Get ready for a jam-packed weekend, Vancouver. It’s peak Oktoberfest, Public Disco is back with another outdoor rager (and we spot sun in the forecast), and there’s a two-day Japanese market to peruse. Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (Oct. 2-4).
It’s time to celebrate Oktoberfest with non-stop bier-drinking and bratwurst galore at Harvest Haus at the PNE. International and local brewers will be in attendance to showcase new seasonal flavours in addition to Oktoberfest classics, so you don’t have to just stick to a standard pilsner or lager to enjoy the festivities.
When: Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: 2901 East Hastings St.
Cost: $39.55 for Friday GA; Saturday tickets sold out
For one day only, the Shipyards will transform for a day of all kinds of electronic music, with Leon Vynehall (U.K.), Fred P (New York), Prosumer (U.K.), and DJ Holographic (Detroit) headlining, with support from Vancouver’s Dane and Calgary’s DJ Hannah.
In addition to two stages of live music all day long, there will be a Vinyl Lounge tucked away inside the Pipe Shop with live visuals and immersive sounds by Lobe Studios, as well as a visual program curated by ephemeral objects.
When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
Time: 2 to 10 p.m.
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: $47.50 to $75 per person
The next Japan Market is coming up this weekend with two days of shopping (60+ vendors!), cultural performances, and hands-on workshops to discover. Plus, if you buy your tickets ahead of time, it’s only $7 for admission for two.
When: Saturday, Oct. 3 and Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 800 Robson St.
Cost: $4 to 5 per person
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
This Saturday, the Canucks are up against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Arena.
When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: $98+
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
There are still a few more days to check out the tempting croissants at this year’s Metro Vancouver Croissant Crawl, so we say, don’t stop at just one!
When: Until Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026
Time: Varies per location
Where: 37 participating locations across Metro Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
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
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 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
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