It’s a short week, so we’ll keep things short and sweet. There are plenty of spooky attractions to check out in and around the city, whether you want to be part of the horror and gore yourself or would rather have a spot in the audience. Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (Oct. 13-16).
The Robot Zoo is Science World’s newest exhibition, exploring the engineering and biomechanics behind some of nature’s most fascinating animals through animatronics. From a squid hunting a struggling fish to a swimming platypus to a giant grasshopper, there are all kinds of installations to check out, all made using repurposed household and industrial materials.
When: Oct. 9, 2026 to April 4, 2027
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 1455 Quebec St.
Cost: $37.50 per adult, $25.50 per child
Vancouver Ensemble of Jazz Improvisation is considered one of Canada’s most renowned jazz ensembles, and they’re playing the music of their founder, Hugh Fraser, at a rare concert this Friday, Oct. 16, at Revue Stage. Fraser is famed for being a part of legendary bands run by Maynard Ferguson, Slide Hampton & Clifford Jordan, and for winning two Juno awards.
When: Friday, Oct. 16, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: 1601 Johnston St.
Cost: $45 per person
One of Canada’s most iconic contemporary photographers, Greg Girard, is presenting his work at The Polygon in North Vancouver until Oct. 25. The exhibition features over 160 photographs spanning the past half-century, including some never-before-seen outtakes from his popular photobooks.
When: Until Oct. 25, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or until 9 p.m. on Thursdays
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Another cool local exhibit to check out is Kyla Bourgh: French Ending, which runs from Oct. 9 to 18. The exhibition and bilingual book project is by Vancouver artist and writer Kyla Bourgh, created in collaboration with Buenos Aires-based publisher and designer Viviana Maidanik, with French translations by Antonio Werli.
When: Until Oct. 18, 2026
Time: Noon to 6 p.m. on Fridays, until 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and until 4 p.m. on Sundays
Where: Back alley entrance, 108 East Broadway
Cost: Free admission
Harvest Days are back at VanDusen Botanical Garden on weekends from Sept. 26 to Oct. 18, and there will be tons of autumnal festivities to check out. This includes lawn games, live music, face painting, and gallivanting around the gardens while fall colours are at their peak.
When: Weekends from Sept. 26 to Oct. 18, and Thanksgiving Monday
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 5251 Oak St.
Cost: $14.86 per person
Western Canada’s largest haunt is back at the PNE starting this week, and it’s set to be spookier than ever. Starting Oct. 7, the rides at the Plyland will come alive with sinister energy, roaming performers will terrify you at the midway, and there will be multiple haunted houses that’ll give you goosebumps.
When: Wednesdays through Sundays from Oct. 7 to 31, 2026
Time: 6 to 11 p.m. (until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays)
Where: 2901 East Hastings St.
Cost: $41 for advance GA
Canyon Frights has nearly returned to Capilano Suspension Bridge, and there’s plenty to check out at this outdoor attraction this year. Glowing day-and-night lights will light your way for a spooky, family-friendly adventure through the treetops, with seasonal treats,
When: Saturday, Oct. 9 to Nov. 9, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 3735 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver
Cost: $29 per person
Burnaby’s Halloween Festival returns this week with over 17 events (free and ticketed) taking place across the city, from family-friendly celebrations to comedy nights to terrifying Halloween experiences that’ll have you in a downright spooky mood. This includes the anticipated return of the Monster Dash 5K, Day of the Dead festivities, escape rooms, cabaret, and more.
When: Thursday, Oct. 1 to Nov. 8, 2026
Time: Varies per event
Where: Locations across Burnaby
Cost: Free and ticketed events
The Improv Centre has a new show to check out starting this weekend called Deadly Dinner Party, and it’s going to get juicy. When the host of the show is mysteriously “murdered,” suspicion falls on everyone onstage. Detectives will interrogate each guest to solve the crime before it’s too late.
When: Thursday, Sept. 24 to Oct. 30, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 1502 Duranleau St.
Cost: $28.50 to $40 per person
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is still running its immersive sailing experiences that explore Vancouver’s fascinating maritime past and present, and the views alone are well worth it.
When: Select Thursdays and Sundays in October
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: The yacht departs from the Vancouver Maritime Museum — 1905 Ogden Ave.
Cost: $1,099 per group (up to eight passengers)
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