Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for October 4 to 10

Movies at MARKET – October 3-4

The dinner-and-a-movie experience that pulls out all the stops returns this fall: Movies at MARKET is back. This weekend, grab some popcorn and bubbly, then head to the private Blue Moon Theatre (pictured) and enjoy a showing of Chef, directed and starring Jon Favreau and featuring familiar faces Sofia Vergara, Scarlett Johansson and Robert Downey Jr.

Once the credits roll, you’ll head to MARKET’s private dining room for Chef de Cuisine Montgomery Lau’s specially prepared menu that was inspired by the film. How cool is that? Grab a ticket now, as the next series of Movies at MARKET won’t be until November.

Call the restaurant at 604-695-1115 for reservations or more info.

Okanagan Wine Festivals – October 1-11

Summer may be over but if you’re in need of a fall vacation then a trip to the Okanagan Wine Festival is the perfect way to unwind. Between October 1 and 11 they’ll have events ranging from the laidback to the luxurious – all around the Okanagan. You can take a wine tasting cruise, combine a tasting with a game of golf or even try stomping your own grapes. Tickets and information about the different events are available on their website.

Premium Sake Tasting Night – October 4

If sake is more your speed, the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel is hosting the 13th Annual Premium Sake Tasting Night this weekend. You can grab a regular ticket, or opt for the VIP experience. A VIP ticket includes access to a talk by sake experts, the chance to try some special imported sake and a VIP tasting cup. The normal ticket will give you admission to the event and to the silent auction. 

Doors Open Vancouver – October 4

You might think you know Vancouver well, but Doors Open Vancouver is giving you the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the city’s most iconic buildings. It’s the first year of DOV, but similar events have had huge success in cities like London, New York and Toronto. There will be 20 buildings participating including The Orpheum, The VanDusen Visitor’s Centre, the National Works Yard, the Vancouver Police Mounted Unit and many more. 

West Vancouver Pumpkinfest – October 4-5

Autumn enthusiasts will find themselves in heaven at the West Vancouver Pumpkinfest this weekend. On Saturday there will be a family friendly country-themed dance at the West Vancouver Community Centre. On Sunday, the Harvest Festival begins with sack races, face painting, a beer garden, cow milking and more. Not to be missed are their workshops (which you can register for online) that’ll teach you some essential fall skills, like how to make chocolate pumpkin ganache or how to knit. 

Grazing the Vineyard at Tinhorn Creek – October 5 to 8

Tinhorn Creek a stunning destination at any time, but if you really want to take some really spectacular beauty, then Grazing the Vineyard is the perfect chance. Proprietor Kenn Oldfield will lead a hike through the vineyard with stops for tasting the wine and sampling canapés from Miradoro Restaurant. Following the hike guests will enjoy a three-course alfresco lunch in their new dining area. 

Baracos and Brand Pop-op Shop – October 8

It’s not easy looking great, but Baracos and Brand is bringing their high-quality suit pop-up shop to Shangri-La Hotel to help out. You can reserve a 20-minute appointment and get a complimentary breakfast or lunch. They’ll be offering custom-made dress shirts from Lipson, as well as deals on Canadian-made suits and coats by Copley and S. Cohen. You can book an appointment by calling 604-925-1812, or emailing info@baracosandbrand.co.

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra: Classical Mystery Tour – October 8

The Classical Mystery Tour is proof that Beatles mania is alive and well – and you can experience it for yourself with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ Vancouver performance, the VSO is teaming up with Beatles tribute band Classical Mystery Tour. They call themselves “the best show the Beatles never did,” and it guarantees to be the fab four like you’ve never heard them before. 

Blood Moon Night Walk – October 8

On the night of October 8th, make sure to get outside and check out the final lunar eclipse of the year, and if you really want the full blood moon experience then sign up for a Blood Moon Night Walk. This all-ages walk takes you on a guided tour to search for nocturnal animals. It’s educational, active and just spooky enough to get you in the spirit for Halloween.

Snap Quest MS – October 9

Forget the ice bucket challenge, SnapQuest MS might just be one of the most fun fundraisers around. Teams of four or five roam the city and complete tasks to gain points, all documented using a smartphone app to send in proof. Points are tallied up and displayed online in real time so friends and family can cheer you on. They promise quests that are “quirky, sometimes heartwarming, but always fun,” and you can’t go wrong with all proceeds being donated to the MS Society of Canada. 

Fright Nights at Playland – October 10 to November 1

Sure, Playland is a summertime staple for most Vancouverites, but their Fright Nights are Halloween essential. On October 10th, it’s back and scarier than ever with a new haunted house, the Keeper’s Doll Factory. Keeper’s Doll Factory is just one of seven haunted houses that can be found, along with 13 terrifying rides, and a multitude of other hair-raising attractions.