Things to Do in Vancouver: October 2021
Wendy Underwood
While we’ll keep telling ourselves that there are more sunny days ahead, we can no longer deny that it’s definitely fall. And along with woolly sweaters, crunchy leaves, and decorative gourds, autumn is prime time for our arts community. This month we have two major festivals on tap (both with follow-at-home options if you’re not comfortable venturing out), along with a blockbuster exhibit at the city’s biggest art gallery. Not a fan of the arts? You’ll be happy to know that the Canucks are back on the ice as well. Here’s a list of our favourite things to do in Vancouver in October.
Vancouver International Film Festival
October 1 – 11
Celebrating 40 years, Vancouver International Film Festival returns to a “in real life” experience again this year. One of the city’s favourite cultural happenings, the festival will present 110 feature films, 77 shorts, and 20 events over its 12 days. Along with program series such as Insights (nonfiction films that investigate essential subject matter) and M / A / D (music, art and design receive an aesthetically alluring big-screen treatment), talks with notable creators, a day dedicated to music in film, and an industry day for indie filmmakers round out the offerings. For those unable to join the festival in-person, select films will be available on the VIFF Connect streaming platform.
Yoko Ono: Growing Freedom at Vancouver Art Gallery
October 9 – May 1, 2022
Not to be missed this fall at Vancouver Art Gallery, Growing Freedom is an exhibition in two parts, exploring and celebrating the 50-year career of artist Yoko Ono. Part one, “The instructions of Yoko Ono”, includes her instructional work that invites the viewer to get involved in the artistic process and create the artwork. Part two, “The art of John and Yoko” comprises pieces created by Ono and her late husband, John Lennon, including the BED-INS FOR PEACE and WAR IS OVER campaign.
Vancouver Canucks 2021/2022 NHL Season
From October 13
Will this be the season that the Vancouver Canucks hold aloft the Stanley Cup? We literally have no idea. What we do know is that we’re sure excited to see live icy sportsing down at Rogers Arena again. The season starts on October 13, but the real action starts on October 26 with the first home game against Minnesota. Also new this year: the potential for another regional nemesis as the Seattle Kraken make their NHL debut.
Vancouver Writers Festival
October 17 – 24
October seems like a great time to get comfortable with a good book! The annual Vancouver Writers Festival is back as a hybrid event this year, with a number of talks, readings and presentations down on Granville Island, as well as a big selection of streaming events. The festival opens with a conversation with Esi Edugyan – the only author to have won the Scotiabank Giller prize twice, and ends with a night of storytelling with Danny Ramadan on the Revue Stage. In between, there’s plenty for everyone.
Planning a visit to Vancouver this October? Search our site for some great rates!
Photo Credits:
Feature Image – Couple in Stanley Park in the fall: Destination Vancouver/Hubert Kang
Woman in Empty Theatre: Vladimir Fedotov via Unsplash
Yoko Ono Show Banner: Vancouver Art Gallery website
Hockey Players: Markus Spiske via Unsplash
Stack of Books: Kimberley Farmer via Unsplash
