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From spooky festivities to arts events and more, here’s what to add to your calendar this month
Spooky season is creeping up on us…what better way to welcome it than to immerse yourself in a night of frightful lights? Vancouver’s very own Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is transformed into a haven of haunted forests and ghostly friends. Visitors can expect to see the bridge fully decked out in an array of themed-lights, with a variety of kid-friendly activities, scavenger hunts and live entertainment available every night! As an added bonus, visitors will also be able to get close to a Great Horned Owl or a Falcon every Saturday and Sunday at Raptors Ridge. Need some refreshments from all the exploring? Indulge in a decadent Autumn Spice Apple Pie or the Dracula Bite Hot Chocolate at The Cliff House Restaurant & Bar. Happy Halloween! 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver; Prices vary; Details online.
Embark on this classic whimsical story of the world-famous chocolatier with your friends and family this autumn season! The musical is produced by CTORA Productions, with new and reimagined music by Marc Shaiman, performed by local Vancouver musicians on an eight-piece orchestra. According to Director Mark Carter, this production takes much of its inspiration from the original book’s illustrations. Audiences can expect to see sets and costumes that align closely with Roald Dahl’s vision, while enjoying a refreshing musical score. Norman Rothstein Theatre – 950 W 41st Avenue, Vancouver; Tickets from $38; Details online.
This three-day arts festival will be back for its eighth annual run, highlighting underrepresented Metro Vancouver visual and performing artists. The 56 featured artists have either come to art via non-traditional means, or have faced barriers in showing their work in mainstream spaces. Take part in this festival by walking through the artists’ journeys in the form of visual art exhibitions, poetry slams and musical performances. There will also be hands-on workshops for visitors who want to explore the world of art for themselves. Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver; Free entry; Details online.
HowlOver Canada is taking over Flyover’s classic atmospheric flight ride with some spooky goodness. This experience transports visitors to another dimension, following a witch and her sidekicks as they fly over the country during the night. Will they be up to no good? Ride on to find out! After the flight, you can indulge in the many Halloween-themed treats at the Flying Whale Café, including the popular witches brew served in cauldron-like cups. 201-999 Canada Place, Vancouver; Tickets from $29; Details online.
The Firehall Arts Centre is kicking off its 42nd season with the world premiere of the contemporary dance piece Empty-Handed. This performance takes audiences through five cosmic characters’ journeys in darkness, deception and greed. Each dancer is meant to guide the viewer through an emotional arc that honours their own lived experiences. Be prepared to get transported to an alternate universe filled with vibrant colours, creative costumes and theatrical lighting. 280 E Cordova Street, Vancouver; Tickets from $35; Details online.
This sold-out charity art auction is hosted by Arts Umbrella, a non-profit organization dedicated to youth arts education. Funds raised each year from the Splash Art Auction are spent towards providing high-quality arts education to young people across the Lower Mainland, regardless of their economic circumstances. Although this year’s in-person auction is sold out, you can still join the waitlist. You have the option of watching the auction online for free, via livestream. The Splash Art Collection is already available to view online, and you can bid on the pieces during the online auction. If you’d like to view the pieces in-person, they are currently on display at the Pendulum Gallery until October 3. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver – 900 W Georgia Street, Vancouver, Details online.
Enjoy an array of fall-time activities at B.C.’s largest shopping mall, Metropolis at Metrotown! In collaboration with Tourism Burnaby, the Burnaby Halloween Festival will bring a plethora of family-friendly fall events to the mall. Visitors can enjoy a 25-minute experience in a haunted house escape room for $20 ($15 for children), attend a pumpkin-carving palooza (October 12 only) and watch a pie-eating contest sponsored by The Pie Hole (October 19 only). Besides these fun games and activities, there will also be a variety of Halloween-inspired decorations throughout the mall, including a 34-feet-tall pumpkin display in the Grand Court and plenty of picture-perfect backdrops. Adults can also head over with the kiddos on Halloween day for some trick-or-treating fun! 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby; Prices vary; Details online.
This Harvest-style Halloween event is meant to celebrate South Okanagan’s local performing artists. This event’s third annual run is hosted by The Wide Arts National Association (WANA), and visitors will be able to join in on collective dances and circus-based activities. Did I mention this is a Halloween festival? Show up in your best costume and take part in the costume contests! Performances like fire breathing, sword swallowing and aerial acrobatics are sure to make your skin crawl (in the best way possible). Come for the Halloween lore and stay for the community. Gyro Park – 15 Park Place, Osoyoos; Entry by donation; Details online.
Visit Kelowna’s local cat cafe, Catelowna, for a pumpkin carving session with the slinky felines! Prices include all painting and carving tools, one pumpkin, a hot apple cider and cat lounge time. After you complete your pumpkin masterpiece, stay for some fun with the cats! What’s even better, if you find a snuggle buddy you can’t part ways with, you’d be happy to know that the cats here are available for adoption. 1441 Ellis Street, Kelowna; Tickets for $37; Details online.
