20 fun things to do in Vancouver this week: September 25 to October 1
FEATURED ON THE LISTED GUIDE
How the heck is it already the last week of September?
Time is just zooming by, so let’s make sure we fill it with some great events around Metro Vancouver!
From VIFF to Sting to Oktoberfest and more, here are 20 fantastic things to check out from September 25 to October 1.
Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
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Vancouver International Film Festival 2023
“Fallen Leaves” by Aki Kaurismäki (Submitted) | VIFF screening at Rio Theatre (Carlos M. Bonmati/Submitted)
What: Movie lovers will discover approximately 140 feature films and 100 shorts from around the world at VIFF 2023. The festival’s 42nd edition will also include insightful talkbacks, conferences, live performances, and other special events.
The extensive lineup will be shown on 10 screens at seven venues across the city, with organizers inviting everyone to come together for the cinema celebration.
When: September 28 to October 8, 2023
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Single tickets range from $13 to $18, 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.
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Made in the 604 – Autumn Pop-Up Market
What: Support local and shop one-of-a-kind gifts from over 70 small businesses, artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives at the Autumn Pop-Up Shop. Made in the 604 has curated a lineup of unique vendors offering jewelry, candles, giftware, home décor, vintage finds and clothing, artisanal chocolates and more.
The first 25 people in the doors at The Pipe Shop will receive market money to spend at any vendor booth all weekend long. Admission is free and the venue is also dog-friendly. Puppy pals are very welcome.
When: September 30 and October 1, 2023
Time: 1 to 7 pm (Saturday), 12 to 6 pm (Sunday)
Where: The Pipe Shop – 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Admission: Free, register online
Stage Fright: Murder at The Disco
What: We’ve heard of killer comedy shows, but the latest production by The Improv Centre on Granville Island is taking things to the next level.
This Halloween season, the improv theatre company presents Stage Fright 2: Murder at The Disco. One lucky audience member will even become the lead detective throughout the second half of each performance.
When: Every Friday and Saturday from September 29 to October 28, 2023 (plus a preview on September 28)
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $26.50, purchase online
Semiahmoo First Nation’s 3rd Annual Walk for Truth & Reconciliation
Semiahmoo First Nation’s Annual Walk for Truth & Reconciliation
What: Semiahmoo First Nation welcomes the community to its Walk for Truth & Reconciliation at Semihamoo Park. The annual event features family-friendly activities that explore the theme, “What does Reconciliation mean to you?”
Highlights include youth dancers and speakers, Indigenous women’s harmonizer and drum group M’Girl, complimentary chili and bannock, face painting, and an Indigenous artisan market. Orange shirts will also be sold before the walk.
When: September 30, 2023
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Semihamoo Park. The walk begins in the parking lot adjacent to Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Plaza – 15393 Marine Drive, White Rock
Cost: Free
Oktoberfest at Parallel 49
What: Every day until October 8, Parallel 49 Brewing will celebrate Oktoberfest in their massive biergarten. Come enjoy live music, a Bavarian food menu and German-style beers. Plus, there will be a contest each night for the best-dressed Oktoberfest outfit.
The band fires up from 5:30 to 8 pm on Mondays through Thursdays; on Fridays, they play from 5:30 to 10 pm. Music on Saturdays runs from 4:30 to 10 pm and on Sundays from 2:45 to 8 pm.
When: Now until October 8, 2023
Time: Opens at 11 am daily
Where: Parallel 49 – 1950 Triumph Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free. Limited reservations are available; book via [email protected].
Compania Rocio Molina’s Caida Del Cielo (Fallen from Heaven)
What: Compania Rocio Molina’s Caida Del Cielo (Fallen from Heaven) from Spain combines punk and modern flamenco in one spectacular and currently rave-reviewed show.
Molina’s mastery of contrast will be on full showcase during the show, moving in thunder and stillness while being accompanied by four male musicians.
When: September 27 to 30, 2023
Time: 8 pm
Where: Goldcorp Centre for the Arts – 149 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Mid-Autumn Moon Festival at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden
Mayowill Photography/Submitted
What: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is hosting the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival with live performances and delicious food for all ages to enjoy.
The 37th annual event is themed “A Circus of Dreams,” and also features tea ceremonies, art and activations throughout the gardens, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park and the Zodiac Courtyard.
When: September 29 and 30, 2023
Time: 5 to 11 pm
Where: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden — 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Admission: Advanced tickets are $7-$10 plus taxes and fees, free for children ages five and under. Purchase online
Tacofino Brewery Dinner Series
What: Better bring your appetite because Tacofino has announced the return of their popular Brewery Dinner Series from September 2023 to March 2024. Tacofino chefs Daniel Carranco and Jamie Cholack are collaborating with acclaimed local breweries on a curated five-course menu with accompanying beer pairings.
In addition to food and beer pairings, each night will have entertainment curated by Tacofino and the corresponding brewery partner. Entertainment and performers will be announced on social media at the start of each month.
The complete schedule of the Brewery Dinner Series is as follows:
- Thursday, September 28
- Thursday, October 26
- Thursday, November 30
- Thursday, January 25
- Thursday, February 29
- Thursday, March 30
When: Last Thursday of the month (except for December) starting September 28, 2023
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Where: All events take place at Tacofino Ocho — 8 E 5th Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets: $70 per person; purchase online
International South Asian Film Festival
What: South Asian cinema takes center stage at the 2023 International South Asian Film Festival (iSAFF) in Surrey. This year’s theme is Pathbreakers, with six feature films, four documentaries and over 30 short films being screened. Filmmakers and movie lovers can also check out the dynamic industry events and innovative new initiatives.
