35 things to do in Vancouver this week: October 16 to 20

Fire up the new week with some hot events around the city. From Hanson to WE Day, here are our picks for 35 things to do in Vancouver this week.

For more things happening around town, check out our events section.

Monday, October 16

WWE Live

• What: WWE LIVE returns to Abbotsford with a stacked roster including WWE Champion Jinder Mahal, Shinsuke Nakamura, United States Champion AJ Style, Rusev, plus many more of your favourite WWE Superstars.
• When: Monday, October 16
• Time: 7:30 pm
• Where: Abbotsford Centre – 33800 King Rd. Abbotsford
• Tickets: Online, $20-$110

Yuu Japanese Tapas Ramen Challenge

• What: Yuu Japanese Tapas is offering their first ever Ramen Challenge, and ideally it will end in full stomachs, and big savings for those who participate. The Richmond eatery is offering $5 ramen to anyone who can finish an entire bowl in less than 10 minutes during their opening hours on October 16, 17, 18, and 20.
• When: From Monday, October 16 to Friday, October 20 (closed on Thursdays)
• Time: 11:30 am to 10:30 pm
• Where: Yuu Japanese Tapas – 1118 – 3779 Sexsmith Road, Richmond
• Entry: $5

Dream Horror Live Haunted House 2017

• What: Vancouver’s terrifying Dream Horror live haunted house is returning for one final year at Commercial Drive this Halloween. The legendary house of horrors, which has been around for 18 years, features 21 live actors, trap rooms and crawl spaces, clowns, and creepy dolls.
• When: Now until Tuesday, October 31
• Time: 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm every night
• Where: 3532 Commercial Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: At the door, $10

Paul Weller

• What: Get your your soul ready for an emotional journey this October when Paul Weller returns to Vancouver for two nights at the Commodore Ballroom.
• When: Monday, October 16 and Tuesday, October 17
• Time: Doors at 7 pm, show at 8 pm
• Where: Commodore Ballroom—868 Granville St, Vancouver
• Tickets: Single day tickets from $49.50 available online.

Vancouver Writers Festival

• What: The 30th anniversary of this long-running festival celebrates writers and their work, and hosts a great lineup for bookworms of all ages. Margaret Atwood, author of The Handmaid’s Tale, will attend, as well as numerous other Canadian writers and special guests from abroad.
• When: Monday, October 16 to Sunday, October 22
• Where: Various venues across Vancouver
• Tickets: At Writers Fest; Varies

Haunted Vancouver Trolley Tour 2017

• What: There’s nothing like a little doom and gloom to come in and end Vancouver’s glorious summers once and for all. This year, that doom and gloom comes via trolley. For the uninitiated, the tour has been a staple of Vancouver’s Halloween season for some time, building its reputation from relative unknown to must-do. The ride covers the gritty and gruesome details of the Vancouver of old, producing garish story after garish story about your beloved city’s landmarks, such as Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and Stanley Park.
• When: Now to Tuesday, October 31 (excluding Sundays and Mondays, except October 30 and 31)
• Where: Tours start at the Irish Heather – 210 Carrall Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: $55 per person. Tickets and reservations can be found online here. This tour is for adults (19+) only.

Tree Planting

• What: In celebration of Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society‘s 30th anniversary, plant some trees and shrubs at Surrey Bend Regional Park to help the environment thrive. A light lunch will be provided after planting is complete.
• When: Monday, October 16
• Time: 9:45 am to 1 pm
• Where: Surrey Bend Regional Park – meet at WREN Picnic Shelter – 17265 112 Ave, Surrey
• Admission: Free

Tuesday, October 17

Haunted Circus 2017

• What: Haunted Circus is back. That means silly, spooky sights for the young ones during the day, and clowns with knives and chainsaws at night. Much of the earnings of the circus will be donated to BC Women’s Hospital. The organizers of the event, married couple Dario and Miriam, wanted to give back after receiving such good care at the hospital over the course of several pregnancy-related visits.
• When: Now to Tuesday, October 31.
• Time: Check website for hours.
• Where: The Beaumont Studios – 316 West 5th Ave.
• Tickets: Tickets available online.

