Back to live: The return of more in-person events this fall
From sports to arts to seasonal favourites, live events are back. After a year and a half of pandemic closures, cancellations and limited in-person fun, BC is finally seeing the return of many events and activities. So, we’ve rounded up a list of what’s happening around the province, plus have everything you need to know for how to enjoy your favourite activities again safely.
Here are a few things to expect:
- Don’t forget your mask. They continue to be mandatory at all large events (yes, even outdoors too).
- Bring proof of vaccination and your government photo ID.
- Be prepared for most purchases to be cashless.
- Some events have moved exclusively to a digital ticketing platform. Do your research in advance to ensure you have what you need and expect touchless screening on entry.
- Many large events have a no bag or clear bag only policy to make check-in quicker (best to leave your bags at home).
Our additional advice: book your tickets well in advance, arrive early so you’re not rushing or stressed out, keep calm and remember, we’re all in this together so be patient and kind to one another.
Now, here’s your guide to safe, fall fun in Vancouver and around BC.
Photo by the Vancouver Canucks
Sports
Our favourite sports teams have officially welcomed fans back to the action.
Vancouver Canucks
Where: Rogers Arena
When: 41 home games October 26 to late April – and even longer if they make the playoffs.
Big events: October 26 home opener vs. Minnesota Wild, October 30 they host Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers, and December 8 they battle their Stanley Cup rivals, the Boston Bruins. Plus, join us March 15, 2022 for our BCAA Member night!
Good to know: Rogers Arena will be returning to full capacity starting on October 25, but it’s still a good idea to secure your seat early. BCAA Members save up to 30% on select single-game tickets ad 10% at the Canucks Team Store.
BC Lions
Where: BC Place
When: November 12 vs Calgary Stampeders, November 19 vs Edmonton Elks.
Big events: The Grey Cup championship game is in Hamilton this year on December 12. A fun one to watch at home.
Good to know: Here’s what to know before you go to a game.
Abbotsford Canucks
Wait, who? The Abbotsford Canucks is the Vancouver Canucks’ AHL farm team who’ve just moved from New York State to launch their inaugural season in the Fraser Valley.
Where: Abbotsford Centre
When: 36 home games from October to April with single-game tickets available for just $25.
Concerts
Live music is back with a great lineup of fall performances from:
City and Colour
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
When: November 12 and 13
Highlights: Watch for Dallas Green’s crowd-pleasing The Girl
The Cowboy Junkies
Where & where: Nanaimo’s Port Theatre (November 16), UBC’s Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (November 18)
Highlight: Gotta be that sweet, Sweet Jane
Raine Maida and Chantal Kreviazuk
Where: Hollywood Theatre in Vancouver
When: November 19
Highlight: Married since 1999, they’re touring with their first record together
Mother Mother
Where: Commodore Ballroom
When: nightly, December 2-5
Highlight: This BC-based band from Quadra Island’s song Hayloft blew up on TikTok
The Da Vinci Experience by Jelly Marketing
Autumn is alight
An array of exciting events have arrived to ring in the season, including:
The Da Vinci Experience
What: Travel through time and immerse yourself in Da Vinci’s world and work. You’ll get a multi-sensory 360º immersive journey, with more than ten replicas of his incredible machines, as well as a VR look at the life of Leonardo Da Vinci.
Where: Tsawwassen Mills shopping centre
When: runs till October 31
The Wizards’ Den
What: A magical, 90-minute immersive experience that is guaranteed to bring out your inner Harry Potter as you learn to brew potions and cast spells. Complete challenges to unlock the ingredients to make your perfect mead.
Where: inside a pop-up bar at 904 Granville Street
When: October and November
Photo by Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium’s Fin-tastic Fall Days
What: Enjoy their trick or trout maze, a 4D movie experience with Scooby and the gang, and Halloween dress-up days.
Where: Stanley Park
When: October 1-31
Sankofa: African Routes, Canadian Roots
What: A new Museum of Anthropology exhibit that focuses on the experience of African Canadians in Vancouver. BCAA Members receive 15% off regular admission to the museum.
Where: UBC’s Museum of Anthropology
When: daily this October
Bad to the Bone Halloween
What: Family-friendly chills and thrills including a witches lair, bone yard and the spooky skeleton science show.
Where: Britannia Mine Museum where BCAA Members save 15% on single visit museum admission rates.
When: October 23 & 24, October 30 & 31
Vallea Lumina
What: A spectacular, multimedia night walk through an enchanted forest in pursuit of hidden wonders.
Where: Sixteen Mile Creek Forest Service Road, Whistler, BC
When: The Winter Vallea Lumina runs November 26 through April
Halloween haunts
Many of BC’s frighteningly fun Halloween events have returned this year. Get spooky with these great options:
Field of Screams Zombie Apocalypse
What: The Okanagan’s biggest, most terrifying haunted corn maze. Four mazes create a horrifying experience you won't soon forget.
Where: Vernon, BC
When: right up until October 30
Haunted Corn Maze
What: Walk (or run) through the scariest corn maze in Canada. Warning: this is very scary, very intense, and very good fun in the dark.
Where: Maan Farms in Abbotsford
When: right up until October 31
Eerie Illusions
What: A new Covid-safe self-guided walk featuring lights, illusions and special effects. Just in time for Halloween.
Where: Burnaby Village Museum
When: October 22-31
Hallowed Eves by PNE
Hallowed Eves
What: Halloween thrill rides, creepy decor and a cast of scary characters and live performances.
Where: Playland, Vancouver
When: October 8-31
Foodie fun
Finally, our favourite feasting events are back:
Cheese and Meat Artisan Food Festival
What: Enjoy the best of locally made food and beverages that pair perfectly.
Where: The Pipe Shop in Vancouver, The Powerhouse in Victoria
When: November 6 in Vancouver, November 27 in Victoria
Whistler Cornucopia
What: Whistler’s annual fall festival of food and drink, “made for the epicurious, uninhibited food and drink lover.” Enjoy educational seminars, chef’s demonstrations, signature events, and delicious winery dinners.
Where: Whistler Conference Centre
When: November 4-28
Movies
Take in the magic of the big screen. BCAA Members save up to 30% at Landmark Cinemas, where you can watch the new James Bond movie, No Time To Die, or The Matrix 4, coming in December. Or make a weekend of it and check out:
Whistler Film Festival
What: Canada’s coolest film festival features six world premieres and a Content Summit.
Where: Whistler, BC (and online)
When: December 1-5 in Whistler, December 1-31 online
Bonus tip for BCAA Members: if you find yourself in Whistler, make sure you plan a stop at the Scandinave Spa, where Members save 15% on bath access and 10% on Scandinave massage services with bath access.
Now that you’ve marked your calendar with your favourite upcoming events, here are a few final tips to ensure you keep yourself and those around you safe:
- Do your research well in advance, so you know what to expect upon arrival.
- Bring an extra mask or keep one in your vehicle, just in case.
- Remember to keep six feet away from the people around you, indoors and out.
- If you’re feeling unwell, stay home and check the BC Centre for Disease Control for what to do if you have COVID-19 symptoms
Have a great time! For additional autumn inspiration, see our exclusive Member savings on fall essentials. Not a Member? Join today for less than $8 a month to take advantage of these partner offers and more.