BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for October 13-19

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This week in BC: Run for your life during The Zombie Syndrome, check out the latest trends at Eco Fashion Week, enjoy the harvest at Vancouver’s annual Apple Festival, and more

Fraser Valley Bead Show – October 12-14, 2012

Feeling crafty? Get in line, ’cause the Fraser Valley Bead Show, held from October 12 to 14 at Cascades Casino/Coast Hotel in Langley, is expected to attract hundreds of DIY-ers for more than 20 jewellery-making classes, free bead-making demos and dozens of exhibitors from across North America. Pre-register online for classes or, if you just want to browse, buy tickets at the door for $7.

Elvis, Elvis, Elvis at Red Robinson Show Theatre – October 13

Hard to believe an Elvis impersonator can incite otherwise reasonable women to storm the stage in hopes of securing a sweat-soaked scarf. But that’s just what’s been happening at Elvis, Elvis, Elvis, a concert featuring three world-class tribute artists tracking The King’s glory days from hip-swivelling upstart to leather-clad superstar to fading Las Vegas icon. Check it out October 13 at Red Robinson Show Theatre, Coquitlam.

Vancouver’s Annual Apple Festival – October 13-14

Nothing says “autumn” quite like the crunch of a just-picked apple. And heaps of freshly harvested varieties — up to 70 in all — are just waiting to be enjoyed at Vancouver’s annual Apple Festival. Held on October 13 and 14 at UBC Botanical Garden, this family-friendly affair celebrates B.C.’s favourite fruit with bushels of activities including a food fair, craft vendors, kids’ zone and even a treetop canopy walkway, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Buy tickets at the gate for $4.

All About Snow Show & PowerSports Adventure Show – October 13-19

When it comes to sports-themed expositions, you’ll get the biggest bang for your buck at Tradex in Abbotsford, hosting the All About Snow Show and the PowerSports Adventure Show all under one roof on October 13 and 14. You’ll find all the latest equipment to carry you over every type of terrain — from road and waves to rocks, mud and snow-covered peaks — along with hands-on ATV action like a stunt show, riding seminars and an adventure track. Tickets are $12.

The Zombie Syndrome – October 13-31

Quite possibly the only theatre event in history where phones are not only allowed but encouraged, The Zombie Syndrome is a site-specific show with a techie twist that unfolds in downtown Vancouver from October 13 to 31. You’ll meet at a top-secret rendezvous point then use your smartphone to navigate from scene to scene on a mission to combat a deadly zombie invasion. No smartphone? No problem: Only one phone per audience group is required. Tickets are $25 online.

Strachan Hartley Legacy Foundation Run – October 14

The most any of us can hope for is to leave a lasting legacy. Such is the case with Dr. Strachan Hartley, who lost his battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2007 at age 30. On October 14, the sixth annual Strachan Hartley Legacy Foundation Run sets off at 9 a.m. from North Vancouver’s Handsworth Secondary to raise funds for at-risk youth. Register for this 5K/10K as a solo runner or round up some colleagues for a Corporate Team Challenge.

Eco Fashion Week – October 16-19

What will stylish city slickers be wearing next spring and summer? Get a preview of the top trends of 2013 at Eco Fashion Week, held from October 16 to 19 at Robson Square in Vancouver. This fifth annual fest spotlights eco-friendly Canadian designers with four full days of fashion shows, seminars and workshops. And if you think the words “fashion” and “frugal” don’t mix, you’ll change your mind after checking out the Value Village runway show on October 17 at 7 p.m.

Vancouver Writer’s Fest – October 16-21

Not all co-dependent relationships are unhealthy. Take writers and readers, for instance, where each inspires the other. Expect the tradition to continue at the Vancouver Writers Fest, a 25th annual forum for authors to connect with readers from October 16 to 21 at various venues on Granville Island. With dozens of events on offer, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to meet and greet authors from around the world and right here at home, including Vincent Lam (shown), Giller Prize-winning author of Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures.

Taste of Yaletown – October 17-27

Tempted to try Yaletown’s ritzy restaurants but find the price points hard to swallow? Now’s the time to book your reservation because Vancouver’s eighth annual Taste of Yaletown will see 20 top restaurants dishing out deals on meals from October 17 to 27. From Provence and The Flying Pig to Blue Water and Brix, these and other eateries are serving up three-course menus at pre-fixed prices of $25, $35 or $45, with proceeds benefiting the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

West Coast Women’s Show – October 19-21

You hear it all the time: You can’t take care of anyone else unless you take care of yourself first. That Dr. Oz-approved wisdom is a good excuse for multi-tasking moms and other frenzied femmes to squeeze in the West Coast Women’s Show. Held from October 19 to 21 at Tradex in Abbotsford, this 12th annual expo includes everything from martini nights and an interior design zone to the Hall of Flame Calendar Firefighters and the first-ever bachelor auction hosted by Jillian Harris and Wes Hayden.