October opens with a packed calendar. The Vancouver International Film Festival starts its 11-day run, the Canucks play back-to-back home games at Rogers Arena on Saturday and Sunday, and The Neighbourhood headline Rogers Arena on Friday night. Over at the Chan Centre, comedian Sal Vulcano (Impractical Jokers) performs on Saturday and Mexican singer-songwriter Silvana Estrada takes the stage on Sunday. It is the final weekend for & Juliet at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Harvest Haus takes over the PNE Forum on Friday and Saturday night, and Halloween season officially kicks off with the opening of Maan Farms’ Fright Festival and Cougar Creek’s House of Horrors.
Watching your budget? The free list below is a strong one: First Friday admission at the Vancouver Art Gallery, the costumed Witchilano Paddle at Kitsilano Beach, the last days of BC Culture Days, and Oktoberfest at Parallel 49.
This Weekend at a Glance
| Date | Event | Category | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2 @ 4:00 PM | Free First Friday Nights at the Gallery | Free / Arts & Culture | Vancouver Art Gallery |
| Now – Oct 4 | BC Culture Days | Free / Arts & Culture | Various locations |
| Oct 3 @ ~11:30 AM | Witchilano Paddle | Free / Outdoor | Kitsilano Beach |
| Oct 3–4 | Weekend Farmers Markets | Free / Food & Drinks | West End, Mount Pleasant, Kitsilano |
| Now – Oct 4 | Oktoberfest at Parallel 49 | Free / Food & Drinks | Parallel 49 Brewing |
| Oct 4 @ 8:00 AM | CIBC Run for the Cure | Free / Sports | Concord Community Park |
| Oct 4 @ 1:00 PM | Family Day @ PdA | Free / Family & Kids | Place des Arts, Coquitlam |
| Oct 1–11 | Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) | Arts & Culture | VIFF Centre & theatres citywide |
| Now – Oct 18 | HEIST | Arts & Culture | Stanley BFL CANADA Stage |
| Now – Oct 4 | & Juliet | Arts & Culture | Queen Elizabeth Theatre |
| Now – Oct 10 | Avenue Q at Metro Theatre | Arts & Culture | Metro Theatre |
| Oct 2–3 @ 7:00 PM | Deadly Dinner Party | Arts & Culture | The Improv Centre |
| Oct 2 @ 7:00 PM | The Neighbourhood | Music | Rogers Arena |
| Oct 3 @ 7:00 PM | Sal Vulcano: Everything’s Fine Tour | Comedy | Chan Centre |
| Oct 4 @ 7:30 PM | Silvana Estrada | Music | Chan Centre |
| Oct 3 @ 7:00 PM | Canucks vs. Calgary Flames | Sports | Rogers Arena |
| Oct 4 @ 6:00 PM | Canucks vs. Vegas Golden Knights | Sports | Rogers Arena |
| Oct 3–4 | Harvest Days at VanDusen | Family & Kids | VanDusen Botanical Garden |
| Oct 4 @ 2:00 PM | VSO Kids Concert: Lights, Camera, Orchestra! | Family & Kids | The Orpheum |
| Oct 4 @ 10:00 AM | PumpkinFest West Vancouver | Family & Kids | West Vancouver Community Centre |
| Oct 1–31 | Metro Vancouver Pumpkin Patches | Halloween & Autumn | Surrey, Langley, Maple Ridge |
| Opens Oct 2 | Maan Farms Halloween Fright Festival | Halloween & Autumn | Maan Farms, Abbotsford |
| Opens Oct 2 | Cougar Creek’s House of Horrors | Halloween & Autumn | Surrey |
| Oct 2–3 @ 6:00 PM | Harvest Haus | Food & Drinks | PNE Forum |
| Now – Oct 4 | Metro Vancouver Croissant Crawl | Food & Drinks | Bakeries across Metro Vancouver |
| Weekends through Oct 12 | Richmond Night Market | Food & Drinks | River Road, Richmond |
| Oct 2 | Digger | Movies | Select Vancouver theatres |
| Oct 2 | Verity | Movies | Select Vancouver theatres |
Free Events
Free First Friday Nights at the Gallery
Date: October 2, 2026 @ 4:00 PM
Venue/place: Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby St
On the first Friday of the month, the Vancouver Art Gallery opens its doors for an early-evening by-donation session (4–8 PM), giving you a low-cost way to explore one of the city’s biggest art museums. Head over earlier in the afternoon and you can also catch free admission at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art (2–5 PM), which runs the same first-Friday offer.
