As the crisp autumn breeze sweeps through Burnaby, the city is set to transform into a Halloween wonderland, filled with ghoulish delights and eerie excitement.
This October, the Burnaby Halloween Festival returns with more spine-tingling fun than ever before, promising an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. With its eyes set on becoming Canada’s top Halloween destination by 2027, Burnaby is pulling out all the stops, offering over 25 events – and counting – that are sure to enchant, thrill and scare.
“With an exciting mix of returning favourites and new, innovative events, this year’s festival is set to deliver unforgettable experiences for everyone. We can’t wait to welcome visitors from near and far as we continue our journey toward becoming Canada’s top Halloween destination,” says Chris Peters, Executive Director at Tourism Burnaby.
Whether you’re a family looking for a festive day out or a die-hard Halloween fan seeking an adrenaline rush, the Burnaby Halloween Festival has something for everyone.
Pumpkins, ghosts and fun galore
One of the festival’s most mesmerizing spectacles is Pumpkins After Dark at Central Park. Wander through a hauntingly beautiful display of over 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins, choreographed to music and special effects that will leave visitors in awe. Don’t forget the camera!
For those seeking more action, mark Oct. 20 on your calendar for the Monster Dash 5K. Costumed runners take to the streets, weaving through the city in a fun and exhilarating race that’s as spooky as it is exhilarating. After working up an appetite, head over to Metropolis at Metrotown for the Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest and witness (or partake in!) the ultimate battle for the title of Pumpkin Pie Champion.
Heart-pounding thrills and creative crafts
If your idea of Halloween leans more toward horror, VHS: The Burnaby Edition Horror Film Festival offers spine-chilling cinematic thrills.
Prefer a more hands-on Halloween adventure? Craft beer fans will love Dagerpaatch at Dageraad Brewing, a creative event that pairs the city’s passion for beer with festive autumn spirit.
Burnaby’s local talent will also shine this Halloween, with two-time Food Network champion Hollie Fraser of Punk Rock Pastries hosting exclusive Halloween-themed baking classes. Fraser, a Burnaby native, will teach you how to whip up spooky, delicious treats to impress your friends and family.
New to the festival this year, Ghost Hunt: Hauntington Manor at Metropolis offers a chilling, interactive haunted house experience presented by Bamboozled Escape Games. If you’re brave enough, step into this haunted mansion, navigate its ghostly corridors and uncover the dark secrets hidden within. For a more serene yet atmospheric evening, the Halloween Candlelight Concert at SFU will enchant you with haunting melodies, setting the perfect tone for a magical autumn night.
Book your spooky stay today
With Burnaby’s Halloween Festival only growing bigger and better, now’s the perfect time to visit. Whether you’re planning a family outing or a spooky weekend getaway, be sure to take advantage of special hotel deals and packages offered throughout the city.
Visit burnabyhalloween.com to book your stay and secure your spot at these fantastic events before they sell out.
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