Metro Vancouver is truly spectacular in the Fall! The leaves have changed, the air is crisp, and there is still a nice balance of sun and rain as we transition into the darker months ahead. Pumpkin spice everything is in full swing, and (most of us) have settled into the routines of another school year. October is host to some significant and important cultural events, including the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival (October 6), Diwali (October 20), and, of course, Halloween (October 31). With so many important events happening, you can bet there will be LOTS going on this month!
Don’t forget to check our calendar often. We add new events daily to keep you and your family in the know!
Happy October š„®š«š
BC Culture DaysĀ | September 20 ā October 13
Culture days raise awareness and accessibility to arts and culture in and around communities across Canada. This annual festival offers free and cheap workshops, performances, and demonstrations at various locations in each Metro Vancouver city. Some events require advanced registration.
FEATURED: Pumpkins After Dark | October 3 – 31
Pumpkin carving is a beloved part of every Halloween and Pumpkins After Dark takes this tradition to the next level! Get ready to be wowed by 10,000+ hand-carved pumpkins arranged in stunning sculptural displays throughout Swangard Stadium and Central Park. Pumpkins After Dark is an outdoor, walk-through experience that utilizes special effects, lighting, music, and sound to bring each installation to life.
Mid-Autumn Moon Festival Family Day | October 4
The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is a joyous celebration of people coming together, parades, lanterns and delicious mooncakes! Bring the whole family to learn about the customs and traditions celebrated during this festival.
New West Culture Crawl | October 4 – 6
Free workshops, artist talks, and creative events abound during the New West Culture Crawl! Whether your family is interested in poetry, clay making, or creating your own work of art, there are some exciting events suited for all.
FREE Metro Vancouver Eco-Adventures | Beginning October 4
Did you know you can explore popular Metro Vancouver parks, learn new information about the local areas and wildlife from educational guides for FREE? Metro Vancouver parks host exciting events throughout the year for families to find out more about nature and the environment around them. This month, find exciting holiday-themed activities, as well as the popular Derby Reach Park Day!
FEATURED: Mid-Autumn Festival at Gateway Theatre | October 5
Gateway TheatreĀ is celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with a plethora of family activities. The afternoon starts with a captivating live performance by talented singer, Renee Fajardo, at the Minoru Chapel. Then, head next door to Gateway Theatreās lobby to make your very own lantern and enjoy complimentary mooncakes. Connect with your family and community over shared interests and let your creative side shine. This is an afternoon your family wonāt forget, and the perfect way to usher in Fall.
Diwali Surrey Festival | October 5
Celebrate the Festival of Light in person at Surrey City Hall with live performances and activities for kids. This is the annual celebration of Diwali Fest, and attendees are invited to be part of the festivities by wearing their sparkling attire.
Cranberry FestivalĀ | October 11
The Cranberry Festival returns to historic Fort Langley for its 28th year.Ā Stock up on your Thanksgiving cranberries, table decorations, and all things Fall. It’s a fun family event that will give you all the Fall Vibes!
Apple Festival at UBC | October 18 & 19
A family event for all ages, the UBC Apple Festival celebrates one of British Columbiaās favourite fruits.Ā From children learning about the diversity of apples to those who remember tasting heritage apples in their youth, the Apple Festival is a great opportunity to discover more about this delicious fruit and have a lot of fun doing it!
Movie Nights with the VSO “Hocus Pocus“ | October 24 & 25
Watch your favourite holiday movies on the big screen with the incredible Vancouver Symphony Orchestra playing the musical scores live! This month is the iconic (and family-friendly) Hocus Pocus.
Vancouver Toy & Comic Show | October 25 & 26
With over 200 display tables, the Vancouver Comic & Toy Show is a massive enterprise. Here you will see vintage and hard-to-find collectibles, as well as live performances and appearances by some of your favourite characters.
Harvest Days at VanDusen | Saturdays & Sundays in October
Stroll leisurely and see the Fall foliage out in full force. Visit the vegetable garden and maze area transformed with activities and entertainment, tasty treats, and a fun photo area!
Halloween Events in Metro Vancouver
We’re heading into spooky season and Metro Vancouver does not disappoint with a variety of Halloween events and activities for all ages. Whether you’re a scaredy cat or a thrill-seeker, there are events for every level of fear! Check out our Halloween Guide for some of the best Halloween activities happening this month, or follow our Halloween category to see new events added each day. For more information, click here.
It’s CORN! Where to Find the BEST Corn Mazes
Cozy season is here! The days are getting cooler, sweaters are necessary in the morning and evening, and you may find yourself looking for a corn maze or apple field to visit on the weekends. If this is your first time visiting a corn maze, weāve rounded up some tips for success and included a list of some of the best corn mazes around Metro Vancouver for all levels of adventurers. For more information, click here.
Ā The Best Pumpkin Patches in Metro Vancouver
Thereās nothing better than Fall days spent picking pumpkins, winding through corn fields, saying hello to the animals, and sipping warm apple cider. Fortunately, there are oodles of options across Metro Vancouver to check out. For more information, click here.
Lessons for Kids
It’s not too late to register your child in great programs for Fall! Maybe you have noticed they need a bit more physical activity, or maybe a summer camp sparked an interest in a new hobby; many Fall classes are just getting started and will welcome new students. Full for Fall? Check out our top classes and make a plan to register for Winter! For more information, click here.
But Waitā¦ Thereās More!
For a complete listing of all the best events around Vancouver, click on our Calendar,Ā and stay tuned to all the best local family events through our Facebook, InstagramĀ and Tik Tok pages. Or, get important information and deals delivered directly to your inbox by signing up for our e-newsletter.
Did you know you can submit your family-friendly event to us? Fill out theĀ form with your event details, and weāll do our best to get your event added to our events calendar.
