vancouver: what to do, what to do?

Filed Under Events | October 28, 2010

It’s a witchy weekend full of ghosts, goblins and ghouls. And a lot of howling. We have ferreted out a few events that aren’t quite so spooky as well. We haven’t included it in each listing, but costumes are appropriate for almost all these events. Don’t forget our list of ongoing Halloween fun in case you need even more to do!

Howl-O-Ween Spectacular
Friday, October 29th, 10 am – Noon, Sunset Community Centre, 6810 Main Street, Vancouver
Kids from one to three are invited to celebrate the seasons in a age-suitable spooky way. Be sure to book your tickets in advance: vancouver.ca

Halloween Carnival and Haunted House
Friday, October 29th, 3 pm – 6 pm, Thunderbird Community Centre, 2311 Cassiar Street, Vancouver
Get into the spirit of the season with ghoulish games and creepy crafts. Warning: their Haunted House is not recommended for the very young: vancouver.ca

Halloween Storytime
Friday, October 29th, 2010, 3:45pm – 4:30pm, Parkgate Branch Library, 3675 Banff Court, North Vancouver
Kids from three to seven can enjoy a Halloween-themed storytime session including songs and a simple craft: www.nvdpl.ca

Aberthau Haunted Mansion
Friday, October 29th to Saturday, October 30th, 6 pm – 9 pm, West Point Grey Community Centre, 4397 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver
This 100-year-old mansion is the perfect setting for a haunted house. Each room has a theme and storyline and parental guidance is a must for small children who may get spooked out: vancouver.ca

Haunted House — Barclay Manor
Friday, October 29th, 7 pm – 9 pm & Saturday, October 30th, 6 pm – 8 pm, Barclay Manor, 1447 Barclay Street, Vancouver
Recommended for the slightly braver over six crowd, this heritage house has been transformed into a creepy, spooky house of horror. Get your tickets in advance or pay at the door: vancouver.ca/parks/cc/westend

Family Pumpkin Carving
Friday, October 29th, 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm, Sunset Community Centre, 6810 Main Street, Vancouver
The whole family is invited to collaborate on the ultimate pumpkin with tools, light refreshments and an instructor on site to give you a bit of dastardly direction. Be sure to get your tickets in advance, they usually sell out: vancouver.ca

Mountain View Cemetery 6th Annual All Souls Event
October 30th to November 1st, see schedule for event times, Mountain View Cemetery, 5445 Fraser Street (@ 39th Avenue), Vancouver
On the 30th the cemetery will be bedecked with flowers, candles and music; on the 31st they’re hosting the threshold choir; and on the 1st they’re showing the film: A Family Undertaking – Home Funerals in America: vancouver.ca

Harvest Festival at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Saturday, October 30th to Sunday, October 31st, 9 am – 5 pm, Capilano Suspension Bridge, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Check out their fabulous Jack-o-lantern display along with fortune telling, temporary tattoos, kids crafts, trick-or-treating (if you’re in costume) and lots more fun: www.capbridge.com

Halloween Howl
Saturday, October 30th, 10 am – Noon, West End Community Centre, Auditorium, 870 Denman Street, Vancouver
Tots from two to six can make spooky crafts, play scary games, tour a mini haunted house and more. Plus there’s also a Pumpkin Halloween Skate from Noon to 1 pm on the same day: vancouver.ca

Halloween Howlers
Saturday, October 30th, 10 am – Noon, Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre, 990 West 59th Avenue, Vancouver
This party’s for the five and under set. Get your face painted. Play games. Make crafts. And rumour has it there’ll be treats too. And you’ve got to register in advance: www.marpoleoakridge.org

Halloween Howl
Saturday, October 30th, 10:30 am – Noon, False Creek Community Centre 1318 Cartwright Street, Vancouver
Enjoy Halloween themed games and crafts, a children’s entertainer, treat bags, a pumpkin patch and more. Be sure register in advance: vancouver.ca

