Now is not the time to be deterred by the incoming rain. Bruno Mars is in town, the Vancouver Fall Home Show is on, and there are lots of exciting indoor and outdoor fall excursions to check out. Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (Oct. 16-18).
Five nights, one legendary artist. Bruno Mars’ The Romantic Tour has officially arrived in Vancouver, and limited tickets are still out there if you’re hoping to snag a pair.
When: Friday, Oct. 16 to Oct. 21, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: $100+
The Vancouver Fall Home Show is back at the Vancouver Convention Centre this weekend, with Sarah Baeumler headlining the main stage lineup this year. At the show, guests can talk to local and national experts across home improvement, design, culinary arts, and so much more.
When: Thursday, Oct. 15 to Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026
Time: 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday
Where: 1055 Canada Pl.
Cost: $16 per adult
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
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
Red Bull Hardline is hosting its first-ever Canadian event in B.C., with riders taking on the world’s most extreme downhill race at Cypress Mountain this weekend. It’s a mountain biking event to remember, pushing the limits of what’s possible on two wheels!
When: Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd., West Vancouver
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
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
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
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