Metro Vancouver Fall Events and Activities 2026
Fall events and activities in Vancouver are calling your name and your calendar. Whether you’re hunting for pumpkin patches, corn mazes, apple picking, holiday markets, or just a solid way to spend a rainy Saturday, Metro Vancouver delivers.
Looking for the best fall events in Vancouver and Metro Vancouver? From pumpkin patches and Halloween fun to family festivals, markets, arts events and rainy-day activities, fall is one of our favourite times of year to get out and explore with the kids.
We’ve rounded up some of the best family-friendly fall events and activities happening across Vancouver and Metro Vancouver from September through December 2026. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure, looking for something to do with the kids after school, or searching for a fun fall activity on a rainy day, there’s plenty to add to your calendar.
Bookmark this page as we’ll be updating it as more fall events and activities in Vancouver for 2026 are announced!
Don’t forget to check out our other posts for:
Looking for something to do right now? Here are a few family-friendly events to add to your fall calendar:
Bring the whole family to explore giant machines, hands-on activities, and real-world engineering in action—designed to spark curiosity and learning.
From August 20 to September 20, Centre Court North on the lower level turns into a month long pop up bookstore with about 1,000 titles, including kids’ books, young adult, and bestsellers. It’s free to browse and a fun stop with the family. 100 percent of proceeds from every book sold go to the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society to support literacy programs through Surrey Libraries. Buy five books and you’ll fill up a stamp card for a *$10 Guildford Town Centre Reward Card too.
*Offer terms and conditions: Present your completed Library Card and receipts from The Book Corner popup at Guest Services for a $10 Guildford Town Centre Reward Card. One offer per person for the duration of the campaign and while quantities last. To redeem offer participants must be 18+. The Guildford Town Centre Reward Card can be redeemed at retailers accepting the shopping centre Gift Card. Visit Guest Services for more details. The Guildford Town Centre Reward Card is issued by People’s Trust Company.
Word Vancouver is Western Canada’s largest FREE literary arts Festival. This year’s festival focused on finding joy in the dark times, includes workshops, online events, readings, an onsite literary and art fair, and plenty of moments for individuals and families of all ages and configurations to enjoy. Run over an 18-day period from: September 10th to 28th, 2026, the main festival day occurs Downtown Vancouver at UBC Robson Square on Saturday, September 19th, 2026 with an ever growing children’s stage. This year that includes a French reader! The children’s stage also includes activities – last year we had a face painter, crafts, bubbles, etc.
With no admission charge, Word Vancouver allows Vancouverites, BC literary lovers, and tourists to participate, connect, and find inspiration for their own creative endeavors while continuing to grow the BC literary community.
Come join us and celebrate the excellence of BC Literature at Western Canada’s largest free literary festival!
The Big Pirate Run returns to Richmond on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Garry Point Park for a fun, family-friendly day of running, costumes and pirate spirit. Now in its fifth year, the event welcomes all ages and abilities, including strollers and leashed dogs, with 5km, 10km, 15km and half marathon distances, plus a 1–3km Little Pirate Run/Walk for kids. Expect plenty of pirate costumes, door prizes, vendors and scenic routes along the West Dyke. The event also supports the Richmond Food Bank.
At the Vancouver Aquarium, fall is anything but ordinary. Here, jack-o’-lanterns are carved underwater, kelp becomes a maze, and unforgettable family memories are made alongside more than 65,000 incredible animals.Dive into the fun with underwater pumpkin carving shows running daily from October 17 and be among the first to experience the world premiere of the all-new Spookley the Square Pumpkin movie experience.Fin-tastic Fall runs from September 26 to October 31. Plan your visit at VancouverAquarium.com.
Under $100 Art Show Featuring nearly 100 local artists, 20 000sq feet of exhibition space- everything under $100! Art of all kinds- paintings, photography, textiles, mixed media, ceramics, handmade accessories and so much more! Event times: Thursday Night 5-10pm Opening Reception (open to the public and yes the art is for sale!) Weekend Hours Friday- Sunday 11am-7pm More things to get excited about- Live music, bar, photo booths, and so much more! Walk ins welcome after 7pm on the opening night and anytime over the weekend. 16 and under are free!
Please double-check event details on their websites before attending. Dates, prices, hours, and programming can change.
| Every First Friday of the Month | Vancouver Art Gallery Location: Vancouver Art Gallery Tickets: Free From 4 PM to 8 PM View Website |
| Fall | BC Farmers Market Location: Varies View Website |
| Every Saturday Morning | Family Favourites Cineplex Location: Varies Tickets: $3.99 View Website |
| First Sunday of Each Month | Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver Maritime Museum, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Location: Vancouver Tickets: Pay What You Can View Website |
| Last Saturday of Every Month | Kids’ Story Time at UBC Bookstore Location: UBC Bookstore Vancouver. Tickets: Free View Website |
| April 3 – Thanksgiving | Burnaby Central Railway Location: Burnaby Central Railway, Burnaby Tickets: $5.00 for a single ride, all passengers 3 years old and up $45.00 for a 10 ride passes (may be used over multiple days, no expiry) View Website |
| April 24 – Sept 20 Friday – Sunday + Stat Holiday | Richmond Night Market Location: Richmond View Website |
| June 19 – September 7 | Canada Strong Pass Location: Various Parks, Museums, VIA Rail Tickets: Free or Discounted Rate View Website |
| May 2 – September 7 | Burnaby Village Museum Location: 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby Tickets: Free View Website |
| May – October | Lansdowne Food Garden Location: Lansdowne Centre Parking lot close to T&T, Richmond Tickets: Free Website |
| May 15 to September 7 | Soccer & Technology From The FIFA Museum Location: Science World, Vancouver Tickets: Various View Website |
| June 9 – September 19 | Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival Location: Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park, Vancouver Tickets: Various View Website |
| July 11 / 18 / 25 August 8 / 22 September 5 | Cinema Under the Stars Location: Evergreen Park and Gates Park, Port Coquitlam Tickets: Free Website |
| September 17 – October 18 | Heist Location: The Stanley BFL CANADA Stage, Vancouver Tickets: $39 to $161 Website |
| September 18 – October 4 | Culture Days Location: Metro Vancouver Tickets: Varies Website |
September is perfect for easing into fall. Look for literary festivals, outdoor events, family runs, markets and early seasonal programming.
