We’re fully into fall, and the fun has just begun! Fill out your October schedule with our roundup of 41 great things to do around Metro Vancouver.

Halloween haunts, epic concerts, delicious food events, and more!

For more fun things happening around town, be sure to check out our Listed section.

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Fin-tastic Fall Days

What: The Vancouver Aquarium is proving that the best place to experience fall is with 65,000 animals and sea creatures at Fin-tastic Fall Days.

Guests can expect a bunch of seasonal talks, daily animal feeds, and other all-ages programming.

And just when you think it can’t get any cooler, you can catch divers carving jaw-dropping Jack-O-Lanterns beneath the waves of an aquarium habitat, happening on weekends until Oct. 11, then daily starting Oct. 17!

When: Now until Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Aquarium — 854 Avison Way
Cost: Various prices, $80 for adult annual membership

Broadway Across Canada – & Juliet

What: Created by the Emmy-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told.

This play asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including “Since U Been Gone‚” “Baby One More Time,” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”

When: Now until Oct. 4, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Vancouver International Film Festival 2026

What: This year’s highly anticipated Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) is happening until Oct. 11.

One of the largest film festivals in North America, VIFF 2026 will showcase approximately 160 features from around the world.

Movie-goers can also experience Vanguard, the festival’s only competitive international feature section, showcasing eight narrative and hybrid films by rising filmmakers from around the globe.

When: Thursday, Oct. 1 to Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Single tickets range from $17 to $22 for regular screenings, with ticket packs and festival passes also available. 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

Forbidden Vancouver’s Lost Souls of Gastown Tour

What: Follow the lamplight and discover Vancouver’s gruesome, tragic history on the Lost Souls of Gastown Tour. Now in its 15th consecutive year, the walking tour immerses guests in an interactive, theatrical experience as they journey deep into the historic neighbourhood.

Hear gruesome stories of the Great Fire, learn about the notorious ladies of the Gold Rush, discover a murder mystery that remains unsolved to this day, and more on this eerie tour.

When: Nightly until Saturday, Nov. 29, 2026
Time: Various times, with extra times on weekends and Halloween week
Where: Starts at the corner of Water and Cordova Streets, beside Monaco Cafe
Cost: $35 for adults and $32 for students and seniors. Purchase online

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

Harvest Days at VanDusen Botanical Garden

What: Harvest Days at VanDusen Botanical Garden features a Learning Garden and maze, family-friendly activities, games and crafts, and food trucks. Take in live music, meet local experts, and more during the annual event.

When: Oct. 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 17, and 18, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden — 5251 Oak St., Vancouver
Admission: Various prices; purchase online

Happy Halloween

All Hallows’ Eve Craft Market

What: Shop for whatever your witchy, gothic, nerdy or geeky heart desires at the All Hallows’ Eve Craft Market. Over 60 vendors from across Metro Vancouver and the Valley will be in attendance, with haunted houses, skulls, wands, oddities, and more being sold.

When: Oct. 3 and 4, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Sapperton Pensioners Hall — 318 Keary St., New Westminster
Admission: $5; children 12 and under are free, ages 65 and up free on Sunday

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

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

Cirque Costume Ball

What: Vancouver’s longest-running licensed Halloween bash takes over Science World on Saturday, Oct. 31. Over 1,500 ghoulish party-goers will enjoy live cirque performances, spooky decor, and the city’s top DJs and performers.

Prepare for a full night of frights with three music rooms across two floors featuring 10 of the city’s top DJs and live performers. Cirque performance artists, including silk aerialists, contortionists, LED dancers, stilt walkers, jugglers, and more, will leave your jaw on the floor.

When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
Time: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Science World — 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Haunted Village: Legends, Tales, and Other Stories

What: Burnaby Halloween Festival, presented by Tourism Burnaby, offers a wide variety of eerie events and activities throughout October.

One of the feature attractions is Burnaby Village Museum’s family-friendly Haunted Village: Legends, Tales, and Other Stories, transforming the 10-acre historical attraction into a magical world.

The open-air event invites guests to go on a unique self-guided walk and discover wondrous tales lifted from storybook pages and transformed into stunning displays.

