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Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for October 15-21

This week: Light up the night, check out a puppet festival, celebrate apple season + more

By Amy Watkins /

Credit: Facebook/Vancouver International Puppet Fest

Vancouver International Puppet Festival – Friday, October 14 to Sunday, October 16

Granville Island will host the first Vancouver International Puppet Festival this weekend. Three days of fun includes performances, workshops, interactive panel discussions and screenings of the work of local and international puppeteers, puppet builders and object animators.

Granville Island, 1669 Johnston Street
Various venues and prices, check online for details



Credit: Westin Whistler

Woof Weekend – Friday, October 14 to Sunday, October 16

Pack a bag for your pooch and head to Whistler for a weekend of doggy delights—from sushi classes for pets to pup fashion shows and a canine gala dinner—all in aid of WAG, Whistler’s local animal shelter.

K9 Wine & Dine Gala tickets from $25
The Westin Whistler, 4090 Whistler Way



Credit: Facebook/Mulan

Mulan the Musical – Saturday, October 15

Cultures collide and legend is brought to life in Mulan the Musical. Showcased for one day only in an exclusive matinee and evening performance, this production tells the story of brave Mulan through a spectacular combination of Chinese drum music, traditional kung fu and dance.

Tickets starting from $40, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton Street at Georgia



Credit: Light the Night

Light the Night Vancouver – Saturday, October 15

Help make a difference in the lives of more than 110,000 Canadians affected by blood cancer and register to join the Light the Night walk. Hold your illuminated lantern high: red for supporters, white for patients and survivors, and gold for loved ones lost. ​Participants are strongly encouraged to fundraise for this event and must raise $100 to receive a lantern and T-shirt. Register online.

Lumberman’s Arch, Stanley Park, 4 p.m.



Credit: Facebook/Arts Umbrella

Arts Umbrella Splash 2016 – Saturday, October 15

Celebrate art with a heart at Splash, Arts Umbrella’s 34th annual auction and fundraiser. Art connoisseurs and casual collectors alike can bid on close to 100 pieces of artwork by prominent local and international artists, with a chance to discover exciting emerging talent. Guests can expect delectable dishes from celebrated chef John Bishop, owner of Bishop’s restaurant in collaboration with Culinary Capers.

6:30 p.m., Performance Works, Granville Island, $300



Credit: flickr/Betancourt

UBC Apple Festival – Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16

How do you like dem apples? Head to UBC for two days of appletastic celebrations and taste rare varieties at the 25th festival of BC’s favourite fall fruit.

11:00 a.m., $5 (includes garden admission)
UBC Botanical Garden, 6804 Marine Dr SW



Credit: flickr/Mark Azali

Kanye West – Monday, October 17

Love him or hate him, Mr. Kim Kardashian is guaranteed to put on a big show when he brings his rap anthems to Rogers Arena this week. Tickets are still available for the Vancouver leg of his Saint Pablo Tour, which features a moveable stage that swings out over the audience for maximum Kanye.

8 p.m.; tickets from $75
Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way



Credit: Punch Photographic

Vancouver Writers Fest – Monday, October 17 to Sunday, October 23

International names and homegrown talent join together to promote the written word. Authors such as Irish-born Canadian Emma Donoghue (Room) and Spanish-born Canadian Yann Martel (Life of Pi) will be in conversation and presenting workshops throughout the festival.

Various venues, visit website for details



Credit: Facebook/Sunshine Coast Art Crawl

Sunshine Coast Art Crawl – Friday, October 21 to Sunday, October 23

Travel along the entire Sunshine Coast Highway from Langdale to Earls Cove or Earls Cove to Langdale for the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl. Meet the artists in their studios and experience the vibrant arts and culture community on the Sunshine Coast as you follow brochure maps, directional signs, smart phone maps and other Crawlers to uncover gems.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Various venues, visit website for details



Credit: Fright Nights

Fright Nights at Playland – mow until October 31

Get freaky at Fright Nights when Playland becomes a horror-filled destination of haunted houses, spooky rides and terrifying attractions that will scare even the most hardened horror fan.

Passes from $32, buy online to save