11 Cool Halloween Events to Check Out in October

Whether you’re looking for a good old-fashioned scare or an eerie night of food and drink, there’s something for everyone this Halloween.

Cities across the West are hosting a unique mix of Halloween events this year and vintage radio shows, masquerade balls and murder mystery dinners are among our top picks.

Victoria

The Rocky Horror Show: Live, October 22–31Do the time warp! The Rocky Horror Picture Show is one of the most iconic Halloween films to date, and Rebel Knock Out Productions is bringing it to you live at the Metro Studio Theatre. Tickets start at $30. rkoproductions.com.Victoria Masquerade Ball, October 31Evening wear, period costumes and masks are mandatory for this event at the historical Empress Hotel. Before dancing the night away in the Crystal Ballroom, watch live opera and dance performances, and take part in a silent auction—proceeds will support Pacific Opera Victoria’s youth and education programs. victoriaball.com.Magnolia Hotel and Spa “Spooktacular” Package, October 12–31The Magnolia Hotel and Spa will be celebrating Halloween with jack o’lanterns and a special turn down service. Guests who book the “Spooktacular” package ($169 per night) will also receive a self-guided map that will lead to ghost festivals, zombie walks and other haunted events throughout the city. magnoliahotel.com.

Vancouver

Fright Nights at Playland, October 9 – November 1Fright Nights at Playland is one of Vancouver’s most popular Halloween events. With seven haunted houses—each with their own hair-raising theme—15 rides, and two feature shows (The Monsters of Schlock and Radiant Heat), there are more than enough opportunities for you to get a good scare. frightnights.ca.Ghostly Gastown Tours, October 30–31Visit some of the city’s spookiest locales—Blood Alley and Gaoler’s Mews—and learn about the haunted history of Vancouver’s Gastown district. Ninety-minute walking tours take place every Wednesday and Saturday, but additional tours have been added for the Halloween weekend. ghostlygastowntours.com.

Chilliwack

Chilliwack Corn Maze and Pumpkin Farm, until October 31Halloween in the Fraser Valley is incomplete without a trip to the Chilliwack corn mazes. Get lost in the 12-acre maze before picking a pumpkin from the patch—they have more than 15 varieties to choose from. chilliwackcornmaze.com.

Kelowna

Haunted Howler Comedy Fest, October 30–31The third annual Haunted Howler has been extended to include two days of Halloween fun. Friday’s adult-only event at the Lake City Casino is headlined by Trent Mclellan, while Saturday’s all-ages event will be carried by Steve McGowan. Costume contests and haunted house tours will also take place. hauntedhowler.com.

Banff

Haunted Halloween Gala, October 31The Fairmont Banff Springs’s Haunted Halloween Gala features a live DJ, circus performers, fortune tellers and a selection of hors d’oeuvres and drink specials. The $598 guestroom package includes hotel accommodation, admission to the Heritage Ghost Tour, and—to complete your haunted look—access to complimentary make-up stations. fairmont.com.

Calgary

Halloween Candy Pairing, October 28Have a sweet tooth? Feast on caramel popcorn, mini chocolate bars and more at Willow Park Wine and Spirits—they’re pairing classic Halloween candies with wine, beer and cocktails. willowpark.net.Murder Mystery Dinner, October 29Enjoy a three-course meal (finished with a Witches Demise Dessert of chestnut “brain” mousse and lady fingers), along with a murder mystery theatre performance, at Bow Valley Ranche’s Grand Salon. bvrrestaurant.com.Halloween Spooky Tea and Talk, October 31Put on your costume and enjoy a Halloween-inspired afternoon tea at The Rimrock. Tea sandwiches, pastries and cocktails are given an eerie twist, and Fairmont staff will be on hand to share stories about the hotel’s handcrafted spirits. Try their featured cocktail, the Corpse Reviver, at home. fairmont.com.

Edmonton

Frankenstein Radio Show, October 1–4Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is brought to life on the historic Capitol Theatre stage. For $62 you can watch the vintage show and enjoy a special Frankenstein dinner, but performance-only tickets are also available starting at $22. fortedmontonpark.ca.