Happy Thanksgiving everyone! The long weekend is here and is anyone else wearing their extra stretchy turkey eating pants? If you are looking to do something other than eat, then here are some of the family events and activities taking place over the long weekend from October 9-11.
PLAYLAND HALLOWED EVE
Saturday-Monday 6 pm – midnight, Playland
This is one for the older kids and teens…leave the little kids at home. This spooky celebration will bring fire and swordplay, incredible stunts and circus arts, while the amusement park crawls with terrifying monsters, mutant carnivores and re-animated dolls who have breached their usual cages. Rides operating include the Beast, Hellevator, and Atmosfear. The haunted houses will not be operating and the Wooden Roller Coaster is currently undergoing a major refurbishment and will not be running this year.
HOWL OVER CANADA
Saturday – Monday, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm, Canada Place
Join Biker Mama the Witch on A Spirited Halloween Ride for the whole family. HowlOver Canada lets you soar through the skies with a band of spooky sidekicks on your way to a music festival that’s out of this world. This annual, family-friendly tradition has a ‘spook-factor’ suitable for those aged 4 years and up.
FORT LANGLEY CRANBERRY FESTIVAL
Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Langley Township
The 2021 Fort Langley Cranberry Festival features over 60 vendors and about 10 food trucks. As usual, a variety of activities are available for children. There’s also live music and beer, which is a new offering this year. On rain or shine. Free event.
PUMPKIN PATCHES AND CORN MAZES
What better weekend to head out and choose a pumpkin or enjoy the outdoor activities at some of these farms! Head to my latest blog post (linked in heading above) for a complete list of the best ones around the Lower Mainland – there are so many to choose from!
THE HAUNTED SEA
Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, The Gulf of Georgia Cannery, Steveston
The historic cannery in Steveston celebrates Halloween with a month-long installation of The Haunted Sea. Encounter what lurks below the waves and is haunting our oceans and sea life. Explore the many layers of the ocean in the magically transformed Herring Reduction Plant, and discover colourful undersea decor created from upcycled materials kept from haunting the real ocean depths. Drop-in any time to explore at your leisure. Suitable for kids of all ages
FARMER’S MARKETS
Saturday and Sunday, Riley Park, Trout Lake, West End, Kitsilano, and Mount Pleasant
The farmer’s markets will be open until the end of October so be sure to check them out- they are a great place to get those last minute items for Thanksgiving dinner! Head to the website to check the dates and times of each location. There are a number to choose from and that fall harvest is looking so good, so shop local!
UBC Farm also has a great Farmer’s Market on Saturdays from 11 am – 2:00 pm,. For more info check out here.
GRANVILLE ISLAND TURKEY TROT
Monday, 8:30am Start, Granville Island
Get the family out to work off that Thanksgiving dinner! The Granville Island Turkey Trot is an annual event brings together runners in a celebration of Thanksgiving. This scenic and fast 10KM race starts at Granville Island and loops over the Burrard Bridge to the Seawall, before turning at Science World and heading back along the Seawall to the energetic Finish Line on Granville Island. The event continues to support Food Banks as runners may donate and fundraise through the RUN4HOPE Charity Program.