Sing Along With Will Stroet
Saturday October 30th, at 11 am & 1 pm, ArtStarts, 808 Richards Street (at Robson), Vancouver
Stomp you feet, tap your toes or just get on up and dance at this high-energy musical workshop with Will Stroet. It’s free and no registration is necessary, which is why it’s probably best to get there a little early: artstarts.com

Halloween Howl Spook Fest
Saturday, October 30th, 11 am – 12:30 pm, Kitsilano Community Centre, 2690 Larch Street, Vancouver
Ghosts and goblins from one to 12 can play haunted hockey, bowling bats, pin the nose on the pumpkin and spider throw games. Plus there’ll be crafts, a chance to decorate cookies and lots more. Pre-registration is required: www.kitscc.com

Halloween Carnival
Saturday, October 30th, Noon – 2 pm, Kensington Community Centre, 5175 Dumfries Street, Vancouver
It’s going to be an afternoon of chills and thrills at the community centres annual Halloween Carnival: vancouver.ca

Cambie Village Halloween Hunt
Saturday, October 30th, Noon – 3 pm, pick up your maps from Noon to 1 pm, enjoy the celebrations from Noon to 3 pm, various locations West 5th – West 25th, Cambie Street, Vancouver
Enjoy an afternoon of all sorts of family fun along Cambie Street including pumpkin decorating, crafts, magic, clowns, caricature artists, balloons and more: cambievillage.com

Children’s Halloween Party
Saturday, October 30th, 12:30 pm – 3 pm, Renfrew Park Community Centre, 2929 East 22nd Avenue, Vancouver
Get your tickets in advance for this frightfully fun event for kids from two to 10. There’ll be games, face painting, crafts and Halloween trick or treat goodie bags: vancouver.ca

Halloween Howl
Saturday, October 30th, 1 pm – 2:30 pm, Champlain Heights Recreation Centre, 3350 Maquinna Drive, Vancouver
Kids from three to 10 can join in the howling with ghoulish games, creepy crafts, CoCo the clown and more. Get your tickets in advance: vancouver.ca

Children’s Hallowe’en Party
Saturday, October 30th, 1 pm – 2:30 pm, Douglas Park Community Centre, 801 West 22nd Avenue, Vancouver
Enjoy carnival games, crafts, treats and entertainment but be sure to get your tickets in advance, they won’t be available at the door. For kids from three to eight: vancouver.ca

Halloween Carnival
Saturday, October 30th, 1 pm – 3 pm, Kerrisdale Community Centre 5851 West Boulevard, Vancouver
Exhowlarating games, bouncy equipment and Halloween crafts are the tomb, erm, cornerstones of this event for kids from two to 10. Be sure to get your tickets in advance: vancouver.ca

Jack O’Lantern’s Spooky Stroll
Saturday, October 30th, 5 pm – 7 pm, VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Kids of nine and under can come out to follow the pumpkin patch and view more than 125 carved and lit pumpkins that create a circle route through the garden. And you can also hear stories in the Glasshouse. It all happens rain or shine so be sure to dress for the weather and get your tickets in advance: vancouver.ca

Third Annual Family Halloween Dance
Saturday, October 30th, 6:30 pm – 9 pm, Strathcona Community Centre, 601 Keefer Street, Vancouver
A spooktacular evening of dancing and fun for all ages is guaranteed at this event sponsored by the Neighbourhood Small Grants Program: strathconaevents.ca

Parade of Lost Souls: Secret Souls Walk
Saturday, October 30th, 5 pm – 9 pm, outside of Gym B at Britannia Community Centre, 1001 Cotton Drive, Vancouver
It’s back and it’s kid-friendly! The Public Dreams Society has paired up with Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret to create a unique, guided tour through the secrets and spirits of our back alleys, streets and open spaces: publicdreams.org

Little Goblins Halloween Carnival
Sunday, October 31st, 10 am – Noon, West Point Grey Community Centre, 4397 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver
Take part in games, face painting, arts and crafts and more at this annual carnival. Be sure to get your tickets in advance: vancouver.ca

