The shift in the air is palpable; the leaves are changing, the rain is back in the forecast, it’s officially VIFF season, and there’s so much more on the way. If you don’t feel like scrolling to find the biggest events coming your way this week, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (Sept. 28-Oct. 2).
Hundreds of incredible films and shorts are hitting the silver screen as part of this year’s Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF), including several world premieres and plenty of award-winning titles.
When: Thursday, Oct. 1 to 11, 2026
Time: Showtimes vary
Where: VIFF Centre (1181 Seymour St.) and theatres across Vancouver
Cost: Tickets on sale at noon on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026
GRAMMY-winning R&B artist Kehlani is stopping in Vancouver on her world tour, and there are still some tickets up for grabs.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: 6066 Thunderbird Blvd.
Cost: $169.63
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
Known for viral hits like “Back to Friends” and “Undressed,” SOMBR is a rising alt-pop star who is officially on tour and coming to Vancouver this week.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: $185.45
This Thursday, the Canucks are up against the Oilers in what is sure to be another action-packed game.
When: Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: $178.87
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
From now until Oct. 1, you can check out 100 original artworks by emerging Canadian artists at the Pendulum Gallery in support of Arts Umbrella’s programming for children and youth. Visitors who want to bring a piece home can place their bids online, but it’s completely free to check out this neat local exhibition.
When: Until Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026
Time: Gallery open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, until 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and until 5 p.m. on Saturdays
Where: 885 West Georgia St.
Cost: Free admission
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
Canada’s largest public participation campaign for the arts, BC Culture Days, is back and better than ever this year. Running from Sept. 18 to Oct. 4, there are thousands of events to check out across B.C., including stand-up comedy, an abstract art exhibition, historic walking tours, art and sip socials, and so much more.
When: Until Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026
Time: Varies per event
Where: Varies per event
Cost: Free
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 June, July, August, and September
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)
Recent posts:
Metro Vancouver’s $2 outdoor pool sits on the forest edge and it’s open through September
B.C.’s ‘missing island’ spotted after drifting 30 km, but the mystery deepens