28 things to do in Vancouver this week: October 29 to November 1

So long October, and hello November! Here are 28 fun events happening in Vancouver from Monday, October 29 to Thursday, November 1. Halloween, Bacio Rosso, and more.

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

Monday, October 29, 2018

Simple Minds

What: Scottish rockers Simple Minds bring their Walk Between Worlds Tour to Vancouver at the Orpheum.

When: Monday, October 29, 2018
Time: Doors at 7 pm, show at 8 pm
Where: Orpheum – 601 Smithe St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

The Great Big Boo!

What: A live, family-friendly Halloween show will be touring Cineplex theatres across BC, Alberta, and Ontario from October 12 to October 29: The Great Big Boo!. The 50-minute show combines the best of musical theatre and trick-or-treating and it’s returning after a successful run last year, featuring a dynamic, original score and some seriously spooktacular spectacular dance numbers. You can bring the kids along to this non-scary Halloween show that follows the story of Zoe and Justin who sing and dance their way through Boo Alley on a quest to save Halloween. There’s never a dull moment as the pair meet some larger-than-life characters along the way. After the musical, you’ll be invited to meet the stars and join them for a fun trick-or-treat event. The show is suitable for all ages, but it’s best suited for children aged 2 – 12 years.

When: Now to Monday, October 29, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Various Cineplex cinemas across Metro Vancouver
Price: $22 – Tickets available via thegreatbigboo.com

Halloween Mystery Nights

What: Solve a murder mystery on the streets of Gastown this Halloween season. Sign up in teams of two to five players to play Vancouver Mysteries game Crime in Downtown and compete for prizes. Costumes are encouraged

When: Now to Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Time: 7 pm
Where: Game starts and ends near Waterfront Station.
Tickets: Online

Love, Loss, and What I Wore

What: An intimate and engaging collection of stories, from musings over wedding-day attire, a rant about loathing a purse, odes to first bras and everything in between. A staged reading of the show by award-winning screenwriters and authors Nora and Delia Ephron (based on the book by Ilene Beckerman).

When: Now to Monday, October 29, 2018

Time: 7:30 to 9 pm
Where: Presentation House Theatre – 333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $15-$30

Everlast

What: American rapper Everlast plays the Rickshaw in support of his new album Whitey Ford’s House of Pain.

When: Monday, October 29, 2018
Time: Doors 7:30 pm
Where: Rickshaw Theatre – 254 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $29.50

Haunted Vancouver Trolley Tour

What: Hosted by Westcoast Sightseeing, guests are invited to ride a San Francisco-style trolley to some of Vancouver’s eeriest and most bone-chilling locations. Highlighted spots of the tour include Gastown’s “blood alley,” Stanley Park, the Vancouver Police Museum, and the Mountain View Cemetery, among others. Scary stories of some of Vancouver’s most famous landmarks will be shared, like the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s lady in red, the babes in the woods at Stanley Park, and the Castelanni Milkshake Murder.

When: Now to Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Time: Tours take place every hour from 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: The tour begins at Canada Place – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Available online for $55

Haunted Village

What: Explore the Village in the dark of night. Come wonder at the curious, find the unusual and discover the unexpected. Visitors are encouraged to wear their costumes and dancing shoes. Everyone is invited to join the Hill Street Bash. It’ll be a spooktacular time.

When: Now to Monday, October 29, 2018.
When: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel – 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby, BC
Admission:$14 adults, youth and seniors, $9 for children 2 to 12 years. Members Free

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Grave Tales

What: The event offers attendees the choice of either a two or three-hour program, in which local storytellers will share hair-raising stories, all while leading the group through the historic village at night. And of course, because it’s Halloween, there will also be the opportunity to walk through the nearby graveyards. Tours are offered at 5 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm. with the option of 9 pm “extended” tours. And while the event is promoted as 19+, younger haunt-hunters also have the chance to participate in the event – but for the 6 pm tours only. Those feeling extra brave also have the option of staying overnight in what’s known as oTENTiks. These “are approved on a case-by-case basis” for the 9 pm tours, and those looking for more information, or wishing to book one for themselves can contact Fort Langley National Historic Site.

When: Now to Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Fort Langley National Historic Site – 23433 Mavis Avenue, Fort Langley
Admission: $17.10 (adult – 6 pm, 7 pm and 8 pm tours) / $20.60 (adult – extended 9 pm tours) / $13.20 (youth – 6 pm tours only).

Fireside Chat with Jill Earthy

What: Jill Earthy is the Head of Growth for Female Funders and Founders (powered by Highine BETA). She was formerly the Chief Growth Officer of FrontFundr. She is a community leader and active mentor, currently serving on the Board of Governors for Simon Fraser University, and as Board Chair of the Women’s Enterprise Centre in BC. In conversation with Lien Yeung of CBC.