| May 16 – September 7 | Giants at Work Britannia Mine Museum Location: Britannia Mine Museum, Britannia Beach Admission: Regular Price Website |
| August 20 – September 20 | The Book Corner at Guildford Town Centre Location: Guildford Town Centre, Surrey Tickets: Free Website |
| September 5 – 6 | ArtFest Canada Location: Aberdeen Neighborhood Park, Richmond Tickets: Free Website |
| Festival runs: September 10 to 28 Main Festival Event Day: September 19 | Word Vancouver Literary Arts Festival Location: UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson Street (the ice rink + school, below the VAG), Vancouver Tickets: Free Website |
| September 12 | Filipino Fest Location: Museum of Surrey, Surrey Tickets: Free Website |
| September 12 – 13 | The Carnival of Giving Location: Kiosk Court, Lansdowne Centre, Richmond Tickets: Free Website |
| September 18 – 27 | Tombolo “Make-Believe Mall”: Children’s Art Gallery & Interactive Exhibit Location: Kingsgate Mall (unit 102), Vancouver Tickets: – $8 for children (18 months to 18 years) – $15 for adults Website |
| September 19 | Big Pirate Run Location: Richmond, BC (Steveston) Tickets: From $28.64 (depending on distance) Use Code “VCK15” for 15% off Website |
| September 19 | Festivibe 2026 Location: The Shipyards Waterfront District, North Vancouver Tickets: Free Website |
| September 20 | Mid-Autumn Melodies Location: Minoru Chapel & Gateway Theatre, Richmond Tickets: Starting at $15 Website |
| September 26 to October 31 | Fin-tastic Fall at Vancouver Aquarium Location: Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver Tickets: Regular Admission Website |
| September 26 – 27 | Mid-Autumn Festivities Location: Lansdowne Centre, Richmond Tickets: Free Website |
October is the biggest month for classic fall activities. This is when you’ll find the most pumpkin patches, Halloween events, corn mazes and spooky family activities in Metro Vancouver.
November is a great time to start enjoying holiday markets and seasonal events without the December crowds. It’s also a good month for indoor family activities and arts events.
| November 19 – 22 | Under $100 Art Show Vancouver Location: PNE Livestock Barns (188 N Renfrew St), Vancouver Tickets: Opening night: $15.00 – $24.20 Website |
December brings Christmas markets, light displays, holiday performances and festive family activities throughout Vancouver and the surrounding communities.
| December 31, 2026 January 2 – 3, 2027 | Jack and the Beanstalk Location: Massey Theatre, New Westminster Tickets: – Regular: $38.75 – Student/Senior: $33.75 – Family four pack: $139.00 – Relaxed Performance (Sat Jan 2 at 6:30pm): $18.75 – Additional rates for groups of 10 or more are available Website |
Looking for free things to do in Vancouver with kids this fall?
Keep an eye out for free community events, festivals, markets and seasonal programming. Some events featured in this guide are also free, including Word Vancouver and The Book Corner at Guildford Town Centre.
Free events can be especially popular on weekends, so arriving early is often a good idea.
Fall in Vancouver means beautiful autumn days—but it also means rain! Here are a few tips for making the most of the season:
Some of the family-friendly fall events featured in our guide include Word Vancouver, the Big Pirate Run, Fin-tastic Fall at Vancouver Aquarium, The Book Corner at Guildford Town Centre and the Under $100 Art Show.
Popular fall activities for families include pumpkin patches, corn mazes, apple picking, Halloween events, festivals, markets, aquarium visits and seasonal arts and cultural events.
October is a great month for pumpkin patches, Halloween events, corn mazes and spooky-but-family-friendly activities. It’s also a beautiful time to explore Vancouver’s parks and outdoor attractions.
Yes! Families can find free festivals, community events, markets and seasonal activities throughout Metro Vancouver. Word Vancouver and The Book Corner at Guildford Town Centre are two free events featured in this guide.
For younger children, look for activities with stroller-friendly paths, shorter activity times and age-appropriate programming. Pumpkin patches, farms, aquariums and family festivals can all be great options.
It depends on the event. Some activities are free or walk-in, while popular Halloween events, races and ticketed attractions may require advance booking. Always check the event’s website before you go.
One of the best things about raising a family in Metro Vancouver is having so many options right outside your door.
Whether you’re looking for fall events in Vancouver, pumpkin patches in Metro Vancouver, Halloween activities, free family events or something fun to do on the weekend, there’s always something new to discover.
Save this guide and check back as we continue adding more fall events and family activities happening across Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey, North Vancouver and beyond throughout the 2026 season.
Happy fall adventures!
This guide was updated September 2026.
