Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for October 26 to November 1

Celebrate the spookiest season, enjoy a delicious grilled feast + more

1. Everywhere From Here Exhibit — Thursday, October 24 to Tuesday, November 5

If walking through an art gallery on a cold, fall day sounds cozy to you too, then listen up! David Wilson is a painter who depicts scenes of (often-rainy) Vancouver. Check out his pop-up gallery on Granville Island and enjoy landscape paintings of all the natural beauty the city has to offer, with the key focus being the twin summits of The Lions.  
1387 Railspur Alley, Granville Island, Vancouver; Various times

2. Chutzpah! Festival — Thursday, October 24 to Sunday, November 24

For years, this performing arts festival has been delivering Jewish music, comedy and theatre to Vancouverites, from international, national and local artists. This year will feature performers from Canada to Israel to Europe, and runs for a month.
Jewish Community Centre, 950 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver; Tickets and details online

3. Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Spirit — Friday, October 25 & Saturday, October 26

Coming to you all the way from Australia, Bangarra Dance Theatre’s performance, Spirit, is based on 65,000 years of culture, all connected through dance, storytelling and music. The performance will highlight the cultural heritage of Aborginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a resurgence of Indigenous dance.
Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver; Tickets from $35; Details online

4. Vancouver Horror Show Film Festival — Friday, October 25 & Saturday, October 26

Wanting to really get your spook on this Halloween season? This film festival will screen 32 short horror films from nine different countries, and will also be premiering the indie horror film Puppet Killer which was shot entirely in B.C. The creators believe that the genre can be used to tell stories of the world “through the lens of the unimaginable.” Good luck getting to sleep afterword!
York Theatre, 639 Commercial Drive, Vancouver; Tickets and details online

5. Diwali Downtown Vancouver — Saturday, October 26

The 16th annual Festival of Lights will take place in downtown Vancouver at the end of the month. Check out a range of events, including South Asian music and dance. If you want to keep up the festivities during the night, you can also check out the three hour Diwali Fusion Boat Party that’ll cruise around Vancouver and feature Bollywood, Bhangra and hip-hop music.
Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver; By donation; Details online

6. Mid-Century Madness — Saturday, October 26

Way back in 1959, Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre welcomed its first guests. Now, they’re celebrating their 60th birthday with a ’60s-themed bash. The celebration will include a dance party, art and exhibits, a photo booth and—of course!—plenty of champagne. Need extra incentive to go? Tickets are under $20!
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver; Tickets from $19; Details online

7. Umbrella Splash Art Auction and Gala — Saturday, October 26

Arts Umbrella is Canada’s leading non-profit youth arts education organization, and they’re holding their 37th annual auction and gala this October. Take in live performances by Arts Umbrella dance troupes and the presentation of a student-created media art piece… plus delicious food and wine.
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, 900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver; Tickets and details online

8. Celebrate the Night — Sunday, October 27

If you love Halloween, fireworks and a wonderland of lights, this event is for you. The free, family-friendly festival will also feature face-painting, artwork, storytelling, local musical groups, crafts and food. The Secret Lantern Society has created a beautiful Light Labyrinth to go along with the theme of “Light and Shadow.” Costumes are encouraged!
Memorial Peace Park, 22407 Dewdney Trunk Rd, Maple Ridge; Details online

9. Beer Meets Grill Pop-Up Dinner — Tuesday, October 29

If a multi-course barbecue dinner paired with craft-certified beer pairings doesn’t sound like the perfect Tuesday night dinner, we aren’t sure what does. The Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts is teaming up with Deep Cove Brewers and Distillers to host the event, and will feature charred meats, veggies and premium spirits.
Blue Hat Bistro, 101 – 1505 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver; Tickets $90

10. Maan Farms Corn Maze — Until Saturday, November 2

Maan Farms is said to have one of the scariest mazes in all of Canada—so you might want to consider leaving the kids at home. Get lost in the five acre maze, and expect plenty of scares from displays and live actors. They even have an option where actors are allowed to touch, move or separate you from your group!
Maan Farms, 790 McKenzie Road, Abbotsford; Tickets from $35