Best October events in Vancouver and nearby

Celebrate the best October events in Vancouver. A favourite time of the year for many as autumn leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and yellow, and days become cooler, October lends itself to an array of fun-filled harvest activities. There are interesting culinary offerings, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, cultural performances, and so much more.

If we have left off your favourite event, let us know in the comments below.

Plan ahead and save money. Look for early bird discount codes for some events – check out our 2023 Guide best pumpkin patches and corn mazes in Metro Vancouver, 2023 Haunted Halloween Guide for Metro Vancouver, and the 2023 guide for Vancouver Christmas events, holiday light displays and markets.

Subscribe below to be alerted to the next article as soon as it is published. We pride ourselves in writing informative articles with interesting facts. Please leave any comments, questions or suggestions below.

Search for accommodation in for your next getaway by using Booking.Com and any commissions earned will help keep this website running.

Little Shop of Horrors – September 7 – October 8, 2023

The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage presents, The Little Shop of Horrors, is a sci-fi, 60s-inspired musical, comedy thriller. Follow the antics of a nerdy shop assistant who discovers a highly unusual human blood craving plant in the little flower shop. Buy tickets.

Vancouver International Film Festival – September 28 – October 8, 2023

Celebrating its 43nd year, VIFF is one of North America’s largest film festivals. The festival will present about 120 features and 100 short films. Buy tickets online. Tickets are now on sale for two VIFF Live events, and VIFF+ Members can purchase festival ticket packs starting today. Ticket packs go on sale to the general public on August 17.

Eight special presentations announced August 10, including many Canadian stories: Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe by Robert McCallum, Swan Song by Chelsea McMullan, an inside look at the National Ballet of Canada’s 2022 production of Swan Lake directed and staged by the legendary Karen Kain; and Seven Veils by Atom Egoyan, a psychodrama about a young theatre director forced to re-examine her own trauma while working on a remount of Salome.

Stage Fright 2 – Murder at the Disco – September 28-October 28, 2023

The highly popular interactive whodunnit murder mystery comedy is back at the Improve Centre on Granville Island. Set in 1977, the ‘Diamond Disco’ is ready for everyone to boogie to the max to win a major cash prize…but for one of these disco dancers, it’ll be their last. Inspired by audience suggestions, the performance will be full of hilarious hijinks and it’ll be up to one lucky audience member to solve the Murder at the Disco.

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm from September 29 to October 28, with a special opening night performance on Thursday, September 28 at 7:30 pm. Buy tickets.

Location: The Improv Centre, Granville Island

Fintastic Fall Days at the Vancouver Aquarium – October 1- 31, 2023

Activities: Check out the new Spooky Wet Lab, new animal encounters with; rainbow boa, boa constrictor, Brazilian tarantula, and hissing cockroaches. There also a new limited time, Splash and Bubbles 4-D Experience®

Get a taste of fall with seasonal inspired food and treats for a limited time only – BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, Fall Mac + Cheese , Sweet Potato Poutine, Seafood Chowder, Assorted Aquatic Fall Themed Sugar Cookies , Hot Apple Cider, Pumpkin Spiced Latte’s and BBQ Pulled Pork Poutine. 

Location: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, in Stanley Park.
Website: www.vanaqua.org/fall-days

Fintastic Fall Days at the Vancouver Aquarium

Fintastic Fall Days at the Vancouver Aquarium

BC Culture Days September – October 16, 2023

BC Culture Days is a three week celebration of culture, heritage and arts in communities around BC.

With more than 100 events to choose from in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley discover pop-up Flamenco, free dance and music performances, DIY Donut Workshop, art sessions, storytelling, walking tours and more. Find an event.

The Hansel and Gretel – An Immersive Cocktail Experience – October 4-29, 2023

This fun immersive cocktail experience is for ages 19+. The 90 minute adventure is centered around the Hansel and Gretel theme. There is wicked witch, an abandoned forest room and candy room where participants will solve riddles, create two cocktails and more.  Find out more.

Monster Jam – October 6 -8, 2023

Monster trucks galore descend upon the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver. Watch the battle to win a wide range of competitions, as 12,000-pound trucks rip through the dirt. See the legendary favourites, Grave Digger®, Max-D™, Megalodon® and more. Don’t miss the Pitt Pass Party.  Find tickets here.

Monster Jam is coming to Vancouver. This is Bakugan Dragonoid. Courtesy Photo.

Apple Festival – UBC Botanical Garden – October 14-15, 2023

This is the 32nd year of the UBC Apple Festival at Botanical Gardens .

Activities: Apples and apple trees will be available to buy. There is a children’s area, food and craft fair, entertainment and a display all about the nearly 200 types of apples grown in BC. Taste varieties of heritage and new apples in the tasting tent for an additional fee. Tickets provide access to the UBC Botanical Gardens and Greenheart TreeWalk. Download a map.

Admission: $7 for the early bird and $10 regular. Tickets are only available online for the event and are limited for the best possible experience. Purchase an additional ticket for the Apple Tasting Tent. Early bird pricing is in effect until September 21. Everyone must have a ticket. Ages 7 and under are free.