CEO Speaker Series – Defining Moments in Leadership

• What: In this panel session, four experienced tech CEOs will discuss some of the defining moments along their journey and the lasting impact these meaningful experiences have had on their leadership. Exclusively for CEOs and Presidents of technology companies.
• When: Tuesday, October 17
• Time: 5 to 7:30 pm
• Where: Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront – 1133 W Hastings Street, Vancouver
• Register: Online, free

Diwali Festival 2017

• What: A wide range of cultural events will be taking place at various locations. This includes everything from a free Diwali-themed art workshop, to a South Asian cooking class, and a massive performance at Vancouver Public Library.
• When: Now to Tuesday, October 17
• Where: Various locations throughout Metro Vancouver
• Admission: From free to $20

Lady Parts: BOOBS – Pi Theatre + After Party Theatre

• What: The first of a series of shows about, well, Lady Parts, showcases hilarious women criticizing misogyny through scathing humour and satire. Lady Parts: BOOBS features four female comedians in their motor-boating quest to point out absurd double standards for 50% of our population.
• When: Tuesday, October 17
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: Emerald Supper Club – 555 Gore Avenue, Vancouver
• Tickets: At Pi Theatre; $15

Genesis Fertility Centre Egg Freezing Event 

• What: Vancouver-based Genesis Fertility Centre, is hosting an information event on infertility and egg freezing. You can go along to the session and get to know the Genesis team as you learn more about the services they provide, and mingle with others who are also considering egg freezing.
• When: Tuesday, October 17
• Time: 5:30 pm
• Where: Genesis Fertility Centre – 300-1367 West Broadway
• Admission: Free, but space is limited, so RSVP to [email protected] or call 778-819-1201

Stanley Park Ghost Train 2017 

• What: The legendary Ghost Train returns to Stanley Park this Halloween. This year’s theme is Alien Invasion, so get ready to be spirited away to an unearthly, fantastical, and strange world, as you ride into restricted zones and witness “the landing.”
• When: Now to Tuesday, October 31
• Time: Live theatrical performance trains run Monday to Thursday, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm, and Friday to Sunday from 5:30 pm to 10 pm. Kids’ matinee trains run Friday to Sunday, 1 am to 5 pm.
• Where: Stanley Park, Vancouver
• Tickets: On TicketLeader, $6-$12 depending on age and train

Unité Modèle – Théâtre la Seizième

• What: An unsettling look at gentrification and “image”, Vancouver’s only major French-language theatre company will illuminate the hidden tensions in our society. Selling a dream lifestyle and ownership of a hip new condo, two hosts will walk the audience through a potentially life-changing evening at the theatre.
• When: Tuesday, October 17 to Saturday, October 28
• Where: Studio 16 – 1545 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver
• Tickets: At Brown Paper Tickets; $26-$30

Wednesday, October 18

For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again

• What: A staged reading of the funny, nostalgic, and bittersweet play that pays homage to the playwright’s colourful, down-to-earth mother. Be transported in time to five different stages of their lives together, with a bird’s-eye view of their tumultuous and loving relationship.
• When: Wednesday, October 18
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: Centre Stage at Surrey City Hall – 13450 104 Ave, Surrey
• Tickets: Online, $15

Caprice Nightclub 15th Anniversary with Chase B

• What: Celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Caprice Nightclub with Chase B, Travis Scott’s DJ. Also featuring Rico Uno and GENI3.
• When: Wednesday, October 18
• Time: 10 pm to 3 am
• Where: Caprice Nightclub – 967 Granville Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, Free

Improv Against Humanity: Paranormal Hilarity

• What: Join The Fictionals and special guests for an early Halloween treat, complete with spooky prizes, mini-chocolate bars, a costume contest, and a horror-themed Improv Against Humanity.
• When: Wednesday, October 18
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: The Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $12

Hanson

• What: Founded in 1992, Hanson are celebrating their 25th Anniversary Middle Of Everywhere tour from June to October this year. The boy band has released 16 studio albums and sold more than 16 million albums in their rise to fame, and they aren’t stopping there.
• When: Wednesday, October 18
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: $40 at TicketFly

Restaurants For Change 2017

• What: Restaurants for Change is a Canada-wide event taking place at 92 restaurants in 19 cities. In Vancouver, three restaurants are participating this year, each donating proceeds from their dinner service on October 18 towards supporting “Community Food Centres Canada and community food programs across Canada that bring people together to grow, cook, share, and advocate for healthy food for all.”
• When: Wednesday, October 18
• Where: Burdock & Co, Farmer’s Apprentice, and Jamjar (Commercial Drive)
• Cost: Simply turn up and have dinner, and a proportion of your bill will go to community food programs.

