Things to Do in Vancouver This Weekend: Oct 23 to 25

Last Updated on October 21, 2026 by Explore Vancouver

This is the last full weekend before Halloween, and Vancouver is packed with spooky nights, cultural festivals, night walks and big games. Whether you want haunted houses, a lantern-lit stroll, a family day out or a night at the arena, this guide lists what is on from Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25. For even more spooky options, see our full guide to Halloween events in Vancouver.

The weekend at a glance:

• Friday: Haunted Village opens, Playland Fright Nights, Writers Fest at Granville Island, BC Lions at BC Place
• Saturday: Día de los Muertos at The Amazing Brentwood, Diwali Fest kicks off, Halloween at Britannia Mine, Celebrate the Night fireworks
• Sunday: Salmon Come Home, Canucks vs Wild, Writers Fest final day
• All weekend: Astra Lumina, Canyon Frights, HowlOver Canada, Cougar Creek’s House of Horrors

Haunted Village at Burnaby Village Museum (Friday to Sunday)

The Haunted Village opens Friday, October 23, from 4 to 9 PM and also runs Saturday and Sunday. The 10-acre heritage site turns into a haunted graveyard, a spooky circus and a dance party hosted by DJ Dracula. It is a family-friendly option, and tickets are sold in advance online. Read our full guide to the Haunted Village at Burnaby Village Museum or see the main Burnaby Village Museum page.

Fright Nights at Playland (Friday and weekend nights)

Fright Nights at the PNE’s Playland starts at 6 PM on Friday. Expect seven haunted houses along with rides, which makes it the biggest scare-fest in the city. Buying tickets in advance online is the best way to skip the longest lines.

Canyon Frights at Capilano Suspension Bridge (all weekend)

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park gets a Halloween makeover for Canyon Frights, with the event included in regular admission. Daily hours are 10 AM to 8 PM, and the park stays open until 9 PM from October 23 to 25. Plan for the evening if you want the full spooky atmosphere in the forest. Learn more on our Capilano Suspension Bridge page.

Astra Lumina in Stanley Park (all weekend)

Astra Lumina opened on October 22 and is a night walk made by Moment Factory, the studio behind many large-scale light shows. The route takes about 45 to 60 minutes and works well for couples, friends and families with older kids. Dress warmly and book ahead online. Pair it with a daytime visit to Stanley Park.

HowlOver Canada at FlyOver (all weekend)

FlyOver at Canada Place has a Halloween twist called HowlOver Canada, running daily from 10 AM to 8:30 PM through November 1. It is a flying-theatre ride, so it works in any weather, which makes it a good rainy-day backup.

Cougar Creek’s House of Horrors in Surrey (nightly)

Now in its 25th year, Cougar Creek’s House of Horrors in Surrey runs nightly through November 1 and has five haunted houses. It is a long-running local favourite for teens and adults who want a proper fright.

Vancouver Writers Fest on Granville Island (Friday to Sunday)

The festival wraps up on Sunday, with Lyrics Night on Friday and the final day of events on Sunday. Make a day of it by browsing the Granville Island Public Market before or after your session. Explore more on our Granville Island guide.

Día de los Muertos at The Amazing Brentwood (Saturday)

On Saturday from 12 to 7 PM, The Amazing Brentwood hosts a Day of the Dead celebration with live music, folkloric dance, food, an artisan market, and sugar-skull and papel picado workshops. It is a colourful, free-to-wander option for the whole family. See our The Amazing Brentwood guide for what else is on site.

Diwali Fest in New Westminster (starts Saturday)

Diwali Fest kicks off Saturday, October 24, and it is free. The festival runs until November 15 across five venues in New Westminster, so you can come back on another weekend if this one is full.

Halloween at Britannia Mine Museum (Saturday and Sunday)

Along the Sea to Sky Highway at Britannia Beach, the Monsters, Machines and Mischief event runs on October 24 and 25 in timed slots. It includes monster machines, an underground Halloween train tour and exploding pumpkins, all included with admission. Book your time slot online.

Celebrate the Night Fireworks in Maple Ridge (Saturday)

Celebrate the Night puts on fireworks at Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge on Saturday evening. Combine it with a visit to Alouette Lake earlier in the day. See our Maple Ridge guide for more nearby stops.

Witches Harvest Samhain Artisan Market (Saturday and Sunday)

The Croatian Cultural Centre on Commercial Drive hosts this Halloween-themed artisan market on Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 6 PM. Door proceeds go to charity, and it is a good stop for unique gifts and decor.

Divers’ Weekend at Vancouver Aquarium (Saturday and Sunday)

The Vancouver Aquarium hosts Divers’ Weekend on October 24 and 25. It features diving presentations, live demonstrations from local organizations and information booths, all included with regular admission. It is a good pick for curious kids and ocean fans.

Salmon Come Home at Hoy Creek Hatchery (Sunday)

On Sunday, Hoy Creek Hatchery in Coquitlam hosts Salmon Come Home, a family-friendly celebration of the fall salmon run. For more places to see the run, check our guide to salmon watching in Metro Vancouver and our Coquitlam page.

Canucks vs Minnesota Wild at Rogers Arena (Sunday)

The puck drops at 7 PM on Sunday. Quinn Hughes returns to Vancouver wearing a Wild jersey, so expect an emotional night at Rogers Arena.

ISU Short Track World Tour at Pacific Coliseum (Saturday and Sunday)

Olympic champions and international skaters race at the Pacific Coliseum on October 24 and 25. Doors open at 3 PM and racing starts at 4 PM.

BC Lions vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers at BC Place (Friday)

Kick off the weekend with CFL action on Friday at 7 PM at BC Place.

Live Music and Theatre (Friday to Sunday)

Phoebe Bridgers plays Rogers Arena on Saturday night. On Friday, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performs Ravel’s Bolero at the Orpheum, and Digable Planets play the Commodore Ballroom. On Sunday, the VSO returns with Bernstein’s West Side Story, and The Rocky Horror Music Show plays the Hollywood Theatre, with doors at 7 PM.

Spooky Postcard Show at One More Life (Friday and Saturday)

This free art show on Main Street opens Friday from 7 to 11 PM and Saturday from noon to 5 PM, and it continues until November 14. It is a low-key, free way to get into the Halloween mood.

Rabbit Festival at the Scottish Cultural Centre (Saturday)

Rabbit Festival 2026 takes place on Saturday, October 24, at the Scottish Cultural Centre. It celebrates everything rabbits and is a gentle pick for animal lovers.

Tips for Planning Your Weekend

• Book timed-entry events such as Astra Lumina, Britannia Mine and Haunted Village in advance, since evening slots fill up first.
• Cluster your plans by area: Burnaby on one day, the North Shore on another, and downtown for the arena and night events.
• Check the weather and keep an indoor backup such as FlyOver or the Aquarium.
• Dates, times and ticket details can change, so confirm everything on the official event websites.