5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (October 28- November 3)

An improvised whodunnit, a play about the Slavic folk witch Baba Yaga, a dance party at Heritage Hall and more.

Here’s your weekly roundup of the top events in the city, including art exhibitions, local theatre, restaurant openings, concerts, film, markets and other to-dos we think you’ll love. If you have a Vancouver event you’d like to submit for consideration, add it to our ongoing Vancouver events calendar here!

Threads of Support, Ancestral Food Ways #1

1. Welcome Back Souls (and Enjoy Some Snacks) at Día de los Muertos in Strathcona Park

November 2

Step away from the candy stash and head to Strathcona Park from 4–8 p.m. for the Día de los Muertos Festival, part of the DTES Heart of the City Fest (Oct 30–Nov 10). Expect food-laden altars, live music, dance and a ceremonial fire. Kick off at Trillium Park for crafting, then join a procession to Strathcona. More snack, less spook—and FOMO’s scarier than any ghost! Full lineup here.

When: November 2
Where: Strathcona Park
Cost: Free
More info: heartofthecityfestival.com

Photo by Emily Cooper

2. Take in Some Spine-Tingling Theatre With the Slavic Folk Tale about a Witch Named Baba Yaga

October 24-November 2

If you’re hyped for Wicked because you love all things witchy—enough to trek to Richmond—then check out Canadian playwright Kat Sandler’s Yaga. This contemporary spin on the Slavic folk tale of Baba Yaga serves up a suspenseful, Halloween-y whodunit on stage (without the Wicked-level singing).

When: October 24- November 2
Where: Gateway Theatre
Cost: From $35
More info: gatewaytheatre.com

3. Get Your Flirt and Dance On at The Birdhouse

November 1

It’s a T4T trans and non-binary dance party that refuses to let Halloween be a one-night affair and you’re invited! And keeping the post-Halloween dream alive: a full night of QTBIPOC DJs and gogo dancers. Now you have the perfect opportunity to work on your best flirting moves (or at least dance moves—that’s flirting, right? Birds do it?)

When: November 1
Where: The Birdhouse
Cost: From $19.25
More info: eventbrite.ca

4. Take Your Costume Out for One Last Spin at this DJ Halloween Dance Party

November 1

Usually the haunt for weddings and whimsical markets, for one night only this historic Mount Pleasant landmark is embracing its dark side with The Haunting of Heritage Hall. Expect DJs spinning sinful beats well into the witching hours (and a ghostly hangover if you don’t chug at least some water).

When: November 1
Where: Heritage Hall
Cost: $23.68
More info: eventbrite.ca

5. Put Your True Crime Skills to the Test in This Hilarious, Improvised Murder Mystery

November 1

You might remember the classic TV series starring Mrs. Potts herself Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher, the mystery-solving author who always seemed to be “at the scene” of the crime. Personal Jessica Fletcher conspiracy theories aside, this comedic, improvised murder mystery follows an in-house detective tackling a new whodunit each week. Perfect for Halloween, mystery lovers or those who don’t believe in coincidences (what are the chances you’re even around for one murder let alone multiple?!)

When: November 1
Where: Tightrope Theatre
Cost: $29.36
More info: eventbrite.ca