What's Happening

Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for October 25 to 31

This week: dress up your pet for a howlin' Halloween, enjoy a spooky-themed dinner at Cibo, have a brew at the B.C. Beer Awards and more

By Kirsty Chan /

Credit: Flickr/Jhayne

Stickboy – October 23 to November 7

Spoken word poet Shane Koyczan stole the hearts of Canadians when he performed at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Games, and since then he’s only been causing more waves. His latest project is Stickboy, an opera created in collaboration with composer Neil Weisensel and the Vancouver Opera. Stickboy revisits Koyczan’s traumatic childhood experiences as the victim of bullies, and later as a bully himself. You can grab tickets for the powerful performance online. 



Credit: Flickr/mslauraeb

Halloween Dog Parade – October 25

Puppies in cute costumes are a surefire crowd-pleaser and probably the most reliable formula for a really great day. Get your dose of cute at the Vancouver Halloween Dog Parade on Saturday at Second Beach in Stanley Park. For a $5 donation, your dressed-up dog will be entered into a parade for a shot at winning some great prizes. Even if you don’t have a dog you can stop by for entertainment, raffles, and – of course – hot dogs. 



Credit: Flickr/Paul Joseph

B.C. Beer Awards – October 25

Craft beer enthusiasts are living in the right place, and the B.C. Beer Awards and Festival are just further proof. With over 400 different entries, it’s one of the biggest beer-tasting festivals in the province. Drop by one of their informative classes like The History of Beer in B.C., or check out their Q&As with industry professionals. Celebrate all the best brews B.C. has to offer and get your tickets online.



Credit: Flickr/Klara

UBC Opera Tea in the Garden – October 26

Tea time may seem like it’s a lost practice, but UBC’s Opera in the Garden is giving you a unique chance to enjoy a dainty afternoon. Held in the UBC Botanical Gardens, guests will enjoy an opera concert along with coffee, tea and refreshments. The tea service includes entrance to the gardens for you to explore, but make sure that you make reservations online to ensure a spot.



Credit: Flickr/Bruno Girin

’80s Night Halloween Edition at the Biltmore – October 28

Halloween is awesome and so were the ’80s, what combination could be better? The Biltmore Cabaret is throwing ‘80s Night with a spooky twist on Tuesday, and it’s giving you a chance to party like it’s ’84 with DJs Bryan Sea and Adam Fink spinning vinyl hits. Cover is free all night and drinks are cheap. Wear your spookiest costume, or your favourite 80s threads – whichever is scarier!



Credit: Flickr/Chen Kirin

Vancouver Flamenco Festival – October 28 to November 11

The annual Vancouver Flamenco Festival returns for 15 days of passionate performances and workshops. It kicks off on October 28 with free Flamenco classes at Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island. Other not-to-be-missed events include a concert from Spain’s Joaquin Grilo, and a workshop on Flamenco for children. Events are held in various venues around Vancouver, you can check the schedule and get tickets on their website. 



Credit: Flickr/Kenneth Lu

Revenge of the Horrorfest – October 30

“Horrorific, hilarious, and very independent,” Horrorfest has returned to Whistler. This festival of independent horror movies promises a good time for fans of fear. Not for the faint of heart, the festival will feature films from around the world as well as six bars, a red carpet, a lounge area, art show and more. Come in costume for their red-carpet pre-party and enjoy every gory detail.



Credit: Cibo

Hallows’ Eve Feast – October 30 to 31

You may not think of Halloween as a holiday for foodies, but Cibo Trattoria’s Hallows’ Eve Feast will make your taste buds tingle, if not your spine. Described as “sinister and sumptuous”, the five-curse meal features rich tasters and some unique, spooky fare. Roasted bone marrow, ox heart, blood pudding and more paired with wine are on the menu for a night of delicious fun.



Credit: Flyover Canada

Halloween Flyover Canada – October 10 to November 2

Get in on the magic of the season with a Halloween treat the whole family can share. Fly Over Canada is once again showing their special Halloween show starring Broomelda the witch. This year’s show is the Haunted Witches Academy. You’ll get a tour of the Academy from Broomelda before taking off on a flight across Canada. Just stop by Canada Place to join the adventure and earn your Official Witch Academy diploma.



Credit: Flickr/beautymoose

Aritzia Warehouse Sale – October 7 to 31

The Aritzia Warehouse Sale is always jam-packed with great deals and eager fashionistas, but if you missed out on the Vancouver event then here’s your second chance. Surrey’s Morgan Crossing Outdoor Mall is hosting their own Aritzia Warehouse Sale with crazy discounts up to 90 per cent off retail price. Make sure to check it out before October 31 so that you don’t miss your opportunity to stock up on all the hottest fall essentials.