5 Spooky Events Happening in Vancouver This Week (Oct. 22-28)

It’s not Halloween, but it is Halloweek.

(Photo Credit: VanDusen Botanical Garden.)

Ghosts in the Garden

Now – October 31

Experience all of the thrills (and chills) of Hänsel and Gretel at VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Glow in the Garden. See the 55-acre garden transformed into an ominous oasis each evening, complete with glowing lights, spooky sounds, and incredible pumpkin art. Watch out for witches!When: Now – Wednesday, October 31Where: VanDusen Botanical GardenCost: From $12.50More Info: vancouver.ca   (Photo Credit: Science World.)

Creeps at the Convention

October 25-26

As the name suggests, Murdercon is not a Halloween event for the faint of heart. This 19+ murder mystery is part of Science World After Dark. It’s set at a sci-fi convention, where attendees use science to solve a grisly murder. If the inherent magical joy of dressing in costume isn’t enough to convince you, costumed guests will also be entered to win a prize.When: Thursday, October 25 – Friday, October 26Where: Science WorldCost: $36More Info: scienceworld.ca   (Photo Credit: rlstine.com)

Terrors at the Theatre

October 26

What child hasn’t had a nightmare triggered by the creepy tales of R.L. Stine? The author of the Goosebumps series will be giving a lecture about his life and career this Friday, followed by a Q&A and book signing. Go to praise your favourite childhood author, or perhaps blame him for your current need to sleep with a nightlight.When: Friday, October 26 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.Where: Queen Elizabeth TheatreCost: From $31More Info: vancouvercivictheatres.com   (Photo Credit: Parade of Lost Souls.)

Spooks on the Street

October 27

This top-secret parade might be Vancouver’s coolest Halloween event. The Parade of Lost Souls is an annual spooky celebration in the Commercial Drive area; the exact location isn’t released until midnight the day before. Come in costume, bring something to sacrifice to the altar (your favourite scarf? A homecooked meal? Love letters from your ex?), and enjoy live bands, food trucks, and a whole lot of clowns.When: Saturday, October 27 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.Where: Commercial Drive – exact location TBCCost: FreeMore Info: dustyflowerpotcabaret.com   (Photo Credit: Rio Theatre.)

R.I.P at the Rio

October 28

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice…. On the 30th anniversary of the classic ghostly film, the Rio Theatre is showing a remastered, 4K edition. Bring your squad and relive the tale of the undead newlyweds, brooding teen and unreliable frightmeister. Beetlejuice!When: Sunday, October 28 5:30 p.m.Where: Rio TheatreCost: From $10.50More Info: riotheatre.ca

Alyssa Hirose

Alyssa Hirose

Alyssa Hirose is a Vancouver-based writer, editor, illustrator and comic artist. Her work has been featured in Vancouver magazine, Western Living, BCBusiness, Avenue, Serviette, Geist, BCLiving, Nuvo, Montecristo, The Georgia Straight and more. Her beats are food, travel, arts and culture, style, interior design and anything dog-related. She publishes a daily autobiographical comic on Instagram at @hialyssacomics.