, and togetherness, with lanterns and mooncakes marking the season.

When: Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025
Time: 2 p.m. (concert start)
Where: Gateway Theatre & Minoru Chapel, Richmond
Admission: $25 adults, $15 youth (includes fees), available to purchase online

PumpkinFest in West Vancouver

West Vancouver’s biggest fall community event returns on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Vancouver Community Centre.

PumpkinFest is a family favourite featuring live music, a pumpkin patch, pony rides, a petting farm, and plenty of harvest-themed fun. The event also includes a farmers’ market and activities for all ages.

Tickets go on sale starting Sept. 10 at 9 a.m., both online and at the community centre front desk. Proceeds help support Enhance West Van’s programs across the community.

When: Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: West Vancouver Community Centre — 2121 Marine Dr., West Vancouver
Admission: General tickets $2.50 each (e.g. pumpkins, $10; food, $5 to $7.50). Pony rides and petting farm $10 each. Advance discount packs available online from Sept. 10.

Whether it’s mooncakes, pumpkins, or film screenings, these early autumn festivals set the tone for a season filled with colour, culture, and community.

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