16 things to do in Vancouver this week

Here are some of the top events to check out in Vancouver between October 5 and 9. For a complete list of events, check out the Vancouver Events Calendar.

Harvest Haus

What: Vancouver’s largest Volksfest returns for its succeeding year this autumn, held under the Festzelte at Queen Elizabeth Plaza – Harvest Haus brings folklore from the 1st century to the Great White North. Combining modern fare with authentic European harvest traditions, gather your closest mates for the most gluttonous and gratifying weekends of the year.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza, 649 Cambie Street, Vancouver
When: October 1 to 11; 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m.

Neil Young + Promise of the Real

What: Canadian folk legend Neil Young plays Rogers Arena Monday, October 5.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
When: Monday, October 5; 7:30 p.m.

The Pumpkin Patch at Richmond Country Farms

What: Admission to the pumpkin patch at Richmond Country Farms, includes live entertainment, a wagon ride, a pumpkin (child size), a visit to the animal farm, and a Spartan apple to munch upon.
Where: 12900 Steveston Highway, Richmond
When: Open from October 3 to October 31. Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Study and Go Abroad Fair

What: The Study and Go Abroad Fair is Canada’s largest international university and student travel expo, and a ‘don’t miss’ event for any students or young professionals considering studying for an undergrad or postgrad degree, to learn a language, intern, work or volunteer abroad. Meet with the world’s top universities and student travel organizations, and start planning your trip!
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
When: Tuesday, October 6; 2 to 6 p.m.

Vancouver International Improv Festival

What: Vancouver International Improv Festival returns to Granville Island for its sixteenth year! Featuring local and international improvisers, each show is stacked with talented groups itching to perform on the three different stages.
Where: Performance Works – 1218 Cartwright St, Vancouver, The Waterfront Theatre – 1412 Cartwright Street, Vancouver, The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
When: October 6 to 10

Potters House of Horrors

What: Potters House of Horrors, located in Surrey, is now open and runs until October 31, seeking to scare thousands of adults and children. The attraction features two haunted houses and sociopathic carnival clowns, Jack the Ripper and classic monsters are just a few of the truly terrifying characters you might meet inside.
Where: 12530 72nd Avenue, Surrey
When: Every night from October 2 to October 31 (closed on October 4 to 8 and 12)

Body Worlds: Animal Inside Out at Science World

What: Body Worlds is coming back to TELUS World of Science for the third time since 2006, but you won’t see many human specimens on display at this exhibit. Animal Inside Out features over 100 preserved animal specimens ranging from the common pigeon to an expertly dissected camel. Visitors will be able to check out what’s under the skin of some spectacular animals and determine what makes us the same – and different.
Where: Science World – 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
When: October 3 to March 28, 2016

Vancouver International Film Festival

What: Both in terms of admissions and number of films screened (144,000 and 349 respectively in 2014) VIFF is among the five largest film festivals in North America. They screen films from more than 70 countries on nine screens, including the pick of the world’s top film fests and many undiscovered gems.
Where: Various locations. Click here for more information.
When: Thursday, September 24 to Friday, October 9

Chilliwack Corn Maze

What: The Chillwack Corn Maze has a unique design this year: A Terry Fox silhouette to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Marathon for Hope. All along the maze, you’ll encounter Terry Fox trivia designed to point you in the right direction.
Where: 41905 Yale Road West, Chilliwack
Hours: Now until October 31: Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays and holidays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fright Nights at the PNE

What: Be prepared to get scared at the largest and spookiest Halloween event for grown-ups in Western Canada. Fright Nights at Playland returns for another year on October 9 with seven terrifying haunted houses and 15 rides that will leave you trembling.
Where: Playland at the PNE – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
When: Friday, October 9 to Sunday, November 1; various times.

Recurring events

Main Street Station Farmers’ Market

What: This market features vendors lined up on the east side of Thornton Park on the sidewalk along Station Street, within ideal reach on foot for bus and SkyTrain users. Take note of new hours for 2015.
Where: 1100 Station St., Vancouver
When: Wednesdays, 2 to 6 p.m.; June 3 to October 7, 2015

Oak Street Farmers’ Market

What: This young South Vancouver market boasts all Certified Organic produce, meat, and eggs. It’s run by the Unitarian church, with a goal of connecting locals to their food and farmers.
Where: Unitarian Church of Vancouver – Oak St. and West 49th Ave., Vancouver
When: Wednesdays, 3 to 7 p.m.; June 3 to October 14, 2015

Granville Island Farmers’ Market

What: This cash-only market is steps from all the great food and vendors, and has been around for over 20 years.
Where: Triangle Square, Granville Island – Vancouver
When: Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; June 4 to late October 2015

Yaletown Farmers’ Market

What: A very urban market indeed, the pedestrian-friendly streets of Yaletown welcome vendors and farmers Thursday afternoons and evenings for a terrific food and shopping experience, right at the Yaletown-Roundhouse Canada Line station.
Where: 1200 Mainland Street, Vancouver
When: Thursdays, 2 to 6 p.m.; May 7 to October 29, 2015

UBC Farm markets

What: The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems operates the UBC Farm, and three weekly farm markets (June through October) on campus, providing students, faculty, and staff the chance to engage with the community and support local farming.
Where: UBC Farm – 3461 Ross Drive (Tuesdays & Saturdays), UBC Bookstore – 6200 University Boulevard (Wednesdays)
When: Tuesdays, 4 to 6 p.m. (June 9 to October), Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (June 10 to October), Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (June 13 to October)

Richmond Night Market

What: Drawing crowds from all over Metro Vancouver, the Richmond Night Market is located within easy access of the Canada Line’s Bridgeport Station. Roam the aisles to find games, food, and all sorts of wares for sale. Late nighters take note, this is the only local night market open until midnight (Fridays and Saturdays).
Where: 8351 River Rd. (nearby Bridgeport Station)
When: May 15 to October 12, 2015; Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m. to Midnight, Sundays and holiday Mondays 7 to 11 p.m.