Looking for the best October events in Vancouver in 2026? October brings brilliant fall colour, harvest celebrations, Thanksgiving events, cultural festivals, food and drink experiences, pumpkin patches and plenty of Halloween fun to Vancouver and the surrounding region.
Our guide to the best things to do in Vancouver this October includes events and activities in Vancouver, the North Shore, Burnaby, Richmond, New Westminster, Surrey, Langley, the Fraser Valley and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a fall festival, a family outing, a special cultural event or something spooky for Halloween, there is plenty happening throughout October.
If we have left off your favourite event, let us know in the comments below. Looking for the best fall colours? Check out: 12 places to see fall colours in Vancouver and 5 road trips to see the best fall colours in BC, and one bonus adventure
Plan ahead and save money. Look for early bird discount codes for some events – check out our 2026 Guide best pumpkin patches and corn mazes in Metro Vancouver, Haunted Halloween Guide for Metro Vancouver, and the 2026 guide for Vancouver Christmas events, holiday light displays and markets.
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VanDusen Botanical Gardens Harvest Days – weekends from end of September to the middle of October
Celebrate the beautiful fall colours at VanDusen Botanical Gardens with an autumn stroll during Harvest Days. There are great activities and photo opportunities for the entire family. Enjoy live entertainment, a fall-inspired craft section for kids and a scarecrow-themed hedge maze. Tasty treats are available for purchase from vendors.
Coming in November: Cirque du Soleil LUZIA – November 4 to December 13, 2026
Plan ahead for Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA – A Waking Dream of Mexico, coming to Vancouver under the Big Top at Concord Pacific Place from November 4 to December 13, 2026. Tickets are already on sale, so book early for the best choice of dates and seats.
LUZIA takes audiences on a colourful journey through an imaginary Mexico, blending spectacular acrobatics with music, elaborate costumes and striking visual effects inspired by the country’s landscapes and culture. One of the show’s most remarkable features is its use of water during live acrobatic performances — a first for a touring Cirque du Soleil production.
Location: Concord Pacific Place, 88 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
. Tickets must be purchased in advance online.
Vancouver International Film Festival September 24–October 4, 2026
The Vancouver International Film Festival brings films from Canada and around the world to screens across the city, along with talks and special events. This year’s expanded VIFF Live program combines cinema, music and live performance, while filmmaker Sophy Romvari serves as guest curator of the Leading Lights program. Festival passes and ticket packs are already on sale, and popular screenings and special performances can sell out.
Culture Days September 18–October 4, 2026
Culture Days brings free arts and cultural experiences to communities across British Columbia. Look for performances, exhibitions, workshops and opportunities to meet artists throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
For a complete list of what’s happening during the first month of fall, see our guide to September events in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
Uncover a Dark Truth – Murder Mystery Dinner Experience – until-December 19, 2026
Don’t miss this entertaining, immersive, and interactive event. In collaboration with Netflix, Secret City presents a one-of-a-kind murder
mystery dinner experience launching for the first time in Vancouver, Canada. The Perfect Bite, A Dinner Experience Inspired by Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery takes a bite out of the captivating and thrilling universe of the Knives Out film series. This immersive and interactive event will have guests on the edge of their seats as they dine together and work to uncover a dark truth.
Harvest Haus – October 2-3, 2026
Come for an Octoberfest celebration of the European fall harvest at the 9th annual Harvest Haus.
Activities: Traditional German Octoberfest food and entertainment with more than 16 beer vendors featuring seasonal local craft brews and European offerings. Wine and other spirits are available.
Admission: Register for presale access Buy tickets. Location: PNE Forum, Vancouver
ISU Short Track World Tour – October 24–25, 2026
The world’s fastest short track speed skaters return to Vancouver for the ISU Short Track World Tour, the first international short track competition at the Pacific Coliseum since the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Expect two days of high-speed racing, daring passes and intense competition as top skaters from Canada and around the world battle for points toward the Crystal Globe. For anyone who hasn’t experienced short track live, the speed and excitement make this one to watch. Ticket presale.
Dracula A Comedy of Terrors – October 22 to November 15, 2026
Just in time for Halloween, Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors brings a hilarious twist on Bram Stoker’s gothic classic to the Arts Club Theatre Company. This fast-paced farce turns the familiar tale upside down, with a cowardly hero, an adventure-seeking heroine and a very different Count Dracula. Expect plenty of laughs, theatrical mayhem and vampire fun in this playful take on the legendary story.
