https://theshipyardsdistrict.ca/shipyards-festival" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shipyards Festival in North Vancouver

theshipyardsdistrict.ca

The Shipyards Festival returns on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, bringing live music, food trucks, and community spirit to Lower Lonsdale.

This free one-day event runs from noon to 9 p.m. with stages at The Shipyards Commons and along East 1st Street, plus a site-wide beer garden featuring local craft breweries.

With multiple music stages, brewery activations, food trucks, and family-friendly programming, Shipyards Festival is one of the first big events to mark autumn on the North Shore.

When: Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
Time: Noon to 9 p.m.
Where: Lower Lonsdale, The Shipyards District, North Vancouver
Admission: Free

Harvest Days at VanDusen Botanical Garden

Harvest Days/vancouver.ca

Every fall, VanDusen Botanical Garden transforms with pumpkins, scarecrows, and colourful autumn displays.

It’s one of Vancouver’s most family-friendly seasonal traditions, offering hay-bale mazes, photo spots, and festive snacks.

This year’s displays also feature eco-friendly art installations by local artist Nickie Lewis. Harvest Days is one of Vancouver’s most family-friendly fall traditions, running on weekends from late September through mid-October.

When: Weekends, Sept. 27 to Oct. 19, 2025, plus Thanksgiving Day (Oct. 13)
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St., Vancouver
Admission: Included with regular Garden admission (Adults $12.59 online / $15.05 in person; discounts available for seniors, youth, and children; free for preschoolers and members.

VIFF (Vancouver International Film Festival)

VIFF

One of the city’s biggest cultural highlights of the season, the Vancouver International Film Festival returns Oct. 2 to 12, 2025, for its 44th year.

VIFF showcases some of the best cinema from around the world alongside live performances, industry talks, and special events that celebrate film and film culture. It’s a must for movie lovers looking to dive into the arts this fall in Vancouver.

When: Oct. 2 to 12, 2025
Time: Various timings
Where: Various venues across Vancouver, including VIFF Centre, Vancouver Playhouse, and International Village
Admission: Single film tickets $16 to $21; ticket packs and festival passes available online

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival at Coquitlam Heritage

A traditional lion dance performance during a Mid-Autumn Moon Festival celebration in Metro Vancouver. (Coquitlam Heritage/visitcoquitlam.ca)

This year, families can celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival at Mackin House in Coquitlam on Oct. 4, 2025, from 12 to 3 p.m.

The free family day event includes lanterns, cultural activities, and the chance to learn about the festival’s traditions while enjoying seasonal treats like mooncakes. The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is all about gathering together under the full harvest moon to honour peace, prosperity, and community.

When: Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025
Time: Noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Coquitlam Heritage at Mackin House — 1116 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam
Admission: Free, no registration required

Mid-Autumn Festival in Richmond

Colourful lanterns celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival. (visitrichmondbc.com)

This year, Richmond families can celebrate at To The Moon: Mid-Autumn Celebration, a Gateway Theatre community event on Oct. 5, 2025.

The afternoon includes lobby activities, a musical performance by Renee Fajardo at Minoru Chapel, and complimentary mooncakes from Anna’s Cake House.

The festival honours the harvest moon as a symbol of peace, prosperity, and togetherness, with lanterns and mooncakes marking the season.

When: Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025
Time: 2 p.m. (concert start)
Where: Gateway Theatre & Minoru Chapel, Richmond
Admission: $25 adults, $15 youth (includes fees), available to purchase online

PumpkinFest in West Vancouver

West Van Pumpkin Fest/Facebook

West Vancouver’s biggest fall community event returns on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Vancouver Community Centre.

PumpkinFest is a family favourite featuring live music, a pumpkin patch, pony rides, a petting farm, and plenty of harvest-themed fun. The event also includes a farmers’ market and activities for all ages.

Tickets go on sale starting Sept. 10 at 9 a.m., both online and at the community centre front desk. Proceeds help support Enhance West Van’s programs across the community.

When: Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: West Vancouver Community Centre — 2121 Marine Dr., West Vancouver
Admission: General tickets $2.50 each (e.g. pumpkins, $10; food, $5 to $7.50). Pony rides and petting farm $10 each. Advance discount packs available online from Sept. 10.

Whether it’s mooncakes, pumpkins, or film screenings, these early autumn festivals set the tone for a season filled with colour, culture, and community.

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