When: Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Time: 6 to 7:30 pm
Where: Downtown Vancouver location TBA
Tickets: Online, $25

NEW CITY with Jordan Waller 

What: Toronto trio NEW CITY come to Vancouver on their Getting Closer Tour, their debut headline tour. NEW CITY have amassed over 25 million streams across their hit singles “Dirty Secrets’ and “Getting Closer”. Featuring special guest Jordan Waller. All ages.

When: Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Time: Doors 7 pm
Where: VENUE – 881 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $25 plus fees

The Dream Horror Live Haunted House

What: After what was supposed to be the event’s final year, Vancouver’s famous and terrifying Dream Horror Live Haunted House is coming back for one last scare. Production crews are still completing the house, but the final installment looks to be bigger, better, and scarier than ever. Part of what makes the house so scary is an abundance of actors. Many, stem from various film schools around the lower mainland. Some, however, come all the way from Calgary and out east to join in the madness. Best of all, proceeds will benefit athletes in East Vancouver, specifically those who can’t afford to play soccer.

When: Now to Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Time: 7 to 11:30 pm, every night
Where: 3552 Commercial Street, Vancouver
Admission: $10 at the door

Harvest Glow

What: Harvest Glow will feature playgrounds, interactive fall-themed light displays, a huge autumn market, food trucks, breweries, and wineries. Other fun activities include an indoor pumpkin patch, mini putt, a mystery corn maze, a bouncy cow farm, and singing pumpkins.

When: Now to Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Milner Village Garden Centre — 6690 216th Street, Langley
Tickets: Available online. $8.99 to $39.99. Kids under 3 are free.

Visual Art Forum: Germaine Koh

What: Germaine Koh is an internationally active Vancouver-based artist whose work adapts commonplace objects and everyday activities to encourage connections between people and systems and to create situations that reflect upon normally-unremarked details in the world around us. Her current projects include Home Made Home, a project to build and advocate for alternative forms of housing, and League, a community project using play as a form of creative practice. She has been a recipient of the Shadbolt Foundation VIVA Award and a finalist for the Sobey Art Award. In 2018-19 she is the City of Vancouver’s first Engineering Artist in Residence.

When: Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Time: 6 pm
Where: Reliance Theatre, Emily Carr University of Art + Design – 520 East 1st Ave, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Puddles Pity Party

What: Originally from River City before kicking around Atlanta, Puddles gained momentum after hitting the road as guest performer on the 2010 Aqua Teen Hunger Force Live tour and 2013 Eels tour and making special appearances at Seattle’s Teatro ZinZanni and NYC’s Sleep No More. Puddles has since performed all over the planet, garnering rave reviews at festivals like Edinburgh Fringe, Adelaide Fringe, Perth Fringe, Melbourne International Comedy Fest and Belgium’s Gent Fest.

When: Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Time: Doors 7 pm, Show 8 pm
Where: The Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $65 and up

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

The Vancouver Aquarium’s Halloween After Hours

What: The Vancouver Aquarium is inviting everyone to pay a visit after hours and explore the scarier side of the ocean. This Halloween, the facility will be hosting their annual Halloween After Hours event. It’s a chance to discover and watch what goes on at night for more than 50,000 aquatic creatures. After Hours access will also give visitors a chance to check out the Secret Lives of Sharks program, the Meet a Snake exhibit, a shark screening at the 4-D theatre, as well as a hands-on experience at the Aquarium’s Wet Lab. Attendees can also join in a Penguin Walk and an Adult Puppet Show, all with a drink in hand. An after-hours costume contest will also take place, with awards for best costume, best group costume, and best aquatic-themed costume. Anyone dressing up is asked to omit beads, glitter, and sequins from their costume, in order to keep things ocean-friendly.

When: Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: The Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Admission: Available online, $27 for members, $35 for non-members

Stanley Park Ghost Train

What: This year’s theme is ‘Jack O’Lanter’s Journey Through the Dark Forest,’ so get ready to be spirited away into an ancient Celtic Halloween world where spirits wander and nothing is what it seems. Guests will join Jack on his journey through Stanley Park, where they can expect a visit from a 12-foot monster and creatures barely human. Meanwhile, the kids can enjoy a less scary daytime train ride through the forest to see Stanley Park’s Halloween displays, without live performers.

When: Now to Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Time: Live theatrical performance trains run Monday to Thursday: 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm, Friday to Sunday: 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Kids’ matinee trains run Friday to Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm.
Where: Stanley Park, Vancouver
Tickets: On TicketLeader, $6-$12 depending on age and train

Trick-or-Treating in Steveston Village

What: Bring your costumed little ones out for safe and fun trick-or-treating in Steveston Village while it is still light. Participating merchants will hand out candy (map will be available at the Visitor Centre). Neighbourhood kids are invited to bring their treat bag and have some non-scary fun. This event takes place rain or shine and is hosted by the Steveston Merchants Association.

