Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for September 26 to October 2

This week: Shop for cute handmade treasures, celebrate girl power at the Fairmont, raise your stein + more

Vancouver International Film Festival – September 24 to October 9

Grab the popcorn and get comfy because the 2015 Vancouver International Film Festival is back and better than ever. The two-week event features both local and international movies from every genre. Keep on top of your must-see film selections with the online schedule or by downloading the handy VIFF app. Tickets for both the movie screenings and the industry events are available online.

Times and locations vary

B.C. Culture Days – September 25, 26 and 27

There are so many events taking place for B.C. Culture Days that it’s safe to say everyone will find something that interests them. From walking tours to art gallery open houses, the events will inspire kids and parents alike. Take a Day of the Dead tour, learn about scratch animation at the Oakridge library and much, much more.

Times and locations vary

Etsy: Made in Canada – September 26

All of your favourite online finds and more are coming to Robson Square for an Etsy: Made in Canada Market that you won’t want to miss. This pop-up event showcases handmade and vintage wares from artisans and artists across the country. The bonus? There’s no entrance fee so shoppers are literally free to browse and explore the expertly curated selection.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver

Renfrew Moon Festival – September 26

The Renfrew Moon Festival is a tradition dating back to 2003 that celebrates art, the environment, community, and more. The day begins with a harvest fair in Slocan Park with music, food and a harvest competition boasting categories like “Tubbiest Tomato,” “Craziest Carrot,” and more. Following the fair is a magical Twilight Lantern Walk to Renfrew Park where you can catch live entertainment and then end the night with the festival’s finale fireworks.

4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Slocan Park, Vancouver and Renfrew Park, Vancouver

Ladies’ Day Out at the Fairmont Vancouver – September 27

Trade in a girls’ night out for a classy Ladies Day Out with a little help from the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Enjoy high tea complete with dainty snacks, sweet treats and the tastiest tea blends in town. Be sure to dress your best for this stylish event, and snap a pic in the photo booth to show off your look later. Live entertainment will be provided by comedian Erica Sigurdson, and Valentina and Marina, The Gypsy Queens.

12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver

Hello Happy Market – September 27

Get happy and shop till you drop with the first Hello Happy Market ever. The market will be setting up in Little Mountain Gallery with a curated selection of “bright, modern, handmade goods from across Canada.” With everything from clothes to party supplies, it’s the perfect place to meet the artisans behind the goods and to find one-of-a-kind buys that are sure to make you very, very happy.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
4386 Main Street, Vancouver

Slow Fish Canada Mystery Dinner – September 27

At the Slow Fish Canada Mystery Dinner, you’ll enjoy an evening of delectable seafood tastings while learning about Slow Fish Canada – a sustainable seafood initiative focused on protecting our oceans. The eight acclaimed chefs, whose identities will be revealed at the event, will each be interacting with guests and cooking up dishes centred around unique, local seafood ingredients that have been sustainably harvested. Note that tickets for this first-of-its-kind event are limited, but don’t forget that cooking responsibly with fresh, local seafood is always possible in B.C.

6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, 101–1505 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver

Harvest Haus – October 1 to 3 and 9 to 11

Raise your stein and say “Prost!” to the biggest Bavarian fest in Vancouver. Harvest Haus is a two-weekend festival inspired by Germany’s famous Oktoberfest. Held at Queen Elizabeth Plaza, the event features authentic food, drink and entertainment from Germany. Snack on pretzels, bratwurst, schnitzel and plenty of beer while enjoying oompah bands and activities. Dress to impress in your German best for a wild night of harvest fun.

Times vary
Queen Elizabeth Plaza, Vancouver

Credit: The Westin

Woof Weekend at the Westin – October 2 to 4

Man’s best friend is in for a weekend of four-legged fun at the Westin Whistler’s Woof Weekend. Furry friends are encouraged to join their owners for a weekend of luxury that’s sure to have everyone’s tails wagging. Choose from two different packages, both of which include a two-night stay for two people and a dog, and access to the K9 Wine and Dine Gala where humans and pets alike can dine and make friends.

4090 Whistler Way, Whistler

B.C. Craft Beer Month Launch – October 1

If you thought that pretty leaves and pumpkin spice lattes were the only reasons to love October, think again! B.C. Craft Beer Month is taking over the season and all the fun starts at Central City Brewing’s launch party. Tickets are only $20 and they’ll earn you not only entry to the event, but also four craft beer samples to taste while you learn about all your favourite breweries.

6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
871 Beatty Street, Vancouver