When: September 28 to October 1, 2023
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Various; purchase online
More Than a Movie 2023
Kids Up Front Vancouver/Instagram
What: Watch The Little Mermaid on the big screen at BC Place and help kids in need? Count us in!
Kids Up Front Vancouver, in partnership with BC Place and PavCo, will host its “More Than a Movie” on Sunday, October 1. Families and individuals can purchase tickets to see Disney’s Little Mermaid on the world’s second-largest four-sided centre-hung HD video board. Each ticket purchased includes the admission of a youth from an equity-seeking group to attend for free.
When: October 1, 2023
Time: Doors at 3 pm, movie at 5:30 pm
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Tickets: $15 per ticket, $50 for a family pass (four tickets). Purchase tickets online here
Root Dwellers Presents: Yellow Bunny, Lil Smudge
What: Root Dwellers Music Showcase acknowledges the importance of National Day For Truth and Reconciliation at its next event at the Anza Club. The headliners include Lil Smudge, a 2-spirit Indigenous femmecee from both the Vuntut G’witchin nation and the Kawacatoose nation of Treaty 4, and Yellowbunny, a former addict turned rapper born and raised in Kamloops.
The event will be hosted by Francis Baptiste and features Elder Randy Tait and vendors West Coast Bannock and the Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA).
When: September 29, 2023
Time: 7 to 11:30 pm
Where: The Anza Club – 3 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets: $20 plus fees; purchase online
Vancouver Night Market
What: Glory Days is launching a new Vancouver Night Market at the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Plaza on Friday, September 29.
The free-admission event will feature beloved local restaurants creating globally inspired dishes, vintage shopping from popular vendors, and more. All ages are invited to the party.
When: September 29, 2023
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Plaza — 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free
Harvest Haus
Harvest Haus/Instagram
What: Summer is still in full swing, but we’re already looking forward to autumn, and a big reason is Oktoberfest.
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.”
And yes, there will be loads of bratwurst, lederhosen, and lots and lots of beer.
When: Friday, September 29, from 6 to 11:30 pm; Saturday, September 30, from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm and 6 to 11:30 pm
Where: PNE Forum — 2901 Hastings Street E, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Vancouver Whitecaps
What: Vancouver Whitecaps continue their MLS season with an exciting home game against DC United on September 30 at BC Place.
When: September 30, 2023
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online
Daniel Caesar
What: Award-winning Canadian musician Daniel Caesar is embarking on the second leg of his new tour, and it’s stopping in Vancouver for one special night.
The “Get You” singer lands in Vancouver on September 30 at the Pacific Coliseum. One of the most-streamed Canadian artists on Spotify, Caesar averages over 20 million monthly listeners on the platform and has 1.7 million subscribers on YouTube.
When: September 30, 2023
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Pacific Coliseum — 100 N Renfrew Street, Vancouver, BC
Tickets: Available here
Haunted at Maan Farms
Maan Farms/scariestcornmaze.ca
What: Maan Farms, the creators of “the scariest corn maze in Canada” located in Abbotsford, presents Agatha’s Witching Hour for Halloween and horror lovers, with four eerie experiences to check out.
The popular Midway section returns with a spooky cast of characters, and guests can also treat themselves to all of Mama Maan’s signature fall sips and bites. They include festive beverages like Double-Spice Cream, Pumpkin Spice and Salted Caramel Apple Lattés, apple cider slushies and spiced chai.
When: Select nights from September 29 until October 31, 2023
Time: Hours of operation vary based on the date
Where: Maan Farms — 790 McKenzie Road, Abbotsford
Tickets: Various options. Early bird tickets go on sale on September 6 at 10 am.
Lang Lang In Recital
What: Lang Lang in Recital, presented by Willow Global Arts, will see the globally renowned pianist perform Johann Sebastian Bach’s timeless and iconic “Goldberg Variations,” taking fans on an enchanting musical journey.
When: September 25, 2023
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Orpheum Theatre, 601 Smithe St, Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $147.20 — Available here.
National Day For Truth And Reconciliation with Nisga’a Ts’amiks Vancouver Society
What: Nisga’a Ts’amiks Vancouver Society is honouring the lost children and survivors from the Indian Residential Schooling system with a National Day For Truth And Reconciliation event at John Hendry Park. Orange T-shirts will be sold on-site, and there are also food vendors planned.
When: September 30, 2023
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Trout Lake Community Centre – Outdoors Gravel Field – 3360 Victoria Drive, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Sting
Sting (Martin Kierszenbaum/Live Nation)
What: Get ready to walk in fields of gold, because one of the best-selling music artists of all time is coming to Vancouver to play all his biggest hits.
Sting is bringing the My Songs World Tour to Rogers Arena, so get ready for a journey through the 17-time Grammy Award winner’s most beloved songs.
When: September 29, 2023
Time: 8 pm
Where: Rogers Arena — 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices. Tickets available online
Orange Shirt Day at Templeton Welcome Garden
What: Hastings Community Association hosts an Orange Shirt Day event at Templeton Welcome Garden. The event will include Indigenous speakers, drumming, Earth art, tea music, garden tours, and ice cream. All are invited to gather, remember and play.
When: September 30, 2023
Time: 2 to 5 pm
Where: Templeton Welcome Garden – 700 Templeton Drive, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Vancouver Canucks
What: The Canucks begin the new NHL season in September with a home exhibition game against the Edmonton Oilers on September 30.
When: September 30, 2023
Time: 6 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online