Discover the best of the season with this Metro Vancouver Fall Events and Festivals Guide. Explore immersive visual experiences, bald eagle viewing, apple and cranberry harvesting, sunflower festivals, salmon spawning, cultural performances and so much more.
If you are interested in checking out the Vancouver International Film Festival this year, tickets are on sale now. Don’t miss the special presentations announced August 10, including several Canadian stories such as, Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe. See more information below.
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 updated 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.
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Vancouver Fall Events and Festivals
Nature’s Ninjas: Defenses of the Animal Kingdom at the Vancouver Aquarium – ends September 4, 2023
Don’t miss this incredible experience to get up close and personal to learn about the defense mechanisms of some of the most interesting animals at the Aquarium. See a hedgehog, tarantula, sloth and more. This special exhibit ends soon. Find out more about tickets.
Tarantula at the Nature’s Ninjas- Defenses of the Animal Kingdom at the Vancouver Aquarium. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Nature’s Ninjas – Defenses of the Animal Kingdom at the Vancouver Aquarium Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Armordilla at the Nature’s Ninjas- Defenses of the Animal Kingdom at the Vancouver Aquarium. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Festival of Electrification – Full Charged LIVE Canada Home Energy and Electric Vehicle Show – September 8-10, 2023
Don’t miss a chance to find out what’s new and upcoming for electrification, renewable energy and clean technologies for consumers and businesses. Full Charged LIVE Canada will offer more than 50 informative sessions with inspiring experts from around the world. The show states that it is the only live experiential event dedicated purely to electric vehicles and home energy.
EV’s are not the only subject. Learn about everything from e-bikes to micro-mobility, transit, commercial vehicles, marine vessels and even airplanes. Take a look at charging options, mobility planning and various related products and services.
This informative festival is only landing in six location across the globe, with two being in North America. Learn more and buy tickets.
Fringe Festival – September 7 -17, 2023
The Fringe Festival is the largest alternative theatre event of its kind in BC. The festival has been running since 1985 and features more than 700 performances. There are performances showcase a variety of theatrical styles and there is something for everyone, from comedy, drama, dance and more.
Admission: Tickets will be available starting August 21 in advance online. Location: Granville Island and beyond, Vancouver
Clementine at the Garden at VanDusen Gardens– September 9, 2023
Family-friendly folk concert by Chorus & Clouds, sing along, nature inspired activities, and arts and crafts with Clementine and friends. The main event takes place on the Great Lawn and then enjoy the 55-arce VanDusen Botanical Gardens. Advanced tickets advised. Limited tickets sold at the gate.
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
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.
American Crown Circus and Circo Osorio – various dates in September and October, 2023
The Flying Circus is coming to Aberdeen Mall in Kamloops (August 24 – 28), Sevenoaks Shopping Centre in Abbotsford (September 7 – 11, 2023), Guildford Town Centre in Surrey (September 14 – 18, 2023) and Tsawwassen Mills in Tsawwassen (September 21 – 24, 2023).
Feel the excitement under the big top with African acrobats, high flying flyers and much more.
Buy tickets here.
Fintastic Fall Days at the Vancouver Aquarium – Pending
Activities: Check out the new Spooky Wet Lab, new animal encounters with; rainbow boa, boa constrictor, Brazilian tarantula, and hissing cockroaches. There also new is the bat talks, hagfish feeding, wolf eel feed and ghost nets. The maze is back and perfect for little ones.
Here is our vide0 from last year’s fintastic visit.
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.
Hours: Open all year. Pending for special spooky encounters and for new 4-D Experience® Splash and Bubbles – Pending
Location: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, in Stanley Park.
Email: https://www.vanaqua.org/contact
Website: www.vanaqua.org/fall-days
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
Celebrate fall’s apple harvest. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Harvest Haus – September 29 and 30, 2023
Come for an Octoberfest celebration of European fall harvest at the 8th annual Harvest Haus.
Activities: Traditional German Octoberfest food and entertainment with more than 16 beer vendors featuring seasonal local craft brew along with European offerings. Wine and other spirits available.
