Burnaby Fireworks

Central Spark is a Halloween-themed event at Central Park in Burnaby that features free entertainment, games, activities, fireworks and more.

There are plenty of Halloween events to check out in the Lower Mainland, including a number of good Haunted House attractions and Halloween Activities for Children.

Central Spark is also part of the Burnaby Halloween Festival. The city offers a wide variety of fun Halloween events each year, which run anywhere from early October to the beginning of November.

See our October Calendar of Events to learn about other things happening in the rest of Metro Vancouver this time of year (including fireworks at Celebrate the Night in Maple Ridge). Continue reading to learn more about the Central Spark event.

This article includes the following information about Central Spark:

When and Where? | What to Expect | Tips & Advice | Other Information

Central Spark Halloween Fun in Burnaby

Hosted by the City of Burnaby, Central Spark is a family-friendly celebration of the spooky season. The one-day event is open to the public and free to attend. It takes place in Central Park and includes many fun activities, a DJ dance party, food trucks and a fireworks finale.

Central Spark takes place towards the end of October in the run-up to Halloween night. The 2025 event includes new additions such as a drone light show, expanded food truck lineup along Patterson Avenue, and the same spectacular fireworks finale that families have come to love.

When and Where?

In 2025, the third annual Central Spark event takes place on Friday, October 24th. It runs from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

The event is held in and around Central Park in Burnaby. Most of the things to see and do are along Patterson Avenue between Kingsway and Central Boulevard, as well as throughout the northeast corner of Central Park.

Central Park is in a fairly convenient location. There are parking lots within the park, but street parking is limited during the event. It’s best to use public transit if possible, especially since the event is located just outside Patterson SkyTrain Station.

Note: Patterson Avenue will be closed to traffic between Kingsway and Central Boulevard from 3:00 to 11:00 pm on the day of the event. Parking is limited, so public transit is recommended.

What to Expect

Families and people of all ages can enjoy photo opportunities, roaming entertainers, and Halloween-themed activities throughout the park. The festivities run from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, with a drone light display at 7:15 pm, followed by the fireworks finale blasting off at 7:30 pm. The drone show may be cancelled in poor weather, but the fireworks proceed rain or shine.

Food and drinks are available for purchase at the event from a wide lineup of food trucks along Patterson Avenue, offering everything from coffee and donuts to tacos, Thai dishes, burgers, and more. (Vendors vary by year.)

Tips & Advice

Below are some tips on how to make the most of your experience at Central Spark.

TIP #1: Costumes are encouraged. The event is a good opportunity to get into the Halloween spirit and try on your costume before October 31st.

TIP #2: Central Spark happens rain or shine. There are tents and heaters on-site in case of bad weather.

TIP #3: Dogs are usually welcome in the park, provided they are leashed. However, organizers recommend leaving pets at home during the event. It will be a busy celebration and the fireworks can be scary for animals.

TIP #4: After the fireworks finale, there’s another Halloween-themed event in Central Park and Swangard Stadium to check out called Pumpkins After Dark.

TIP #5: A similar event at a different time of year is the Canada Day event at Central Park on July 1st. It also involves food trucks, free family-friendly activities, and fireworks at night.