Halloween Carnival and Spooky Graveyard
Sunday, October 31st, 11 am – 2 pm, Coal Harbour Gymnasium, 480 Broughton Street, Vancouver
Kids of six and under are invited to make creepy crafts, eat terrifying treats, try a bit of tombstone tumbling, enjoy eerie entertainment and more. Be sure to get your tickets in advance: vancouver.ca

Halloweenie at Kids Market on Granville Island
Sunday, October 31st, 11 am – 3:30 pm, Kid’s Market, Granville Island, Vancouver
Wear your costume for a free hot dog and warm beverage. Which we hope means hot chocolate and not lukewarm pop. There’ll also be a magic show for kids of all ages and trick or treating throughout the Market: www.kidsmarket.ca

Space Centre Halloween
Sunday October 31st, Noon, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, 1100 Chestnut Street (VanierPark), Vancouver
Get a head start on your tick or treating by catching a showing of E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial in the auditorium. And kids under 17 who come in costume (with an adult) get in for free. There’ll also be Halloween treats and a DVD draw: www.spacecentre.ca

Halloween at the Market
Sunday, October 31st, 12 noon – 3 pm, 123 Carrie Cates Court, near Esplanade & Lonsdale, North Vancouver
Queue up at the quay for a safe, dry and spooky time treat or treating, decorating pumpkins, hearing spooky stories and more including a costume contest with prizes: www.lonsdalequay.com

Maritime Halloween at the Vancouver Maritume Museum
Sunday, October 31st, Noon – 4 pm, Vancouver Maritime Museum, 1905 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver
It’s creepy cutlasses at the Maritime Museum with special pirate activities, a haunted fo’c’sle, creepy crafts and ghostly activities. Kids under 10 in costume get in for free (maximum two kids per adults): www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com

Portobello West
Sunday, October 31st, 12 noon – 6 pm, Rocky Mountaineer Station, 1755 Cottrell Street, Vancouver
If you’re all spooked out why not get in a bit of pre-holiday shopping for one-of-a-kind fashion, art, accessories and more: www.portobellowest.com

Halloween Skate
Sunday, October 31st, 12:30 pm – 2:15 pm, Trout Lake Community Centre, 3350 Victoria Drive, Vancouver
Celebrate the scary season at the new Trout Lake rink: vancouver.ca

Halloween Carnival
Sunday, October 31st, 1 pm – 3 pm, Killarney Community Centre, 6260 Killarney Street, Vancouver
Get your tickets in advance for the kid-friendly creepy carnival: vancouver.ca

Trick or Treat Through Yaletown
Sunday, October 31st, 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm, Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
This annual event is much-loved by little trick-or-treaters who get to ply their tricks at participating Yaletown businesses and you can end your evening at the Roundhouse’s 8th Annual Halloween Carnival (see below): yaletowninfo.com

Halloween Carnival
Sunday, October 31st, 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm, Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Come out for ghoulish games and creepy crafts. Don’t miss Creepy Hallow, a forest full of spooky surprises and other fun. Be sure to register in advance: www.roundhouse.ca

Farther Afield:

New West is hopping with so much All Hallows Eve fun that we simply couldn’t list is all, but you can find all the deadly details here!

Halloween Roaming Rascals
Thursday, October 28th, 9:30 am – 12 noon, Ladner Community Centre & Saturday, October 30th, 9:30 am – 12 noon, South Delta Recreation Centre
Kids from one to three are invited to dress up and come out to this haunted happening: www.deltarec.ca

3rd Annual Family Fright Fest in Ladner
Thursday, October 28th, 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm, McKee Heritage House, 47 Avenue & Arthur Drive, Ladner
Halloween’s coming early to Ladner with tours of the spooky haunted house, trick or treating, the mad scientist lab, a ghostly storytime, Halloween crafts, live music and lots more: www.ladnerbusiness.com

