Home Special Events Free Vancouver Events in October 2023

Free Vancouver Events in October 2023

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Free October Events in Vancouver

October is a beautiful month in Metro Vancouver. Autumn has arrived, Halloween decorations are up and there are free things to do.

 

Best FREE Places in October in Vancouver

For a list of some of the best things to do in October of 2023, including activities that aren’t free, check out the October Events Calendar. For a list of the best FREE (or almost free) special events this month, see below. And for a list of activities that don’t cost much throughout the year, click Vancouver on a Budget.

(Note: Event locations, times, prices and other details are subject to change.)

 

Best Places in Autumn

 

Sunday, October 1st (2023)

  • Made in the 604 Market – an artisan pop-up market at the Pipe Shop in the Shipyards District of North Vancouver. Admission is free.
  • Sunday Farmers Markets
  • Flea Markets
    • Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $4 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
    • Cloverdale Flea Market – between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Admission is $1.50, but free for children ages 12 and under.
  • BC Culture Days – live and online events take place at various venues in the Lower Mainland and around the province.
  • Free Jazz Vespers – from 4:00 until 5:00 pm via St. Andrews-Wesley United Church in Vancouver. Today features the group Salsa Divina.
  • Museum of Vancouver – admission today is “pay-what-you-can” because it’s the first Sunday of the month.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.

 

StayVancouverHotels.com

 

Monday, October 2nd (2023)

  • Stat Holiday
  • BC Culture Days – live and online events take place at various venues in the Lower Mainland and around the province.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
  • Bike to Work Week – during the week of October 3rd to 9th people are encouraged to bike to work instead of driving or taking transit.

 

Tuesday, October 3rd (2023)

  • BC Culture Days – live and online events take place at various venues in the Lower Mainland and around the province.
  • Bike to Work Week – during the week of October 3rd to 9th people are encouraged to bike to work instead of driving or taking transit.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Cheap Movie Night – at various movie theatres throughout Metro Vancouver (so although not free, it is less expensive than usual).
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.

 

Halloween Haunted Houses

 

Wednesday, October 4th (2023)

  • Downtown Farmers Market – in the North Plaza outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.
  • BC Culture Days – live and online events take place at various venues in the Lower Mainland and around the province.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.

 

Thursday, October 5th (2023)

  • BC Culture Days – live and online events take place at various venues in the Lower Mainland and around the province.
  • False Creek Farmers Market – from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm in Concord Community Park near False Creek. Today is the last day of the season for the market.
  • New West Farmers Market – an outdoor market at Tipperary Park at 315 Queens Avenue between 3:00 and 7:00 pm.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

 

Friday, October 6th (2023)

  • LAHM Events & Activities – in celebration of Latin American Heritage Month, various events take place between now and November 2nd. Today features the Opening Ceremony Brazilian Night at the Ocean Art Works Pavilion on Granville Island.
  • Bill Reid Gallery – free admission at the Indigenous art gallery from 2:00 until 5:00 pm (because it’s the first Friday of the month).
  • Vancouver Art Gallery – admission to the city’s main art gallery at 750 Hornby Street is by donation today (because it’s the first Friday of the month).
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • BC Culture Days – live and online events take place at various venues in the Lower Mainland and around the province.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

 

Burnaby, Ambleside and Lonsdale Farmers Markets

 

Saturday, October 7th (2023)

 

Thanksgiving Weekend in Vancouver

Made in the 604 Pop-Up Artisan Markets

 

Sunday, October 8th (2023)

  • Thanksgiving Sunday
  • BC Culture Days – live and online events take place at various venues in the Lower Mainland and around the province.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Made in the 604 Market – an artisan pop-up market at Heritage Hall on Main Street in Vancouver. Admission is free.
  • Sunday Farmers Markets
  • Flea Markets
    • Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $4 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
    • Cloverdale Flea Market – between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Admission is $1.50, but free for children ages 12 and under.
  • Free Jazz Vespers – from 4:00 until 5:00 pm via St. Andrews-Wesley United Church in Vancouver. Today features the Dan Reynolds Quartet.

