The short work week is being followed by a jam-packed weekend across metro Vancouver.
Looking to get those Halloween celebrations started early? We got you covered.
RELATED: Every Metro Vancouver Halloween event you need to know about for 2017 (Guide)
From haunted houses to creepy graveyard tours, here are 25 awesome events to check out in metro Vancouver this weekend.
Events In Metro Vancouver This Weekend
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Friday, October 13
Parade | Vancouver Halloween Parade and Expo
Over the course of four days, you’ll enjoy arts, performances, cosplay, films, comics, anime, games, makeup, and much more. From Thursday – Sunday, all activities will take place at UBC Robson Square. You’ll find everything set up underneath the glass roof. The parade will conclude the expo on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. It will start on Howe Street (Drake to Smithe), making its way to Granville Street (Smithe to Davie). You have the option to join individually, as a business, non-profit, sponsor, dance school, or music band.
Haunted house | Potter’s House of Horrors
Potter’s House of Horrors isn’t for the faint-hearted. Back by popular demand, Potter’s is rolling out three haunted house for the upcoming Halloween season. This includes the ultra-creepy haunted house that they call Monstrosity! Do you ever feel like someone is watching you? Perhaps right behind you? Admission ranges from $8-$50.
Train ride | Bear Creek Haunted Forest Scream Train
Ever wonder what lurks inside Surrey’s forests? The Bear Creek Haunted Forest Scream Train returns thfor another thrilling experience. It runs from Friday, October 13th – Tuesday, October 31st, 2017. See what it’s like when the forests of Surrey come alive, while discovering unseen creatures.
Festival | Harvest Haus
The brand new Harvest Haus Halle seats 500 additional revellers bringing the total to 1,500. Festivalgoers can choose from one of seven sittings, including the return of The Stein Games, Lippensynchron Battle, The Duelling Arts, and the introduction of The Clash of the Axes. Not to mention, Vancouver’s very own traditional Oom-pah Band The Oktoberators returns for both weekends of fun. Tickets start at $25.
Oktoberfest | Oktoberfest Vancouver 2017
Oktoberfest Vancouver is back for another entertaining series of events beginning on Friday, October 6th, 2017 with additional events on October 7th, 13th-14th, and 20th-21st. Taking place at Vancouver Alpen Club, you’ll experience German food and beer steins by swaying to live music. Furthermore, visitors will have a heck of a time dancing with Vancouver’s very own Schuhplattler dance group the “Alpen Plattlers”. Tickets range from $25-$75.
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Pumpkin patch | Chilliwack Corn Maze and Pumpkin patch
The Chilliwack Corn Maze and Pumpkin Farm is open for the season until Tuesday, October 31st, 2017.It features a 12 acre maze that can be a challenge to get through. As guests make their way through the maze, it becomes an interactive experience to say the least. The pumpkin patch has over 15 varieties of pumpkins growing on the farm. Come with the family and find your perfect pumpkin.
Trolley | Haunted Vancouver Trolley Tour
Haunted Vancouver Trolley Tour is back for another spooky experience from Friday, October 6th – Tuesday, October 31st, 2017. Tours take place Tuesday-Saturday. Put on by the Vancouver Trolley Company and Vancouver Police Museum, people on board the trolleys will hear about the city’s murderous tales and infamous ghost stories. As nightfall begins, you’ll be whisked through Vancouver’s streets, while tuning into the echos of devastating events. After visiting Vancouver’s spooky past, you will be transported into its terrifying future through the haunted Virtual Reality Experience, DREAMSCAPE, at Shebeen Whiskey House. Tickets are $55.
Graveyard tour | Grave Tales
Dare to walk through Fort Langley’s graveyards at night? Grave Tales returns to Fort Langley National Historic Site this weekend from Friday, October 13th – Monday, October 30th, 2017. Join expert storytellers for a two- or three-hour program of spine-chilling stories as you walk through the village at night. Moreover, you’ll experience walking through graveyards and be in the presence of ghosts.
Dance | Compania Sharon Fridman
The Dance Centre presents the Global Dance Connections series Compañía Sharon Fridman. It takes place from Thursday, October 12th – Saturday, October 14th, 2017. The work of the sensational Israeli choreographer Sharon Fridman comes to the West Coast for the first time, with an exciting program of two works.
Amusement park | Fright Nights at Playland
Fright Nights is back to haunt Playland on select dates from Friday, October 6th – Tuesday, October 31st, 2017. As well as, Fright Nights is presenting a new haunted house, The Bloodshed. The dilapidated Bloodshed cabin is home to a family of ruthless mutant murders, and promises to be the goriest haunted attraction at this year’s Fright Nights. Fear clowns? Guests can attempt to overcome their fear of clowns inside the Car-N-Evil haunted house. Tickets range from $22-$85.
Train ride | Stanley Park Halloween Ghost Train
Each year the Stanley Park Ghost Train takes riders of all ages through a mystical journey in the forest during the Halloween season. This year, the Stanley Park Halloween Ghost Train will carry an alien invasion theme. The 2017 event will run from Friday, October 13th – Tuesday, October 31st,2017. Be prepared to discover out-of-this-world creatures and to be abducted during the 14 minute train ride. Admission starts at $6.
Art | Intangible
Featuring previously crafted, and never-before-seen creations, Intangible spotlights six trailblazing Coast Salish artists influenced by tradition as well as contemporary inspiration.
