20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: Oct. 12 to 18

Ready to have some fun this week around Vancouver? We’re here to help! From UBC Apple Fest to Halloween scares and more, here are 20 great things to do around the city from Oct. 12 to 18.

Be sure to view our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.

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UBC Botanical Garden Apple Festival

What: UBC Apple Festival returns on October 17 and 18 for its 35th year. Celebrate one of BC’s favourite fruits with rare and unusual apple varieties, family activities and a lively fall atmosphere at UBC Botanical Garden.

Learn about apple diversity, taste varieties you may not find at the grocery store and support a beloved community tradition. Organized by Friends of UBC Botanical Garden, the festival raises funds for education, research and conservation at UBC Botanical Garden.

When: Oct. 17 and 18, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: UBC Botanical Garden — 6804 SW Marine Dr., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices. Children seven years and under can enter for free with a paying adult, though they must still register for a ticket. Purchase online

Doja Cat

What: The Tour Ma Vie World Tour is in celebration of Doja Cat’s fifth studio album, which was released last fall, entitled Vie. It features production contributions from Jack Antonoff, who has worked with artists like Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, and Lana Del Ray.

Doja Cat got her start by creating and releasing her music on SoundCloud as a teenager, before she was discovered by a record company.

Vibe Magazine has hailed the artist as one of the best live performers of the 2020s, and she has also won a Grammy.

When: Oct. 13, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Rogers Arena — 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Latin American Heritage Month Festival 2026

What: The seventh edition Latin American Heritage Month Festival, presented by Latincouver, is taking place from Oct. 14 to Nov. 2, 2026. This year’s festival will feature over 100 artists and dozens of shows, events and workshops. There will also be Day of the Dead celebrations happening on Granville Island, in Gastown, and at The Amazing Brentwood.

When: Oct. 14 to Nov. 2, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues
Cost: Free and ticketed events; learn more online

Langley Burger Month

What: Langley Burger Month returns from October 1 to 31, bringing together 19 independent restaurants for a month-long celebration of creative, locally inspired burgers.

Each restaurant will serve a unique burger for $22, with a portion of proceeds donated to the Langley Food Bank. Diners can vote for their favourites in three categories, collect stamps for a chance to win prizes, and discover new local dining spots.

From classic combinations to inventive creations, there’s plenty to savour throughout Langley this October.

When: Oct. 1 to 31, 2026
Time: Various hours of operation
Where: Various restaurants across Langley.
Cost: Each participating restaurant will serve a unique burger for $22, with a portion of proceeds donated to the Langley Food Bank

Canyon Frights

What: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park will be decorated with pumpkins and spooky displays for its annual Halloween event, Canyon Frights. There are plenty of photo ops, family-friendly activities, live performances and more to check out.

When: Oct. 9 to Nov. 1, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (open until 9 p.m. from Oct. 23 to 25 and Oct. 30 to Nov. 1)
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – 3735 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver
Tickets: Various, purchase online

The Vancouver Comedy Experiment with Jokers Comedy

What: Enjoy a live stand-up comedy show by Jokers Canada, then go behind the laughs with a panel exploring the science of comedy with the comedians you just saw on stage.

Performers include Jacob Samuel (Juno Winner Comedy Album Of The Year), Gavin Clarkson (CBC Debaters), Sophia Johnson (Just For Laughs Vancouver) and Ed Hill (Amazon Prime).

This event takes place inside the intimate 200-seat Science Theatre at Science World

When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
Time: Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m.
Where: Science World — 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online. Save with code PROMO25.

Abbotsford Canucks

What: Abbotsford Canucks fire up their AHL campaign this fall, with home games including visitors Coachella Valley Firebirds on Oct. 17 and 18, and Calgary Wranglers on Oct. 24 and 25. Each game also has a celebratory theme for fans to enjoy.

When: Oct. 17 and 18, Oct. 24 and 25, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Abbotsford Centre – 33800 King Rd., Abbotsford
Cost: Various; purchase online

Vancouver Writers Fest 2026

What: The 2026 Vancouver Writers Fest is welcoming over 150 authors in more than 90 events for the annual literary celebration. Popular happenings such as the signature Literary Cabaret and The Poetry Bash return alongside notable authors like Barbara Kingsolver, Malcolm Gladwell, and more.

When: Oct. 18 to 25, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Various prices, including free events. Purchase online

Bruno Mars

What: Vancouver fans will have plenty of chances to sing along with Bruno Mars this fall, as the 16-time Grammy winner is bringing The Romantic Tour to town for five shows.

Mars has sold over 150 million records worldwide, been named to Billboard’s Greatest of All Time Artists list, as well as the Time 100 and Forbes’ Celebrity 100 lists. His solo single, “I Just Might,” also peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 14, Friday, Oct. 16, Saturday, Oct. 17, Tuesday, Oct. 20, and Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026
Where: BC Place — 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices. Tickets for sale online

The Vegan Night Market

What: From plant-based cheese to handmade ceramics, delicious spreads, and upcycled clothing, the Vegan Night Market is packed with unique items for all shopping needs.

Admission is by donation, and there will also be a variety of food trucks on-site to keep your taste buds satisfied at HI Vancouver Jericho Beach.

When: Thursday, Oct 15, 2026
Time: 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: HI Vancouver Jericho Beach
Admission: $5 minimum donation, canned goods, clothing or pet food

Monsters, Machines, and Mischief at Britannia Mine Museum

What: Britannia Mine Museum presents family-friendly frights and delights this Halloween season. Visitors of all ages are invited to enjoy Monsters, Machines and Mischief, with playful creatures inspired by the real machines that played a critical role in historic and modern mining operations.