Location: Lindsay Family Stage at Granville Island, Vancouver
Fin-tastic Fall Days at the Vancouver Aquarium – September 27-October 31, 2026
Activities: Check out the hands-on Shipwreck Wet Lab, meet the newly rescued sea otter pup and other incredible rescued marine mammals. Discover small fish with big appetites and learn the wild secrets of bats at our seasonal Hagfish Feeds and Bat Talks. Immerse yourself in the hidden world of bugs and more in a new 4D movie.
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
Here is our video from last year’s Fin-tastic Fall visit.
Fintastic Fall Days at the Vancouver Aquarium
Fintastic Fall Days at the Vancouver Aquarium
Apple Festival – UBC Botanical Garden – Dates coming soon last year – October 19-20
This is the 33rd 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, a food and craft fair, entertainment, and a display of nearly 200 types of apples grown in BC. For an additional fee, you can taste a variety of heritage and new apples in the tasting tent. Tickets provide access to the UBC Botanical Gardens and Greenheart TreeWalk. Download a map.
Admission: $7 for the early bird and $10 for 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.
Location: UBC Botanical Garden, 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC.
Haunted Cellar Afternoon Tea – September 26 to November 1, 2026
This fall, elegance takes a haunting turn with Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s Haunted Cellar Afternoon Tea. Beneath the hotel’s storied walls, guests are welcomed into a gothic-inspired setting of flickering candlelight and supernatural touches. The menu features savoury bites like a sausage roll with beet ketchup, tuna tartare with pine nuts and “black magic” aioli, and an autumn fig tart with caramelized onions, rosemary, and brie. Sweet creations include the decadent “Midnight Burial” milk chocolate mousse with bitter brownie and cherries, a New York cheesecake with raspberry gel and spooky garnish, and the whimsical “Bewitched” caramel pecan cupcake topped with a witch’s hat. A chillingly delightful twist on a timeless tradition.
Fright Nights at Playland Oct 7-31, 2026
The Fright Nights experience is back at Playland this fall. There are eight haunted houses, 15+ thrill rides, haunting characters, creepy décor, and live performances throughout the park. Look for mutant carnivores, terrifying monsters, and re-animated dolls. Check here for ride details.
Fright Night is recommended for people 13 years and older. See two videos on Instagram
Admission: Prices vary depending on the night and event. Early access includes an expedited line for park entry (beginning at 5 p.m. on select nights) and early access to three houses (The Void, Keepers Doll Factory, and Darkness) for an additional cost. Tickets sell out fast, and there is a daily cap on the number of tickets sold. Remember, guests are not allowed to wear costumes or face makeup.
Hours: Select nights from October 3-31, 2025. Wednesday to Saturday 6 pm-12 am, Sunday 6 pm-11 pm.
Warning! It is not recommended for children 12 and under, seniors 65+, people sensitive to strobe lighting or fog machines, people with high blood pressure or heart conditions, pregnant women, or people who are easily scared.
Location: East Hastings and Windermere Street at the Playland entrance, Vancouver, B.C.
Website: https://frightnights.ca/
A Series of Concerts by Candlelight until December 31, 2026
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.
Disney On Ice presents Jump In! November 25–29, 2026
More than 50 Disney characters take to the ice at the Pacific Coliseum, including new appearances by Anxiety from Inside Out 2 and characters from Moana 2. Expect world-class skating, aerial acrobatics, special effects and favourite Disney songs, plus Olaf’s Festive Sing-Along Preshow included with admission. Pre-Sale Code: PR6FDX good until September 7. www.ticketleader.ca
Coming in November: Cirque du Soleil LUZIA – November 4 to December 13, 2026
Plan ahead for Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA – A Waking Dream of Mexico, coming to Vancouver under the Big Top at Concord Pacific Place from November 4 to December 13, 2026. Tickets are already on sale, so book early for the best choice of dates and seats.
LUZIA takes audiences on a colourful journey through an imaginary Mexico, blending spectacular acrobatics with music, elaborate costumes and striking visual effects inspired by the country’s landscapes and culture. One of the show’s most remarkable features is its use of water during live acrobatic performances — a first for a touring Cirque du Soleil production.
Location: Concord Pacific Place, 88 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
. Tickets must be purchased in advance online.
Burnaby Events
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.
Canyon Frights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – October 9 – November 1, 2026
Get into the Halloween spirit at Canyon Frights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, when the North Vancouver attraction transforms into a spooky woodland filled with glowing pumpkins, eerie lights and family-friendly surprises.
Follow the darkened trails past graveyards, giant spiders and creepy crawlies, spot watchful owls at Treetops Adventure and discover glowing mushrooms along the pond pathways. Returning skeletal displays are joined by new surprises, while seasonal food and drinks add to the Halloween fun.