When: Oct. 23 to 25 and Oct. 30 to 31, 2026
Time: 4 to 9 p.m.
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
Tickets: $12 (adults), $7 (children 2 to 12 years old), free for children under 2 years old. Purchase online

PumpkinFest in West Vancouver

What: West Vancouver’s biggest fall community event returns on Sunday, Oct. 4, 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.

When: Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: West Vancouver Community Centre — 2121 Marine Dr., West Vancouver
Admission: Various prices; purchase online

Cheer on the home teams

Vancouver Whitecaps vs San Diego FC

What: Vancouver Whitecaps continue their MLS season this month with a matchup against San Diego FC on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

BC Lions

What: BC Lions continue the CFL season at BC Place this fall. Roar on the home team as they welcome the Ottawa Redblacks on Oct. 9 and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Oct. 23.

When: Oct. 9 and 23, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

Vancouver Giants

What: The Vancouver Giants continue the new WHL season this month at the Langley Events Centre with games including the Swift Current Broncos on Oct. 3, Seattle Thunderbirds on Oct. 10, and Victoria Royals on Oct. 30.

When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200th St., Langley
Cost: Various; purchase online

Vancouver Canucks

What: The Canucks are back in action this October with games at Rogers Arena, including the Carolina Hurricanes on Oct. 20, Minnesota Wild on Oct. 25, and Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 31.

When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

Vancouver FC vs HFX Wanderers

What: Vancouver FC continue their Canadian Premier League season at Willoughby Community Park this month with a match against the HFX Wanderers on Oct. 16.

When: Friday, Oct. 16, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Willoughby Community Park at the Langley Events Centre – 7782 200th St., Langley Township
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

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

Bon appetite

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

The BOG at Riverside Cranberry Farm

What: Just an hour’s drive from Vancouver, the Riverside Cranberry Farm is opening for the new season. Don stylish hip waders and waddle down the ladder straight into a flooded field. Surrounded by floating red berries, you’ll feel like a kid again, gently wading through the water.

Be sure to take the Harvest Farm Tour before you take the plunge. This self-guided tour of the field’s perimeter lets you watch the harvest in real time.

When: Various dates from Sept. 30 to Oct. 12, 2026
Time: Various time slots.
Where: The BOG at Riverside Cranberry Farm – 26885 88th Ave., Langley City
Cost: Various prices; purchase online

Harvest Haus

What: Vancouver’s take on the traditional German beer festival comes in the form of Harvest Haus, a fun-filled weekend combining modern cuisine with traditional and “authentic European harvest traditions.”

You can expect to dine on freshly made pretzels accompanied by grainy mustard and sauerkraut, as well as sausage and other treats available for purchase in the marketplatz.

Over 25 European and craft beers, wines, and spirits will be available to discover. Traditional oompah bands and live DJs will complete the party atmosphere each day.

When: Oct. 2 and 3, 2026
Time: 6 to 11:30 p.m.
Where: PNE Forum — 2901 Hastings St. E., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, 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

Oktoberfest at Parallel 49

What: Every day until Sunday, Oct. 4, Parallel 49 Brewing will be celebrating Oktoberfest in their massive tent and biergarten. Come enjoy live music from Thursday to Sunday.

There will also be a great selection of Oktoberfest-style beers, traditional German food features and specials, and more.

When: Now until Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026
Time: Parallel 49 is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday
Where: Parallel 49 – 1950 Triumph St., Vancouver
Admission: Free, seating available first-come, first-served

When: Various dates from now until Nov. 1, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Notch8 — 900 W Georgia St., Vancouver
Cost: $75 per adult, $40 per child

Sunday Service at St Augustine’s on Commercial Drive

What: St. Augustine’s is launching “Sunday Service,” the ultimate Commercial Drive Sunday destination—just steps from the Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain station.

Every Sunday during the day, enjoy a live DJ spinning all afternoon, exclusive featured pricing on a menu tailored for both “saints and sinners” starring Vancouver’s only authentic New Haven-style pizza, and game-day broadcasts across 11 brand-new TVs and a big-screen projector.

Whether you’re looking for an amazing daytime hospitality vibe, great food and drink specials, or to catch the game over a beer, Sunday Service at St. Augustine’s has you covered.