 

Ways to Save on Adult Refreshments!

Did you know that there are nine parks and plazas on Vancouver’s North Shore where you can drink alcohol in public? You can buy your beverages at the liquor store and enjoy them with your friends at some fabulous places. See our article about North Shore Alcohol-Friendly Parks for details.

 

Monday, October 9th (2023)

 

Best Places in Autumn

 

Tuesday, October 10th (2023)

  • BC Culture Days – live and online events take place at various venues in the Lower Mainland and around the province.
  • Cheap Movie Night – at various movie theatres throughout Metro Vancouver (so although not free, it is less expensive than usual).
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

 

Vancouver Maritime Museum 25% Discount Offer

 

Wednesday, October 11th (2023)

  • BC Culture Days – live and online events take place at various venues in the Lower Mainland and around the province.
  • Downtown Farmers Market – in the North Plaza outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

 

Thursday, October 12th (2023)

  • Circo Osorio Circus – the circus is at Lansdowne Centre in Richmond today. The shows aren’t free, but they are very affordable (especially as up to 2 children get in for free per paying adult if you purchase your tickets in advance online)!
  • BC Culture Days – live and online events take place at various venues in the Lower Mainland and around the province.
  • New West Farmers Market – an outdoor market at Tipperary Park at 315 Queens Avenue between 3:00 and 7:00 pm.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

 

Best Places in Autumn

 

Friday, October 13th (2023)

  • Circo Osorio Circus – the circus is at Lansdowne Centre in Richmond today. The shows aren’t free, but they are very affordable (especially as up to 2 children get in for free per paying adult if you purchase your tickets in advance online)!
  • BC Culture Days – live and online events take place at various venues in the Lower Mainland and around the province.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

 

Vancouver Winter Extreme Ski & Board Swap

 

Saturday, October 14th (2023)

  • Winter Extreme Ski & Board Swap – a giant ski swap event at the PNE Forum. Admission costs $5 for adults and $2 for kids ages 6 to 12, so it isn’t free. It’s a fundraising event though, and a great place to get deals on second-hand ski gear!
  • Circo Osorio Circus – the circus is at Lansdowne Centre in Richmond today. The shows aren’t free, but they are very affordable (especially as up to 2 children get in for free per paying adult if you purchase your tickets in advance online)!
  • BC Culture Days – live and online events take place at various venues in the Lower Mainland and around the province.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Forestridge Haunted Yard – a haunted house at a person’s home at 2988 Forestridge Place in Coquitlam. Admission to it and the place next door is by donation.
  • Saturday Farmers Markets
  • Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $4 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.

 

Sunday, October 15th (2023)

  • Winter Extreme Ski & Board Swap – a giant ski swap event at the PNE Forum. Admission costs $5 for adults and $2 for kids ages 6 to 12, so it isn’t free. It’s a fundraising event though, and a great place to get deals on second-hand ski gear!
  • Circo Osorio Circus – the circus is at Lansdowne Centre in Richmond today. The shows aren’t free, but they are very affordable (especially as up to 2 children get in for free per paying adult if you purchase your tickets in advance online)!
  • LAHM Events & Activities – in celebration of Latin American Heritage Month, various events take place between now and November 2nd. Today features a “How to make your own Papel Picado” craft workshop. Admission is free, but advanced registration is required.
  • BC Culture Days – live and online events take place at various venues in the Lower Mainland and around the province.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Forestridge Haunted Yard – a haunted house at a person’s home at 2988 Forestridge Place in Coquitlam. Admission to it and the place next door is by donation.
  • Sunday Farmers Markets
  • Flea Markets
    • Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $4 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
    • Cloverdale Flea Market – between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Admission is $1.50, but free for children ages 12 and under.

