Fall events in the Lower Mainland
By Alex Stanton, Staff Writer
Between the dog days of summer and the slushy months of winter, we’ve got fall. When it comes to Vancouver, there’s not much to say about it. I, for one, enjoy it. It’s not too hot, nor is it too cold. It’s occasionally rainy, yeah, but it sure beats the hell out of a sweltering day in a room with busted AC or a road-ruining dump of snow.
Like any other season, there’s no shortage of annual cultural events, but this time of year you generally don’t have to worry about the weather going to either extreme. Even our home, known around the world as “No-Fun City,” is host to plenty of stuff to do during this quaint season.
Vancouver Halloween Parade and Expo (October 15–18) — From Fan Expo to Northwest Fan Fest, Vancouver plays host to a number of events where people get in touch with their inner geek, dressing up as their favourite fictional characters while browsing the wares of hobby shops. These events always attract massive numbers, and now those with a die-hard love for Halloween can celebrate a couple of weeks early at the Tom Lee Music Hall and PNE Exhibition Forum, ending off the festivities with a free parade in the downtown core. With four days to check it out, there’s plenty of time to experience the myriad activities available to guests, including a booth featuring the Other Press’s own Comic Corner author.
Fright Nights (October 9–November 1) — In what has become as much of an institution in Vancouver as the PNE (as well as yet another way to celebrate All Hallows Eve), the annual horror makeup thatss applied to Playland brings something new to the table every year. This year is no exception; aside from the seven haunted houses, there’s a comedy troupe called The Monsters of Schlock, as well as The Beast, a recent thrill ride that drew a massive crowd when it debuted a couple months ago.
Twenty-eighth Vancouver Writers Festival (October 20–25) — For the 28th year, more than 100 notable authors are descending upon Granville Island for five days to host numerous panels, workshops, and performance events for those who have a knack for creating worlds with words. There are authors representing every corner of Canada, as well as parts of the United States and Europe, including Sara Tilley, Steve Burrows, and Elizabeth Hay.
Alien Contagion: Rise of the Zombie Syndrome (October 6–November 1) — When you build an interactive theatre show centring around aliens who crash land on a post-apocalyptic, zombie-infested Earth, those with a wild imagination are certain to come. Taking place in an apparently top secret location, audience members use their smartphones to solve a mystery filled to the brim with science fiction tropes. Although this is the fourth in the Zombie Syndrome series produced by The Virtual Stage, knowledge of previous events isn’t necessary.
TEDx Vancouver 2015 (November 15) — making a name for itself with insightful talks by some of the most influential, brilliant minds alive today, the now famous educational brand TED has allowed its name to be used by any individual or non-profit group that feels they have ideas worth spreading. This year, the overall theme for this particular TEDx is identity. Through talks via satellite and live speakers, this educational event aims to answer three very hard questions: Who are we? Who am I? Who will I be?
Vancouver is a diverse city, and luckily for us that means plenty of interesting activities—no matter what you’re into!