Who is it for: Art lovers, date-night planners, and anyone who wants culture on a budget
Why worth checking out: Two major downtown galleries, one easy walking route, and a no-cost way to start the weekend
Price: Free / by donation
Link: activevancouver.ca/events/free-first-friday-nights-at-the-gallery-3
BC Culture Days
Date: Now through October 4, 2026 (final weekend)
Venue/place: Various locations across Metro Vancouver
BC Culture Days is a province-wide series of free, hands-on creative events hosted by artists and cultural organizations, from workshops and walking tours to live performances. This is the final weekend, and there are plenty of drop-in options across the region, including Tap Amongst the Trees on Sunday, a free outdoor performance outside the Gateway Theatre in Richmond (ages 7+, advance registration required).
Who is it for: Curious locals, families, and anyone who likes trying something new
Why worth checking out: It is free, it is hyper-local, and it wraps up on Sunday, so this is the last chance until next year
Price: Free
Link: activevancouver.ca/events/bc-culture-days
Witchilano Paddle
Date: October 3, 2026 (gather around 10:00 AM, paddle-off around 11:30 AM)
Venue/place: Kitsilano Beach, near Cornwall Ave and Yew St
Now in its sixth year, this informal Halloween tradition sees paddleboarders dressed as witches and warlocks head up False Creek from Kitsilano Beach to Granville Island. It is free to join or watch, and organizers ask for cash or non-perishable food donations that benefit SHARE Family & Community Services. Participants should be experienced paddlers (there is no lifeguard on site), while everyone else can cheer from the beach.
Who is it for: Experienced paddleboarders, Halloween fans, and spectators looking for a quirky Saturday morning
Why worth checking out: Hundreds of costumed witches on the water is one of Vancouver’s most photogenic early-October sights
Price: Free (donations of cash or non-perishable food welcome)
Link: Witchilano Paddle event page
Weekend Farmers Markets
Date: Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026
Venue/place: West End Market (Comox St between Bute and Thurlow), Mount Pleasant Farmers Market (Dude Chilling Park, 2300 Guelph St), and Kitsilano Farmers Market (Larch St and W 10th Ave)
Three neighbourhood markets run on the weekend: the West End Market on Saturday (9 AM–2 PM), then the Mount Pleasant and Kitsilano markets on Sunday (10 AM–2 PM). Expect local produce, baked goods, artisan vendors, and food trucks, which makes them an easy, free way to browse and pick up ingredients for the week.
Who is it for: Foodies, families, and anyone who likes a leisurely morning stroll with a coffee
Why worth checking out: A relaxed, free outing, and the seasonal produce is at its best in early fall
Price: Free entry (pay for what you buy)
Link: West End | Mount Pleasant | Kitsilano
Oktoberfest at Parallel 49
Date: Now through October 4, 2026 (final weekend)
Venue/place: Parallel 49 Brewing, 1950 Triumph St
Parallel 49 has turned its brewery grounds into a giant tent and biergarten for the season, with Oktoberfest-style beers, German-inspired food specials, and live music from Thursday to Sunday. Admission is free and seating is first-come, first-served, with food and drinks purchased separately. Hours are 11 AM–midnight on Friday and Saturday and 11 AM–11 PM on Sunday.
Who is it for: Craft beer fans, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a festive patio afternoon
Why worth checking out: It wraps up on Sunday, and free entry makes it an easy add-on to a Commercial Drive or East Van day
Price: Free admission (food and drink extra)
Link: Parallel 49 on Instagram
CIBC Run for the Cure
Date: October 4, 2026 @ 8:00 AM
Venue/place: Concord Community Park, Vancouver
The annual Run for the Cure brings the community together for a 5K/1K walk and run that raises funds and awareness for breast cancer research and support programs. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome, and the event is as much a community gathering as it is a race.