When: Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Time: 3 to 5 pm
Where: Steveston Village
Admission: Free

Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks

What: Vancouver Canucks take on the Chicago Blackhawks in a Halloween evening NHL game at Rogers Arena.

When: Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Halloween on the Heights

What: Families are invited to dress up and go trick or treating down Hastings Street. Kids and their adults will be able to get yummy treats from neighbourhood stores and ride the Halloween Trains in the Dark.

When: Tuesday, October 31, 2018
Time: Trick or Treating from 3:30 to 5:30 pm, Halloween Trains in the Dark from 6 to 9 pm
Where: Trick or Treating is along Hastings Street in Burnaby. Halloween Trains in the Dark at Burnaby Central Railway at Confederation Park – 120 North Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby
Tickets: All events are free, except the Halloween Trains in the Dark, which costs $3.50 and includes free hot chocolate and cookies. Costumes strongly encouraged.

VanDusen Glow in the Garden 2018

What: VanDusen Glow in the Garden invites those who attend “on an adventure through a whimsical garden with curious twists and magical moments from the classic tale Hänsel and Gretel.” Participants can follow breadcrumbs on a magical walk, featuring a variety of lights, sounds and zany illuminated pumpkin caricatures. The event also features tasty treats, arts, and crafts, and more fun for the whole family.

When: Now to Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Time: 4:30 pm to 6 pm / 6 pm to 7:30 pm / 7:30 pm to 9 pm
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Admission: Adult (19-64) $12.50 $13.50 / Senior (65+), Youth (13-18), VBGA member $10.50 $11.50 / Child (3-12) $8.50 $9.00 / Children two and under are free

Fright Nights at Playland

What: Fright Nights are returning to Playland this October, bringing hauntings, horror, and hair-raising rides to Vancouver for another year.

When: Select dates until Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Time: 7 pm to midnight or 1 am depending on the day
Where: Playland at the PNE – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online or at the gate

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Bacio Rosso: Gourmet Cabaret Cirque 2018

What: A one-of-a-kind gourmet cabaret cirque production that puts fine dining, comedy, and circus under a giant enclosed tent. Bacio Rosso is a three-hour performance that features artists from around the world, including magicians, jugglers, trapeze artists, contortionists, clowns, singers, and comedians. All the while, spectators will feast on a delicious four-course gourmet meal curated by La Quercia’s Adam Pegg, an award-winning Vancouver chef who specializes in Italian cuisine.

When: Wednesday to Sunday from November 1 to December 31, 2018
Time: Wednesday to Saturday at 7 pm, Sunday at 8 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver
Price: $119 to $219. Online.

Classified

What: Classified brings The Canadian Classic Tour to Vancouver with special guests Choclair and Maestro Fresh Wes.

When: Thursday, November 1, 2018
Time: Doors 8 pm, Show 9:30 pm
Where: The Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Jill Barber

What: Jill Barber brings her Metaphora tour to Vancouver with special guest Justin Nozuka.

When: Thursday, November 1, 2018
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $34.50-$42.50

Ballet BC — Program 1

What: Ballet BC opens its 2018-2019 season with Petite Cérémonie by Medhi Walerski, a new work by Emily Molnar, and William Forsythe’s ground-breaking Enemy in the Figure.

When: Thursday, November 1 to Saturday, November 3, 2018
Time: 8 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 600 Block Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Russell Peters

What: Emmy, Gemini and Peabody award winner Russell Peters brings his new Deported World Tour to Rogers Arena. Listed on the Forbes List as one of the top ten Highest Earning Comics in the U.S. since 2009, Peters has spent the last 29 years building a career to become one of the biggest comics in the world. Thanks to YouTube and his global following, Peters has sold-out arenas from Madison Square Garden to the Sydney Opera House.

When: Thursday, November 1, 2018
Time: Doors 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Transportation Talks

What: Transportation Talks is your chance to connect directly with transportation professionals to hear how concepts of community, walkability, accessibility, mobility, safety and more impact how transportation is planned. Presented in partnership by the City of Surrey and the SFU City Program, the program tackles hot topic urban issues through a comprehensive introduction to the transportation system in the Lower Mainland, with a particular focus on Surrey.

When: Every Thursday until November 1, 2018
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Surrey City Hall, 13450 104 Ave and SFU Surrey Campus, 13450 102 Ave
Admission: Free

Night for All Souls

What: Curated by artists Paula Jardine and Marina Szijarto, this unique cultural event offers the public an opportunity to remember their dead, whether interred at Mountain View Cemetery or not, in a gentle atmosphere of contemplative beauty.

When: Now to Thursday, November 1, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Mountain View Cemetery- 5455 Fraser St., Vancouver
Admission: All events are free. Donations are welcome.

See also

• World's largest Christmas light maze is happening 3 hours from Vancouver
• A FREE week-long light festival is coming to Metro Vancouver next month
• K-Pop sensation Minzy announces solo concert in Vancouver