More than 20 free and cheap things to do in Vancouver this October

Enhance West Van

Get ready for a fun and frugal fall with our rundown of free and inexpensive things to do around Vancouver this October.

From Oktoberfest to art exhibits, a Mushroom Show and more. Here are over 20 low-cost, high-fun happenings you need to add to your calendar!

For more great events happening around town, be sure to check out our Listed section.

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One-time-only events and activities

Oktoberfest at Parallel 49

Parallel 49

What: Parallel 49’s impressive 120-seat beer garden has transformed into a lively Oktoberfest biergarten, with tasty German treats, live entertainment, and more.

Expect tasty bites including warm pretzels, schnitzel sandwiches, bratwurst, spaetzle, pork schnitzel, and more, paired with award-winning German-style beer on tap. Plus, the popular Rheinlander Band will be making a reprisal, with performances from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays, and 5:30 to 9:45 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Additionally, be sure to dress up on Fridays and Saturdays for your chance to win the best-dressed Oktoberfest outfit.

When: Now until Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025
Time: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday
Where: Parallel 49 – 1950 Triumph St., Vancouver
Admission: Free, seating available on a first-come, first-served basis

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

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 was 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

PumpkinFest in West Vancouver

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.

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 are available online

North Shore Art Crawl

North Van Arts/Facebook

What: Get some more art into your life at the 15th Annual North Shore Art Crawl. Local galleries, community centres, businesses, and art schools open their doors and invite the public in to celebrate the talent of over 100 local artists by showcasing their works and their passions.

Discover a wide range of art forms, including painting, jewellery, pottery, textiles, graphic design, glass, sculpture, and photography. A number of venues will even have demos and art activities.

When: Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Various locations
Admission: Free

VMS Mushroom Show

What: Lower Mainland’s biggest mushroom event is returning to Vancouver this month, and it promises to be full of fungal fun!

Vancouver Mycological Society’s Fall Mushroom Show is celebrating its 44th anniversary with unique displays, children’s activities, and, of course, a massive amount of mushrooms!

When: Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak St., Vancouver
Tickets: $5 at the door, children under 12 are free

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

UBC Apple Festival

UBC Botanical Garden/Facebook

What: Apple Festival 2025 is coming back to UBC Botanical Garden in October.

Savour over 50 apple varieties at the Tasting Tent, enjoy live food demos, sip your way through the brand-new Apple Cider Garden, and browse the bustling food fair.

Take home unique varieties from the apple and apple tree sale, catch live entertainment, and let your kids loose in the Children’s Area, complete with exclusive merch, games, and the famous giant leaf pile. Don’t miss out on this iconic fall tradition for families and foodies alike!

When: Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: UBC Botanical Garden — 6804 SW Marine Dr., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices for admission and the tasting tent. Children seven years and under can enter for free with a paying adult, though they must still register for a ticket. Purchase online

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.

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

Harvest Days at VanDusen Botanical Garden

Harvest Days/vancouver.ca

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 until mid-October.

When: Now 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 cost $12.59 online/$15.05 in person; discounts available for seniors, youth, and children; free for preschoolers and members.

Inclusion Art Show & Sale

What: The 21st annual posAbilities’ Inclusion Art Show & Sale showcases the work of 200 artists with diverse abilities, disabled people, and those identifying as having a disability. Shop for original pieces, including paintings, pottery, jewellery, and more.

Roundhouse Community Centre is a fully accessible venue, and during this Community Inclusion Month event, you can also meet the artists.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 22 and Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre — 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Tickets: Free, though donations are being accepted. Register online

Haunted Village: Legends, Tales and Other Stories

What: Burnaby Halloween Festival, presented by Tourism Burnaby, offers a wide variety of eerie events and activities throughout October.

One of the feature attractions is Burnaby Village Museum’s family-friendly Haunted Village: Legends, Tales and Other Stories, transforming the 10-acre historical attraction into a magical world from Oct. 22 to 26.

The open-air event invites guests to go on a unique self-guided walk and discover wondrous tales lifted from storybook pages transformed into stunning displays.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 22 to Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025
Time: 4 to 9 p.m.
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Tickets: $10 (adults), $5 (children 2 to 12 years old), purchase online

Vancouver Career Fair and Training Expo Canada

Career Fair 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

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

22nd Annual DTES Heart of the City Festival

What: Discover over 100 Heart of the City Festival events at over 40 locations in the Downtown Eastside and online this fall. The 22nd annual event has the theme of “Dignity in Community,” and the events include theatre, dance, storytelling, workshops, exhibits, and more.

When: Friday, Oct. 31 to Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues
Tickets: Various prices, including free events. Purchase online

Talladega Nights A Hero’s Halloween.

What: Halloween’s on a Friday this year, and you and your crew are invited to Hero’s Welcome for a special Talladega Nights party.

Get ready for a no-cover night of NASCAR, beer, pizza, and chaos. Costumes are optional but appreciated. There will be Miller High Life mixed with Aperol (aka Speghett or NASCAR Spritz) served, and DJ Darth Brooks will be playing live from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

And bring the little ones by early for trick-or-treating from 3 to 6 p.m.

When: Friday, Oct. 31, 2025
Time: Doors 8 p.m., event from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Hero’s Welcome – 3917 Main St, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Recurring events and activities

Bill Reid Gallery — Free Admission Day

Bill Reid Gallery

What: The Bill Reid Gallery is named after the renowned Haida artist and is the only public gallery dedicated to the contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast. The gallery is home to the Simon Fraser University Bill Reid Collection and also hosts a variety of special exhibitions, workshops, panel discussions, and more.

Guests can visit the Bill Reid Gallery for free from 2 to 5 p.m. on the first Friday of each month.

When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: 639 Hornby St., Vancouver
Cost: By donation

Vancouver Public Library Movie Screenings

What: Vancouver Public Library hosts a variety of movie screenings for the public at its branches throughout the month, and the best part is that they are free to check out. Expect to see the latest Hollywood Blockbusters, timeless classics, and more.

When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Various VPL Branches
Cost: Free

Family Saturdays at Chinatown Storytelling Centre

What: Learn about Chinatown’s heritage and culture through hands-on activities during Family Saturdays at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. The event happens on the third Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes guided tours, prizes, special offers from neighbouring restaurants, and free admission for youth 17 years and under.

When: The third Saturday of each month.
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Centre is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Where: 168 East Pender St., Vancouver
Cost: Free for youth 17 and under; guests under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Admission $10 to $12, purchase online

Vancouver Art Gallery – Free First Friday Nights

Vancouver Art Gallery/Facebook

What: The Vancouver Art Gallery was founded in 1931 and is renowned as one of North America’s leading visual arts institutions. The largest public art museum in Western Canada currently has a variety of exhibitions on display, and you can check them out for free during the Free First Friday Nights events.

When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: 750 Hornby St., Vancouver
Cost: Free

Community Jam at The Improv Centre

What: The Improv Centre welcomes performers of all levels to get up onstage with professionally trained improvisers at its free monthly community jam. The 18+ event features theatre exercises, improv games, and more during the fun, interactive jam.

When: The last Saturday of every month
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver
Cost: Free

Burnaby Central Railway

Burnaby Central Railway. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)

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

Farmers markets in Metro Vancouver

Trout Lake Farmers Market

This farmers market began back in 1995 and became the cornerstone of the Vancouver Farmers Market collective of markets. One of the most popular markets, Trout Lake has food trucks on-site and a variety of vendors selling fresh local produce, locally made goods, and all things food.

When: Every Saturday until Oct. 25, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Lakewood Drive and East 13th Avenue, Vancouver