51 FREE things to do in Vancouver this October

Sep 28 2018, 12:04 am

Enjoy the best of October without breaking your wallet! Check out our list of fun free events happening in Vancouver this month.

From Halloween to nature walks and everything in between, here are 51 free things to do around the city this October.

For more things happening around town check out our events section.

Happy Halloween

Vancouver Halloween Expo and Parade

  • What: The fifth annual Vancouver Halloween Parade and Expo is a festival inspired by comics, anime, video games and mythologies from various cultures. Attracting more than 100,000 spectators, the parade turns downtown Vancouver into the world’s largest cosplay stage with floats, marching bands and special effects.
  • When: Friday, October 5 to Sunday, October 7, 2018
  • Time: Various times. Parade starts at 11 am on Sunday
  • Where: UBC Robson Square and Art Gallery North Plaza. Parade starts at Howe and Drake and ends at Granville and Drake
  • Admission: Parade is free to watch

Halloween Howler

  • What: Free, spooky Halloween fun at Cameron Complex. Enjoy crafts, movement circuit, games, face painting, photos in the photo booth, and more. Suitable for those nine years and under; children must be accompanied by an adult. Food bank donations welcomed.
  • When: Saturday, October 27, 2018
  • Time: 10 am to 1 pm
  • Where: Cameron Recreation Complex – 9523 Cameron Street, Burnaby
  • Admission: Free

Boo-seum

  • What: Design your own take-home Jack O’ Lantern, go on a spooktacular scavenger hunt in the exhibit galleries, guess the ghoul and guts and compete for best costume and strut your stuff in our parade.
  • When: Saturday, October 27, 2018
  • Time: 1 to 3 pm
  • Where: Museum of Surrey – 17710 56a Ave, Surrey
  • Admission: Free

Night for All Souls

Night for All Souls

  • What: Curated by artists Paula Jardine and Marina Szijarto, this unique cultural event offers the public an opportunity to remember their dead, whether interred at Mountain View Cemetery or not, in a gentle atmosphere of contemplative beauty.
  • When: Saturday, October 27 to Thursday, November 1, 2018
  • Time: Various times
  • Where: Mountain View Cemetery- 5455 Fraser St., Vancouver
  • Admission: All events are free. Donations are welcome.

Halloween on the Heights

  • What: Families are invited to dress up and go trick or treating down Hastings Street. Kids and their adults will be able to get yummy treats from neighbourhood stores and ride the Halloween Trains in the Dark.
  • When: Tuesday, October 31, 2018
    • Trick or Treating from 3:30 to 5:30 pm
    • Halloween Trains in the Dark from 6 to 9 pm
  • Where: 
    • Trick or Treating is along Hastings Street in Burnaby
    • Halloween Trains in the Dark at Burnaby Central Railway at Confederation Park – 120 North Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby
  • Tickets: All events are free, except the Halloween Trains in the Dark, which costs $3.50 and includes free hot chocolate and cookies. Costumes strongly encouraged.

Trick-or-Treating in Steveston Village

  • What: Bring your costumed little ones out for safe and fun trick-or-treating in Steveston Village while it is still light. Participating merchants will hand out candy (map will be available at the Visitor Centre). Neighbourhood kids are invited to bring their treat bag and have some non-scary fun. This event takes place rain or shine. Hosted by Steveston Merchants Association.
  • When: Wednesday, October 31, 2018
  • Time: 3 to 5 pm
  • Where: Steveston Village
  • Admission: Free

Check out the city

55+ National Seniors Day Social

  • What: Celebrate National Seniors Day with an international meet and greet social where participants will learn to greet others in different languages. Light breakfast refreshments will be served at this free event. This event is for ages 55 and over.
  • When: Monday, October 1, 2018
  • Time: 10 to 11 am
  • Where: East Richmond Community Hall – 12360 Cambie Rd, Richmond
  • Admission: Free, registration required. Barcode #2593793

