15 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this weekend: October 21-23

Another fall weekend has arrived and it’s filled to the brim with great events and activities!

Plan your days with our checklist of 15 fantastic events happening in Metro Vancouver from October 21-23. Diwali Fest, burlesque tribute to Kate Bush, and more.

And for more fun things happening around town, be sure to check out our Listed section.

Diwali Festival 2022

What: Diwali Fest celebrates the return of in-person events this year, and many events bring food, entertainment and fun to downtown Vancouver.

Enjoy a virtual Diwali Stories With Vancouver Public Library event on Thursday, October 20. Online reading of Archie celebrates Diwali will be presented live by author Mithali Banerjee Ruths.

See you at the VPL Central Branch on Friday, October 21 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for Diwali @ Vancouver Public Library. There will be music and dance performances, delicious chai will be served and diya painting throughout the evening for attendees.

This year’s festivities will culminate on Sunday, October 23 from 2-5 p.m. with Diwali Downtown Vancouver at the Roundhouse Community Centre. Visitors will be treated to live performances, an interactive rangoli installation and fun activities for children during the afternoon.

When: October 20, 21 and 23, 2022
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations, see website for details
Cost: Free or on donation

For the Love of Winter – An Arc’teryx Showcase

What: Arc’teryx, in collaboration with Moment Factory, invites Vancouverites to find new inspiration with the launch of their Winter 2022 collection.

Global projections and sonic dreamscapes come together in a multi-sensory event that will transport guests seamlessly to the heart of Vancouver’s Coastal Mountains. Visitors can preview adventure-ready gear while joining like-minded thrill seekers.

When: October 23 to 25, 2022
Time: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Sunday), 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Monday and Tuesday)
Where: Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Center West Building. Entrance located at Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Cost: Free but registration required. Register online

Double Murder: Clowns/The Solution

What: UK-based Hofesh Shechter Company, a groundbreaking dance company, presents Double Murder: Clowns/The Solution to kick off DanceHouse’s 15th anniversary season. Clowns is a macabre comedy of murder and desire, while The fix is described as “providing a raw and compassionate moment to balance the forces of aggression that weigh on us daily”.

When: October 21 and 22, 2022
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Theater – 600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Tickets: From $35, purchase online

Go on a ghostly walking tour with Forbidden Vancouver

What: Follow the lamplight and learn about Vancouver’s gruesome and tragic history on the Lost Souls of Gastown tour. Now in its 11th consecutive year, the walking tour immerses visitors in an interactive theatrical experience as they journey deep into the historic district.

When: Now until October 31, 2022
Time: Various hours, with additional hours on weekends and Halloween week.
Where: Starts at the corner of Water and Cordova streets, next to the Buro cafe
Cost: $32 for adults and $29 for students and seniors. Online purchase

Vancouver Canucks vs. Buffalo Sabers

What: The Canucks host the Buffalo Sabers at Rogers Arena for their season opener on October 22.

When: October 22, 2022
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Miscellaneous, buy online

Vancouver Fall Home Show 2022

What: The Vancouver Fall Home Show is back for its 40th year with hundreds of local experts under one roof. Keynote presenters include Sebastian Clovis, renovator and host of HGTV Canada’s Gut Job; Tiffany Pratt, designer, author and co-host of Food Network’s Bake-Over project, and Megan Golightly, professional organizer and owner of GoSimplified. Plus, you can find the latest trends in decorating, remodeling, cooking, and more for your home.

When: October 20 to 23, 2022
Time: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Thursday), 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Friday), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Saturday), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: West Vancouver Convention Center – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Cost: Early Bird price (before October 20) $12, regular adult price (13+) $16, seniors (60+) $11, half-price adult and senior tickets daily after 4 p.m. $8, children 12 and under are free. Buy your tickets online

SWEET from the world of science: fear

What: Science World’s Extravagant Teen Parties, or SWEETs, invite 13-18 year olds to step into the dome and learn all about fear. Participants will discover what happens to their brain and body when they are afraid. They will also learn how to create scary content to share with others.