 

Halloween Haunted Houses

 

Monday, October 16th (2023)

  • Circo Osorio Circus – the circus is at Lansdowne Centre in Richmond today. The shows aren’t free, but they are very affordable (especially as up to 2 children get in for free per paying adult if you purchase your tickets in advance online)!
  • Go By Bike Week – between October 16th and 29th people are encouraged to bike to work and wherever they go instead of driving or taking transit.
  • Forestridge Haunted Yard – a haunted house at a person’s home at 2988 Forestridge Place in Coquitlam. Admission to it and the place next door is by donation.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – these are great free places to explore and admire the autumn colours if and while the weather is good.
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

 

Tuesday, October 17th (2023)

  • Cheap Movie Night – at various movie theatres throughout Metro Vancouver (so although not free, it is less expensive than usual).
  • Go By Bike Week – between October 16th and 29th people are encouraged to bike to work and wherever they go instead of driving or taking transit.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Forestridge Haunted Yard – a haunted house at a person’s home at 2988 Forestridge Place in Coquitlam. Admission to it and the place next door is by donation.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

 

Wednesday, October 18th (2023)

  • Go By Bike Week – between October 16th and 29th people are encouraged to bike to work and wherever they go instead of driving or taking transit.
  • Downtown Farmers Market – in the North Plaza outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Forestridge Haunted Yard – a haunted house at a person’s home at 2988 Forestridge Place in Coquitlam. Admission to it and the place next door is by donation.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

 

StayVancouverHotels.com

 

Thursday, October 19th (2023)

  • Circo Osorio Circus – the circus is at Coquitlam Centre in the Tri-Cities today. The shows aren’t free, but they are very affordable (especially as up to 2 children get in for free per paying adult if you purchase your tickets in advance online)!
  • Beaty Nocturnal – admission to UBC’s Beaty Biodiversity Museum is by donation this evening between 5:00 and 8:30 pm.
  • New West Farmers Market – an outdoor market at Tipperary Park at 315 Queens Avenue between 3:00 and 7:00 pm.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Go By Bike Week – between October 16th and 29th people are encouraged to bike to work and wherever they go instead of driving or taking transit.
  • Forestridge Haunted Yard – a haunted house at a person’s home at 2988 Forestridge Place in Coquitlam. Admission to it and the place next door is by donation.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

 

Friday, October 20th (2023)

  • Celebrate the Night – family-friendly activities and fireworks in Maple Ridge’s Memorial Peace Park.
  • Circo Osorio Circus – the circus is at Coquitlam Centre in the Tri-Cities today. The shows aren’t free, but they are very affordable (especially as up to 2 children get in for free per paying adult if you purchase your tickets in advance online)!
  • Go By Bike Week – between October 16th and 29th people are encouraged to bike to work and wherever they go instead of driving or taking transit.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Forestridge Haunted Yard – a haunted house at a person’s home at 2988 Forestridge Place in Coquitlam. Admission to it and the place next door is by donation.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – these are great free places to explore and admire the autumn colours if and while the weather is good.
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

 

Made in the 604 Pop-Up Artisan Markets

 

Saturday, October 21st (2023)

  • Circo Osorio Circus – the circus is at Coquitlam Centre in the Tri-Cities today. The shows aren’t free, but they are very affordable (especially as up to 2 children get in for free per paying adult if you purchase your tickets in advance online)!
  • Made in the 604 Market – an artisan pop-up market at Heritage Hall on Main Street in Vancouver. Admission is free.
  • Go By Bike Week – between October 16th and 29th people are encouraged to bike to work and wherever they go instead of driving or taking transit.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Anmore Manor – a haunted house at a private home in the community of Anmore (near Port Moody) with admission by donation.
  • Dovercourt Crypt – a haunted house in the Lynn Valley neighbourhood of North Vancouver where admission is by donation.
  • Forestridge Haunted Yard – a haunted house at a person’s home at 2988 Forestridge Place in Coquitlam. Admission to it and the place next door is by donation.
  • Saturday Farmers Markets
  • Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $4 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.