Surrey Small Business Information Expo 2018 – Build your Business

  • What: The 2018 Surrey SBIE – Build your Business at Surrey City Hall brings together subject matter experts from 25 government support programs and non-profit service providers that are here to help your business. Along with a tradeshow the expo will host presentations on a number of interesting topics. Presentations will be held by subject matter experts from various industries.
  • When: Tuesday, October 2, 2018
  • Time: 9:30 am to 1 pm
  • Where: Surrey City Hall – 13450 104 Avenue, Surrey
  • Tickets: Online, Free

Métis Paddle Carving

  • What: An opportunity to learn about Métis people and culture through a hands-on activity. Pat Calihou will be teaching and guiding participants towards making their own unique paddles.
  • When: Tuesday, October 2, 2018
  • Time: 3:30 to 6:30 pm
  • Where: City Centre Library – Room 120 – 10350 University Dr., Surrey
  • Register: Online, free

Welcome to Coquitlam 2018

  • What: This annual Coquitlam event is geared to residents who are new to Coquitlam or Canada, but anyone who is interested in learning more about their city is encouraged to attend. City Council and staff will be available to provide information and answer questions on a wide variety of topics including, for example, how the city’s finances work, recycling and garbage services, as well as parks and recreation activities.
  • When: Wednesday, October 3, 2018
  • Time: 2 to 8 pm
  • Where: Coquitlam City Hall – 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam
  • Admission: Free

Thursday Artist Talk: Hannah Bennett – “Art and the In-Between”

  • What: In this illustrated talk, Bennett shares her ideas, techniques, wins, and failures in leading an artistic practice. Following her talk, participants are invited to stay for a free mini-workshop on collograph printing where you can make your own textured print using her small etching press.
  • When: Thursday, October 4, 2018
  • Time: 7:30 to 9 pm
  • Where: Surrey Art Gallery – 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
  • Admission: Free

Artist Salon with Vanessa Lam

  • What: The Richmond Art Gallery’s Artist Salon is a free monthly program for visual artists to connect, network and learn from each other. This month’s guest artist is Vanessa Lam, who will share the story behind building her art practice in collage and mixed media painting.
  • When: Thursday, October 4, 2018
  • Time: 7 to 9 pm
  • Where: Richmond Art Gallery – 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
  • Tickets: Online, Free

Healthy Kids Fair

  • What: Come meet and chat with community health professionals about your child’s growth and development and receive information on vision, speech, dental, health and nutrition. Visit the displays, police car, fire engine, face painting and art station, Imagination playground blocks, healthy snack room and much more. Newborn to age 5 with parents.
  • When: Thursday, October 4, 2018
  • Time: 9:30 to 11:30 am
  • Where: Edmonds Community Centre – 7433 Edmonds Street, Burnaby
  • Admission: Free

Fort Langley Cranberry Festival

  • What: The day-long event includes food, kids activities, entertainment, contests, over 70 vendors, and, of course, fresh cranberries. And while the festival officially starts at 10 am, early-risers can enjoy a pancake breakfast at 8 am.
  • When: Saturday, October 6, 2018
  • Time: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Where: 9167 Glover Rd – Fort Langley
  • Admission: Free

Cranberry Sale

A cranberry farm in Richmond. (James C. / Flickr)

  • What: Stock up on fresh cranberries at the Richmond Nature Park Society’s annual cranberry sale. Proceeds support educational and public programs in the park. This event is for all ages, disability access is available.
  • When: Saturday, October 6, 2018
  • Time: 10 am to 3 pm
  • Where: Richmond Nature Park – 11851 Westminster Hwy, Richmond
  • Admission: Free, berries are market price

Live at the Gallery, featuring Alanna Ho and Nicholas Marriot

  • What: Live at the Gallery is a monthly concert series held at the Deer Lake Art Gallery. This month’s concert features artists Alanna Ho and Nicholas Marriot.
  • When: Friday, October 12, 2018
  • Time: 7 pm
  • Where: Deer Lake Gallery – 6584 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
  • Tickets: Online, Free

Fall Family Fun

  • What: Celebrate Fall with seasonal games, activities and entertainment.
  • When: Saturday, October 13, 2018
  • Time: 2 to 4 pm
  • Where: East Richmond Community Hall 12360 Cambie Rd, Richmond
  • Admission: Free, registration required #2528432