Halloween Howl Swim
Thursday, October 28th, 7 pm – 9 pm, C.G. Brown Pool, 3702 Kensington Avenue, Burnaby
Dive in for some frightful family fun including games, prizes and a haunted house. Costumes are optional, bathing suits are not: www.burnaby.ca

Halloween Tricks and Treats
Friday, October 29th, 11 am – Noon & 1 pm – 2 pm, Surrey Museum, 17710-56A Avenue, Surrey
This event for kids from three to six is just a little bit scary but a lot of fun with funny tricks, yummy treats, pumpkins to decorate and a chance to dance the Monster Mash: www.surrey.ca

Bonsor’s Big Boo!
Friday, October 29th, 6 pm – 8:30 pm, Bonsor Recreation Complex gymnasium, 6550 Bonsor Avenue, Burnaby
Boo! Don’t jump going through the haunted house, or get creeped out by the costume prize draw and the crafts or get the chills from the ghostly games: www.burnaby.ca

Halloween Music & Story Time
Friday, October 29th, 6:30 pm, Abbotsford Rec Centre, 2499 MacMillan Road, Abbotsford & Saturday, October 30th, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm, Place Maillardville, 1200 Cartier, Coquitlam
Kids of five and under will enjoy this spooktacular crowd pleaser including fun dances, instrument play-alongs and great Halloween stories. Be sure to register in advance: www.jumpstartmusicandmovement.com

Halloween on the Heights
Fireworks, Friday, October 29th, 8:15 pm, Gilmore Community School & Trick or Treating, Saturday, October 30th, 3 pm – 5 pm, Hastings Street from Boundary to Gamma, Burnaby
Haunt the Heights for fireworks on Friday, treats from local merchants (as long as you’re in costume) on Saturday and you can ride the Halloween Train in Confederation Park on Saturday and Sunday night: www.burnabyheights.com

Halloween at the Zoo
Saturday, October 30th, & Sunday, October 31st, 9 am – 4 pm, 5048 – 264th Street, just 500 metres south of the Trans Canada Highway, Aldergrove
Take a ghoulish train ride through the tunnel of creepy critters, ghosts and goblins. And the Spooky Bus Tours are back – take a bus ride throughout the zoo while listening to eerie animal stories  (please note: some of these stories may be a little much for younger kids) – at 11 am, 1:30 pm and 3 pm and if you come in costume on the 31st you’ll get in for free and get a treat: www.gvzoo.com

Halloween in the Forest
Saturday, October 30th, 10 am – 2 pm, Surrey Nature Centre, 14255 – 96 Avenue, Surrey
Pick out a pumpkin and the carve it, meet creatures of the forest under the guidance of the forest fairy and create a spooky eco-craft. Rumour has it there’ll also be treats. And it goes on rain or shine: www.surrey.ca

Pumpkin Power
Saturday, October 30th, 12:30 pm – 2 pm, Surrey Museum, 17710-56A Avenue, Surrey
If you’re a pumpkin fan this is your chance to view, decorate and eat them as well as the opportunity to design your own Jack O’Lantern, do some crafts and eat some pie while admiring the Cloverdale costume parade: www.surrey.ca

Halloween Hoopla
Saturday, October 30th, 12:45 pm – 3:15 pm, Bill Copeland Sports Centre, 3676 Kensington Avenue, Burnaby
Whoop and hoop it up with ice-skating, face painting, creepy crafts and ghostly games: www.burnaby.ca

Witchy Fun
Saturday, October 30th, 1 pm – 3 pm, Historic Stewart Farm, 13723 Crescent Road, Surrey
Kids from five to nine can carve their own take-home witch pumpkin, decorate witchy treats, sample witchy brew and attend witch school to earn your broomstick. Be sure to pre-register: www.surrey.ca

All Creatures Creepy Slimy and Spooky
October 30th, 2 pm – 5 pm, Burnaby Lake Regional Park, Nature House at the end of Piper Avenue off Winston Street, Burnaby
“Ewww!” will become “Oooh!” when your kids experience the world of slimy, spooky critters in the park and discover just why bizarre animal behaviours are actually beneficial through activities, stories and games: www.metrovancouver.org

