15 fun things to do in Vancouver this weekend: Oct. 3 to 5
Congratulations, you made it to another weekend! Now it’s time to have some fun.
From Harvest Haus to Pumpkinfest and more, here are 15 great events to check out in Vancouver from Oct. 3 to 5.
Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
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Harvest Haus
Harvest Haus
What: Vancouver’s take on the traditional German beer festival comes in the form of Harvest Haus, a fun-filled weekend combining modern cuisine with traditional and “authentic European harvest traditions.”
You can expect to dine on freshly made pretzels accompanied by grainy mustard and sauerkraut, as well as sausage and other treats available for purchase in the marketplatz.
Over 25 European and craft biers, wines, and spirits will be available to discover. Traditional oompah bands and live DJs will complete the party atmosphere each day.
When: Friday, Oct. 3 and Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025
Time: 6 to 11:30 p.m.
Where: PNE Forum — 2901 Hastings St. E., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, 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 fall.
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
The Wedding Party
What: The Wedding Party, an immersive experience presented by Secret City Adventures, will take over Glowbal Restaurant in Downtown Vancouver starting Friday, Oct. 3.
The unique event will see guests taking in a live performance, deciphering clues and solving puzzles, and enjoying a delicious dinner at the wedding reception of Norah and Jack.
When: Saturdays and Sundays starting on Saturday, Oct. 4. Opening night on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Time 1 and 6 p.m.
Where: Glowbal – 590 West Georgia St., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, including individual tickets, tables of four, and VIP. More info online
Fright Nights at Playland
Haunted Mansion (Fright Nights at Playland)
What: Fright Nights, one of Western Canada’s scariest haunts, is returning to Vancouver for the upcoming Halloween season. And we can’t wait to visit the scream park!
The highly anticipated Playland attraction is celebrating its 22nd anniversary on select nights running through to Halloween night.
Visitors can experience the immersive Halloween-themed experience with seven haunted houses, over 15 heart-pounding rides, spooky décor, roaming monsters, thrilling live performances, and more.
When: Select dates from Friday, Oct. 3 until Friday, Oct. 31, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Playland at the PNE — 2901 E. Hastings St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
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
Vancouver Canucks vs Edmonton Oilers
What: The Canucks are back this week with a home game against the Edmonton Oilers on Friday, Oct. 3, at Rogers Arena.
When: Friday, Oct. 3, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online
Vancouver Aquarium – Fish-n-Sips: Oktoberfest Edition
Vancouver Aquarium
What: Get ready to say “Prost!” because Fish-n-Sips: Oktoberfest Edition takes place on Saturday, Oct. 4, and Friday, Oct. 10, and the aquarium will be transformed into an adults-only, after-hours celebration — minus the daytime crowds.
Expect live music from local legends Side One, and get ready to hit the dance floor while deep-sea creatures drift by in the background.
When you need to refuel, you can enjoy a delicious bratwurst and pretzel combo, paired with a local craft beer (or two, or three). Just don’t forget to grab your bar tickets at the entrance before heading to the bar.
When: Saturday, Oct. 4 and Friday, Oct. 10, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 845 Avison Way
Cost: $35 — available here
BC Lions vs. Calgary Stampeders
What: BC Lions’ CFL season roars on at BC Place this weekend with a game against the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday, Oct. 4.
When: Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online
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
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.
When: Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (hours vary by location)
Where: MEC stores across Canada
Admission: Free
Vancouver Whitecaps vs San Jose Quakes
What: Fresh off of winning their fourth straight Canadian Championship, Vancouver Whitecaps FC is keeping the party going this weekend with a huge Oktoberfest celebration.
The club welcomes the San Jose Earthquakes to BC Place on Sunday, Oct. 5, and fans will have the opportunity to attend a pre-match event at Terry Fox Plaza.
Whitecaps FC is opening the Fan Zone from 12 noon to 3 p.m., and this weekend will feature a beer garden with an Oktoberfest pop-up patio, hosted in collaboration with Harvest Haus.
When: Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025
Time: 3 p.m.
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online
Benson Boone
What: Boone is a three-time Grammy nominee who has topped the charts around the albums with his two studio albums.
He has opened for such music luminaries as Imagine Dragons and Taylor Swift, and his American Heart World Tour is his third as the headlining act.
When: Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices. Purchase online
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: Parallel 49 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 served
Mid-Autumn Festival in Richmond
What: This year, Richmond families can celebrate at To The Moon: Mid-Autumn Celebration, a Gateway Theatre community event on Oct. 5, 2025.
The afternoon includes lobby activities, a musical performance by Renee Fajardo at Minoru Chapel, and complimentary mooncakes from Anna’s Cake House.
The festival honours the harvest moon as a symbol of peace, prosperity, and togetherness, with lanterns and mooncakes marking the season.
When: Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025
Time: 2 p.m. (concert start)
Where: Gateway Theatre & Minoru Chapel, Richmond
Admission: $25 adults, $15 youth (includes fees), available to purchase online