October 26 edition: What to do this Halloween weekend

Plus: Croissants and Chutzpah!

October 26, 2023

We all know Halloween actually happens next week. But it’s on a Tuesday—and nobody over 28 can really commit to staying out that late on a work night. If you want to get especially spooked and enjoy the things that go bump in the night, you’ve gotta do it the weekend before. 

Luckily, there are plenty of options, from family-friendly day-walking to boozy pop-ups at the best bars in town. If there’s one thing Vancouver knows how to do, it’s turn our existential dread into a spooktacular party.

A photo of downtown Vancover. Text on image reads: "LAST CHANCE. Have your say. Fill in our reader survey for the chance to win an amazing staycation in Vancouver. Click for more."

FEATURE

Seasonal foodie events to haunt your taste buds

A line of femmes dressed in traditional Dia de Muertos outfits with blac shirts, large colourful skirts, flower headpieces, and skeletl make-up.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year not named Christmas, and local eateries are getting in on the festive spirit with themed items and pop-ups.

CITY & CULTURE

Commentary: Supporting Indigenous children makes good financial sense

A teddy bear faces the window, looking awy from the camera.

An Indigenous-led child welfare system that responds to each community’s unique needs isn’t just better for kids: it makes good financial sense too, says researcher Amanda Thompson.

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ARTS

Nani Noam Vazana breathes life into Ladino

A woman with bobbed dark hair looks directly into the camera in front of a colourful background.

Ladino might be a vanishing language, but singer Nani Noam Vazana weaves stories old and new into her music.

MUSIC

Review: Tool is as potent as ever

Four middle-aged men look at the camera, in front of a scrappy wooden backdorop. One holds what looks like a skateboard.

Tool might be 33 years old, but they band is still serving up proggy voyages for the senses.

  • Immerse yourself in magic and buckle up for a wild, whimsical journey of drama and delight. Vancouver Opera’s The Magic Flute opens this weekend!*

  • Japanese psychedelic rock / space rock band Acid Mothers Temple return to Vancouver on October 30 with special guests Dead Leaf Echo and Space Queen.*

  • Guided by the theme Grounded in Community, Carrying it Forward, the 2023 edition of DTES Heart of the City will feature 100+ events and showcase 40+ local venues over twelve days.*

  • The Lisa Nemetz Festival of International Jewish Performing Arts. The Chutzpah! Festival returns November 2 - 23 with an exciting and dynamic lineup, presenting music, theatre, comedy, dance and multimedia arts, connecting communities and celebrating the vibrancy of our stories.*

  • Join the Saint James Music Academy for an evening of music and delight! As part of the Heart of the City Festival.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY CHOR LEONI

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking Chor Leoni sound at Boundless, the choir’s 32nd annual Remembrance Day concerts on Nov 10 and 11.

Through folk, pop, and modern choral works, you’re invited to listen, reflect on the cost of war, and heal through the search and hope for peace.

FOOD & DRINK

Croissant Crawl returns with flaky pastry perfection

A kouign amann pastry topped with marshmallow and biscoff sits in front of a hot chocolate, surrounded by autumn leaves.

Two dozen limited-time flaky pastries are launching as part of Metro Vancouver’s second annual Croissant Crawl.

SPONSORED BY TOURISM WHISTLER

Sip, sample and savour this fall at Whistler's premier event, Cornucopia

From November 9-19, enjoy over 70 tastings and events. Delight in live multi-course culinary demonstrations, spirited parties, seminars, tastings and winery dinners.

Elevate your experience with lodging and ticket bundles starting at $95 pp/pn, plus enjoy a complimentary $100 dining voucher.

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

Vancouver Flea Market presents Record Vinyl Show on Sunday Oct 29 from 10am to 3pm with over 50 tables of records, CDs and music memorabilia. East side entrance only.*

The dynamic world premiere of Accumulation (Nov. 9 – 11)  is a transcontinental performance project by Co.ERASGA Dance, in collaboration with acclaimed artists from the USA, Canada and France.*

Homes For The Holidays is Vancouver’s quintessential festive event! Immerse yourself in a holiday wonderland, and support youth mental health.*

Don't miss the world premiere of Zahak, The Serpent King by The Biting School, weaving together theatre, dance, power, passion, and the quest for freedom.*

*Sponsored Listing

Want to know what else is happening in Vancouver? Check out our Events Listings.

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