 

Sunday, October 22nd (2023)

  • Circo Osorio Circus – the circus is at Coquitlam Centre in the Tri-Cities today. The shows aren’t free, but they are very affordable (especially as up to 2 children get in for free per paying adult if you purchase your tickets in advance online)!
  • Made in the 604 Market – an artisan pop-up market at Heritage Hall on Main Street in Vancouver. Admission is free.
  • Go By Bike Week – between October 16th and 29th people are encouraged to bike to work and wherever they go instead of driving or taking transit.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Anmore Manor – a haunted house at a private home in the community of Anmore (near Port Moody) with admission by donation.
  • Dovercourt Crypt – a haunted house in the Lynn Valley neighbourhood of North Vancouver where admission is by donation.
  • Forestridge Haunted Yard – a haunted house at a person’s home at 2988 Forestridge Place in Coquitlam. Admission to it and the place next door is by donation.
  • Sunday Farmers Markets
  • Flea Markets
    • Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $4 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
    • Cloverdale Flea Market – between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Admission is $1.50, but free for children ages 12 and under.

 

Monday, October 23rd (2023)

  • Circo Osorio Circus – the circus is at Coquitlam Centre in the Tri-Cities today. The shows aren’t free, but they are very affordable (especially as up to 2 children get in for free per paying adult if you purchase your tickets in advance online)!
  • Go By Bike Week – between October 16th and 29th people are encouraged to bike to work and wherever they go instead of driving or taking transit.
  • Dovercourt Crypt – a haunted house in the Lynn Valley neighbourhood of North Vancouver where admission is by donation.
  • Forestridge Haunted Yard – a haunted house at a person’s home at 2988 Forestridge Place in Coquitlam. Admission to it and the place next door is by donation.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – these are great free places to explore and admire the autumn colours if and while the weather is good.
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

 

Tuesday, October 24th (2023)

  • Circo Osorio Circus – the circus is at Coquitlam Centre in the Tri-Cities today. The shows aren’t free, but they are very affordable (especially as up to 2 children get in for free per paying adult if you purchase your tickets in advance online)!
  • Go By Bike Week – between October 16th and 29th people are encouraged to bike to work and wherever they go instead of driving or taking transit.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Dovercourt Crypt – a haunted house in the Lynn Valley neighbourhood of North Vancouver where admission is by donation.
  • Forestridge Haunted Yard – a haunted house at a person’s home at 2988 Forestridge Place in Coquitlam. Admission to it and the place next door is by donation.
  • Cheap Movie Night – at various movie theatres throughout Metro Vancouver (so although not free, it is less expensive than usual).
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

 

Wednesday, October 25th (2023)

  • DTES Heart of the City Festival – a series of arts performances and workshops in downtown Vancouver. Today features The Homeless Project which is a free multi-media event at Carnegie Community Centre Theatre.
  • Downtown Farmers Market – in the North Plaza outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.
  • Go By Bike Week – between October 16th and 29th people are encouraged to bike to work and wherever they go instead of driving or taking transit.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Dovercourt Crypt – a haunted house in the Lynn Valley neighbourhood of North Vancouver where admission is by donation.
  • Forestridge Haunted Yard – a haunted house at a person’s home at 2988 Forestridge Place in Coquitlam. Admission to it and the place next door is by donation.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – these are great free places to explore and admire the autumn colours if and while the weather is good.
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

 

Thursday, October 26th (2023)

  • DTES Heart of the City Festival – a series of arts performances and workshops in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Battle of Ballantyne Pier which is a staged workshop presentation of a musical about Vancouver’s longshore workers’ strike in 1935. The event happens at the Maritime Labour Centre and admission costs between $0 and $20 depending on what you can afford.
  • Circo Osorio Circus – the circus is at Coquitlam Centre in the Tri-Cities today. The shows aren’t free, but they are very affordable (especially as up to 2 children get in for free per paying adult if you purchase your tickets in advance online)!
  • LAHM Events & Activities – in celebration of Latin American Heritage Month, various events take place between now and November 2nd. Today features the Brazilian and Caribbean Pavilion with live music at Granville Island. Admission is free, but advanced registration is required.
  • New West Farmers Market – an outdoor market at Tipperary Park at 315 Queens Avenue between 3:00 and 7:00 pm.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Go By Bike Week – between October 16th and 29th people are encouraged to bike to work and wherever they go instead of driving or taking transit.
  • Dovercourt Crypt – a haunted house in the Lynn Valley neighbourhood of North Vancouver where admission is by donation.
  • Forestridge Haunted Yard – a haunted house at a person’s home at 2988 Forestridge Place in Coquitlam. Admission to it and the place next door is by donation.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

