Fall is nearly here, and October is a great time to be out and about to enjoy the changing foliage, autumn bounty, and all things cozy. But that doesn’t mean you have to burn a hole in your wallet in order to have fun! So with that in mind, here are 10 of the best free (and cheap) things to do in Vancouver this October.
Harvest Days at VanDusen
It’s nearly autumn season once again at VanDusen, and the beautiful gardens are celebrating with their annual Harvest Days festival, complete with access to the botanical gardens, maze area, and festive photo-op areas. Visitors can enjoy tasty seasonal treats, live entertainment throughout the garden, and of course, take pictures with all of the fun fall decor.
When: Saturday, September 28th to October 20th
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Cost: $12 per adult
Vancouver Fall Food Fest
Hungry for all things autumn? From October 4th to 27th, you can embark on a delicious self-guided tour of the best fall treats in Metro Vancouver, including specialty teas and lattes to limited-time baked goodies. So if you’re looking for an excuse to try a new spot or catch up with a friend, you’ve just found one.
When: Friday, October 4th to October 27th
Where: Participating locations in Metro Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Harvest Fair in Surrey
From 12 pm to 4 pm on Saturday, October 5th, a harvest fair and celebration will take place at the Historic Stewart Farm in Surrey, featuring tons of local vendors ranging from handmade pots, florals, and gifts to guided ‘ghost’ tours.
When: Saturday, October 5th
Where: 13723 Crescent Road, Surrey
Cost: Free admission
Antique Show at the Vancouver Flea Market
Want to go treasure-hunting? You’ll find all kinds of secondhand and vintage gems at the Vancouver Flea Market, which is hosting a special Antique Show this month.
The show will run from 11 am to 3 pm on Sunday, October 6th.
When: Sunday, October 6th
Where: 703 Terminal Avenue
Cost: $5 admission
All Hallows’ Eve Craft Market
Sapperton Hall in New West is transforming this month for a Halloween-themed fair filled with spooky, witchy, and gothic finds. Visitors can shop two levels of 60 Halloween-inspired vendors.
When: Saturday, October 5th and Sunday, October 6th
Where: 318 Keary Street, New Westminster
Cost: $3 admission
Oktoberfest Country Edition at Boots N Beats
Starting at 9 pm on Friday, October 11th, Abbotsford’s Townhall is transforming for a free-to-enter Oktoberfest celebration with a country twist. Here, visitors can don their best cowboy getups and dance the night away.
When: Friday, October 11th
Where: 33720 South Fraser Way Abbotsford
Cost: Free admission
UBC Apple Festival
Now in its 33rd year, the annual UBC Apple Fest is a two-day food fair with live entertainment and over 40 varieties of new & heritage BC apples available for tasting – all at the UBC Farm from 11 am to 4 pm.
When: Saturday, October 19th and Sunday, October 20th
Where: UBC Botanical Garden
Cost: $8-$9 for early bird pricing
Richmond Night Market
Home to literally hundreds of vendors, the Richmond Night Market has become a must for food and drink lovers, and October is your last chance to check it out this year!
When: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until October 14th
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond
Cost: $8.50 per person
DTES Heart of the City Festival
The 21st annual DTES Heart of the City Festival is coming up at the end of October and will last through mid-November, and will feature over 100 local events across 40 venues – both indoors and out. With the 2024 theme of ‘Threads of Connection,’ the 2024 fest will take place over 12 days, showcasing music, stories, poetry, theatre, films, dance, ceremony, and much more.
When: Wednesday, October 30th to November 10th
Where: 250 to 111 West Hastings
Cost: Free admission
Vancouver Fall Home Show
Looking for cozy additions to your home for a steal? It’s worth checking out this year’s Vancouver Fall Home Show at the convention centre, which will have tons of home-related products and services to peruse – and maybe even inspire your next home project.
When: Thursday, October 24th to Sunday, October 27th
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre, West
Cost: $14 to $16 per person
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