Hours: 11 am-4 pm, October 14 & 15, 2023, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Our 32nd Year! Tasting Tent: 11:30 am-3:30 pm
Location: UBC Botanical Garden, 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC.
Email: garden.admissions@ubc.ca
Website: botanicalgarden.ubc.ca

Cirque du Soleil Kooza – October 21 – December 31, 2023

The Cirque du Soleil brings a new performance to Vancouver this season. Kooza is about the bizarre, exotic world of a clown called, The Innocent. The entertaining journey Under the Big Top at Concord Pacific place features the Wheel of Death, Skeleton Dance, double highwire acts and more to thrill any audience.

Admission: Tickets must be purchased in advance online.

A Series of Concerts by Candlelight until December 31, 2023

Enjoy a series of live concerts illuminated by candlelight in a variety of locations throughout Vancouver.

Find out more about this Concert by Candlelight and to book tickets.

North Vancouver and West Vancouver October Events

Ambleside Farmers Market – Now until the end of October

Shop the Ambleside Farmers Market for an assortment of BC Crafts, a variety of farm-fresh produce and delicious prepared foods.

The market is open from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sundays at Ambleside Park located at the foot of 13th Street.

Capilano Regional Park – Celebrate Salmon Season – mid-October through early November

Take a short hike at Capilano Regional Park to view salmon swimming up river to spawn. The Coho Look provides some of the best views. Walk through towering Douglas fir trees to cross two bridges to take in scenic views of the river.

The trail is a 1 km loop and starts near the Capilano Fish Hatchery. Download a map.

New Westminster October Events

New Westminster Culture Crawl – October 14 and 15, 2023

Celebrating 20 years, the New Westminster Cultural Crawl is a two-day visual art and cultural festival.  Talented local artists across the Royal City open their studios to showcase their work and creative process. Some events require advance ticketing. See schedule here.

Richmond and Delta October Festivals and Events

Richmond Night Market – Every weekend until October 9, 2023

The Richmond Night Market is the largest event of its kind in North America. Come experience the array of international foods, interesting characters and creative merchandise sold by many booths. There are more than 110 food booths along with food trucks offering more than 600 different foods, drinks and desserts.

Reifel Bird Sanctuary Lesser Snow Geese start arriving in October through mid-December

Visit the Reifel Bird Sanctuary, one of the top birding watching spots in North America, to see masses of white Lesser Snow Geese. In January 2021, the mid-winter count was 135,000.

Snow Geese like to sleep on the water and large dense flocks can often be seen in the marshes and rivers in the Sanctuary. Find out more.

Coquitlam October Events

Salmon Come Home Celebration – mid-October through early November

Celebrate the return of salmon to Coquitlam rivers. The prime time to see chum, chinook and coho salmon battle their way up the river to their spawning grounds is usually mid-October through early November.

There are eight viewing spots in Coquitlam, but one of the best is the Hoy Creek Linear Park. Download special free self-guided activities, scavenger hunt and map. Caution always watch out for bears. Know what to do if you encounter a bear.

Surrey October Festivals and Events

Brewhalla Cloverdale Music and Beer Festival – October 28, 2023

Come to the festival for tastings available of more than 30+ Breweries, Cideries, Wineries, Distilleries, and Non-Alcoholic Options, food trucks, games and music from local performers. Buy tickets here.

Spooktacular Halloween Market – October 21, 2023

Activities: There are 60 vendors, free kids activities, food trucks, costumed characters, photo ops and more.
Admission: Admission by donation to Surrey Hospitals Foundation
Hours: 10 am – 3 pm., October 21, 2023
Location: 6050 176th Street, Cloverdale.

Maple Ridge October Events

Celebrate the Night – Festival of Lights – October 20, 2023

Activities: Celebrating fall and Halloween. Family fun-filled activities include storytelling, pumpkins, crafts, games, food trucks and a fireworks finale.
Admission: Free
Hours: 6 pm – 8:00 pm. Fireworks at 8:00 pm.
Location: Memorial Peace Park, 11900 224 Street, Maple Ridge
Email: culture@mapleridge.ca
Phone: 604-467-7325.
Website: https://www.mapleridge.ca/1758/Celebrate-the-Night

Langley October Festivals and Events

Cranberry Festival at Fort Langley – October 7, 2023

The Cranberry Festival, with scarecrows on display at Fort Langley National Historic Site.

Discover the fascinating world of cranberry trade and how it shaped the Fort’s past

Location: Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada
Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/bc/langley/activ/calendrier-calendar

The Bog Riverside Cranberry Farm – Late September – October, 2023

Come experience the Cranberry Harvest and Farm Tour at Riverside Cranberry Farm.

Take the Harvest Walk around the perimeter of the cranberry field to watch active cranberry harvesting. On a self-guide audio tour to learn about cranberry farming and its history. There are lots of great photo opportunities. For an additional fee, take the cranberry plunge wading experience.

Remember to visit the farm to table store onsite to pickup fresh cranberries for Thanksgiving. The stage of harvest cannot be guaranteed for tour date purchased

Check for dates and tickets.

