Another autumn weekend has arrived, and it’s filled to the brim with great events and activities!
Plan your days with our checklist of 15 fantastic events happening in Metro Vancouver from Oct. 17 to 19. Frankenstein, Day of the Dead, and more.
Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
To stay up to date on everything happening in Metro Vancouver, B.C., and beyond, sign up for our newsletters!
VIFF – Frankenstein by Guillermo del Toro
Frankenstein/VIFF
What: Get ready, scream fans, because Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) is gearing up for Halloween with a huge celebration of one of horror’s greatest icons.
The spooky celebration at the VIFF Centre – Vancity Theatre is all about Frankenstein. It includes iconic films from the 1930s, as well as the highly anticipated movie by three-time Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro.
When: Friday, Oct. 17 to Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025
Time: Various times. See the full schedule online.
Where: VIFF Centre – 1181 Seymour St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Latin American Heritage Month Festival
What: The Latin American Heritage Month Festival 2025, produced by Latincouver and presented by Don Chendo, celebrates the diversity, art, and traditions of Latin America across Vancouver and Burnaby.
Running until Nov. 2, this year’s festival features over 30 cultural events, including music, dance, art exhibitions, workshops, and more. Most events are by donation to encourage community participation and accessibility. Select events and performances are ticketed, with prices starting at $10.
Highlights include Day of the Dead Burnaby on Oct. 18 and 19 at Brentwood Mall Plaza, and Day of the Dead Granville Island on Nov. 1 and 2. There will also be a Catrina Procession, Day of the Dead Market, and a Catrina Party on Granville Island on Saturday, Nov. 1
When: Select dates until Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Ocean Artworks on Granville Island, Brentwood Mall Plaza, and the Latin Plaza Hub in Gastown
Cost: Free and ticketed events, purchase online
UBC Botanical Garden Apple Festival
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 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
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. FC Dallas
What: Vancouver Whitecaps continue their MLS season this weekend with an exciting Decision Day game against FC Dallas on Saturday, Oct. 18.
When: Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online
Statsraad Lehmkuhl Open Ship in North Vancouver
Statsraad Lehmkuhl
What: The Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl is visiting North Vancouver as part of the One Ocean Expedition, a year-long global voyage designed to inspire action to protect the world’s vast bodies of water.
You’ll be able to walk the decks, say hello to scientists and crew and scientists, and learn how traditional sail training combines with leading ocean science onboard the tall ship.
When: Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025
Time: Noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Burrard Dry Dock Pier – 15 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
Cost: Free
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.
When: Now until Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025
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.
KITSPATCH: Free Pumpkin Patch in Kitsilano
What: On Saturday, Oct. 18, pick up a free pumpkin at KITSPATCH, an event hosted by the West 4th BIA in front of the Kitswings mural at West 4th and Burrard Street.
There’s going to be free festive donuts from Oohlala Donuts and dog treats from Benni & Co. to enjoy during the event. A professional photographer will also be on hand for complimentary photos of the family, four-legged friends, or your favourite pumpkins.
When: Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: In front of the Kitswings mural — Northwest Corner, West 4th Avenue and Burrard Street
Cost: Free
Kettlebell Classic Charity Throwdown
What: Thunder and Lightning Athletic Club is hosting the Kettlebell Classic Charity Throwdown this weekend in support of Promise Vancouver’s programs for youth sports and activities.
The day begins with a kettlebell workshop before launching into engaging, high-energy team challenges. Participants can also enjoy a wrap from Hungry Zeus and coffee from Railtown Café, take a pic in the photo booth, and win raffle prizes from sponsors such as BN3TH, Regal Grooming Lounge, Style Lab, and Choose Health Massage.
When: Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025
Time: 9 a.m.
Where: Thunder & Lightning Athletic Club – 427 Granville St., Vancouver
Cost: By donation to Promise Vancouver
Diwali at Tsawwassen Mills
Diwali diyas/Shutterstock
What: Celebrate the Festival of Lights at Tsawwassen Mills on Friday evening. The free event will include live performances, interactive activities for the whole family, and cultural experiences and displays.
There’s even a chance to win a gift card to shop at Tsawwassen Mills during the Diwali celebration.
