October is packed with fun: the VIFF, the Moon Festival, Halloween and more!
Ongoing through October 3
Vancouver International Improv Festival
What: This annual performance festival brings talented improvisational performers from across North America to Vancouver for 20 shows of comedic and improv brilliance.
Where: Roundhouse Performance Centre in Yaletown
Cost: Various; check site for details
Thursday, October 1 - Friday, October 16
The Vancouver International Film Festival
What: The VIFF is one of the five largest film festivals in North America. Acclaimed as "an unspoiled celebration of world cinema," the 28th VIFF showcases 377 films from 60 countries around the world.
Where: Various locations around Vancouver; see site for details
Cost: $11; $8 - $9 for matinees. Various passes and discounts available; see site for details.
Saturday, October 3
Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival
What: The annual moon festival combines Asian mid-autumn celebrations with western harvest festival traditions to create a beautiful community event. The event begins with a Harvest Fair at Slocan Park, continues with a Twilight Lantern Walk to the site of the grand finale at Renfrew Field.
Where: Slocan Park to Renfrew Field; see site for route schedule map
Cost: Free
Saturday, October 3
A Faerie Tale: The Drag Queen & I
What: Mr. & Ms. Gay Vancouver 2009, Brent WildeFyre and Jackie A Go-Go, invite you to join them for the 30th anniversary of the Rhinestone Phoenix Charity Foundation’s Mr. & Ms. Gay Vancouver Pageant
Where: Crystal Ballroom, Empire Landmark Hotel, 1400 Robson Street
Cost: $25
Saturday, October 3 – Sunday, October 4
The Drift – Art on Main
What: The Drift is an annual arts and culture festival taking place along Vancouver's trendy Main Street. Drift along Main Street and see a variety of fine art and original handcrafts from established and emerging local artists, including ceramics, painting, sculpture, photography, woodcarvings, collage, mixed media, glass works, and jewelry.
Where: Main St., between Industrial Ave and 33rd
Cost: Free
Thursday, October 8 – Sunday, October 18
Vancouver Celebrates Diwali Festival
What: Celebrate Diwali, the “festival of lights,” with events around Vancouver, including dance performances, workshops, and the all-day celebration on Sunday, October 18 at the the Roundhouse Community Centre.
Where: Various locations around Vancouver; see site for details
Cost: Various; see site for details
Friday, October 9 – Sunday, November 1
The Stanley Park Hallowe'en Ghost Train
What: Take a ride on the family-adventure train at Stanley Park for spooky Halloween fun. In addition to the train ride, Ghost Train activities include face painting, making shadow puppets, and the always-popular Haunted Children's Farmyard.
Where: Stanley Park; enter the park off Georgia St., go straight ahead up Pipeline Road and look for event parking attendants
Cost: $10 for adults; $6 for kids 2 - 18 and seniors 65+
See more Halloween events: Vancouver Halloween Guide
Monday, October 12
Thanksgiving
Wednesday, October 14 – Sunday, October 18
Dance in Vancouver
What: This bienniel event showcases BC's contemporary dance scene and local artists with eleven companies performing excerpts of new works and recent hits in five programs.
Where: Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie St.
Cost: Various; see site for details
Thursday, October 15 – Saturday, October 31
Taste of Yaletown
What: This Yaletown-only version of Dine Out Vancouver lets diners try set menus of $25, $35, or $45 at some of the city’s best restaurants (which happen to be in Yaletown). Check the site for participating restaurants.
Where: Various locations in Yaletown
Cost: Set menus from $25 - $45, see site for menu details
Friday, October 16 - Saturday, October 31
Fright Nights at the PNE
What:One of Vancouver biggest Halloween attractions, the PNE celebrates Halloween with themed rides, creepy attractions, haunted houses, Hollywood Horrors, crazy live shows, and more.
Where: PNE, 2901 East Hastings St., Vancouver
Cost: $22 - $30, buy online for discounts
Sunday, October 18 – Sunday, October 25
Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival
What: Now in its 22nd year, this annual festival is a chance to meet writers from around world, join in readings, discussions, debates and poetry slams.
Where: Granville Island and Granville Island Stage
Cost: Various; see for details
Friday, October 23 – Saturday, October 24
Vancouver Short Film Festival
What: The Vancouver Short Film Festival debuts in 2009, having transformed from the Vancouver Student Film Festival into a festival promoting both professional and student filmmakers and new media artists.
Where: See site for details
Cost: TBA; see site for details
Saturday, October 24
Thrill the World Vancouver
What: Every year, people from around the world dance to Michael Jackson's Thriller at the same date and time. Dance yourself, or just watch.
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre Turntable Plaza, Yaletown, Vancover
Cost: $10 donation to charity
Wednesday, October 28 – Sunday, November 8
Heart of the City Festival
What: Now in its 6th year, the Heart of the City Festival celebrates Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside with over 80 events, including music, theatre, comedy, workshops, history walks and more.
Where: Various locations in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, see site for details
Cost: Most events are free; check site for individual event information
Saturday, October 31
Your Guide to Halloween in Vancouver – Haunted Houses, Trick or Treating, Parties & More
