Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for October 19 to 25

Choose a healthy commute, enjoy B.C. beer, spot spooky happenings in the park + more

1. Stanley Park Ghost Train — Friday, October 11 to Thursday, October 31

All aboard… if you dare! The theme of this year’s Ghost Train in Stanley Park is “Alice in Nightmareland.” Follow Alice and the Rabbit through a ghoulish graveyard, and check out crafts, movies, exhibits and a pumpkin patch while you’re at it. Think it might be too spooky for the little ones? They also offer a “fright-free” matinee experience. 
Stanley Park, Vancouver; Adult tickets $12; Details online

2. Fall Game and Mushroom Menu at Wildebeest — Thursday, October 17 to Wednesday, October 30

Working with local providers has always been important to Wildebeest, and their fall menu follows along with this philosophy. The menu includes a series of dishes with ingredients coming from nearby forests, farms, and fields, and every dish contains a tasty fungi.
Wildebeest, 120 West Hastings Street, Vancouver; Reservations recommended

3. B.C. Beer Awards — Saturday, October 19

This will be the 10th annual B.C. Beer Awards here in Vancouver, and the perfect opportunity for you to spend the day trying tasty brews from all around the West Coast. The event will showcase 45 of the province’s craft breweries, and some will offer samples of specially-aged beer. 
Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver; 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Tickets from $40, including tokens and tasting glass; Details online

4. TriCity International Wine and Food Festival — Saturday, October 19

If you’re more of a wine person, this is a great bet. Over 50 wineries from 10 different countries will present their wines at this event, and local restaurants and food providers will be sharing small bites. There will also be a silent auction, with proceeds benefitting the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation.
Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, 2080 United Boulevard, Coquitlam; Tickets $80; Details online

5. Get Inspired Talks Vancouver — Saturday, October 19

The aptly named Get Inspired Talks aim to do just that… with the mission of offering short, interesting talks by experts and authorities in order to start meaningful conversations within the community. Topics range from intimacy to the environment. If you can’t make it, the talks are turned into videos and e-books after the event.
Playhouse Theatre, 600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver; 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Tickets from $47; Details online

6. UBC Apple Festival 2019 — Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20

Besides eating pumpkin pie and enjoying the changing colour of the leaves, an influx of fresh apples is one of the best things about autumn in B.C. If you want to learn more about the tasty fruit, try some rare varieties, and—of course!—sample some pie, this is a great event to check out.
UBC Botanical Garden, 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver; Details online

7. Clothing Fix It — Sunday, October 20

Do you have a piece of clothing in your closet that you haven’t been wearing thanks to a rip or missing button? Instead of throwing it away, check out this event. Frameworq is holding a free “fix it” event, providing supplies and skills to help you repair your favourite clothes.
Mount Pleasant Public Library, 1 Kingsway, Vancouver; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Details online

8. Eat North Presents Drags Benny Vancouver – Sunday, October 20

There’s only one pop-up drag brunch in Canada, and you can check it out this October in Vancouver. The event will start with a welcome drink, and then guests will enjoy a three-course brunch, coupled with drag-inspired drinks. Of course, there will also be entertainment from incredible drag performers.
Fairmont Waterfront, 900 Canada Place, Vancouver; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Tickets from $70
 

9. Luzia by Cirque du Soleil — Thursday, October 3 to Sunday, December 29

Go on an adventure to an imaginary Mexico with Luzia by Cirque du Soleil. As always, the show will bring incredible acrobatics and otherworldly visual elements. Light and rain are important parts of the story which travels from desert to sea, with water acting as a unique visual component.
Concord Pacific Place, 88 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver; Tickets from $54; Details online

10. Bike to Work Week — Monday, October 21 to Sunday, October 27

Want the opportunity to win a trip to the Baltics as well as other daily prizes, and get happier and healthier at the same time? Make the switch from four wheels to two and register with Bike to Work Week. It’s free to participate, and there are many “celebration stations” where you can grab a free snack or even some basic bike maintenance during your commute.
Register online