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
I’m a fan of the adults night at Science World After Dark: Deadly Deductions, a licensed costume murder mystery on Friday night.
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.
Do most folks trick or treat on Halloween itself and are there scheduled times in Kitsalano?