Get ready to go on an immersive underground tour, check out the colourful displays, discover interactive experiences, and more.

When: Oct. 17, 18, 24 and 25, 2026
Time: Various time slots
Where: Britannia Mine Museum – 150 Copper Dr., Britannia Beach
Cost: Various prices, children four and under are free. Purchase online

Harvest Festival at Inlet District

What: It’s harvest time here in B.C., and there’s no better way to celebrate it than a good old fall festival! Jump right into the cozy season with Harvest Festival at Inlet District, a free community weekend event.

Taking place at Inlet District, it’s a two-day affair on Oct. 17 and Oct. 18, bringing the very best autumnal vibes. Expect free hot drinks and sweet treats, a vendor’s market, Insta-worthy photo opps, and even the chance to take home a free pumpkin!

When: Saturday, Oct. 17, to Sunday, Oct, 18
Where: Inlet District — 132 Balmoral Drive, Port Moody
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free

Prophecy Guest Shifts

What: Vancouver’s award-winning Prophecy is handing over the bar and kitchen in a new, monthly “guest shift” that pairs bartenders with different chefs.

The first of these guest shifts will be Edward Bell and Sean Suggett on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Bell spent over eight years as bar manager at Brandi’s Showlange, and he and Suggett are preparing to open Submarine Dive Bar. This new bar is described as an approachable, industry-focused cocktail bar coming to Chinaown, and is being built alongside partner Joe Casson.

During their Prophecy takeover, the two will serve drinks inspired by Beam Suntory spirits alongside mini submarine sandwiches (a preview of what’s to come at Submarine).

When: Oct. 18, Nov. 15, Jan. 17, and Feb. 21
Where: Prophecy — 801 W. Georgia St., Vancouver

HowlOver Canada

What: Immersive flight ride attraction FlyOver is transforming into HowlOver Canada. During the Halloween experience, passengers will meet Biker Mama the Witch and her band of spooky sidekicks before taking off on a flight through the night sky. The annual event also includes an original eerie pre-show and lots of chilling decorations.

When: Oct. 15 to Nov. 1, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Canada Place Pier – 999 Canada Pl., Vancouver
Tickets: Various, purchase online

Just Giulia Aperol Spritz & Pasta Class

What: If you’re a pasta lover, an Italian food enthusiast, a curious cook, or simply looking for a unique night out in Vancouver, Just Giulia Cooking Classes is bringing good vibes and great food to Gastown.

These classes aren’t your run-of-the-mill cooking lectures or food events. Giulia teaches every class herself, bringing her expertise and welcoming energy to the room every time.

Kick things off with a welcome Prosecco, followed by an Aperol Spritz demonstration so that you can sip as you cook. From there, enjoy a cacio e pepe demonstration and hands-on pasta-making experience where you’ll roll and cut fresh tagliatelle, culminating in a sit-down dinner to enjoy your creation.

When: Next classes on Oct. 17 and Oct. 30, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Conscious Lab — 422 Richards St., Vancouver
Cost: $135

Ohana Comedy Show

What: A comedy show with a tropical twist. Ohana Comedy Show blends world-class stand-up with the beauty of Polynesian dance at the intimate China Cloud Studios.

Hosted by viral comedian Yumi Nagashima, the lineup features the lineup of Myles Anderson, Jordan Wilson, Rachel Shaefer and Gayle Yamamoto. Inspired by the Hawaiian spirit of “Ohana (family),” the night promises big laughs, vibrant energy, and a joyful community vibe.

When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Where: China Cloud Studios – 524 Main St., Vancouver
Tickets: $33.28, purchase online

Vancouver Spanish Book Fair

What: Started in 2016, the Vancouver Spanish Fair is an annual event for the whole family. It brings together authors of various nationalities with books in Spanish, connecting them to the growing community that wishes to maintain and improve the language.

When: Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Ocean Artworks Pavilion, Granville Island – 1531 Johnston St., Vancouver
Admission: Free

Shaboozey

What: Shaboozey is known widely for his hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which tied a record for longest-running song atop the Billboard Hot 100 at 19 weeks.

He teamed up with Jelly Roll on “Amen,” which took home the Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2025.

And this spring, Shaboozey earned two Academy of Country Music Award nominations, including one for New Male Artist of the Year.

When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre – 6066 Thunderbird Blvd., Vancouver,
Tickets: Tickets for sale online

Vancouver Horror Show Film Festival

What: ‘Tis the season for macabre movies, and horror fans will be in heaven when the Vancouver Horror Show Film Festival (VHS) returns this month.

The ninth annual VHS is haunting screens in Vancouver from Oct. 14 to 18. The full festival lineup features over 60 short films and 15 feature-length films from around the world. VHS has red-carpet events, industry panels, a table read series, and more.

When: Oct. 14 to 18, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: International Village Cineplex Cinemas – 88 W. Pender St., 3rd floor, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Heist

What: Arts Club presents Heist, a thrilling theatrical caper filled with fast-paced dialogue and high-tech action at the Stanley BFL Canada Stage. Follow along as the conman, the hacker, the cat burglar, the muscle, and the mastermind attempt to steal a priceless ruby in the perfect crime.

When: Now until Oct. 18, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Stanley BFL Canada Stage – 2750 Granville St., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices from $39, purchase online