Who is it for: Runners, walkers, families, and community supporters
Why worth checking out: A high-energy, feel-good way to start Sunday while supporting a cause that touches many Vancouver families
Price: Free registration (fundraising encouraged)
Link: activevancouver.ca/events/cibc-run-for-the-cure-charity-run
Family Day @ PdA
Date: October 4, 2026 @ 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
Venue/place: Place des Arts, 1120 Brunette Ave, Coquitlam
Place des Arts opens its doors for a free afternoon of hands-on art for all ages. Activities include card stamping, felted fall ornaments, clay play with the Fraser Valley Potters Guild, and a beginner-friendly Latin dance session, plus an artist demonstration in the atrium and a chance to explore current exhibitions. Kids and adults take home whatever they make.
Who is it for: Families with kids, crafters, and curious beginners
Why worth checking out: Free, creative, and low-pressure, with a real take-home project for every age group
Price: Free (pre-registration encouraged; reserve a ticket for each person attending)
Link: placedesarts.ca/events/family-day-pda-oct-4-2026
Arts & Culture
Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)
Date: October 1–11, 2026
Venue/place: VIFF Centre, 1181 Seymour St and theatres across Vancouver
The 45th edition of VIFF brings more than 160 feature films and around 85 shorts to Vancouver screens, alongside live performances, talks, and special events. Highlights include Vanguard, the festival’s competitive international section for rising filmmakers, plus world and Canadian premieres throughout the 11-day run. This is opening weekend, so buzz and Q&As are at their peak.
Who is it for: Cinephiles, date-night planners, and anyone who wants to see a film before it reaches wide release
Why worth checking out: One of the biggest film festivals in North America, right in your own city, with something for every taste
Price: Single tickets from about $17–$22; ticket packs and festival passes available
Link: activevancouver.ca/events/vancouver-international-film-festival-viff-film-festival. New to the festival? Read our VIFF 2026 guide.
HEIST
Date: Now playing through October 18, 2026
Venue/place: Stanley BFL CANADA Stage, Arts Club Theatre Company, 2750 Granville St
Arts Club’s mainstage thriller is a fast-talking theatrical caper. A team of specialists, including a conman, a hacker, a cat burglar, muscle, and a mastermind, sets out to pull off the perfect crime, with high-tech gadgetry and plenty of twists along the way.
Who is it for: Fans of heist films, suspense, and slick, fast-paced stage productions
Why worth checking out: It plays like a Hollywood caper built for live theatre, and it has only a few weeks left. See what we thought in our HEIST review
Price: Tickets start at $39
Link: activevancouver.ca/events/heist-theatre
& Juliet
Date: September 29 – October 4, 2026 (final performances this weekend)
Venue/place: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton St
Presented by Broadway Across Canada, this jukebox musical asks a cheeky question: what if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Written by an Emmy-winning Schitt’s Creek writer, it rewrites the ending with a playlist of pop anthems, including “Since U Been Gone,” “Baby One More Time,” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”
Who is it for: Musical theatre fans, pop-music lovers, and groups looking for a high-energy night out
Why worth checking out: Big production values, a familiar setlist, and a rare chance to see a Broadway hit on the QE stage before it leaves town on Sunday
Price: Varies by date and seating
Link: activevancouver.ca/events/juliet-musical
Avenue Q at Metro Theatre
Date: Now through October 10, 2026
Venue/place: Metro Theatre, Vancouver
The Tony Award-winning musical follows Princeton, a fresh college grad who moves into a rundown New York apartment and meets a cast of humans and puppets, all figuring out love, work, and purpose. It is sharp and irreverent, and it deals with grown-up themes with humour and heart.