 

Friday, October 27th (2023)

  • DTES Heart of the City Festival – a series of arts performances and workshops in downtown Vancouver. Today features Spontaneous Street Poetry which is free to attend outside the Carnegie Community Centre.
  • LAHM Events & Activities – in celebration of Latin American Heritage Month, various events take place between now and November 2nd. Today features the Pan American Pavilion with live music at Granville Island. Admission is free, but advanced registration is required.
  • Circo Osorio Circus – the circus is at Coquitlam Centre in the Tri-Cities today. The shows aren’t free, but they are very affordable (especially as up to 2 children get in for free per paying adult if you purchase your tickets in advance online)!
  • Central Spark at Central Park – fireworks and other Halloween activities in Burnaby between 6:30 and 8:30 pm.
  • Go By Bike Week – between October 16th and 29th people are encouraged to bike to work and wherever they go instead of driving or taking transit.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Anmore Manor – a haunted house at a private home in the community of Anmore (near Port Moody) with admission by donation.
  • Dovercourt Crypt – a haunted house in the Lynn Valley neighbourhood of North Vancouver where admission is by donation.
  • Forestridge Haunted Yard – a haunted house at a person’s home at 2988 Forestridge Place in Coquitlam. Admission to it and the place next door is by donation.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

 

Saturday, October 28th (2023)

  • Circo Osorio Circus – the circus is at Coquitlam Centre in the Tri-Cities today. The shows aren’t free, but they are very affordable (especially as up to 2 children get in for free per paying adult if you purchase your tickets in advance online)!
  • Parade of Lost Souls – a Halloween procession with music and people in costume in the Commercial Drive neighbourhood. Admission is by donation.
  • LAHM Events & Activities – in celebration of Latin American Heritage Month, various events take place between now and November 2nd. Today features the Mexican Pavilion with live music at Granville Island. Admission is free, but advanced registration is required. Today also features a Day of the Dead Latin Market.
  • DTES Heart of the City Festival – a series of arts performances and workshops in downtown Vancouver. Today features Spontaneous Street Poetry which is free to attend outside the Carnegie Community Centre.
  • Go By Bike Week – between October 16th and 29th people are encouraged to bike to work and wherever they go instead of driving or taking transit.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free. Today also features a special Halloween party between 1:00 and 4:00 pm.
  • Thrill the World Surrey – a zombie dance event inspired by Michael Jackson’s hit video Thriller. (Exact details to be confirmed.)
  • Anmore Manor – a haunted house at a private home in the community of Anmore (near Port Moody) with admission by donation.
  • Dovercourt Crypt – a haunted house in the Lynn Valley neighbourhood of North Vancouver where admission is by donation.
  • Forestridge Haunted Yard – a haunted house at a person’s home at 2988 Forestridge Place in Coquitlam. Admission to it and the place next door is by donation.
  • Saturday Farmers Markets
  • Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $4 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.

