Who’s ready to dive into the week? From a Sting concert to a new animatronics exhibit at Science World, here are 10 of the best things to do in Vancouver this week (Oct. 5-9).
Tickets might cost an arm and a leg, but rock legend Sting is bringing his STING 3.0 Tour to the city this week, and longtime collaborators Dominic Miller (guitar) and Chris Maas (drums) will join him to bring his greatest hits to life.
When: Monday, Oct. 5 and Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 630 Hamilton St.
Cost: $341.86
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
This Friday, the BC Lions are up against the Ottawa Redblacks at BC Place.
When: Friday, Oct. 9, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 777 Pacific Blvd.
Cost: $210. 54
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
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
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
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
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 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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