2018 Tri-Cities Volunteer Fest

  • What: Local non-profits will be on hand to answer your questions about local and global causes that have an impact on your life. Learn where to volunteer, find an opportunity that fits with your schedule, and connect with an organization where you can explore your passions.
  • When: Sunday, October 14, 2018
  • Time: 11 am to 6 pm
  • Where: Coquitlam Centre
  • Tickets: Online, Free

Future U: IT Skills for Tech Jobs

  • What: In this conference, our speakers drill down into growth areas like AI and machine learning, blockchain web development, cybersecurity, and big data cloud computing. Plus network with employers and trainers who discuss skills needed in jobs now and in the future.
  • When: Tuesday, October 16, 2018
  • Time: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Where: Vancouver Public Library Central Branch – 350 West Georgia, Vancouver
  • Registration: Online, Free

Latin Fiesta

  • What: Bring the family to the Museum of Surrey for a vibrant fiesta of all the senses that includes crafts, dancing, food and more.
  • When: Saturday, October 20, 2018
  • Time: 1 to 4 pm
  • Where: Museum of Surrey – 17710 56a Ave, Surrey
  • Tickets: Admission, Free

Blue Mountain Quilters Guild Quilt Show

Quilting/Shutterstock

  • What: Check out over 100 quilts, the merchants mall, basket raffle, tea room and members boutique at the Blue Mountain Quilters Guild Quilt Show.
  • When: Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21, 2018
  • Time: 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm on Sunday
  • Where: Maple Creek Middle School – 3770 Hastings St, Port Coquitlam
  • Admission: Free

Art on the Spot

  • What: Using recycled fabrics and simple craft items, Tina Ozols from Oona Clothing is your guide in the creation of an original costume inspired by myth, magic and the imagination.
  • When: Saturday, October 27, 2018
  • Time: 11 am to 2 pm
  • Where: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts – 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
  • Admission: Free

Enjoy the great outdoors

The Secret Life of Trees Walking Tour

  • What: A walking tour around Port Coquitlam’s beautiful downtown parks and gardens. Hosted by PoCo Heritage Trees and is part of the collaborative The Secret Life of Trees exhibit.
  • When: Saturday, October 6, Saturday, October 12, Saturday, November 3 and Saturday, November 13, 2018
  • Time: 2:30 to 4 pm
  • Where: PoCo Heritage Museum and Archives – 150-2248 McAllister Ave., Port Coquitlam
  • Admission: Free

Wonderful Wetlands Tour

  • What: Enjoy a guided walk through West Creek Wetlands, an ecological reserve normally off limits to the public and home to an incredible variety of plants and wildlife. Ages 14+
  • When: Saturday, October 6, 2018
  • Time: 9:30 am to 12 pm
  • Where: Glen Valley Regional Park
  • Admission: Free, registration required.  Barcode 7457

Bowen Island Applefest

apple apples food events

Nungning20/Shutterstock

  • What: Taste crunchy heritage apples, buy a homemade apple pie and learn all about seeds and how they travel. It all takes place at Davies Orchard, a 100 m walk from the ferry terminal. Presented by Bowen Heritage.
  • When: Sunday, October 7, 2018
  • Time: 11 am to 2 pm
  • Where: Crippen Regional Park, Davies Orchard – Bowen Island
  • Admission: Free

Flashlight Mysteries

  • What: Learn about local night animals in the day use area through activities, performances, exhibitors and storytelling.  Lanterns will lead you to Detective Headquarters where park interpreters will introduce the mystery.  Nancy the spider is hosting a masquerade party for local nightlife.  Help her figure out which animal has crashed her party as you collect clues at stations along the trail.
  • When: Saturday, October 13, 2018
  • Time: 6 to 9 pm
  • Where: Surrey Bend Regional Park – 10238 168 Street, Surrey
  • Admission: Free

Fleetwood Labyrinth’s 10th Anniversary Celebration

  • What: Join others in walking the labyrinth in Fleetwood to the sounds of live, meditative music performed by a harpist or violinist. This event is in honour of Fleetwood Park Labyrinth’s 10th Anniversary. Free birthday cake will be provided.
  • When: Saturday, October 13, 2018
  • Time: 1 to 3 pm
  • Where: Fleetwood Park – 15802 80 Ave, Surrey
  • Admission: Free