WE Day Vancouver 2017

• What: Actors Jacob Tremblay and Martin Sheen will take the stage at this year’s WE Day event in Vancouver, alongside a whole host of other speakers and performers. The event is part of global WE Day—the world’s largest youth empowerment event—aimed at igniting millions of youth to build a more caring and compassionate world. In Vancouver, 20,000 young people will be attending the event, having earned tickets to the event by taking action on local and global causes.
• When: Wednesday, October 18
• Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
• Tickets: Only available to those taking action in their community. Get the WE Day app to log your volunteer hours to be in with the chance of winning a ticket. If you can’t go along, you can watch online at we.org/watch-we-day.

The Haunt of Edgemont 2017

• What: The Haunt of Edgemont was created by three horror enthusiasts: Trevor Watson, Jodie Blank, and Asha DeChamplain. Each was hell bent on bringing a little life to their neighbourhood in North Vancouver. What better way to do it than with live actors, visual effects, and horrifying props? The themes this year? “Frankenstein’s Lab” and “Don’t go in the basement.”
• When: Now to Tuesday, October 31
• Time: Monday to Friday, 6 pm to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday, noon to 10 pm.
• Where: 3414 Emerald Dr., North Vancouver
• Tickets: By donation. Proceeds donated to the BC Professional Firefighters’ Burn Fund.

Thursday, October 19

KURIOS – Cirque du Soleil Vancouver 2017

• What: Cirque Du Soleil’s “KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities” will debut in Vancouver this fall under the iconic blue-and-yellow Big Top tent at Concord Pacific Place on October 19. KURIOS tells the story of an alternate, but familiar, past in which the audience is transported to a fantasy world where anything can happen.
• When: Thursday, October 19 to Sunday, December 31
• Where: Concord Pacific Place – 88 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online or by phone at 1-877-924-7783

18th Annual Harvest Lantern Festival

• What: Bring a lantern and join in the procession around the park. Activities include: lantern making, corn toss, cake walk, face painting, bubble entertainer, Drumming Circle and photo backdrop. Please bring a donation for the Food Bank.
• When: Thursday, October 19
• Time: 6:30 to 8 pm
• Where: West Richmond Community Centre – 9180 No. 1 Rd, Richmond
• Admission: Free

Vancouver Rogers Small Business Centre Event

• What: Network with other small business owners, gain valuable insights and meet with trained small business specialists.
• When: Thursday, October 19
• Time: 5:30 to 7:30 pm
• Where: Rogers Store – 2097 West Broadway, Vancouver
• Register: Online, Free

Historic Crime: Early Forensic Investigation

• What: It’s the Vancouver Lookout’s 40th anniversary and to celebrate, they’ve partnered with the Vancouver Heritage Foundation to present Perspectives: Talks & Discussions – a speaker series that sheds lights on the forgotten history of Vancouver.
• When: Thursday, October 19, Sunday, October 29 and Thursday, November 16
• Time: 6:15 pm to 8 pm, 9.45 pm to 11:30 am, and 6:15 pm to 8 pm
• Where: Vancouver Lookout – 555 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Tickets are $21.95 and available through Perspectives. Please arrive 15 minutes in advance to allow time to take the elevator up to the Lookout.