Admission: Register for presale access Buy tickets. Location: PNE Forum, Vancouver
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.
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. Find tickets here.
Monster Jam is coming to Vancouver. This is Bakugan Dragonoid. Courtesy Photo.
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.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas – November 4 – 18, 2023
This musical performance of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a beloved holiday favouite. See this classic tale about the mean Mr. Grinch’s determination to ruin Christmas in Whoville. Buy tickets.
Location: Centre for Performing Arts, 777 Homer Street, Vancouver
Disney on Ice – Frozen and Encanto November 22 – 26, 2023
Disney magic comes to the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver this fall with the beloved characters from Frozen and Encanto. Hosted my Mickey and Minnie follow the adventures of Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven. Then visit the enchanted Madrigal family’s home in Colombia where Mirabel is on a crusade to save her sisters, Luisa and Isabela.
The pre-show Character Experience add on provides interactive time with Elsa and Mirabel. photo opportunities, crafts, and more. Find tickets.
Disney on Ice – Frozen and Encanto will be a popular November Event in Vancouver. Courtesy Photo.
Chutzpah Festival – November 2-23, 2023
The Chutzpah Festival provides an array of entertainment performed by Canadian artists from across Canada. Choose from concerts, new dance works, comedy, theatre, film, and storytelling, with opportunities to interact with creative artists.
Performances are held at the Norman and Annette Rothstein Theatre.
Circle Craft Christmas Market – November 8-12, 2023
The Circle Craft Christmas Market has been a tradition in Vancouver since 1972. It is Western Canada’s largest craft market.
Held at the Vancouver Convention Centre, the market features over 300 Canadian artisans and craftspeople.
Find out more about the market and to book tickets or buy onsite.
East Van Panto: Beauty and the Beast – November 22, 2023 – January 07, 2024
East Van Panto has become a holiday favourite. Belle takes the audience on a hilarious adventure through East Van neighbourhoods. Bell meets the Beast in an enchanted specialty grocery store where she is imprisoned.
The performances will be at the York Theatre and offered online. Buy tickets here.
Eastside Culture Crawl – November 16-19, 2023
The Eastside Culture Crawl, a festival of visual arts, design and crafts, celebrates its 27th anniversary in 2023.
Find out more about the Eastside Culture Crawl.
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.
Lumière – Returning November 2023 – select installations available until February 2024
Lumière is an incredible series of interactive light displays at several locations in Vancouver’s West End, Downtown and Granville Island. This is the 9th year the event has provided Vancouver with an exceptional visual experience.
Activities: There are numerous stunning art and interactive light displays at several Vancouver locations.
Admission: Free for all to enjoy.
Hours: Returning November 2023. Some installation will stay until February 2024. The displays are best viewed after sunset. Locations: TBA
North Vancouver and West Vancouver Festivals and Events
Shipyards Festival – September 23, 2023 – Noon – 10 pm
Come enjoy the car free sights, sounds and tastes of the North Vancouver Shipyards Festival, an event for the whole family
Seaspan Family Zone, located in the Pipe Shop is a family-friendly zone will lots of fun activities: bounce houses, face painting, glitter tattoos, arts and crafts and performances by Katie Brock and juggler Mike Battie.
- The Commons Stage: SonReal (JUNO Nominated singer, songwriter), Sol, Garret T. Willie, Noxious Obs Society, Lady Sinncere, Eagle Ex Machina, Raw Honey, Emilyn, and Cate Bateman
- Shipbuilders Square Stage: Miina, Run Garner, Michaela Slinger, Norine Braun, Ayla Tesler-Mabé, DM Elektrik Co., Ruthie Ha, and Clara Sanchez
- Car Free Day Stage: Tourist Company, Devours, Project Vancity, Adam Mah, Dani Camacho, Glisha, Logan & Nathan, and more to be announced.
- Seaspan Family Stage: Katie Brock and Mike Battie
- Burrard Dry Dock: Kiérah and Sweetpan
- Cates Deck: Etienne Siew, Jessica Benini, Silent St. J, Joe Abbott, and Francis Baptiste
Vancouver Cheese and Meat Artisan Food and Beverage Festival – November 4, 2023
A showcase of artisan cheeses and meats from the Pacific Northwest, along with liquor samples. Participants are given a small charcuterie board to try the samples described by the vendors.