When: Every Sunday starting Sept. 27, 2026
Time: All day / afternoon
Where: St. Augustine’s – 2360 Commercial Dr., Vancouver, BC (1 block from Commercial-Broadway Skytrain Station)
Admission: Free, food and drink specials priced individually

Metro Vancouver Croissant Crawl 2026

What: The Metro Vancouver Croissant Crawl is returning for its fifth year, featuring 37 vendors offering limited-edition croissants.

Taking place until Oct. 4, croissant lovers can visit participating bakeries and cafes across Metro Vancouver to get their hands on these exclusive baked goods. Returning this year are drink pairings at select vendors for those looking to level up their croissant experience.

When: Now until Oct. 4, 2026
Where: Participating bakeries and cafes across Metro Vancouver

Enjoy the arts

ODE by Compagnie Catherine Gaudet (Montreal)

What: Coming on the heels of choreographer Catherine Gaudet’s astounding Les jolies choses (The Pretty Things), the company’s new work ODE–part pop-rock concert, part ritualistic ceremony–channels the industrial happiness complex into a stripped-down exhortation/exploration of group-think conformity and cultural collapse.

Winner of the 2022 Grand Prix de la danse de Montréal, Catherine Gaudet has established a reputation as a choreographer with a strong, distinctive style, drawing on themes of psyche, identity, and the body.

When: Oct. 23 and 24, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Playhouse – 600 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Cost: Starting at $45, purchase online

aespa

What: Vancouver is fast-becoming a hot spot for the world’s biggest K-pop groups to perform, and we can add aespa to the list of concerts happening in 2026.

The global K-pop force, made up of Karina, Winter, Giselle, and Ningning, is bringing their upcoming world tour to Rogers Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11.

When: Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Tickets for sale online

VSO Kids Concert Series

What: The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra has put together a series of concerts tailored for their youngest fans. The family is invited to enjoy theatre, dance, music and more, as well as to explore the VSO School of Music Playzone.

October’s presentation is Lights, Camera, Orchestra!, and guests will learn how orchestral instruments combine to build the sounds behind fan-favourite films. The event will also feature BC composers Caleb and Brian Chan, who have worked on projects like Angry Birds: Summer Madness and Fairly OddParents: A New Wish.

When: Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026
Time: 2 p.m.
Where: The Orpheum — 601 Smithe St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

23rd Annual DTES Heart of the City Festival

What: Discover over 100 Heart of the City Festival events at over 30 locations in the Downtown Eastside this fall. The 23rd annual event has the theme of “Belonging”, and the events include theatre, dance, storytelling, workshops, exhibits, and more.

When: Friday, Oct. 30 to Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues
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

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

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

Farmers markets in Metro Vancouver

Trout Lake Farmers’ Market

What: This farmers’ market began back in 1995 and became the cornerstone of the Vancouver Farmers’ Market collective of markets. One of the most popular markets, Trout Lake has food trucks on-site and a variety of vendors selling fresh local produce, locally made goods, and all things food.

When: Every Saturday until Oct. 31, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Lakewood Drive and East 13th Ave., Vancouver

Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market

What: Find fresh groceries, locally sourced produce, as well as artisanal food offerings at the Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market, held weekly at Dude Chilling Park in Mount Pleasant

When: Every Sunday until Nov. 1, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Dude Chilling Park — 2300 Guelph St., Vancouver

False Creek Farmers’ Market

What: See, taste, and indulge at this bustling weekday market. This market, which takes place at Olympic Village Square on the Milton Wong Plaza, showcases over 25 farms and producers, food and coffee trucks.

When: Every Thursday until Oct. 29, 2026
Time: 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: Olympic Village Square on the Milton Wong Plaza

Haney Farmers’ Market

When: Every Saturday until October 31, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Memorial Peace Park — 11930 224 St., Maple Ridge

Southlands Tsawwassen Market

What: This Delta farmers market features local produce, sweet treats, blooms, bevies, artisans, live music, food trucks and more. There will also be themed celebrations on select dates throughout the season.

When: Every other Saturday until Nov. 7, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Market Square, Southlands – 6313 Market Ave., Delta

Kwantlen St. Market

What: The market is proud to highlight produce grown by student farmers in Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Sustainable Agriculture and Farm Schools in Richmond and Delta. The students learn ecologically sensitive agricultural practices.

When: Every Tuesday until Oct. 28, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Minoru Plaza in front of Richmond Library and Cultural Centre — 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond

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