This is the time of year when we celebrate the leaves changing colour, everyone decking their houses out in spooky fashion and buying those ridiculously expensive costumes for that one special day of the year.
October is the best month in fall because it's not freezing yet, and you can still go outside and enjoy the crisp autumn air. I mean you can't really beat Vancouver's gorgeous scenery in fall, either.
In September most of us get bogged down with work, school starting back up again, or readjusting to real life as opposed to summer life. This month Vancouver has so many amazing festivals, events, parties and haunted houses that you seriously need to check out.
Okay, enough talking about it. Get started here!
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paFree Things To Do In October
Farmers Markets
Where: Various Locations // GVA
via @lonsdalequayfarmersmarket
Why you should go: Spend your Saturday morning visiting your local farmers market! Farmers markets always create a sense of community. Get outside, support your local family businesses and grab some delicious seasonal food!
Hike Norvan Falls
Where: Lynn Canyon Park // North Vancouver
Why you should go: This gorgeous hiking trail is perfect for October! It's safe to hike all year round, and with the leaves changing colour, there's no better time than now!
Diwali Fest
Where: 181 Roundhouse Mews // Downtown
Why you should go: Take part in the festival of lights by bringing friends and family members of all cultures. There's bound to be loud music, tasty found and definitely some bhangra!
Halloween Parade
Where: Howe St, Smithe St & Granville St // Downtown
Why you should go: If you want to partake in the Halloween festivities, without spending any money, then you have to watch the Halloween parade! Loads of people dress up in their grossest, ugliest costumes - it's definitely a sight to see.
Take A Fall Road Trip To Kelowna
Where: Vancouver to Kelowna
Why you should go: Anytime is the perfect time for a weekend getaway. Follow this step by step guide for the perfect fall road trip to Kelowna!
Visit This Secret Sunflower Field
Where: 24990 - 84th // Langley
Why you should go: This secret sunflower field isn't a secret anymore! Located at Aldor Acres Family Farm, you can stop, pick some pumpkins and have a mini photoshoot!
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Cheap Things To Do In Vancouver
Potter's House of Horrors
Where: 12530 72nd Ave // Surrey
Why you should go: It's tradition to get the life scared out of you at Potter's House of Horrors! The haunted house is an integral part of the Halloween season in Vancouver. If you haven't been before, this is the year to rally up the crew and head out for a fright.
Vancouver International Film Festival
Where: 1181 Seymour St // Yaletown
Why you should go: If you fancy yourself a film buff you have to check out VIFF. But, instead of dolling out a ton of cash for the entire film festival, just pick one movie. Take your S.O. out to the one film that looks most promising and re-innovate the classic movie-date-night idea, with an artsy twist.
Grave Tales In Fort Langley
Where: 23433 Mavis Ave // Fort Langley
Why you should go: If you've never been to Fort Langley before, this is the perfect opportunity. Explore this new town by listening to locals tell spine-chilling stories as you walk through the village at night. You may even go through a cemetery...😳
Hospital of Horrors VR Experience
Where: 100-289 Abbott St // Vancouver
Why you should go: This brand spanking new Halloween themed VR game is an October must. Smartypantz just unleashed the most terrifying horror-themed VR experience ever. You need to buy tickets now and try this out for yourself.
Ghost Train In Stanley Park
Where: 610 Pipeline Rd // Stanley Park
Why you should go: If you're not into super scary ghoulish things, then this is probably for you. If getting the life scared out of you isn't your scene, then wind down at this family-friendly event in Stanley Park. They also have a haunted maze and a pumpkin patch!
Richmond Night Market
Where: 8351 River Rd // Richmond
Why you should go: The infamous Richmond Night Market will be closing for the season! This is your last chance to try all of the newest craziest foods before they shut down for the winter.
Maan Farms Country Experience
Where: 790 Mckenzie Rd // Abbotsford
Why you should go: Have the full country experience at Maan Farms. They have pumpkin picking, farm animals, wine and even a corn maze!
Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
Where: 578 Carrall St // Chinatown
Why you should go: As the seasons change, we celebrate the mid-autumn moon festival! There will be traditional activities that include calligraphy, painting, music and never-ending games of weiqi. Oh, and don't forget there will be tons of amazing foods to try!
Van Dusen Glow in the Garden
Where: 5251 Oak St // Stanley Park
Why you should go: There are carving competitions, live carving lessons and well, a whole lot of carving! This years theme is Alice In Wonderland. This is more of a family-friendly affair, so if you don't like the scary stuff, you need to check this out.
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Luxurious Things To Do In Vancouver
Harvest Haus
Where: 88 Pacific Blvd // Downtown
Why you should go: Grab your friends, create a team and celebrate all things German at Vancouver's Largest Volksfest! There will be tons of delicious German food, games, activities and definitely german beer!
Fright Nights at Playland
Where: 2901 E Hastings St // Hastings-Sunrise
Why you should go: If you love anything scary then you have to go to Fright Nights. It's essentially a Vancouver tradition when it comes to Halloween. Every year they outdo themselves with more "scarers", new haunted houses and thrilling rides!
Halloween Costume Ball at Science World
Where: 1455 Quebec St // Downtown
Why you should go: This is the 11th year that Science World has put on their legendary Halloween costume ball! It has definitely become one of the most coveted Halloween parties in town. If you're going to splurge on something this year, make sure it's a killer party like this one!
Cheer on the Canucks!
Where: 800 Griffith Way // Downtown
Why you should go: Fall is the perfect time to bundle up in your scarf, throw on your dad's vintage jersey and head out to a game! If you can, spoil yourself on some really good seats, but tbh, I have the most fun drinking beers up in the nosebleeds!
Pier Pressure Titanic Masquerade
Where: 750 Pacific Blvd // False Creek
Why you should go: This is the second annual Titanic Masquerade Costume Party! Get decked out in your trendiest costumes, and dance all night long on a yacht with 2 live DJs, 3 decks, and 2 floors of music!
Nick Offerman: Full Bush Tour
Where: 601 Smithe St // Downtown
Why you should go: If you're a Parks and Rec fan, then you're probably a Nick Offerman fan. Do yourself a favour, stop what you're doing and spend your extra cash on tickets to the Full Bush tour. Offerman only comes to town every once in a while, but when he does, he really puts on a show.