Top Vancouver Halloween events

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Halloween is soon here. You’ve had plenty of time for that Thanksgiving repast to settle. Now it’s time to get your fright on. Kitsilano.ca has put together a list of Halloween events taking place in greater Vancouver, ranging from family-friendly to adults-only.

The classics – the Stanley Park Ghost Train and Fright Nights at the PNE – are all happening. In addition, make sure and check out the newest, undead options: Halloween 2012 is the year of the zombie. I just saw Walking Dead Season 2, and it caused more sleep deprivation than my newborn. But don’t let my flesh-eating phobia stop you from hitting up any of the Vancouver zombie combat action.

Here’s the list. Have one to add? Help out by commenting below.

Adults-Only Halloween Events

The Lost Souls of Gastown walking tour, through Oct. 31
A guided walking tour through our city’s oldest and most gruesome streets, alleyways and history. Tours run Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights throughout October + Halloween.

Dunbar Haunted House, Oct. 12-31
A family-run haunted house that has a cult-following in Vancouver. The attraction donates all proceeds to charity.

Zombie Syndrome Interactive Theatre, Oct. 13-31
Zombie mania has grasped Vancouver in its stinky, rotting grip. Become a zombie fighter and wreak havoc on the undead.

Zombie Combat Zone Paintball, ongoing
Head to Surrey to gear up and combat walkers on a quest to rescue a scientist and save the planet from the reek of the undead.

Fright Nights at the PNE, Oct. 17-Oct. 31.
A very Stephen King affair and Vancouver’s most popular Halloween destination. The PNE amusement park turns into a nightmare with multiple fright houses and 13 terrifying rides.

Halloween Costume Ball at Science World, Oct 27
A 1,000 person costume party in Vancouver’s iconic, silver globe.

Family-Friendly Halloween Events

Stanley Park Ghost Train, Oct. 5-Oct. 31
Beware of rampaging trolls. Why? Because the Stanley Park Ghost Train is back with a scary Grimm’s Fairy Tales theme. The train runs nightly: 6:00-10:00pm Sunday through Thursday; until 11:00pm Fridays/Saturdays, with additional matinee runs 11:00am -3:00pm Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The train is rain-protected, so don’t let a little weather dampen your spirits. Admission to the Ghost Train also includes access to the Haunted Castle, crafts and games.

Creatures of the Night Candle Lit Walks, Oct. 5-31
Bats! Owls! Bandit-masked raccoons! Venture into 1000 acres of (mildly) spooky night woods with a guide on a candlelit adventure in search of Stanley Park’s most elusive nocturnal residents. Tours start from the Miniature Railway and are offered Thursdays – Sundays 6:30-10:00pm. Admission: Children $3, adults $5 and families (of 4) $15.

The Pumpkin Patch in Richmond Country Farms, ongoing throughout the season
Brave the corn maze. Pick and carve a pumpkin. Take a hayride. And meet farm animals.

UBC Farm Harvest Festival, Oct. 20, 9am-1pm
It’s the last UBC Farm Market and a celebration. Stock up on hearty root vegetables for cold-weather stews. Compete in a pumpkin carving competition. Send the kids on a spooky farm tour. Enjoy live music.

Kitsilano Community Centre Howl Spook Fest, Oct. 27
Every year, this event sells out. So book ahead. Upgrade trick-or-treating into a proper party at the Kitsilano Community Centre’s annual Halloween bash. Families don costumes, turning out in droves to decorate cookies, dance, play, craft and spook their neighbours. Entry is $6 per person.

Photo: Zombie family portrait. Photo credit: Flickr user Arnett Gill.

Last modified: October 19, 2012

3 Responses to " Top Vancouver Halloween events "

  1. Ian says:

    I’m a fan of the adults night at Science World After Dark: Deadly Deductions, a licensed costume murder mystery on Friday night.

  2. Jennygoose says:

    Hope to see Kitsilano get spooky after all(since stats show that outside Haloween it’s one of the neighbourhoods, where you really have nothing to fear) I am planning to visit Howl Spook Fest at the community centre, kids can’t wait until saturday.

  3. Spooky says:

    Do most folks trick or treat on Halloween itself and are there scheduled times in Kitsalano?