20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: Sept. 28 to Oct. 4

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

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Broadway Across Canada – & Juliet

& Juliet/Broadway Across Canada

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: Sept. 29 to Oct. 4, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Truth and Reconciliation Free Film Screening

What: Trout Lake Community Centre is hosting a free public screening of two National Film Board of Canada documentaries that explore Indigenous history, identity, and resilience.

The event features Siksikakowan: The Blackfoot Man by director Sinakson Trevor Solway, and Mary Two-Axe Earley: I Am Indian Again by director Courtney Montour.

When: September 30, 2026
Time: 12:30 to 2:45 p.m.
Where: Trout Lake Community Centre, Outdoors Gravel Field — 3360 Victoria Dr., Vancouver
Cost: Free; register online

Vancouver Canucks

What: The Canucks are back in action this week with games including the Edmonton Oilers on Oct. 1, Calgary Flames on Oct. 3, and the Las Vegas Golden Knights on Oct. 4.

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

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

Vancouver International Film Festival 2026

VIFF

What: This year’s highly anticipated Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) is happening from Oct. 1 to 11, and there is a major global film competition that fans can enjoy at the festivities

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

Intergenerational March to Commemorate Orange Shirt Day

What: An Intergenerational March commemorating Orange Shirt Day is taking place at UBC to honour Residential School Survivors and their families. Attendees will also learn about the impacts of colonial policies, intergenerational trauma, and Indigenous resilience during the event hosted by the Faculties of Land and Food Systems and Forestry & Environmental Stewardship.

When: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026
Time: 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre — 1956 Main Mall, UBC, Vancouver, Thunderbird Commons Field
Cost: Free

BC Culture Days

What: BC Culture Days is an annual series of free and interactive creative events hosted by artists and cultural organizations across the province. This year’s celebration invites participants to explore and express themselves artistically through workshops, live shows, and more.

When: Now until Oct. 4, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free

Maan Farms Halloween Fright Festival

Maan Farms

What: Abbotsford’s Maan Farms’ Halloween Fright Festival is back for another year.

When: Oct. 2 to 31, 2026
Where: Maan Farms — 790 McKenzie Rd., Abbotsford
Tickets: Various prices for general admission and VIP; purchase online

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

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

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in New Westminster

City of New Westminster/newwestminster.ca

What: Indigenous non-profit Spirit of the Children Society hosts a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in New Westminster. The event will honour survivors and families and celebrate culture and identity while offering speakers, food, dance, crafts, and more to guests.

When: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: South Field near Queen’s Park Stadium, New Westminster
Cost: Free

Take a trip to the pumpkin patch

What: Spooky season is here, which means that the Lower Mainland’s favourite pumpkin patches are ripe for the picking.

Whether you’re looking to carve a scary jack-o’-lantern or bake a delicious pie, there are plenty of fantastic farms with pumpkins that are waiting for you.

When: Various days of operation
Time: Various hours of operation
Where: Various farms across Metro Vancouver. See the list 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

Splash – Free Preview Exhibition

Arts Umbrella

What: Around 100 stunning artworks make up the Splash 2026 Art Collection on display at the Pendulum Gallery at 885 W. Georgia St. The public preview showcases the pieces of art donated by acclaimed and emerging Canadian and international artists.

The lineup of artists this year includes Andrew Dadson, a multidisciplinary artist who explores the boundaries between painting, photography, installation, and the natural environment; Edward Burtynsky, one of the world’s most accomplished contemporary photographers; and Marie Khouri, a Paris- and Vancouver-based sculptor whose contemporary works bridge art and design.

When: Now until Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 (closed Sunday)
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Monday to Wednesday), 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Thursday to Friday) and  9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturday)
Where: Pendulum Gallery — 885 W. Georgia St., Vancouver
Admission: Free, walk-ins welcome

When: Thursday, Sept. 17 to 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

Empowering Voices through Art: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

What: Indigenous artists and facilitators host a free, inclusive workshop at Place des Arts on National Truth and Reconciliation Day.

Artists will share personal stories, reflect on their journeys, and showcase their acclaimed works. Coquitlam Public Library will be on-site showcasing books from its Indigenous Collections and leading a small craft activity.

When: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Where: Place des Arts – 1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam
Cost: Free; register online

Metro Vancouver Croissant Crawl 2026

Punk Rock Pastries

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

Taking place from Sept. 25 to 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

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: Sept. 26 and 27, 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

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

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 (one block from Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain Station)
Admission: Free; food and drink specials priced individually