 

Sunday, October 29th (2023)

  • Circo Osorio Circus – the circus is at Coquitlam Centre in the Tri-Cities today. The shows aren’t free, but they are very affordable (especially as up to 2 children get in for free per paying adult if you purchase your tickets in advance online)!
  • DTES Heart of the City Festival – a series of arts performances and workshops in downtown Vancouver. Today features Spontaneous Street Poetry which is free to attend outside the Carnegie Community Centre. Also today there is “Then and Now” which is a free online and interactive Speakers’ Corner-style documentary and discussion about the impact of North America’s first legal injection site that opened 20 years ago.
  • LAHM Events & Activities – in celebration of Latin American Heritage Month, various events take place between now and November 2nd. Today features the Mexican Pavilion with live music at Granville Island. Admission is free, but advanced registration is required. Today also features a Day of the Dead Latin Market.
  • Diwali Downtown Vancouver – live entertainment and family-friendly activities in Yaletown at the Roundhouse Community Centre.
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Rotary Book Sale – a fundraising event at Chilliwack Heritage Park in the Fraser Valley. The books aren’t free, but they are very cheap (and with funds raised going to great causes).
  • Go By Bike Week – between October 16th and 29th people are encouraged to bike to work and wherever they go instead of driving or taking transit.
  • Anmore Manor – a haunted house at a private home in the community of Anmore (near Port Moody) with admission by donation.
  • Dovercourt Crypt – a haunted house in the Lynn Valley neighbourhood of North Vancouver where admission is by donation.
  • Forestridge Haunted Yard – a haunted house at a person’s home at 2988 Forestridge Place in Coquitlam. Admission to it and the place next door is by donation.
  • Sunday Farmers Markets
  • Flea Markets
    • Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $4 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
    • Cloverdale Flea Market – between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Admission is $1.50, but free for children ages 12 and under.

 

Monday, October 30th (2023)

  • LAHM Events & Activities – in celebration of Latin American Heritage Month, various events take place between now and November 2nd.
  • DTES Heart of the City Festival – a series of arts performances and workshops in downtown Vancouver. Today’s lineup includes the Legion of Flying Monkeys event at MacLean Park at 710 Keefer Street.
  • Circo Osorio Circus – the circus is at Coquitlam Centre in the Tri-Cities today. The shows aren’t free, but they are very affordable (especially as up to 2 children get in for free per paying adult if you purchase your tickets in advance online)!
  • Rotary Book Sale – a fundraising event at Chilliwack Heritage Park in the Fraser Valley. The books aren’t free, but they are very cheap (and with funds raised going to great causes).
  • Dovercourt Crypt – a haunted house in the Lynn Valley neighbourhood of North Vancouver where admission is by donation.
  • Forestridge Haunted Yard – a haunted house at a person’s home at 2988 Forestridge Place in Coquitlam. Admission to it and the place next door is by donation.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – these are great free places to explore and admire the autumn colours if and while the weather is good.
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.

 

Tuesday, October 31st (Halloween) (2023)

  • Halloween Night
  • Special Halloween Night Events
    • Halloween Fireworks – a free event with music, kids’ activities, live entertainment and fireworks at Minoru Park in Richmond.
    • Anmore Manor – a haunted house at a private home in the community of Anmore (near Port Moody) with admission by donation.
    • Dovercourt Crypt – a haunted house in the Lynn Valley neighbourhood of North Vancouver where admission is by donation.
    • Forestridge Haunted Yard – a haunted house at a person’s home at 2988 Forestridge Place in Coquitlam. Admission to it and the place next door is by donation.
  • LAHM Events & Activities – in celebration of Latin American Heritage Month, various events take place between now and November 2nd.
  • DTES Heart of the City Festival – a series of arts performances and workshops in downtown Vancouver. Today’s lineup includes the Legion of Flying Monkeys event at MacLean Park at 710 Keefer Street.
  • Cheap Movie Night – at various movie theatres throughout Metro Vancouver (so although not free, it is less expensive than usual).
  • Museum of Surrey – the museum in Cloverdale is a great place to learn about local history. Admission is also free.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – these are great free places to explore and admire the autumn colours if and while the weather is good.
  • If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s best places on a rainy day (although most aren’t free) or go window shopping at an indoor mall.

 

Other Information

For a more complete list of things to do in October, including activities that aren’t free, see Vancouver’s October Events Calendar.

And for a list of great activities that don’t cost a lot of money throughout the year, click Vancouver on a Budget.

To see what’s happening next month, click November Calendar of Events.

 

 

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