Who is it for: Fans of irreverent musical comedy (adults only; the show contains strong language and mature themes)
Why worth checking out: A cult-favourite musical from one of Vancouver’s longest-running community theatre venues, with only a week and a bit left
Price: Tickets $38 to $62 + fees
Link: activevancouver.ca/events/avenue-q-at-metro-theatre-theatre
Deadly Dinner Party
Date: Fridays and Saturdays @ 7:00 PM through October 30, 2026 (October 2 and 3 this weekend)
Venue/place: The Improv Centre, 1502 Duranleau St, Granville Island
The Improv Centre serves up a seasonal murder-mystery comedy. Five VIPs are summoned to a mysterious dinner, and when the host is “murdered” before the first course, a detective has to interrogate every guest and crack the case. Because it is improvised, no two performances are the same.
Who is it for: Mystery lovers, improv fans, and groups planning a fun Granville Island date
Why worth checking out: A playful, interactive start to spooky season that is easy to combine with dinner on the Island
Price: About $28.50 to $40 per person
Link: theimprovcentre.ca/shows
Music, Nightlife, Comedy
The Neighbourhood
Date: October 2, 2026 @ 7:00 PM
Venue/place: Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way
The moody alt-rock band, best known for “Sweater Weather,” brings its latest tour to Rogers Arena to open the weekend. Expect an atmospheric, dark-pop set that leans on the group’s hazy, cinematic sound.
Who is it for: Alt-rock and indie-pop fans, and anyone who came of age with the band’s biggest hits
Why worth checking out: A big-room Friday-night show that sets the tone for a music-heavy weekend
Price: Varies by seating
Link: rogersarena.com/event/the-neighbourhood
Sal Vulcano: Everything’s Fine Tour
Date: October 3, 2026 @ 7:00 PM
Venue/place: Chan Shun Concert Hall, Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd
Impractical Jokers star Sal Vulcano brings an all-new night of stand-up to the Chan Centre. Known for quick wit and self-deprecating storytelling, Vulcano also co-hosts popular podcasts and released his debut special, Terrified, in 2024.
Who is it for: Comedy fans and Impractical Jokers viewers
Why worth checking out: A well-known TV comic in a room famous for its acoustics, with a Saturday-night start time that leaves room for dinner first
Price: Varies by seating
Link: chancentre.com/events
Silvana Estrada
Date: October 4, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
Venue/place: Chan Shun Concert Hall, Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd
The Mexican singer-songwriter, whose collaborators include Natalia Lafourcade, Gustavo Dudamel, and Laufey, closes the weekend with an intimate, emotionally rich evening. Her Chan Centre show, rescheduled to this new date, pairs her with Vancouver’s Black Dog String Quartet.
Who is it for: Fans of Latin folk, singer-songwriters, and acoustically driven live music
Why worth checking out: A quiet, beautiful way to end the weekend, in one of the best-sounding halls in the city
Price: Varies by seating
Link: chancentre.com/events/silvana-estrada-vancouver
Sports
Vancouver Canucks Home Games
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026 @ 7:00 PM (vs. Calgary Flames) and Sunday, October 4, 2026 @ 6:00 PM (vs. Vegas Golden Knights)
Venue/place: Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way
The Canucks are back on home ice with a Saturday-Sunday doubleheader, first against their Alberta rivals from Calgary and then against Vegas. The Flames rivalry is a fan favourite, and the Sunday game starts an hour earlier than Saturday’s, so plan your evening around the 6 PM puck drop.
Who is it for: Hockey fans, families, and anyone who wants the full Rogers Arena game-day atmosphere
Why worth checking out: Two home games in two nights is a great way to catch the team early in the season
Price: Varies by seating
Link: Canucks vs. Flames (Oct 3) | Canucks vs. Golden Knights (Oct 4)
Family & Kids
Harvest Days at VanDusen Botanical Garden
Date: October 3–4, 2026 @ 10:30 AM–4:30 PM
Venue/place: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St
VanDusen’s annual fall celebration transforms the Learning Garden and maze area with seasonal activities for all ages. Expect live music, face painting and crafts, lawn games, seasonal food and drinks, and a new Discovery Tent, all set among the garden’s autumn colours.
Who is it for: Families with young kids, garden lovers, and anyone who wants to enjoy fall foliage
Why worth checking out: It is included with garden admission, runs rain or shine, and the fall colours in the garden are at their best right now
Price: Included with garden admission (from about $13.50)
Link: activevancouver.ca/events/harvest-days-at-vandusen-botanical-garden-festival
VSO Kids Concert: Lights, Camera, Orchestra!
