Arts & Culture
Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)
October 2–12, 2025
Various theatres across Vancouver (e.g., VIFF Centre)
A prestigious 11-day film festival showcasing international cinema, including screenings, panels, and premieres of innovative films from around the world.
Price: $16–$21 CAD per ticket (festival pass $475 CAD)
James and the Giant Peach
October 24-November 9, 2025
Olympic Village Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre
Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach is now a musical for the whole family to enjoy! Featuring a wickedly tuneful score by the Tony Award-nominated team of Pasek and Paul (Dogfight and A Christmas Story the Musical) and a curiously quirky book by Timothy Allen McDonald (Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley), critics rave: James and the Giant Peach is a “masterpeach!”
Price: $37-75 CAD
A Doll’s House
September 4–October 5, 2025
Where: Arts Club Theatre (Granville Island Stage)
A gripping revival of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play exploring themes of independence and societal norms, performed by Western Canada’s largest theatre company.
Price: from $29 CAD
Rigoletto Opera
October 25 – November 2, 2025
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Giuseppe Verdi’s dramatic opera about deception and revenge, featuring powerful arias and a tragic tale of love and betrayal.
Price: $50–$295 CAD
Music & Nightlife
Benson Boone: America Heart World Tour
When: October 4, 2025
Where: Rogers Arena
The rising pop star performs hits from his American Heart World Tour, including chart-toppers like “Beautiful Things,” in an energetic arena show.
Price: from $200 CAD
Shawn Mendes Concert
When: October 12, 2025
Where: Rogers Arena
The Canadian singer-songwriter delivers an intimate yet powerful set of soulful pop anthems on his latest tour, connecting with fans through heartfelt performances.
Price: from $140 CAD
After Dark: Bloody Science — Halloween Edition
When: October 30, 2025
Where: Rogers Arena
Vancouver’s longest-running licensed Halloween bash with three music rooms, top DJs, live performers, and cirque artists for a thrilling nightlife experience.
19+ Only. Don’t forget your government ID.
Price: from $44.95 CAD
Family & Kids
Musical Magic – Disney Edition
Sun / Oct 26, 2025 / 3pm
Chan Shun Concert Hall
Featuring songs from your favourite Disney movies, prepare to let it go and belt with us for our sing-alongs! Come in costume and join us for a fun, family-friendly show. Candy will be given out pre-show, no tricks required.
Price: $10-35 CAD
Burnaby Halloween Festival
October, 2025
Where: Multiple locations in Burnaby, BC
The festival aims to offer everything from family-friendly fun to thrilling late-night experiences, making it a major Halloween attraction in the Metro Vancouver region.
Price: See specific events
It features a diverse range of activities, including:
Pumpkins After Dark: A must-see outdoor experience in Central Park featuring thousands of professionally hand-carved, glowing pumpkins displayed in dazzling sculptures and themed scenes, often choreographed to music and special effects.
Haunted Village: A family-friendly event at the Burnaby Village Museum, where the 10-acre open-air site is transformed with theatrical displays, costumed characters from world tales and legends (like Dracula, Dr. Jekyll, and the Wizard of Oz), live circus performances, Indigenous storytelling, and a dance party.
Central Spark: The city’s signature family Halloween party, typically held at Central Park, featuring food trucks, live entertainment, games, and a spectacular fireworks and/or drone light display finale.
Cultural Celebrations: Events like a Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) Celebration with music, art, and cultural workshops.
Active Events: The Monster Dash 5K, a costumed fun run through the city’s scenic trails.
Other Attractions: The festival often includes community events, late-night adult shows like cabarets, specialized film festivals such as the Vancouver Horror Show, and a city-wide Neighbourhood Decorating Contest.
Central Spark Halloween Celebration
(part of Burnaby Halloween Festival)
October 24, 2025
Where: Central Park, Burnaby, BC
A free family-friendly Halloween event with spooky games, crafts, treats, and community activities in a safe, festive atmosphere.
Price: FREE
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Sports
NBA Preseason: Raptors vs. Nuggets
When: October 6, 2025
Where: Rogers Arena
A rare chance to see NBA action in Vancouver as the Toronto Raptors play a preseason exhibition game against the Denver Nuggets.
Price: $85 – $300+
Vancouver Canucks Home Game
When: October, 2025
Where: Rogers Arena
Experience the thrill of NHL hockey as the Canucks take on a league rival in a high-energy environment.
Price: $75 – $250+
BC Lions Home Game
When: October, 2025
Where: BC Place Stadium
Cheer on Vancouver’s Canadian Football League (CFL) team. Expect a lively atmosphere and tailgate party vibe.
Price: $27 – $90+
Vancouver Whitecaps FC Match
When: October, 2025
Where: BC Place Stadium
Catch a Major League Soccer (MLS) game and join the enthusiastic fans for high-level soccer action.
Price: $30 – $120+
Markets & Shopping
Vancouver Comic & Toy Show
When: October 25-26, 2025
Where: PNE Forum
A pop culture extravaganza with comic books, toys, collectibles, and vendor stalls for fans of all ages.