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. Halloween may fall at the end of the month, but there are exciting events and activities (both indoor and outdoor) all month long to get in the festive spirit. Don’t forget to check our calendar often. We add new events daily to keep you and your family in the know!
Happy October 🎃!
BC Culture Days | September 18 – October 4, 2026
Free: Culture Days raise awareness and accessibility to arts and culture in and around communities across Canada. This annual festival offers free and low-cost workshops, performances, and demonstrations at various locations in each Metro Vancouver city. Some events require advance registration.
Halloween Pumpkin Train & Halloween Scream Train | October 1 – 31, 2026
The train at Bear Creek Park is ready to welcome visitors for Halloween this year! Choose from two different options to suit your family’s level of ‘scare’: The Pumpkin Train runs during the day and includes a ride through a decorated forest, a treat, and a pumpkin. If you’re looking for a more terrifying option, try the Scream Train, which runs after dark, complete with terrifying actors and jump scares. Best for ages 12+
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!
Movie Nights with the VSO | October 2, 3, 30, 2026
Watch your favourite holiday movies on the big screen with the incredible Vancouver Symphony Orchestra playing the musical scores live! This month, catch Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert.
FREE Metro Vancouver Eco-Adventures | Beginning October 3, 2026
Free: 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!
New West Cultural Crawl | October 3 & 4, 2026
Free: The New West Cultural Crawl returns to New Westminster with a weekend of art exhibitions, open studios, interactive workshops, artist talks, and creative events. Explore the city’s vibrant arts community and discover free family-friendly activities at locations throughout New West.
Cranberry Festival | October 10, 2026
Free: The Cranberry Festival returns to historic Fort Langley for its 28th year. 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!
Yupi! Latin American Arts Family Festival | October 16 – 18
Get ready for a weekend full of music, movement, and colour! The Yupi! Latin American Arts Family Festival is taking over Presentation House Theatre this October. Explore the richness of Latin American culture with incredible performances, hands-on workshops, and creative activities for the whole family.
Apple Festival at UBC | October 17 & 18, 2026
A family event for all ages, the UBC Apple Festival celebrates one of British Columbia’s favourite fruits. 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!
Monsters, Machines and Mischief at Britannia Mine Museum | October 17 & 18, 24 & 25, 2026
Info coming soon.
Celebrate the Night | October 24, 2026
Free: One of Maple Ridge’s most beloved community events is back this year! On October 24, head down to ACT Arts Centre to celebrate with fireworks, light installations, crafts, games, interactive activities, live music, and more!
Salmon Come Home Festival | October 25, 2026
Welcome spawning salmon back to local rivers with this family-friendly celebration. There will be self-guided activities along the river, as well as a costume parade, crafts, live music and food trucks.
Halloween Bash at Central City | October 31, 2026
Info coming soon.
Moo or Boo at EcoFarm | October 31, 2026
It’s a spooky day at Moo or Boo at EcoFarm! The Discovery Centre is hosting a family-fun afternoon featuring barn tours, farm-fresh snacks, a petting zoo, and more. Pre-purchase your tickets online to secure your frightfully fun experience.
{Coming October 1st!} 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, we’ve 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.
The Best Pumpkin Patches in Metro Vancouver
There’s 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 Wait… There’s More!
Love seeing the Family Fun Events in Vancouver in October, but want MORE? Keep tabs on everything happening in #YVR with our calendar, and stay tuned to all the best local family events through our Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!
Did you know you can submit your family-friendly event to us? Fill out the form with your event details, and we’ll do our best to get your event added to our busy events calendar.
And don’t forget to sign up for our e-newsletter.
