Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and this week, we’re thankful for all the great events to check out around Vancouver!
From Shawn Mendes to Pumpkins After Dark and more, here are 20 fantastic things to do from Oct. 6 to 12. And yes, there’s a long weekend coming up!
Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
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The World of Hans Zimmer
The World of Hans Zimmer
What: The award-winning composer behind some of the world’s most iconic movie soundtracks is coming to Vancouver for a live performance this month. Get ready to enjoy Zimmer’s brand-new arrangement of his diverse collection of scores, conducted by Matt Dunkley and synchronized with thrilling film sequences.
When: Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Pacific Coliseum — 100 N. Renfrew St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Pumpkins After Dark
What: Pumpkins After Dark is an outdoor experience set to haunt Swangard Stadium and Central Park until Halloween night
Guests can expect to see over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins resembling classic Halloween characters, dinosaurs and dragons, movie and pop culture icons, and more.
When: Now until Oct. 31, 2025
Time: Various time slots
Where: Swangard Stadium – 3883 Imperial St., Burnaby (The main entrance will be located at the Southwest Entrance of the stadium.)
Cost: Various prices, purchase online
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.
Trick-or-treat your way through each Bat House in the signature scavenger hunt, or, if creepy-crawly creatures are more your style, brace yourself for a 4D adventure that brings rainforest insects to life on the big screen — it’s sure to be a whole lot of squirm-worthy fun.
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 daily starting Oct. 18!
When: Now until Friday, Oct. 31, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Aquarium — 854 Avison Way
Cost: $39.95 to $55.20 for adult admission, $80 for adult annual membership
The Oddities & Curiosities Expo
What: The Oddities and Curiosities Expo, a one-of-a-kind showcase of the bizarre, makes its Vancouver debut this weekend. Hundreds of oddity vendors and artists will come together at the convention centre for a weekend of spooky shopping, photo opportunities, workshops, sideshow acts, tarot readings, and more.
When: Saturday, Oct. 11 and Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Saturday), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre – 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver
Tickets: $20 plus fees, purchase online
Forbidden Vancouver’s Lost Souls of Gastown Tour
Forbidden Vancouver
What: Follow the lamplight and discover Vancouver’s gruesome, tragic history on the Lost Souls of Gastown Tour. Now in its 14th 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. 1, 2025
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: From $33 for adults and $30 for students and seniors. Purchase online
Claire Rousay, The Bloody Lady (Live Score) and Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe
What: Renowned composers and musicians Claire Rousay and Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe team up for an evening of haunted sonic underworlds and storytelling at the Rio Theatre.
The special VIFF Live concert will see Claire Rousay perform her new live score of the film The Bloody Lady, and Lowe will present an improvisation performance that reveals his cinematic worlds associated with his scores for films like The Man in My Basement, Candyman, Seeds, and Life After, the latter two of which are screening at VIFF 2025.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: $45, purchase online
Fresh Roots’ Harvest Celebration
What: Fresh Roots’ Harvest Celebration is a lively, family-friendly gathering that brings together neighbours, students, and food lovers to mark the season’s bounty. Held on their schoolyard farm, it showcases Fresh Roots’ work of growing food and creating educational spaces for youth.
The event features a farmers market brimming with freshly harvested produce, local artisans and food vendors, live music, and fun activities for all ages.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025
Time: 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Technical Secondary School, schoolyard farm behind the tennis courts — 2600 East Broadway, Vancouver
Admission: Free
Vancouver Canucks vs Calgary Flames
What: Cheer on the Vancouver Canucks as they take on the Calgary Flames at Rogers Arena on Thursday, Oct. 9.
When: Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online
I Know What You Did Last Weekend at The Improv Centre
The Improv Centre
What: I Know What You Did Last Weekend is a blend of ’90s teen slasher films with the spontaneity of live improv comedy. The show begins with a murder based on suggestions from the audience and then dives into a world of secrets, betrayals and laughs.
When: Every Friday and Saturday until Nov. 1, 2025. Additional shows on Thursday, Oct. 23 and Thursday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online
Vancouver International Film Festival 2025
What: Grab the popcorn and don’t forget the butter because the Vancouver International Film Festival is back on screens around the city until Sunday, Oct. 12.
When: Now until Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Single tickets are $21 for regular screenings, with ticket packs and festival passes also available. VIFF+ Members receive discounts on all VIFF tickets, and the free U25 membership offers additional discounts to those between the ages of 19 and 25. Purchase online
Fish-n-Sips: Oktoberfest Edition
What: Get ready to say “Prost!” because Fish-n-Sips: Oktoberfest Edition takes place on Friday, Oct. 10, and the aquarium will be transformed into an adults-only, after-hours celebration — minus the daytime crowds.