When: Friday, Oct. 17, 2025
Time: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Tsawwassen Mills – 5000 Canoe Pass Way, Tsawwassen
Admission: Free
Bunny Yoga with Vancouver Rabbit Rescue and Advocacy
What: This may be the most adorable yoga session you will attend this year.
Vancouver Rabbit Rescue and Advocacy is hosting Bunny Yoga this weekend at the Scottish Cultural Centre. Participants will enjoy a 45-minute Hatha yoga session with bunnies, followed by 30 minutes of post-yoga social time with the group and the rabbits.
All funds raised will go to support VRRA.
When: Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025
Time: 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
Where: Scottish Cultural Centre – 8886 Hudson St., Vancouver
Tickets: $25 per person in advance or at the door
MastersFX Monster Museum
What: MastersFX Monster Museum will open its doors to horror fans just in time for Halloween season for select dates from Saturday, Oct. 18 to Sunday, Oct. 26.
Guests to the eerie 5,000 sq ft space will discover dozens of exhibits of hand-crafted monsters, creatures, and characters from popular movies and TV shows from the award-winning special effects studio.
When: Select dates from Saturday, Oct. 18 to Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025
Time: Various time slots
Where: MastersFX Monster Museum – 4185 Dawson St., Burnaby
Cost: From $27.50, purchase online
Oakridge Park presents The Autumn Palette
What: This fall, Oakridge Park presents The Autumn Palette — a six-week pop-up at the Oakridge Park Gallery celebrating Beauty and Fashion.
Enjoy a personalized Colour Analysis by Nu’An Colour, a Styling Session with celebrity stylist Michelle Addison using Oakridge Park’s AI-powered mirror, and an indulgent Dior Beauty experience featuring a hand massage, skincare consultation, and a full-size Dior Lip Glow Butter with a custom charm to personalize it.
Discover your colours, refine your style, and embrace a touch of luxury this season. Limited tickets are available via the Oakridge Park website or through the link on their Instagram bio.
When: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 16 to Nov. 20, 2025
Time: By appointment between 12 and 5 p.m.
Where: Oakridge Park Gallery – 1067 W. Cordova St., Vancouver
Cost: $95, which gives guests full access to both the Beauty and Fashion activations. Purchase online
BC Lions vs. Edmonton Elk
BC Lions
What: BC Lions’ CFL season roars on at BC Place this weekend with a game against the Edmonton Elks on Friday, Oct. 17.
When: Friday, Oct. 17, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online
Mt. Seymour Job Fair
What: Ski and snowboard season is approaching quickly, and Mt. Seymour is hosting a huge job fair this weekend to prepare for the rush.
The popular North Shore destination hosts the Mt. Seymour Job Fair on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Print off your resumes and head to Parkgate Community Centre – Mary Hunter Hall. People from all backgrounds and experience levels are invited to apply for various winter jobs.
When: Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Parkgate Community Centre – Mary Hunter Hall – 3625 Banff Ct., North Vancouver
Admission: Free
Vancouver Horror Show Film Festival
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., third floor, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Celebrate the Night in Maple Ridge
What: Maple Ridge welcomes everyone to Celebrate the Night at Memorial Peace Park. The annual event features light installations, storytelling, a carousel, food trucks, live music, and more. Make sure to bundle up and look up to see the stunning fireworks display.
When: Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Memorial Peace Park – 11930 224th St., Maple Ridge
Admission: Free
Fin-tastic Fall Days
What: The Vancouver Aquarium is proving that the best place to experience fall is with 65,000 animals and sea creatures at Fin-tastic Fall Days.
Guests can expect a bunch of seasonal talks, daily animal feeds, and other all-ages programming.
Trick-or-treat your way through each Bat House in the signature scavenger hunt, or, if creepy-crawly creatures are more your style, brace yourself for a 4D adventure that brings rainforest insects to life on the big screen — it’s sure to be a whole lot of squirm-worthy fun.
And just when you think it can’t get any cooler, you can catch divers carving jaw-dropping Jack-O-Lanterns beneath the waves of an aquarium habitat, happening daily starting Oct. 18!
When: Now until Friday, Oct. 31, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Aquarium — 854 Avison Way
Cost: $39.95 to $55.20 for adult admission, $80 for adult annual membership