Whether youre a gore-loving ghoul or candy-loving kidlet, weve got you covered with our spooktacular list of Halloween events.
STANLEY PARK HALLOWEEN GHOST TRAIN: All aboard the Stanley Park miniature train for a spine-tingling ride into the world of classic monster movies (if you dare). October 11-November 2 at Miniature Railway Plaza in Stanley Park (off Pipeline Road). Free - $11 at Ticketmaster.ca or on site. Also, check out the SPES Creatures of the Night lantern-lit walking tour.
DUNBAR HAUNTED HOUSE: Sadly, this is the final year for Vancouvers scariest decorated abode. This years haunt showcases horrific moments in ancient, medieval, and modern history. Until October 31 at 8934 Shaughnessy. $5-$10.
HAUNTED VANCOUVER TROLLEY TOUR: An evening of murderous tales and infamous Vancouver ghost stories brought to you by the Vancouver Trolley Company and the Vancouver Police Museum. October 18-31 from Canada Place (999 Canada Place). $40 at 604.801.5515 ext 100.
HALLOWEEN AT CITY SQUARE: Scavenger hunt, witchs kitchen, hot chocolate, and more. Until October 31 at City Square (555 W. 12th). Free.
MURDERS, MYSTERY & MAYHEM WALKING TOUR: Stroll through Vancouvers grisliest murders and most shocking unsolved crimes. Fridays and weekends until November. Meet at the fountain behind Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby). $26 at TourGuys.ca.
LOST SOULS OF GASTOWN: Join Forbidden Vancouver storytellers on an adventure through Vancouvers earliest and most gruesome history. Not your conventional walking tour, this experience is dramatic time travel at its finest. Tours depart from Cathedral Square, opposite Holy Rosary Cathedral, Dunsmuir & Richards. ForbiddenVancouver.ca
HALLOWEEN AT FLYOVER CANADA: The flight simulator is given a (family-friendly) Halloween twist. Until November 2 at Canada Place (999 Canada Place). $9.95-$16.95 at FlyoverCanada.com.
ZOMBIE SYNDROME: Interactive roving theatre adventure (pictured right) in which participants race against the clock to save humankind from a zombie plague. Until November 3 beginning in a secret downtown location. $25-$50 at ZombieSyndrome.com.
JUDGE DEE & THE CHINATOWN HAUNTED HOUSE: More than a dozen actors, musicians and dancers transform the world-famous garden into a terrifying haunted house.October 24-31 at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (578 Carrall). $10-$12 at TicketsTonight.ca.
SCIENCE WORLD: HALLOWEEN COSTUME BALL: Party in the iconic sphere features two rooms of music on two floors and eight DJs. October 26 at TELUS World of Science (1455 Quebec Street). $45-$55 at Twisted.ca.
VANCOUVER PRIDE: THE HAUNTING: Show your supernatural pride and party with ghoulish go-go dancers at Vancouver Pride Societys Haunting. October 26 at Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville). $25-$50 at VancouverPride.ca.
MONSTER MASH COSTUME BASH: Live at the WISE and Vancouver Makeup FXs 3rd annual Halloween bash features Radio Clash, The James T Kirks and The Strugglers. October 26th at WISE Hall (1882 Adanac). $15 at BrownPaperTickets.com.
FRIGHT NIGHTS AT THE PNE: Six haunted houses, 14 rides, and 66 scarers combine to create an exhilarating and terrifying Halloween experience. Until November 2 at Playland at the PNE (enter E. Hastings & Windermere). $22-$35 at FrightNights.ca.
DOOMS NIGHT & TIESTO: Solid Events present its annual Halloween Massive with a two-day extravaganza featuring an all-night and concert experience headlined by Tiesto. October 26 and 27 Pacific Coliseum. TicketLeader.ca
OUBLIETTES OF DREAMS: A CIRCUS-FILLED HAUNTED HOUSE: Through circus, magic and theatre, explore the world of beauty and nightmare. Inspired by the Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, a guide leads you through the mind of a madman, stopping for aerial circus, contortion, theatre, fire and so more. Oct. 19 and Oct. 26, 6:30, 7:30, 10:30pm. Address revealed when you buy your tickets. $35/$30. InTheHouseFestival.com. (Pictured right, Diane Smithers photo)
THE HALLOWEEN SOCIAL: This adults-only costume party takes over the entire Burrard Hotel. Includes 72 theme rooms, live entertainment and more. Presented by the X Social Series. October 26 at The Burrard (1100 Burrard). $69+ at XSocialSeries.com
NO MEMES NO: Halloween party and group art show inspired by the internet; guests are asked to dress up as their favourite meme. October 31 at Hot Art Wet City (2206 Main). $5-$10 at Eventbrite.ca.
THE WOMAN IN BLACK: This ghost play is the second-longest running production in the history of Londons West End. Opening Halloween night with costume party. October 31-November 16 at Little Mountain Gallery (195 E. 26th). $20 at BrownPaperTickets.com.
DEATHLY HALLOWSWEEN TOURNAMENT: UBC QUIDDITCH CLUB: Watch quidditch come to life at a free family event for sports enthusiast and Harry Potter fans. Costumes encouraged. October 26, 10am-5pm at Killarney Park. Free. [email protected], UBCQuidditch.tumblr.com
PARADE OF LOST SOULS: Some 15,000 participants and 130 performers come out for an otherworldy procession through East Van (pictured right). Expect four hours of wild costumes, giant puppets, live music and performance art created by local community members. The location will be revealed on the website the morning of October 26 the date of the event. Publicdreams.org
PS: Planning on carving a pumpkin? Consider picking yours up at a Choices Market. All month long, $1.00 from every pumpkin sale will be donated to one of seven local elementary schools. Talk about a great pumpkin!
COMMUNITY CENTRES: Many of Vancouvers community centres are throwing daytime Halloween events complete with crafts and candy for the costumed kiddos among us. October 25 at Sunset Community Centre; October 26 at Kerrisdale Community Centre and West End Community Centre; October 27 at Killarney Community Centre. Visit Vancouver.ca for full details (Note: pre-registration required).
UPDATE: We couldn't resist adding a few more into the mix for the final week before Halloween:
DAY OF THE DEAD: On the eve of Canadian Halloween (otherwise known as Halloween), immerse yourself in one of Mexicos traditional holidays, Dia de los Muertos. This special Vancity Theatre event features a screening of Macario, music, painting, Aztec dancing, prayer and hot chocolate. Oct. 30; 6:15pm. $9-$11, VIFF.org
THE RIO GOES DARK. VERY DARK: The Rio Theatre has lined up a killer selection of horror classics (John Carpenters Halloween), all ages family fare (E.T. and Ghostbusters), an award-winning indie Canadian feature (Kevin Smith Presents The Dirties) as well as one-night-only Vancouver premieres of V/H/S/2 and Rob Zombies The Lords of Salem. Various dates Oct. 25-Nov. 28. RioTheatre.ca
HAUNTED HOUSE AT CHOICES: Drop by Choices Markets Kerrisdale location (1888 W. 57) Oct. 31 and experience an extravaganza for all ages. This location only will be transformed into a spooktacular setting; net proceeds will benefit Stepping Stone Preschool. 6:30-8:30pm
