What's happening in Vancouver this October

by Gregory Adams

From maple leaves taking on that orange glow as they hit the street to kids of all ages slipping on masks and costumes for Halloween parties across town, October is all about drastic transformations. As you’re lighting up diyas for Diwali or jack-o-lanterns on All Hallows’ Eve, don’t forget to also shake up your social calendar with some literature at the Writers Fest or by rooting on the Canucks as they slapshot their way into another season. [Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/Nelson Mouellic]

Take Pleasure in Feist's performance at the Orpheum
Leslie Feist is one of Canada's greatest musical treasures, and she'll be bringing out gems from all throughout her storied career to the opulent Orpheum Theatre on October 1st. Expect to hear some heartbreakers from her new, critically-acclaimed album Pleasure and hop to your feet once she bounces into the iconic “1234.”

Find your new favourite book at Vancouver Writers Fest
Curling up at home with a good book as the days get colder seems like a given, but lit lovers should also be rushing out of the house to discover this season's must-reads at the 30th annual Vancouver Writers Fest. Running October 16-22, it'll feature talks from the likes of Margaret Atwood and Barbara Reid, among countless other talents.

Get ready for unexpected hilarity at Improv Fest
It's basically impossible to know what to expect at this year's Vancouver International Improv Festival, except for that it'll be hilarious. Bringing in comedy squads from around the world, while still putting the shine on local favourites like Sunday Service and Nasty Women, the October 11-14 event aims to make your sides split at several stages around town.

Light your spirit during Diwali Fest
Diwali, the globally-celebrated South Asian festival of light, celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Locally, the annual Diwali Fest is curating a number of activities around town and the greater Lower Mainland from October 1-17. Bask in the warming glow of decorated lanterns and live music at the Vancouver Central Library on October 5th or design a rangoli at the Roundhouse on October 17th.

Hoist a stein at Harvest Haus
Looking for a good reason to break out your lederhosen? The fourth annual Harvest Haus takes place at Sole Street Farms from October 5-14, giving you plenty of time to fill up on hot pretzels and pork hocks. The Oktoberfest-inspired event also features a wide array of Euro pilsners on tap, traditional German music and the chance for you to do your best "Danke Schoen" during the Lippensynchron Battle.

Shake off your Thanksgiving food coma at the Granville Island Turkey Trot
The Thanksgiving long weekend is a time for sharing a toast and a turkey drumstick at the dinner table. Work off some of that pumpkin pie on Monday October 9th during the annual Granville Island Turkey Trot, a scenic 10-kilometre loop supporting the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. By the time you're done, you'll have probably worked up an appetite for some leftovers, too.

Cheer on the Canucks at their home opener
Our local baseball, football and soccer teams got plenty of love over the summer, but once October rolls around, it's time for the puck to drop. We are all Canucks after all, so it's time to start donning your blue and green (or black and orange if you're going for that retro edge). The Sedin twins and the rest of the gang hit Rogers Arena on October 7th for their 48th season home opener, strapping on their skates to face the Edmonton Oilers.

Have a fun and freaky ride at Playland
Rocketing up the Hellevator is panic-inducing enough as it is, but the spooky atmosphere of Playland's annual Fright Nights dials the terror of the amusement park deep into the red. In addition to those thrill rides, gear up for Halloween by skulking through haunted houses filled with Hollywood horror icons, creepily grinning clowns and brain-hungry zombies. Face your deepest fears while having fun from October 6-31.