Harvesting cranberries can be found near Vancouver in September at the Bog Riverside Cranberry Farm in Langley

Harvesting cranberries at the Bog Riverside Cranberry Farm in Langley.

Harvesting cranberries at the Bog Riverside Cranberry Farm in Langley

Abbotsford October Events

Abbotsford Farm and Country Market – Every Saturday, September – October 28th, 2023

Pick up locally grown and produced products from Abbotsford farmers and artisans.  The market is Abbotsford’s longest running market. All vendors are vetted, meaning the market showcases the best on the area. Location: Jubilee Park,  2552 McCallum Road. 9 a.m. – Noon.

Taves Family Farms Applebarn, Fall Fun at the Farm – September 1, 2023 & Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze October 1, 2023

Taves Family Farms still remains our favourite fall pumpkin patch experience and we appreciate all the hand sanitizing stations.

Activities: Pumpkin Patch, U-Pick apples, slides, zipline, bee hive viewing, cider press demonstrations, petting barn, three corn mazes (Mystery Maze, Corn Quest Maze, and the kiddie maze), pedal carts, hay rides, playground, Jumping Pillow and Pumpkin Pillow, Bunny Town and Farmville. Pick up a locally-grown pumpkin.

The concession food is available on weekends and is delicious. Kids love the apple cider slushies and we tried the new Sweet Bubble Waffle Chocolate Brownie Explosion and savory Bubble Waffle with pulled pork. Both really hit the spot. Roasted corn on the cob and mini donuts are also a popular fall treat.

Check out our last visit to Taves Family Farms Applebarn.

Be sure to check out Taves Estate Cidery when you visit the farm. Remember to book a tasting. There are also cider based cocktail tasting flights .
Check admission rates here
Hours: The entire farm is open starting September 1, 2023. The Corn Maze opens September 10, 2023 and the Pumpkin Patch opens the last weekend in September until October 31, 2023. Check to see which activities are available.
Location: 333 Gladwin Rd, Abbotsford, BC

Taves Family Farms Pumpkin Patch adventures in Abbotsford. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Maan Farms Fall Festival opens September 17, 2023

Activities: Celebrate family fun at the 11th annual Fall Festival on the Maan Farms. The Barnyard Adventureland features a zip line, pedal kart track, giant tire crawl, play fortress, jumping pillow, and giant slides.

The Classic Pumpkin Patch includes the opportunity to take a photo in the Pumpkin House with a Princess. The four-acre poop-themed Corn Maze is an interactive daytime adventure of interesting facts. There is also an animal play area with goats and hay wagon rides.

The festive fall and Halloween inspired treats are popular and tasty. There apple juice pumpkins, wine-filled ‘blood’ bags at the Blood Bar, Mad Jack Pumpkin Spice wine and a Creepy Cloud Cocktail.

We tasted the Butter Chicken Naan Tacos, Double Pumpkin SpiceCream, Pumpkin Spice Mini Donuts, which were all delicious. Hours: Opens September 17 for the Fall at the Farm. Pumpkin Patch opens around September 24, 2023
Location: 790 McKenzie Road, Abbotsford, BC

See our guide to Metro Vancouver Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes

A visit to Maan Farms Fall Festival. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Wendy Nordvik-Carr (@wendynordvikcarr)

Chilliwack October Events

Brewhalla Music and Beer Festival – October 7, 2023

Come to the festival for tastings available of more than 30+ Breweries, Cideries, Wineries, Distilleries, and Non-Alcoholic Options, food trucks, games and music from local performers. Buy tickets here.

Harrison Hot Springs October Festivals and Events

Harrison Pumpkin Festival – September 29 – October 31, 2023

A tentative opening date of Sept. 29 has been set for a new autumn attraction at the farm — the Harrison Pumpkin Festival. Stay tuned for exciting details about this coming attraction.

Squamish October Events

Bald Eagle Viewing – Late October through February

Download a map of the best Bald Eagle viewing area. The Eagle Run viewing site, along the Squamish River, is open all year and the shelter has informational panels about eagles. Check here for the daily eagle counts.

Spooktacular Halloween at Britannia Mine Musuem – October 14 , 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29, 2023

Activities: Open the Cabinet of Curiosities for family-friendly chills and thrills with a special Halloween underground tour, the annual Halloween Science Show, a self carving pumpkin station and mystery mythical creature mapping. The Terra Lab is now the Terror Lab – enter at your own risk and open .

Hours: October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29, 2023

Location: Britannia Mine Museum, 150 Copper Drive, Britannia Beach, BC
Website: Britannia Mine Museum

Going to Squamish? Why not make a weekend of it and stay over so you can also check out the Squamish Craft Tasting Trail.

Search for accommodation ideas using Booking.Com and any commissions earned will go back to us to help keep this website running.

If you are planning a trip to explore some of the most incredible spots in Vancouver and the rest of BC, don’t miss our suggestions for experiences to last a lifetime below.

– Road Trip – Top things to do driving from Victoria to Pacific Rim National Park
– Top 10 scenic drives in Canada that will leave you in awe
– Discover 19 of the best waterfalls in British Columbia
– Top things to do along the Sea to Sky Highway
– Top 10 day trips from Vancouver you will want to explore