Gordon’s Brook Restoration Celebration

  • What: An exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at a wetland restoration project located in a special conservation area of Aldergrove Regional Park. Talk with project experts, take a biologist-guided wetland tour (rubber boots recommended), enjoy festival-style booths and family-friendly activities, and more.
  • When: Saturday, October 13, 2018
  • Time: 11 am to 3 pm
  • Where: Aldergrove Regional Park – Special Entrance at 202-272nd Street
  • Admission: Free

Focus on Forests

  • What:  Explore fall forest colours, patterns and symmetries through a cell phone or camera lens using basic photography techniques.  Retrain your eyes to see new wonders while discovering why forests are important. Ages 14+.
  • When: Sunday, October 14, 2018
  • Time: 9:30 to 11:30 am.
  • Where: Kanaka Creek Regional Park
  • Admission: Free, registration required.  Barcode 7458

Tree House Storytime

  • What: A fun, fall story inside the treehouse at Redwood Park then explore the forest on a guided seasonal sensory walk. Parent participation required.
  • When: Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20, 2018
  • Time: Various times
  • Where:  Redwood Park – 17900 20 Ave, Surrey
  • Admission: Free

Return of the Salmon

wild salmon

Wild Salmon/Shutterstock

  • What:  Cheer on the salmon returning home to spawn in Kanaka Creek.  Engage with displays, games and fisheries experts from the Bell-Irving Hatchery and other community organizations. All ages. Presented with Kanaka Education & Environmental Partnership Society.
  • When: Sunday, October 21, 2018
  • Time: 11 am to 2 pm
  • Where:  Kanaka Creek Regional Park – meet at fish fence on 240th Street, north of Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge
  • Admission: Free

Coho Commotion

  • What: Each fall, coho salmon return to their birthplace, transform physically and create the next generation. Watch salmon leaping, learn the difference between males and females, and hear about their extraordinary lives.
  • When: Saturday, October 27, 2018
  • Time: 11 am to 2 pm
  • Where: Capilano River Regional Park – Capilano Fish Hatchery
  • Admission: Free

Eat fresh with farmers’ markets

Downtown Farmers’ Market

  • When: Every Thursday until Thursday, October 4, 2018
  • Time: 3 to 7 pm
  • Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free

Kitsilano Farmers’ Market

  • When: Every Sunday until Sunday, October 21, 2018
  • Time: 10 am to 2 pm
  • Where: Parking lot of Kits Community Centre – 2690 Larch Street, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free

Trout Lake Farmers’ Market

  • When: Every Saturday until Saturday, October 20, 2018
  • Time: 9 am to 2 pm
  • Where: Lakewood Drive and 13th Avenue, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free

West End Farmers’ Market

  • When: Every Saturday until Saturday, October 20, 2018
  • Time: 9 am to 2 pm
  • Where: West End Farmers Market – 1100 Comox Street, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free

Main Street Station Farmers’ Market

Main-Street-Farmers-Market

Vancouver Farmers Market

  • When: Every Wednesday until Wednesday, October 3, 2018
  • Time: 2 to 6 pm
  • Where: Main Street Station – 1100 Station Street, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free

Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market

  • When: Every Sunday until Sunday, October 7, 2018
  • Time: 10 am to 2 pm
  • Where: Dude Chilling Park – 2390 Brunswick Street, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free

Riley Park Farmers’ Market

  • When: Every Saturday until Saturday, October 27, 2018
  • Time: 10 am to 2 pm
  • Where: Riley Park – 50 East 30th Avenue, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free

River District Farmers’ Market

  • When: Every Saturday until Saturday, October 14, 2018
  • Time: 10 am to 3 pm
  • Where: Kerr Street Plaza – 8683 Street, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free

Ambleside Farmers’ Market

  • When: Every Sunday until Sunday, October 28, 2018
  • Time: 10 am to 3 pm
  • Where: Ambleside Park – 1000 Argyle AveWest Vancouver
  • Admission: Free

