Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for October 8-14

Vancouver International Improv Festival – Now until Saturday, October 8

Catch acts from the US and Canada at this four-day festival of all things improv. Local groups will be joined by international comedians to showcase world-class improv. If you’d like to learn the art of improv, workshops are also available. You can buy a pass to see all the shows ($65) or purchase tickets individually—see the full lineup here.

Heritage Asian Eatery – Now open

Take a break from boring breakfasts and head over to Heritage Asian Eatery, Chef Felix Zhou’s new downtown hot spot. Start the day with a fusion of Far East flavours featuring fresh local ingredients in dishes like duck crepes or a pork belly bowl. Eat in (if you can grab one of the 40 seats) or take it to go. Open now for weekday breakfast and lunch—weekend brunch is coming soon.

1108 West Pender Street
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Potter’s House of Horrors – Friday, October 7 until Monday, October 31

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.

Fort Langley Cranberry Festival – Saturday, October 8

Have a berry fun time with the whole family at the 21st annual Cranberry Fest. Take part in the cranberry stomp, visit the cranberry-themed market, and play farm-themed games in the heart of historic Fort Langley. 

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fort Langley Community Hall, 9167 Glover Road

Turkey Trot – Monday, October 10

Burn off that dinner with a 10km run from Granville Island around the False Creek Seawall, or walk/stroll it for a leisurely early start to Thanksgiving. Need some extra motivation? If you’re over 19, you’ll get a free beer at the end of it. 

Monday, October 10, 8:30 a.m.
(Kids run on Sunday, October 9 at noon)

Gastown Cabaret Pizza Party – Tuesday, October 11

Pizza fans unite for Gastown Cabaret’s slice of fun in the form of pizza-inspired belly dancing and burlesque acts, juggling and pizza-topping battles. Enter the doughnut-eating contest and lip-sync battle or enjoy the free—you guessed it—pizza.

Guilt & Co, 1 Alexander Street (downstairs)
Doors at 8 p.m., show from 9 p.m.to 11 p.m., by donation ($10 minimum)

Old Fashioned Wednesdays – Wednesdays: October 12 to November 23

Whisky lovers can try new and traditional versions of Old Fashioned cocktails for $10 every Wednesday at Prohibition. Tuck into chicken wings and truffle fries and listen to live bluegrass music to get into the southern theme.

8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
801 West Georgia Street in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia

Taste of Yaletown – Thursday, October 13 to Thursday, October 27

Explore Yaletown’s culinary offerings at 31 local restaurants—from sushi joints to Italian eateries during Taste of Yaletown. Special $25, $35 or $45 menus will be available during the festival and include featured set dishes, special tastings and innovative pairings. Click here for a full list of participating restaurants.

Throughout Yaletown
Lunch and dinner menus available

Halloween Parade & Expo – Thursday, October 13 to Sunday, October 16

Take a break from the guts and gore of the season at the Vancouver Halloween Parade & Expo, a family-friendly festival of films, cosplay, games and more. Events include live performances during the week and a parade on Howe and Granville Streets on Sunday, October 16. Click here for the full lineup of events.

Murray Adaskin Concert Series – Friday, October 14

The Canadian Music Centre in British Columbia (CMC BC) is celebrating the opening of the newly renovated Vancouver Creative Hub’s sleek 40-seat black-box theatre with the first-ever instalment of the Murray Adaskin Salon Concert Series, celebrating the renowned Canadian composer.

7 p.m., ticket information here