Teens can take a trip to Science World’s haunted theater, learn how to create their own special effects, and even try virtual reality horror. The Triple O and Gallery spaces will also be open.

When: October 21, 2022
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Science World at TELUS World of Science – 1455 Quebec Street
Cost: Free for young people aged 13 to 18, online registration

Live Band Burlesque Tribute to Kate Bush

What: The timeless music of Kate Bush comes to life at the Rio Theater with the burlesque experience of live band Burgundy Brixx. Whether you are a lifelong fan or a new discoverer of Bush thanks to stranger thingsyou’ll enjoy The Hot & Heavy Band with lead singers Brixx and Lisa-Marie Ricketts performing their hits.

With slapstick performances from Tonya Kay, Jessie Rockley, Mz. B. Haven, Ann Narky, Shaboobie Boobarella, Johnny Bongo, Fionna Flauntit and Burgundy Brixx. There will also be a Kate Bush/stranger things costume contest with prizes and a stranger things end of tribute.

When: October 22, 2022
Time: Doors: 8:30 p.m., show 9 p.m.
Where: Rio Theater – 1660 E Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: $30 online, $35 at the door. Online purchase

The Cougar Creek House of Horrors

What: Do you like the feeling of being terrified? Then you’ll love the Cougar Creek House of Horrors.

This haunted house in Surrey is actually three different haunted items in one, plus more ways to get your blood pumping. For 2022, you can try Lovecraftian nightmare Echoes of Abbath, New Year’s Evil that locks you in a 1970s motel, and Zycko Zerkus – a carnival maze.

When: Now until October 31, 2022
Time: Various times
Where: 12530 72nd Avenue, Surrey
Cost: $29.99 to $49.99 per person

Diwali Boat Party Festival

What: Celebrate Diwali by cruising around the harbor on the two-deck Burrard Queen while listening to DJ Shalv play Bollywood’s hottest songs. Traditional attire is highly recommended and a professional photographer will be on board to take pictures of you and your loved ones during the Diwali nightlife experience.

When: October 21 and 22, 2022
Time: 8 p.m.
Differs from: 760 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Tickets: Varied prices, buy online

Elton John

What: Music legend Sir Elton John is bringing his massive world tour, Farewell Yellow Brick Road The Final Tour, to Vancouver for two shows.

When: October 21 and 22, 2022
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Tickets: Varied prices, buy online

Community Living BC Community Inclusion Picnic

What: Community Living BC is hosting a picnic in Douglas Park to celebrate Community Inclusion Month, a month proclaimed by provinces and municipalities to promote full community participation for people with developmental disabilities. There will be food, games, prizes and more for all guests.

Secrets of the Haunted Bog in Guildford Town Center

What: Guildford town center invites guests to discover the secrets of the haunted bog. Dangers, spooky creatures and more await you in this spooky event for the whole family. Plus, bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Surrey Food Bank and GTC will match the donation with $2 per item donated for a maximum cash donation of $5,000.

When: Now until October 31, 2022
Time: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Guildford Town Center (near Center Court) – 10355 152nd Street, Surrey
Cost: Free

Plus, here’s an event happening soon in Seattle that you need to watch out for!

Cloudbreak: Seattle’s ReviveLive Music Festival

What: Seattle’s live music venues have gone silent for far too long, and it’s time for fans everywhere to once again revel in the magic of live music in the Emerald City.

This November, experience Seattle’s music scene in a whole new way with #CloudbreakMusicFest. Stay at a participating downtown hotel and receive free admission to concerts throughout the city. Find out more at CloudbreakMusicFest.org.

When: November 3 to 23, 2022
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations in Seattle
Cost: Guests of downtown hotels will receive complimentary access to live music events across the city when booking a stay between November 3 and 23, 2022. Restrictions apply. Learn more online