New Westminster October Events
Haunted Walking Tour of New Westminster
Activities: Join Ghostly Vancouver Tours for their Ghostly New West Walking Tour and spooky storytelling of lingering spirits in Downtown New Westminister. They say they do not fabricate ghost stories; all haunted stops are researched through archives and interviews. This adult-oriented event is for ages 12 and up. Check out all four tours offered: Ghostly Downtown, Ghostly West End Stories, Ghostly Gastown and New West.
Admission: $29 – Adults.
Hours: Weekly on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm
Hidden Wonders Speakeasy Magic Experience – every week through December 2026
Two-time world champion of magic Shawn Farquhar will perform his intimate sleight-of-hand trickery at a secret location in historic downtown New Westminster. Farquhar has appeared on Ellen, Masters of Illusion and Fool Us. Only ticket holders will be given the exact location. Book tickets.
Richmond and Delta October Festivals and Events
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. Before heading out, check road conditions to Westham Island.
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
Spooktacular Halloween Market – October 24, 2026
Activities: There are 60 vendors, free kids activities, food trucks, costumed characters, photo ops and more.
Admission: Admission by donation to Surrey Hospitals Foundation
Location: 6050 176th Street, Cloverdale.
Maple Ridge October Events
Celebrate the Night – Festival of Lights – October 24, 2026
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.
Langley October Festivals and Events
The Bog Riverside Cranberry Farm – Late September – October, 2026
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
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
Abbotsford October Events
Abbotsford Farm and Country Market – Every Saturday, September – October 26th, 2026
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, Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze – 2026
Activities: Pumpkin Patch, U-Pick apples, slides, zipline, beehive 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. See the video from our visit.
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.
The Fall Experience – The Corn Maze opens arounf September 13, 2026and the Pumpkin Patch until October 31, 2026. Check to see which activities are available.
Location: 333 Gladwin Rd, Abbotsford, BC
Website: https://www.tavesfamilyfarms.com/rates/
Taves Family Farms Pumpkin Patch adventures in Abbotsford. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Maan Farms Fall Festival – Forest Pumpkin Patch and Enchanted Corn Maze – September 13 – November 2, 2026
(about an hour from Vancouver)
Maan Farms keeps getting better and better every year. The newest addition to the Forest Pumpkin Patch is a life-size pumpkin-shaped house, towering at 10 feet tall. Carrying over from Spring at the Farm, the whimsical mushroom house, butterfly house, bee house, and pumpkin hut will be returning, surrounded by a river of heirloom pumpkins. Visit furry friends and 11 fun farm attractions in the Barnyard Adventureland, make your way through the Daytime Corn Maze and create magical memories. And don’t forget the tasty treats.
We tasted the Butter Chicken Naan Tacos, Double Pumpkin SpiceCream, and Pumpkin Spice Mini Donuts, which were all delicious.
Location: 790 McKenzie Road, Abbotsford, BC.Website: https://www.maanfarms.com
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
Chilliwack October Events
Greendale Acres Fall Festival: Family Fun, Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze
(about an hour from Vancouver)
The Greendale Acres Fall Festival kicks off right after the Labour Day long weekend, starting on Sept. 6 with First Responder Day. For the next two months, families can celebrate the season with themed events, including:
• Apple Days – Sept. 13–14
• Fairytale & Superhero Day – Sept. 20
• Pumpkin Patch Kickoff – Sept. 27–28
• Grandparents’ Days – Sept. 29 & Oct. 24
• Princess Day in the Pumpkin Patch – Oct. 4
• Thanksgiving on the Farm – Oct. 11–13
• Grand Halloween Parade – Oct. 31
Family-Friendly Activities at Greendale Acres
Alongside these special events, guests can enjoy Greendale Acres’ signature fall attractions every day of the festival. Popular highlights include the bee-themed Corn Maze, the Greendale Express Train, and the Pumpkin Patch and Pyramid, all perfect for making autumn memories. Families can also relax in designated picnic areas while the kids explore:
Jumping Pillow, Adventure Course, Ball Zone, Bubble Bar, Pedal Cart Track, Hay Bale Maze, Animal Displays, Farm Carousel
Location: 41905 Yale Road West, Chilliwack, BC, Exit 109 off Hwy 1
Website: http://chilliwackcornmaze.com/
Harrison Hot Springs October Festivals and Events
Harrison Sunflower Festival – Closed
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.
BAT-to-the-Bone Fang-tastic Halloween – October 19, 20, 26 & 27, 2026 – to be confirmed
(about an hour from Vancouver)
Activities: A special Halloween underground tour.
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.
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About the Author:
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
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