Date: October 4, 2026 @ 2:00 PM
Venue/place: The Orpheum, 601 Smithe St
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s Kids Concert Series opens the season by showing young audiences how orchestral instruments create the sounds behind favourite films. BC composers Caleb and Brian Chan, whose credits include Angry Birds: Summer Madness and Fairly OddParents: A New Wish, join the program, and families can explore the VSO School of Music Playzone.
Who is it for: Families with kids and first-time symphony-goers
Why worth checking out: An approachable introduction to live orchestral music, with interactive activities for kids
Price: Varies by seating
Link: vancouversymphony.ca/series/kids-concerts
PumpkinFest West Vancouver
Date: October 4, 2026 @ 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Venue/place: West Vancouver Community Centre, 2121 Marine Dr
West Vancouver’s biggest fall community event returns with live music, a pumpkin patch, pony rides, and a petting farm. It is a compact, four-hour festival that suits younger kids especially well.
Who is it for: Families with young children
Why worth checking out: A no-drive-required North Shore alternative to the Fraser Valley pumpkin patches
Price: Varies; see event page
Link: enhancewestvan.ca/pumpkinfest-2026
Halloween & Autumn
Metro Vancouver Pumpkin Patches
Date: October 1–31, 2026 (daily hours vary by farm)
Venue/place: Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch, Surrey, Aldor Acres, Langley, and Laity Pumpkin Patch, Maple Ridge
The pumpkin patches are officially open for the season. Pick your own pumpkins, wander farm activities, and take the family photos that October demands. Hazelmere in Surrey, Aldor Acres in Langley, and Laity in Maple Ridge are three good starting points, and each has its own mix of activities.
Who is it for: Families, couples, and anyone who wants a pumpkin for carving
Why worth checking out: Early-October patches have the best selection before the crowds arrive later in the month
Price: From about $10 to $15 depending on the farm
Link: Hazelmere | Aldor Acres | Laity
Maan Farms Halloween Fright Festival
Date: Opens October 2, 2026 (runs through October 31)
Venue/place: Maan Farms, 790 McKenzie Rd, Abbotsford
Maan Farms’ signature scare zones return with several of the scariest haunted corn maze attractions in Canada, plus a brand-new fourth haunt this year. Mama Maan’s Country Kitchen serves butter chicken and chickpea curry bowls, samosas, seasonal pizzas, kettle corn, and dessert to refuel between frights.
Who is it for: Teens, adults, and thrill-seekers who like their scares in a big group
Why worth checking out: Opening weekend of one of the Lower Mainland’s biggest Halloween attractions, with food that is a draw on its own
Price: Varies for general admission and VIP
Link: halloweenfrightfestival.com
Cougar Creek’s House of Horrors
Date: Opens October 2, 2026 @ 7:00 PM (runs through October 31)
Venue/place: Surrey
Five haunted houses and other Halloween fun are packed into one Surrey attraction, making it a reliable choice for a group scare night.
Who is it for: Teens and adults who like walk-through haunted houses
Why worth checking out: Multiple haunts in one visit, and the season opens this weekend
Price: From about $35
Link: activevancouver.ca/events/cougar-creeks-house-of-horrors-halloween-haunt
Food & Drinks
Harvest Haus
Date: October 2–3, 2026 @ 6:00 PM–11:30 PM
Venue/place: PNE Forum, 2901 Hastings St E
Vancouver’s take on a German beer festival pairs modern cuisine with European harvest traditions. Expect fresh pretzels with grainy mustard and sauerkraut, sausages and other treats in the marketplatz, and more than 25 European and craft beers, wines, and spirits, with oompah bands and live DJs each night.
Who is it for: Beer and wine lovers, groups of friends, and anyone who likes a party atmosphere
Why worth checking out: A big, festive indoor Oktoberfest-style night out that works rain or shine
Price: Varies; see event page
Link: harvesthaus.com/vancouver
Metro Vancouver Croissant Crawl
Date: September 25 – October 4, 2026 (final weekend)
Venue/place: Participating bakeries and cafes across Metro Vancouver
The Croissant Crawl is now in its fifth year, with 37 vendors offering limited-edition croissants. Drink pairings return at select shops, so you can turn a pastry stop into a full café route.