Cloverdale Costume Parade + Pumpkin Power
Saturday, October 30th, 1pm – 3pm, Surrey Museum, 17710 56A Avenue, Surrey
Take part in or watch the free costume parade (at 2 pm) – prizes will be awarded – and it’ll be followed by pumpkin feasting and children’s contests, plus at the end of the parade those in costume can get into the museum for free: www.cloverdalebia.com

Halloween Spooktacular – Ladner Leisure Centre
Saturday, October 30th, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, Ladner Leisure Centre, 4600 Clarence Taylor Crescent, Delta
There’ll be haunted fun at this pool this Saturday: www.corp.delta.bc.ca

Creatures of Halloween
Saturday, October 30th, 2 pm – 3 pm, Richmond Nature Park, 11851 Westminster Hwy, Richmond
Wildlife experts will share the secrets of some of Halloween’s most mysterious animals, think bats and owls, and then enjoy some spooky stories about the creepy creatures. Be sure to register in advance: richmondnatureparksociety.ca

2010 Community Fireworks
Saturday, October 30th, 7:15 pm – 8 pm, Albion Fairgrounds, 23448 – 105 Avenue, Maple Ridge
The Maple Ridge Lions and Maple Ridge Fire Department are sponsoring the fireworks thanks to corporate sponsorship from Maple Ridge Chrysler: www.mapleridge.ca

Kilby’s Kids Halloween Party
Sunday, October 31st, 11 am – 4 pm, 215 Kilby Road, Harrison Mills
This’ll be a traditional Halloween Party in a traditional locale with bat whacking, pass the pumpkin, worm eating fun, bite the apple and a chance to feed the farm animals. There’ll also be crafts, treats and a contest for the best costume: www.kilby.ca

Aberdeen Centre’s Halloween Spooktacular
Sunday, October 31st, 1 pm – 7 pm, Central Atrium, Aberdeen Centre, 4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond
Take a tour of the Mall’s creepy open house, reptile emporium, bewitching shows, tricks n’ treats and frightful games from ghoulish prizes: www.aberdeencentre.com

Mr. I’s Slightly Spooky Songs and Stories
Sunday, October 31, 2 pm – 3 pm, Place des Arts, 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam
Local teacher and children’s entertainer Yurgen Ilaender (Mr.I) will be leading his annual Halloween concert for kids of two and up. Call 604.664.1636 for more tickets for this popular audience-participation encouraged event: www.placedesarts.ca

Halloween Happening
Sunday, October 31st, 2 pm – 4 pm, W.C. Blair Recreation Centre West Langley Hall, 22200 Fraser Highway 9308 – 208 Street, Langley
Get in the mood for trick or treating and warm up your costume with craft making, cookie decorating, story time and more: www.tol.ca

Halloween House
Sunday, October 31st, Mildly Haunting Tour 3 pm – 5 pm, & Haunting Tour 7 pm – 10 pm, MSA Museum 2313 Ware Street, Abbotsford
Come out for a mild or spooky scare at the house tour and stay to enjoy the carnival and hot chocolate: www.msamuseum.ca

City of Richmond – Halloween Fireworks
Sunday, October 31st, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, fireworks begin at 8:15 pm, East side of Minoru Pavilion building at 7191 Granville Avenue, Richmond
There’ll be a live Deejay, magic, clowns, balloons, stilt-walkers, fire jugglers, hot chocolate, games, fireworks and more at this all-ages event: www.richmond.ca

Halloween Fireworks at West Richmond Community Centre
Sunday, October 31st, 7:45 pm, West Richmond Community Centre, 9180 No 1 Road, Richmond
Catch the fireworks on the grass field off of No. 1 Road at this free event: www.richmond.ca

And we wanted to remind you to always call or visit the website for event info before you head out just in case any changes have been made since we posted it.  And of course, have fun!

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