There are three tasting times offered 11 am, 3 pm, 7 pm or a full pass to all. Buy tickets.
Festival takes place at the historic Pipe Shop, 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver.
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.
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 am – 3 pm on Sundays at Ambleside Park located at the foot of 13th Street.
New Westminster Fall Festivals and Events
New Westminster Cultural Crawl – Oct 13 and 15, 2023
The New Westminster Culture Crawl celebrates its 20th festival of visual arts, design and crafts that is showcased across the Royal City.
Hidden Wonders Speakeasy Magic Experience – every week through December 17, 2023
Two-time world champion of magic Shawn Farquhar will perform his intimate slight 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 Fall 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.
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.
Coquitlam Fall Festivals and 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 Fall Festivals and Events
Filipino Festival – September 23, 2023
Celebrate the Philippines. Enjoy live performances, dance, music, an ocean-inspired expressive arts with Filipino-Canadian artist Paulina Constancia, Tagalog and English storytelling and more. This event is held at the Surrey Museum.
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.
Bear Creek Park Lights – November 3-17, 2023
Bear Creek Park Lights offers a safe, fun family-friendly evening event.
Journey through half-kilometre trails of the park gardens to be dazzled by a series of illuminated natural landscapes and whimsical light displays.
The display runs from November 3 – 17, from 4:30 – 9:30 pm. The event is closed on November 11 for Remembrance Day.
Tickets must be booked in advance. Tickets are free for this event. There are 80 tickets for each booking time. Entry times are available every 30 minutes.
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 Fall Festivals and Events
Celebrate the Night – Festival of Lights – pending – last year it was held on 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 Fall Festivals and Events
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
Harvesting cranberries 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
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
Abbotsford Fall Festivals and Events
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
email: info@tavesfamilyfarms.com
Phone: 604-853-3108
Maan Farms Fall Festival opens September 17, 2023
Activities: Celebrate family fun at the 11th annual Fall Festival on the Maan Farm. 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©
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Maan Farms Fall Festival Fun
Maan Farms Fall Festival Fun
Maan Farms Fall Festival Pumpkin Patch fun. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Chilliwack Fall Festivals and Events
Chilliwack Brewhalla Music and Beer Festival – October 7, 2023
Come to the festival for tastings available of more than 30+ beers, food trucks and music from local performers. Buy tickets here.
Harrison Hot Springs Fall Festivals and Events
Harrison Sunflower Festival – August 22 until the middle of September 2023
The new Harrison Sunflower Festival is tentatively scheduled to open on Aug. 22 this year. The exact opening date is dependent on bloom stage, but you can follow @harrisonsunflowerfest for updates.
Attendees can expect to photo-bomb their social-media feeds while exploring three kilometres of pathways through 20 acres of beautiful backdrops, including 45 varieties of sunflowers, other summer flowers, and a large field of barley. Other photo opportunities to capture include several swing sets, antique tractors and horse carts, vintage bicycles, a 1950’s convertible, a 1965 Airstream trailer, and raised platforms that make it easy to stage your own family or group portrait.A u-pick field with five varieties of sunflowers will be also open, so guests can curate their own colourful bouquets to take home. The field-side Farm Store will be selling fresh-cut sunflowers, sunflower seeds, home grown bulbs (tulips and daffodils), souvenirs, ice cream, snacks, cold drinks and local garlic for sale. In addition, a local food truck will be on site daily. Read more here.
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 Fall Festivals and 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.
Brackendale Fall Fair – September 8 and 9, 2023
Celebrating 25 years, the Brackendale Fall Fair is a great family event. It offers food, music, hay rides, farm animals, 80 vendors with local produce and handmade artisan goods and more.
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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Great festival list Wendy. A friend and I are trying to break out of our Covid isolation, and this highlights some good opportunities, thanks!
Thanks Margaret! There certainly are some interesting events to check out. Enjoy exploring.