Expect live music from local legends Side One, and get ready to hit the dance floor while deep-sea creatures drift by in the background.
When you need to refuel, you can enjoy a delicious bratwurst and pretzel combo, paired with a local craft beer (or two, or three). Just don’t forget to grab your bar tickets at the entrance before heading to the bar.
When: Friday, Oct. 10, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 845 Avison Way
Cost: $35 — Available online
The BOG at Riverside Cranberry Farm
Riverside Cranberry Farm (Tourism Langley/Submitted)
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 until Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025
Time: Various time slots.
Where: The BOG at Riverside Cranberry Farm – 26885 88th Ave., Langley City
Cost: Various prices, purchase online
Rangtaali Dandiya Night 2025
What: PTdance Company hosts a community Navratri celebration filled with Garba and Dandiya dance. Guests will enjoy thrilling dance performances, traditional Gujarati Garba, and Bollywood beats. Dancers of all skill levels are welcome.
When: Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025
Time: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Port Coquitlam Community Centre (Mabbett Hall) — 2150 Wilson Ave., Port Coquitlam
Tickets: $20 regular. Free for kids under 10. Free underground parking.
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 Instagram-worthy photo ops, family-friendly activities, live performances and more to check out.
When: Friday, Oct. 10 to Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (open until 9 p.m. from Oct. 24 to 26 and Oct. 31 to Nov. 2)
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver
Tickets: Various, purchase online
Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes
What: Canadian superstar Shawn Mendes is on the road for his Europe and North America tour, and he’s bringing the party to Vancouver.
When: Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various prices. Purchase tickets online
Richmond Night Market 2025
When: The Richmond Night Market is officially open for its 2025 season. This highly anticipated event is the largest night market in North America.
This year is extra special because it marks the 25th anniversary of the market, and there will be some special offers for visitors to celebrate. One of these special offers is the return of its popular Summer Happy Hour with special food and drink deals that are all under $10.
When: Now through Oct. 13, 2025; The night market will be open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays
Where: 8351 River Rd., Richmond
Maan Farms Halloween Fright Festival
What: Abbotsford’s Maan Farms is known for its epic fall events, and this year, it is introducing a new Halloween Fright Festival.
Once the sun sets, live theatrical performances will roll out across the wine garden, the Midway, and the pumpkin patch.
When: Now until Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025
Where: Maan Farms, 790 McKenzie Rd., Abbotsford
Tickets: General admission and VIP, purchase online
Burnaby Central Railway
Burnaby Central Railway
What: Burnaby Central Railway is welcoming passengers to climb aboard its 3-km track near Confederation Park every weekend until this fall. Your ride will take you across tunnels, bridges and viaducts. And while you’re there, stop by the ever-growing Garden Railway.
British Columbia Society of Model Engineers (BCSME) built and operates the mini railway, with three different types of locomotives pulling the rideable trains.
When: Weekends and stat holidays through Thanksgiving weekend
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 120 N Willingdon Ave., Burnaby
Cost: $4.50 for a single ride for all passengers three years old and up. $40 for a 10-ride pass
Animation Adventure with Molly of Denali
What: Science World’s Creative Technology Gallery has launched the new interactive exhibition, Animation Adventure with Molly of Denali.
Based on the Peabody award-winning PBS Kids show, the exhibit will celebrate Indigenous representation in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Design, and Math) fields as well as spotlight B.C.’s creative technology sector.
All ages are invited to go on a hands-on journey, become animators and storyboard their own scenes, and discover a 360-degree projection of the northern lights.
Opening: Friday, Oct. 10, 2025
Where: Science World – 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Admission: Included with Science World admission, purchase online
OFF-VIFF 2025
What: Stupid Co and the Rio Theatre present the second annual OFF-VIFF, described as a platform for the underground. Catch the North American premiere of James, the royal return of King Baby, the Vancouver premiere of Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror, and more.
When: Monday, Oct. 13, 2025
Where: The Rio Theatre – 1660 E Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Full-day badges cost $33 and single film tickets cost $16. Purchase online
Plus here’s an event happening next month that you need to get on your radar!
Whistler Cornucopia
What: Whistler Cornucopia is Whistler’s signature fall festival of food and drink, held every November. It’s known as the ultimate celebration of taste, bringing together chefs, winemakers, distillers, brewers, and food lovers for 11 days of culinary adventure.
Most events are held at the Whistler Conference Centre or at local restaurants in Whistler. Exclusive Cornucopia packages start from $95 per person, per night. Plus, extend your stay to 3 nights or more and receive a complimentary $100 CAD Dining Voucher, valid for use at a variety of Whistler restaurants.
When: Thursday, Nov. 6 to Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025
Time Various times
Where: Various venues and restaurants in Whistler
Cost: Exclusive Cornucopia packages start from $95 per person, per night. More info online