Over 20 free and cheap events happening in Vancouver this fall

Enjoy everything fall has to offer on the cheap! Check out these 27 free and inexpensive things to do around Metro Vancouver this season.

Oktoberfest, UBC Apple Festival, and more. What are you most excited for?

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Events and activities in and around Metro Vancouver

Eastside Culture Crawl 2025

What: The 29th annual Eastside Culture Crawl returns this November to dozens of buildings across Vancouver’s eastside.

Hundreds of artists ranging from painters to glass blowers and mixed-media creators are expected to welcome tens of thousands of visitors to their studios.

When: Thursday, Nov. 20 to Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025
Time: 5 to 10 p.m. (Thursday and Friday) and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Various locations throughout East Vancouver
Admission: Free

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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

UBC Botanical Garden Apple Festival

What: Entering its 34th year, the huge apple celebration gives attendees a chance to learn about apple diversity and taste several rare and peculiar varieties.

There will also be live entertainment, an apple and apple tree sale, and a food fair on-site.

When: Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025
Time: Various time slots from 11 a.m. to 2 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

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival at Coquitlam Heritage

What: This year, families can celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival at Mackin House in Coquitlam on Oct. 4, 2025, from 12 to 3 p.m.

The free family day event includes lanterns, cultural activities, and the chance to learn about the festival’s traditions while enjoying seasonal treats like mooncakes. The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is all about gathering together under the full harvest moon to honour peace, prosperity, and community.

When: Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025
Time: Noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Coquitlam Heritage at Mackin House — 1116 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam
Admission: Free, no registration required

PumpkinFest in West Vancouver

What: West Vancouver’s biggest fall community event returns on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, 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. The event also includes a farmers’ market and activities for all ages.

Tickets go on sale starting Sept. 10 at 9 a.m., both online and at the community centre front desk. Proceeds help support Enhance West Van’s programs across the community.

When: Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: West Vancouver Community Centre — 2121 Marine Dr., West Vancouver
Admission: General tickets $2.50 each (e.g. pumpkins, $10; food, $5 to $7.50). Pony rides and petting farm $10 each. Advance discount packs available online from Sept. 10.

Semiahmoo First Nation’s 5th Annual Walk for Truth & Reconciliation

What: Semiahmoo First Nation welcomes the community to its Walk for Truth & Reconciliation at Semiahmoo Park.

Highlights include live performances, family-friendly activities, a complimentary lunch, several exhibitions, and an Indigenous artisan market. Orange shirts will also be sold before the walk.

When: Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Semihamoo Park. The walk begins in the parking lot adjacent to Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Plaza at 15393 Marine Dr., White Rock
Cost: Free

Splash – Free Preview Exhibition

What: Over 90 stunning artworks make up the Splash 2025 Art Collection on display at the Pendulum Gallery at 885 W. Georgia St. The free public preview showcases the pieces of art donated by acclaimed and emerging Canadian and international artists.

The lineup of artists this year includes Moses Salihou, a Cameroonian artist who blends abstraction with portraiture, Maggie Hall, a painter inspired by pop culture, and Cole Speck, a Kwakwaka’wakw artist who infuses Northwest Coast carving traditions with contemporary narratives.

When: Now until Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 (closed Sunday and stat holidays)
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

Truth & Reconciliation Day at MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver

What: The Museum and Archives of North Vancouver invites guests of all ages to reflect on Indigenous histories and cultures on the North Shore and across Canada, led by MONOVA’s Indigenous Cultural Programmers, Jordan Dawson & Tsawaysia Spukwus. There will be hands-on crafts and activities to help inspire dialogue for families.

Admission to MONOVA will also be pay-what-you-can on Truth and Reconciliation Day.

When: Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: MONOVA — 115 West Esplanade, North Vancouver
Admission: Pay what you can, register online

Orpheum Tours by Vancouver Civic Theatres

What: Vancouver Civic Theatres is hosting guided tours of the historic Orpheum Theatre this fall. The event is led by the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame and will be sure to delight music fans, architecture enthusiasts, and history buffs.

When: Saturday, Oct. 18, and Nov. 15, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Where: Orpheum – 601 Smithe St., Vancouver
Cost: $10 plus fees, register 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

Harvest Days at VanDusen Botanical Garden

What: Every fall, VanDusen Botanical Garden transforms with pumpkins, scarecrows, and colourful autumn displays.

It’s one of Vancouver’s most family-friendly seasonal traditions, offering hay-bale mazes, photo spots, and festive snacks.

This year’s displays also feature eco-friendly art installations by local artist Nickie Lewis. Harvest Days is one of Vancouver’s most family-friendly fall traditions, running on weekends from late September through mid-October.

When: Weekends, Sept. 27 to Oct. 19, 2025, plus Thanksgiving Day (Oct. 13)
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St., Vancouver
Admission: Included with regular Garden admission (adults $12.59 online/$15.05 in person; discounts available for seniors, youth, and children; free for preschoolers and members.

NFL Football at PROLINE Sportsbook Lounge at Parq Casino Grand

What: NFL Football is officially back for the 2025/2026 season, and Parq Casino is doing it up big for NFL Pick’em.

As Vancouver’s premier sports-viewing venue, the PROLINE Sportsbook Lounge is hosting each game on a massive 50-foot screen, complete with surround sound and stadium-style energy. Hang out with friends and other football enthusiasts while cheering for the teams that bring you together.

And of course, no football viewing is complete without epic eats and delicious drinks, which is why, along with the classic Sportsbook Lounge menu, you can enjoy a special NFL brunch menu.

When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: PROLINE Sportsbook Lounge at Parq Casino – 39 Smithe St., Vancouver
Cost: Free

Vancouver Career Fair and Training Expo Canada

What: Career Fair and Training Expo Canada is taking place at Pan Pacific Vancouver on Tuesday, Oct. 28.

The upcoming Vancouver job fairs bring together a mix of employers from a variety of industries, as well as on-site training exhibitors who can teach applicants about different credentials that may help them land their dream jobs.

When: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Pan Pacific Vancouver – 999 Canada Place, #300
Cost: Free, register online

Shipyards Christmas Market

What: It’s never too early to think about Christmas, especially when a festive event is gearing up for its Metro Vancouver return this fall.

The Shipyards Christmas Market is back in North Vancouver starting on Friday, Nov. 28 and running through to Christmas Eve. Check out dozens of artisan stalls, food vendors, and live performers, as well as visits with Santa, and more.

When: Friday, Nov. 28 to Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (opening day), 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monday to Thursday), 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Friday to Sunday), 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Dec. 22 and 23), 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Dec. 24)
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free

MEC Gear Swap

What: Got old hiking boots, climbing ropes, or ski jackets collecting dust in your closet? MEC’s popular Gear Swap is back this October, giving outdoor lovers across Canada a chance to trade, shop, and refresh their gear without breaking the bank.

Here’s how it works: sellers can rent a table to pass along gear they no longer use (deadline to book is Oct. 1), while shoppers can browse for pre-loved gems.

Proceeds from rentals and donated gear sales go toward local Alpine Club of Canada sections, supporting outdoor trips, training, and volunteer programs.

When: Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (hours vary by location)
Where: MEC stores across Canada
Admission: Free to attend; table rentals available until Oct. 1; donations accepted until Sept. 29 for 15 per cent off at MEC

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.