10 amazing Vancouver theatre and arts events happening in October

Circus, theatre, and spooky happenings!

Fill your October schedule with our rundown of 10 arts events to check out in Vancouver. Wolf by Circa, Heart of the City Festival, and more.

And for more fun things happening around town, be sure to visit our Listed section.

Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson — Apt. 2B

What: Think you know Sherlock Holmes? Think again! Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B, running from Oct. 16 to Oct. 25, is shaking a classic detective story trope up with a feminist twist.

The story follows the eccentric Sherlock Holmes and her unlikely partner Joan Watson as they stumble through post-pandemic life. It’s filled with witty humour, goofy antics, and baffling characters.

For extra fun, snag tickets to the Pay-What-You-Will night on Oct. 16 or the 2-for-1 ticket special on Oct. 21. Just don’t wait too long — these deals always sell fast!

When: Thursday, Oct. 16 to Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Gateway Theatre, 6500 Gilbert Rd., Richmond
Cost: Various prices — Available here

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Wolf

What: Australia’s contemporary circus company Circa presents the acrobatic thrill ride, Wolf, at York Theatre this October. The Canadian premiere of the wild and animalistic production will utilize the wolf as a symbol of the untameable self. Get ready for intense choreography, stunning costumes, and exciting circus acts.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 1 to Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: York Theatre, The Cultch – 639 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

I Know What You Did Last Weekend at The Improv Centre

What: I Know What You Did Last Weekend is a blend of ’90s teen slasher films with the spontaneity of live improv comedy. The show begins with a murder based on suggestions from the audience and then dives into a world of secrets, betrayals and laughs.

When: Every Friday and Saturday until Nov. 1, 2025. Also additional shows on Thursday, Oct. 23 and Thursday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online

Vancouver International Film Festival 2025

What: Grab the popcorn and don’t forget the butter because one of the largest film festivals in North America is returning to Vancouver this month.

The 2025 Vancouver International Film Festival is taking place from Thursday, Oct. 2 to Sunday, Oct. 12.

Movie lovers will discover 170 features and 100 shorts from around the world at the festival’s 44th edition. The festival will also include insightful talkbacks, conferences, live performances, and other special events.

When: Thursday, Oct. 2 to Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Single tickets are $21 for regular screenings, 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

Vancouver Writers Fest 2025

What: The 2024 Vancouver Writers Fest is welcoming over 125 authors in more than 85 events for the annual literary celebration. Popular happenings such as the signature Literary Cabaret and The Poetry Bash return alongside notable authors like Naomi Klein, Chris Hadfield, Michelle Cyca, and more.

When: Monday, Oct. 20 to Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Various prices, including free events. Purchase online

Canadian Steam

What: Heat up your autumn nights with the hilarious cast of Canadian Steam. Described as a mash-up of Whose Line and Thunder from Down Under, Canadian Steam will feature improv comedy, sketches, and “eh-rotic” dance.

With credits including Just for Laughs, Canadian Comedy Awards, Netflix and Amazon Prime, the performers are sure to make your night one to remember.

When: Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Centennial Theatre – 2300 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Amour, acide et noix (Love, Acid and Nuts) by Daniel Léveillé (Montreal)

What: DanceHouse presents Daniel Léveillé’s Amour, acide et noix (Love, Acid and Nuts). Set against a score of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, pop music, and birdsong, Léveillé uses the mechanics of arms, legs, torsos and skulls to plumb the very nature of the human condition. Note: the performance includes nudity.

As the dancers move through a series of entanglements, the shock of nudity dissipates, aided by a hint of humour that runs beneath the solos, duets, and ensemble work.

When: Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Playhouse – 600 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Cost: Starting at $40.75, purchase online

Vancouver Horror Show Film Festival

What: ‘Tis the season for macabre movies and horror fans will be in heaven when the Vancouver Horror Show Film Festival (VHS) returns this month.

The eighth annual VHS is haunting screens in Vancouver from Wednesday, Oct. 15 to Sunday, Oct. 19, and includes a special 30th anniversary screening of Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight.

The full festival lineup features 44 short films and six feature-length films from around the world. VHS has red-carpet events, industry panels, a table read series, an opening night costume party, and more.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 15 to Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: International Village Cineplex Cinemas – 88 W. Pender St., 3rd floor, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Rangtaali Dandiya Night 2025

What: PTdance Company hosts a community Navratri celebration filled with Garba and Dandiya dance. Guests will enjoy thrilling dance performances, traditional Gujarati Garba, and Bollywood beats. Dancers of all skill levels are welcome.

When: Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025
Time: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Port Coquitlam Community Centre (Mabbett Hall), 2150 Wilson Ave., Port Coquitlam
Tickets: $15 early bird (until Sept. 5), $20 regular. Free for kids under 10. Free underground parking.

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