Books | Vancouver Art Book Fair
Featured artists travel to Vancouver from across Canada and the globe, and produce everything from books, magazines, zines and printed ephemera to digital, performative or other experimental forms of publication. It takes place this weekend from Friday, October 13th – Sunday, October 15th, 2017 at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Film | VIFF 2017
Featuring more than 200 features and 100 shorts, VIFF will be a showcase of the world’s most exceptional filmmaking. After the successful launch of its new programming streams at the 2016 festival, this year’s VIFF will continue to expand the frame and offer a Films+ model. This sees the festival’s 450 screenings complemented by talks, workshops, performances and other unique events.
Display | City on Edge
The Museum of Vancouver (MOV) explores the history of our city’s street protests with City on Edge: A Century of Vancouver Activism. It’s a major, new photo-based exhibition on display from Thursday, September 28th – Sunday, February 18th, 2018. The exhibition showcases rarely seen walks of resistance.
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Saturday, October 14
Free movies | Cineplex Community Day 2017
Cineplex is offering free movies in celebration of Cineplex Community Day on Saturday, October 14th, 2017. This year’s five movies being shown are Kung Fu Panda 3, Trolls, Ice Age: Collision Course, Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children, and Mike And Dave Need Wedding Dates. Not to mention, you can get popcorn, drinks, and candy for just $2.50.
Market | Nightmare Before Christmas Market
The one day market will take place on Saturday, October 14th, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m and promises to offer something for everyone to enjoy. Vendors will be showcasing fashion, art, food, and much more. Organizers on the event’s Facebook page say the market will be “just steps from Columbia Skytrain Station” and encourage guests to dress up in their Halloween costumes. Admission is $3.
Art | Splash Art Auction and Gala
Experience the power of creativity at Splash Art Auction and Gala 2017. On Saturday, October 14th, 2017, Canada’s leading non-profit arts organization for young people will be hosting an unforgettable art auction and gala. It will feature close to 100 works by prominent BC artists. In celebration of the 35th anniversary, Arts Umbrella will also host an after party following the Live Auction. Guests will dance the night away to the musical stylings of DJ Chloe.
Beer tasting | Cloverdale Craft Beer & Wine Festival
The Cloverdale Beer and Wine Festival takes place this weekend on Saturday, October 14th, 2017. It’s a celebration of craft beer, wine, and food. Everything provided at the festival is made exclusively by the Joseph Richard Group. The event is at Shannon Hall (Cloverdale Rodeo Fairgrounds), taking place from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Concert | Gavin DeGraw
DeGraw rose to fame with the single “I Don’t Want to Be” from his debut album Chariot. It debuted originally in 2003. Moreover, the song was used for the opening theme for One Tree Hill. Tickets start at $35.
Adrenaline-rushing | PBR Monster Energy Tour Abbotsford 2017
The tour features elite riders who will square off against the rankest bucking bulls from both Canada and the United States. Fans will be treated to 8-second rides as these brave cowboys square off against their 2,000-pound opponents. The bull-riding action will begin at 7:00 p.m. In the first round, each rider will get on one bull and the top ten will advance. These ten who advance will get one final ride in the championship round. The prize money is $20,000.
Art | ArtBreakers Illustration Market
The ArtBreakers Market is a two-day exhibit of 20+ professional artists with original and printed work for sale. It takes place this weekend on Saturday, October 14th and Sunday, October 15th, 2017. Sort through pieces of art and chat with industry pros.
Charity | Light the Night
Event organizers hope to help make a difference in the lives of more than 138,000 Canadians affected by blood cancer this weekend. Attendees will hold lanterns to show their support: red for supporters, white for patients, and gold for loved ones lost. Admission is by donation.
Sunday, October 15
Meat | The Capital Bacon Eating Contest
If you eat meat, you likely appreciate bacon and all the salty, savory, and crispiness it adds to your meals. If you happen to love bacon, you’ll want to mark your calendars for the upcoming bacon eating contest in Vancouver. Beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 15th, 2017, contestants will go head-to-head this weekend to see who can chow down the most bacon. Admission is $10 per person. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Vancouver Children’s Hospital.
Performance | The Gloaming
The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC presents renowned Celtic folk supergroup The Gloaming. They’ll be performing this weekend on Sunday, October 15th, 2017 in the Chan Shun Concert Hall. The performance begins at 7:00 p.m. Hailed by The Guardian as “exquisite” and “powerful”, the critically acclaimed Irish band return by popular demand with their ethereal vocals and sweeping melodies. Known for emotionally-charged performances.
Upcoming Events
October 16 | WWE Live Abbotsford 2017
Canadian wrestler and current Champion Jinder Mahal will be among several superstars to make an appearance. Joining him in Abbotsford will be Shinsuke Nakamura, AJ Style, Rusev, and many more fan favourites.
October 19 | Cirque du Soleil: KURIOS
Cirque du Soleil is returning to Vancouver with its most acclaimed touring show. KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities, will premiere under the iconic blue-and-yellow Big Top at Concord Pacific Place on Thursday, October 19th, 2017. Written and directed by Michel Laprise, KURIOS is a tale in which time comes to a complete stop.
October 21 | Spooktacular Newton
Spooktacular Newtown takes over Newton Wave Pool for the third straight year on Saturday, October 21st, 2017. From 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., a number of exciting Halloween activities take place for kids of all ages to enjoy. Looking for a scare? Get in costume and ride the haunted train. You can also get a scare at the spook theatre and leave with a memory at the photobooth.