Lonsdale Quay Farmers’ Market

farmers market

Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

  • When: Every Saturday until Saturday, October 27, 2018
  • Time: 10 am to 3 pm
  • Where: East Plaza of the Lonsdale Quay Market – 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
  • Admission: Free

Kwantlen Street Farmers’ Market

  • When: Every Tuesday until Tuesday, October 2, 2018
  • Time: 12 to 4 pm
  • Where: Plaza in between the Richmond Public Library and the Minoru Place Seniors’ Centre – 7660 Minoru Gate, Richmond
  • Admission: Free

Burnaby Artisan Farmers’ Market

farmers’ markets

Maram/Shutterstock

  • When: Every Saturday from now to October 27, 2018
  • Time: 9 am to 2 pm
  • Where: North Parking Lot of Burnaby City Hall (4949 Canada Way at Deer Lake Pkwy)
  • Admission: Free

Poirier Street Market

  • What: Launched in 1996, the Poirier Street Farmers Market is the longest running suburban farmers market in the Lower Mainland.  The Poirier Street Market hosts a diversity of vendors and products from May through October. Each week a wide variety of vendors gather to showcase their products – made, baked, grown, or raised in BC.
  • When: 
  • Time: 9 am to 1 pm
  • Where: Dogwood Pavilion Parking Lot – 624 Poirier Street, Coquitlam
  • Admission: Free

Surrey Urban Farmers’ Market

  • What: A vibrant, multi-cultural Farmers’ Market, promoting small-scale farmers, food producers and artisans. Meet farmers, bakers, distillers, artisan and crafters, food trucks, community groups, and more.
  • When: Every Wednesday to October 3, 2018
  • Time: 2 to 6 pm
  • Where: North Surrey Rec Centre – 10275 City Parkway, Surrey
  • Admission: Free

Haney Farmers’ Market

  • What: A vibrant outdoor Saturday market in downtown Maple Ridge, Haney Farmers’ Market sells fresh farm produce, locally-grown fruit and veg, preserves, baked goods, artisan crafts, fine art, and more.
  • When: Saturdays until November 10, 2018
  • Time: 9 am to 2 pm
  • Where: Memorial Peace Park – 224th Street, Maple Ridge

Port Coquitlam Farmers’ Market

  • What: Inspired by, and created in collaboration with the Haney Farmers’ Market Society, the Port Coquitlam Farmers’ Market is part of a larger plan to strengthen Port Coquitlam’s downtown centre through arts, cultural and heritage programming.
  • When: Thursdays until October 11, 2018
  • Time: 3 to 7 pm
  • Where: 2253 Leigh Square, Port Coquitlam

Langley Community Farmers’ Market

  • What: Explore the dozens of local makers, bakers, and growers at two weekly locations of Langley Community Farmers’ Market.
  • When: Wednesdays until October 10, 2018, and Saturdays until October 6th, 2018
  • Time: 12 to 4:30 pm (Wednesdays), 10 am to 2 pm (Saturdays)
  • Where: Kwantlen Langley Campus Courtyard – 20901 Langley Bypass, Langley (Wednesday), Timms Community Centre – 20339 Douglas Crescent, Langley (Saturdays)

Fort Langley Village Farmers’ Market

  • What: You’ll find fresh groceries (fresh foods picked from local farmers fields in the Fraser and Okanagan Valleys), along with plants, flowers, and other artisan goods at this weekly market in Fort Langley.
  • When: Saturdays until October 27, 2018
  • Time: 10 am to 3 pm
  • Where: St. Andrews Historic Church – 9025 Glover Road in Fort Langley

Cannery Farmers’ Market

  • What: The Cannery Farmers’ Market is Steveston’s indoor winter market, held at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. This unique market features local food and artisan merchants, inside a historic cannery setting. Admission to the museum is free on market days, with guided heritage tours by donation.
  • When: Various dates from Sunday, October 21, 2018, to Sunday, April 28, 2019 
  • Time: 10 am to 3 pm
  • Where: Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site – 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond
  • Admission: Free
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