Strike A Chord Gala

• What: Strike a Chord features award-winning musicians aiming to raise awareness of the healing powers of music. Featuring Juno and Grammy winning performers, Strike a Chord will celebrate the power of music with a night of entertainment, food, drinks and dancing.
• When: Thursday, October 19
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $180

TechPong 4.0

• What: Science World is hosting a huge night of ping pong and beer to help support science, maths, engineering, and math education for young people. Taking part will be teams from tech companies around Vancouver, who have all been raising money to support STEM and youth education in the city. And for just $10, you’ll be able to watch all the action as they compete to become TechPong champions – and get a free Parallel 49 beer to quench your thirst. You’ll also be able to chow down on some Boston Pizza, take part in a giant beer pong game, chill out in an augmented reality booth, or just jump in the ball pit.
• When: Thursday, October 19
• Time: 7 pm to 11 pm
• Where: Science World – 1455 Quebec St, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $10

Slovenian Kurent Dance

• What: The Museum of Anthropology presents a special evening of Slovenian music, folkloric dance, and festivities to commemorate the arrival of an original, handmade Kurent costume from Slovenia. The Kurent, adorned in a massive sheepskin costume and cow bells, is a powerful spirit figure who comes to chase away winter during the rites of spring and fertility. The Vancouver Slovenian Society, together with Ansambel Smeh, will perform live music and dance.
  
• When: Thursday, October 19
• Time: 7 to 9 pm
• Where: Museum of Anthropology at UBC – 6393 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver, Vancouver
• Admission: Free with Museum Admission.

Friday, October 20

Toast to the Coast

• What: Enjoy gourmet bites prepared by top Ocean Wise restaurants and taste signature BC wines during this culinary journey celebrating the conservation of our oceans. Food and beverages are included in the ticket price. All proceeds support the Vancouver Aquarium’s important research, education and direct action programs that benefit ocean conservation.
• When: Friday, October 20
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
• Tickets: $150 per person; buy tickets online

G Day 2017

• What: G Day is a global social movement that’s holding events in communities across Canada for girls and their champions – parents/guardians. And that’s why Vancouver’s fourth annual G Day is taking place on Friday, October 20 at the Ismaili Centre in Burnaby. The full day event is expected to see around 150 girls aged 10 to 12, with 100 adult champions, come together for an intergenerational community celebration of girls, empowering them as they transition from childhood into adolescence.
• When: Friday, October 20
• Time: 9 am to 3 pm
• Where: Ismaili Centre Burnaby – 4010 Canada Way, Burnaby
• Tickets: $50 (excluding service charge). Donate or join the waitlist via G Day Vancouver.

Token

• What: Ben Goldberg, known by his stage name Token, grew up north of Boston, MA. Token has received many celebrity co-signs including the likes of T-Pain, Fred Durst (of Limp Bizkit), Platinum Producer Clinton Sparks, RA The Rugged Man and Hollywood star and Boston’s own Mark Wahlberg who recently pronounced Token his “new favourite rapper”.
• When: Friday, October 20
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: The Biltmore Cabaret – 2755 Prince Edward St, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $12.50-$23.50

Girls Night Out

• What: The Port Moody Arts Centre’s annual Girls Night Out is a night of comedy by women for women. Featuring stand-up comedian Erica Sigurdson and friends, with proceeds supporting arts and music programming and gallery initiatives at the Port Moody Arts Centre.
• When: Friday, October 20
• Time: 6:30 to 10 pm
• Where: Inlet Theatre – 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody
• Tickets: Online, $42.50-$47.50

Science Bash and Mozilla Hive Pop-Up

• What: Celebrate National Science and Technology Month with fun, hands-on science activities. Visit interactive booths hosted by Let’s Talk Science, Robokids, Open Science Network, Parks Canada, The Royal Astronomical Society and more.
• When: Friday, October 20 and Saturday, October 21
• Time: 11 am to 3 pm
• Where: Richmond Public Library – Brighouse Branch – 100 – 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
• Admission: Free

The Surrey Pumpkin Express 2017

• What: The ride consists of a route through a spookily tricked out forest, filled with pumpkins and sound effects. Everyone is welcome from ages two and up! Kids on their way out even get a little pumpkin to remember their time.
• When: Now to Monday, October 31
• Time: 10 am to 4:30 pm. Open rain or shine.
• Where: Bear Creek Park Train & Mini Golf – 13750 88th Avenue, Surrey
• Tickets: $11

Happy Place – Touchstone Theatre

• What: Women at an in-patient care facility is the premise of this new play, which features seven noted local actresses. Happy Place depicts mental illness in a sincere and honest manner, as well as the patients’ different paths towards healing.
• When: Friday, October 20 to Sunday, October 29
• Where: Firehall Arts Centre – 280 E. Cordova Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: At Firehall; $30-$33