Who is it for: Pastry lovers and self-guided food crawlers
Why worth checking out: The limited-edition flavours disappear when the event ends on Sunday
Price: Varies by bakery
Link: Croissant Crawl details
Richmond Night Market
Date: Weekends through October 12, 2026
Venue/place: 8351 River Road, Richmond
North America’s largest night market is still going strong, with more than 600 food stalls serving grilled squid, tornado potatoes, dim sum, dragon’s breath desserts, and bubble tea, alongside vendors selling accessories, gadgets, and lifestyle goods.
Who is it for: Foodies, night owls, families, and street-food fans
Why worth checking out: Only a few weekends remain before it closes for the season
Price: $8.50 general admission (free for seniors 60+ and kids under 7)
Link: activevancouver.ca/events/richmond-night-market-market
Movies (What’s On)
Digger
Date: Opens October 2, 2026
Venue/place: Select Vancouver theatres
Tom Cruise stars in this dark comedy-drama about the most powerful man in the world, who launches a frantic mission to convince everyone he is humanity’s savior before the disaster he has unleashed destroys everything. The ensemble includes John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, and Jesse Plemons, and the film is directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu.
Who is it for: Adults who like ambitious, genre-bending studio filmmaking (rated R)
Why worth checking out: A rare tonal swing for Cruise from an Oscar-winning director, and one of the most talked-about releases of the fall
Price: Standard cinema admission (~$15–18)
Verity
Date: Opens October 2, 2026
Venue/place: Select Vancouver theatres
Based on the Colleen Hoover bestseller, this thriller follows a struggling writer hired to ghostwrite for a famous author, only to uncover disturbing autobiographical notes and a web of deadly family secrets. Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett star, with Michael Showalter directing.
Who is it for: Fans of the book and of twisty psychological thrillers (rated R)
Why worth checking out: An A-list cast and a page-turner source that many readers have been waiting to see on screen
Price: Standard cinema admission (~$15–18)
TV Show of the Week
East of Eden
Date: Now streaming on Netflix (all seven episodes released October 1, 2026)
This new limited series reimagines John Steinbeck’s classic, tracing the multigenerational saga of the Trask family and turning fresh attention to Cathy Ames, one of literature’s most unforgettable antiheroes, played by Florence Pugh. With the whole season available at once, it is built for a rainy-weekend binge.
Who is it for: Fans of prestige drama, literary adaptations, and Florence Pugh
Why worth checking out: A big-name cast, a story with real weight, and a manageable seven-episode commitment
Book of the Week
American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee
Date: New release, September 29, 2026
The author of Pachinko returns with a sweeping 656-page family saga that follows John and Helen Koh and their three children as they chase the American dream, using the Korean private tutoring academy, the hagwon, as a lens on ambition, sacrifice, and what education costs a family. It is the third book in Lee’s planned Korean-diaspora quartet and works as a standalone.
Who is it for: Readers of literary fiction, immigrant family stories, and anyone who loved Pachinko
Why worth checking out: It is Lee’s first novel in nearly a decade, and its themes of migration and education will feel familiar in a city as diverse as Vancouver
Video Game of the Week
Gears of War: E-Day
Date: Launches October 6, 2026 on Xbox Series X|S and PC (Premium Edition early access starts October 1; included with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass at launch)
This prequel takes players back to Emergence Day, fourteen years before the original Gears of War, when the Locust Horde first erupts from beneath the planet Sera. You play as a young Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago as their friendship is tested during the fall of the city of Kalona. It is developed by The Coalition, the Vancouver-based studio behind the modern Gears games.
Who is it for: Gears veterans, fans of brutal cover-based shooters, and anyone who wants a story-driven campaign
Why worth checking out: A Vancouver studio’s biggest release of the year lands this week, and early access lets Premium Edition players start the campaign this weekend