Celebrate the harvest season and prep a pumpkin for Halloween at Pumpkin Fest. Photo courtesy of Pumpkin Fest
Happy Harvest, Vancouver! This is the perfect time for overindulging, and there are plenty of opportunities to do so: get a face full of Greek food at the Big Fat Greek Gala; pick a pumpkin at the Pumpkin Fest; sample 60 varieties of apple at the Apple Festival; and service your sweet tooth at the Baker’s Market. And the best part? It’s guilt free now that fall sweaters can hide the evidence. It’s also BC Craft Beer Month, so keep an eye out for Oktoberfest events and newly released seasonal beers like Pumpkin Ale. Yum.
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The Big Fat Greek Gala
Thursday, October 11, 7 p.m.
Hellenic Community Centre
4500 Arbutus St.
604-738-2819
www.westsidefamilyplace.com
Benefitting the West Side Family Place, the gala will transform the Hellenic Centre into a magnificent Greek taverna. A silent auction, belly dancing, live music and loads of tasty Greek food will keep you entertained all evening. Tickets: $25.
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Knitters rejoice at Knit City 2012. by Um Women, Flcikr
Knit City
October 13–14
Saturday, 11–7 p.m.,
Sunday, 11–5 p.m.
Croatian Cultural Centre
3250 Commercial Dr.
knitsocial.ca
Knit, crochet, spin and mingle alongside vendors, instructors and volunteers at the Knit City marketplace. There will be a Kick-off Party on Friday at 7 p.m. The first 50 people in line for Saturday will get a bag of goodies. Tickets: $25 (party and weekend pass); $10 (weekend pass).
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Pumpkin Fest 2012
October 13–14
2121 Marine Dr.
westvanpumpkinfest.ca
604-925-7270
Join family, friends and neighbours for a weekend of old-fashioned fun celebrating the harvest season. Pick your pumpkin at the Pumpkin Patch, build a scarecrow, see a honey extraction demonstration, take a workshop, or shop at the open-air Harvest Market. Open to the public, see website for times and workshop tickets.
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For those “other” types of Apple fanatics. Photo by MSF, Flcikr
Apple Festival
October 13–14, 11 a.m.– 4 p.m.
UBC Botanical Gardens
www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca
604-822-4529
Every year approximately 20,000 kilos of apples are sold to thousands of attendees. Visit the tasting tent to try up to 60 varieties for $5, learn about grafting and cider pressing through demonstrations, and be inspired to take your own tree home. Don’t leave without exploring the gardens with complimentary entry. Tickets: $4 (free for children under 12).
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Artists for Conservation Festival
October 13–21
Grouse Mountain
festival.artistsforconservation.org
This world class conservation-themed art and education event connects people to nature through guest lectures and workshops, an international art and exhibit sale, First Nations performances, African drumming, a “meet the artists” wine and cheese and more. See the website for programs and tickets.
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Save room for dinner after the Baker’s Market. Photo courtesy of Baker’s Market
Baker’s Market
October 6–December 8
Saturdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Moberly Arts and Cultural Centre
7646 Prince Albert St
www.bakersmarket.com
Buy or sell all kinds of baked goodies made by local, creative, professional and home bakers. Try breads, waffles, croissants, cookies, cakes, muffins, chocolate pies, cupcakes and scones. Free parking, free samples, free admission. The market is always indoors, see website to register as a vendor.
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More undead than you can shake a machete at. Photo by Tom Magliery, Flickr
Zombie Syndrome
October 12–31
Downtown
www.thevirtualstage.org
An interactive, site-specific theater adventure is turning audiences into zombie fighters on the streets of Vancouver. The exact location is kept secret until the day before when ticket holders receive a phone call from a character in the story with details about where to be and when. Tickets: $25.
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Eco Fashion Week
October 16–19
Eco-wear that’s more fashionable and practical than a well-placed fig leaf. Photo courtesy of Eco Fashion Week
Various venues
ecofashion-week.com
The third most environmentally damaging industry in the world is getting a shake up. Vancouver will be showing that green living doesn’t equate to hemp anoraks and all-weather trek pants. Sustainable innovations will be showcased during a week of fashion shows, events and seminars by the world’s top ethical fashion designers. Check the website for schedule and tickets.
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Light the Night Walk
Saturday, October 20, 5 p.m.
Lumberman’s Arch, Stanley Park
www.lightthenight.ca
Across the country teams of families, friends, co-workers and corporations come together to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Take an inspirational, leisurely walk carrying an illuminated balloon to bring light to the dark world of cancer. See website for registration.
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Burnaby Farmers’ Market
Sundays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Burnaby City Hall Parking Lot
4949 Canada Way
www.burnaby.ca
This is the place to find locally grown conventional and organic produce, salsa, vinegar, tea, jam and honey as well as local artisans showcasing pottery, woodwork, jewellery and soap. The market also features live music and a used book exchange. Bring your own shopping bags. Open to the public.
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Retro Design and Antiques Fair
Sunday, October 21,
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Croatian Cultural Centre
3250 Commercial Drive
www.21cpromotions.com
Enhance your eclectic abode with 175 tables and booths of fabulous finds. Discover vintage and estate jewellery, fold art, funky 50s kitsch and pop culture classics. There will also be drop-in appraisals for your dusty treasures. Tickets: $5.
