What’s Happening This Halloween in Vancouver

Zombies and vampires and ghost trains—oh my! Read on (if you dare) for a roundup for this year's best Halloween happenings

The Virtual Stage presents The Zombie Syndrome: Dead in the Water

Fright mongers and zombie aficionados, you can’t miss this one. The Virtual Stage, a Vancouver-based theatre company dedicated to incorporating technology in live performances, presents the immersive, Halloween-themed theatrical adventure The Zombie Syndrome: Dead in the Water this October on Granville Island. The fifth installment of this unique live theatre experience introduces audiences to Van Cleave, “a suspected vampiric psychopath” who is responsible for a zombie epidemic and a recent string of murders across the Lower Mainland. Using their smartphones, the audience must determine Van Cleave’s whereabouts and ward off a mutany of zombie-vampire villains.

Now until Monday, October 31
Click here for more details

Fright Nights at the PNE

Fright Nights is back at the Pacific National Exhibition for another season of scares. The event features a multitude of fright-astic rides, performances and shows. Not for the faint of heart, Fright Nights prides itself on being “Western Canada’s scariest haunt,” which judging by this year’s lineup of events, seems to be a fitting title. Attractions this year include Asylum, a live theatre show where ‘doctors’ perform insane medical crimes on patients and Car-n-Evil, an interactive carnival experience designed to terrify coulrophobics (people with a phobia of clowns).

Now until Monday, October 31
Book online to save up to $6 off admission

Stanley Park Ghost Train

Each October, Stanley Park’s famous miniature train transforms into a Halloween-themed, two kilometre live-action Ghost Train that is fun for all ages. This year’s theme is “Day of the Dead,” and participants will ride through a “tunnel of flames” to the soundtrack of a live mariachi band. The ride finishes with a picnic in a scenic graveyard.

Now until Monday, October 31
Advance tickets are available online

Haunted Village at the Burnaby Museum

Witches, fairies, ghosts and fairy-tale creatures come to life in the Haunted Village at the Burnaby Museum. Be welcomed by Mother Goose at the front gates and then head over to the Love Farm House to see a live reenactment of the Little Red Riding Hood story. Meet Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the Log Cabin, and see scenes from Sleeping Beauty and the Maleficent at Elworth House. Tread carefully at the Honeymoon Expressrumour has it that Frankenstein is there with his bride! Other attractions include trick-or-treating for children, carousel rides and nightly dances hosted by the ‘mysterious Huntsman.’

Thursday, October 27 to Sunday, October 30
Tickets start at $9

Halloween Costume Ball at Telus Science World

The annual Halloween Costume Ball returns for its 10th year. Take in the beautiful False Creek and Olympic Village views while dancing it up with Vancouver’s best-dressed witches, monsters and superheros. With five fully-licensed bars, lavish Halloween decor, some of the city’s top DJs and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, this has become the ultimate Halloween party destination in Vancouver. Last year’s sold-out event hosted more than 1,100 attendees, so get your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Saturday, October 29, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
TIckets available online, 19+

Halloween at the Waterfront

This upscale Halloween party will be held at the luxurious Fairmont Waterfront Hotel and will feature a 10,000-square-foot ballroom turned haunted dance floor. Make sure you dress to impress because there are prizes to be won for best costumes, including a $500 first-place prize. DJs Downlowe, Kidd, Quadrik and Skyline will be playing a mix of old school, R&B, EDM and hip hop.

Saturday, October 29, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Tickets available online, 25+

Spooktacular Halloween Weekend at Britannia Mine Museum

What could be spookier than visting a forsaken underground mine? Check out Britannia Mine this Halloween to experience holiday-themed activities that can be enjoyed by all ages. Main events include an insect emporium (with real-life creepy-crawlies provided by Aquarium West), spooky science shows, a “witch’s illusion house,” and a Halloween costume photo booth. And for those who aren’t too afraid of the dark, take a ride through eerie underground tunnels on a special Halloween train ride and exchange scary stories illuminated by candlelight.

Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Click here for detailed event info and ticket information

ITSAZOO: Hidden

ITSAZOO: Hidden fuses performance and reality in an immersive Lost Lovers Murder Tour deep within the forest at UBC Botanical Garden. Created by local playwright/co-director Sebastien Archibald and award-winning director Chelsea Haberlin, this unique theatre experience guides the audience through an eerily accurate reenactment of historical murder cases. The pick-up location is at the Wolf and Hound (3617 West Broadway) where participants can receive 20 percent off all food and beverages after the show.

Saturday, October 22 to Sunday, November 13
Tickets available online

Potter’s House of Horrors

Potter’s House of Horrors in Surrey goes all out for Halloween and has two main haunted houses prepared to terrify you. Check out Monstrosity, a house of rotting zombies, vampires and ghouls; and The Swampin’ Slaughterhouse, a creepy Southern haunted mansion in a Louisiana swamp setting. For the kids, the Lil Haunters houses are two less scary options with no animatronics or actors. Other attractions include coffin rides and a haunted photo booth if you’re feeling brave.

Now until Monday, October 31
See hours and schedule online

The Lost Souls of Gastown Walking Tour

The Lost Souls of Gastown is as much a lesson in history as it is a live theatre piece. Presented by Forbidden Vancouver, the walking tour takes you on a fascinating journey through some of the most spine-chilling events in the city’s history. It kicks off in Cathedral Square (Dunsmuir and Richards Street) and weaves you through streets and alleyways until it reaches the dramatic finale in Gastown’s Maple Tree Square. You’ll never look at Gastown the same away again!

Now until Tuesday, November 1
See ticket and schedule information online

Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Rio Theatre

“I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey…” Halloween just wouldn’t be Halloween without a screening of cult classic film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. On the big screen, in the dark, at the Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway) is the perfect way to view this classic film, and a great way to spend Halloween for any film buff. Costumes and audience participation are highly encouraged!

Monday, October 31, ticket and time info online
19+ for main floor seating, all ages in the balcony

Halloween Monster Match

Check out the Halloween Monster Match, happening October 29th at The Improv Centre on Granville Island. The evening will include two improv shows, dancing, a costume parade and a complimentary goblet of Witch’s Brew. As Count Dracula would say, it’ll be a very “gooood evening.”

Saturday, October 29; tickets $33 for adults, $25 for students
Doors open at 7:30 p.m., the first match starts at 8:15 p.m.