Vancouver Farmers Markets is kicking off the harvest season with its 2nd annual Fall Fair at the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market this weekend.

Fall Fair at Mount Pleasant Farmers Market

Where: 2300 Guelph Street at 8th Ave, Vancouver
When: Sunday, October 2, 2016 from 10:00am to 2:00pm

Kids and adults alike can wander through and pick the perfect Hallowe’en jack o’ lantern at an urban pumpkin patch inside the market this Sunday, or learn how to “milk” a wood cow for a chance to win prizes. Shoppers are also invited to create their own veggie sculptures and pose for selfies at the ‘Vancouver Gothic’ farmer-themed photo booth at the Fair.

Staples of the Mount Pleasant Market Farmers Market will be on site, including the Applebarn Pumpkin Farm, Blue Comet Seafoods, Farmer Koo and Goldwing, Honest Food Farms, Rai Produce and Urban Digs Farm.

Other autumnal highlights at Vancouver Farmers Markets this month include a BC Fall Fruit Pie Competition at West End Market‘s Harvest Fest on Saturday, October 8th, and the RIPE 2016 Harvest Fundraiser, taking place at the Roundhouse on Sunday, October 16th. For more information follow Vancouver Farmers Markets on Facebook and Twitter.

Science World presents its annual Around the Dome Science Festival starting Saturday, October 1st and running until Sunday, October 30th. The month-long celebration of community science kicks off with the Community Science Celebration weekend that includes a free day on Sunday, October 2nd, thanks to support long-standing partner, BC Hydro.

Free Day at Science World

What: Science Festival Free Day
When: Sunday, October 2, 2016 from 10:00am to 6:00pm

This Community Science Celebration will include eye-popping science shows, demonstrations, challenges and an opportunity to meet people in the community doing cool science every day. Many of Science World’s community partners will be on hand to answer your questions show you what’s new in our community.

Around the Dome Science Festival

This month of science in the community will include events like:
Vernon Community Science Celebration
Saturday, October 1, 2016 at Okanagan College in Vernon

Nerd Night: Really Small Things
Wednesday, October 5, 2016 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm (free, but sold out)

SWEET: Nightmares on Quebec Street
Friday, October 7, 2016 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm (free)

Starry Night Party
Saturday, October 8, 2016 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm (free)

Meet a Scientist Weekend
Saturday, October 8 & Sunday, October 9, 2016 from 10:00am to 6:00pm
Including the Iron Scienctist Competition
Saturday, October 8 & Sunday, October 9, 2016 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Mini Community Bio Blitz
Saturday, October 15, 2016 from 1:00am to 2:00pm (free)

World Food Day Celebration
Sunday, October 16, 2016 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Including Just Eat It: A Food Waste Story
Sunday, October 16, 2016 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm

Shake Out BC
Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 10:20am

Science World After Dark: Night School Nightmare
Friday, October 21 (sold out) or Friday, October 28, 2016 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm

First Responders Weekend
Saturday, October 22 & Sunday, October 23, 2016 from 10:00am to 6:00pm

Grown-up Science Workshop: The Science of Cider
Wednesday, October 26, 2016 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Water Education Weekend
Saturday, October 29 & Sunday, October 30, 2016 from 10:00am to 6:00pm

For more information about the Around the Dome Science Festival (#vanscifest) follow Science World on Facebook and Twitter.

It’s a community celebration that has you contemplating the universe, in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. The Jasper Dark Sky Festival is coming up October 14-23 and you can start plan your experience there today.

Last year’s keynote, Commander Hadfield

Jasper Dark Sky Festival

Get lost in the wonder of one of the world’s largest dark sky preserves as you enjoy a week of festival fun, talks, workshops, and more.

Headliners include George Takei (October 21st) and Bill Nye The Science Guy (October 15th is sold out; October 14th is a special evening with Nye at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge). You can also catch Jeremy Hansen, Canadian Space Agency Astronaut (October 15th).

Other events at the Jasper Dark Sky Festival include the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Presents: Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons (October 15th sold out), free Stargazing Along the Shores of Lake Annette (October 21st), and the Big Bang Expo, presented by TELUS World of Science Edmonton (October 22nd). SPACETalks will take place October 22nd with Nadia Drake, Bobak Ferdowsi (Mohawk Guy at NASA’s JPL), and more.

Family fun with rockets in the park

A star-filled sky is one of nature’s most beautiful sights. But it’s harder than ever to see it. In fact, because of urban light, the night sky has become so bright an estimated 85% of Canadians can’t see more than a few stars.

You’re only half an hour away from the hustle and bustle of Edmonton but you will feel like you’re in an entirely different part of the world. A place where the trembling aspen glow bright yellow in the fall as herds of elk graze beside swollen ponds, where busy beavers build up their lodges. Read about the trip I took with John last year:

“We stood out on a dock at Lac Beauvert in Jasper, on an October night so clear that the only clouds around were the ones we made with our breath. Across the lake, the bass from a wedding party thumped at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and above us hung a moon so full we didn’t need flashlights. John set up a tripod, while I doubled up on my gloves, and we attempted our first night time/stargazing photography session…” » Read more…

While some events are sold out, some great tickets are still available along with so many stargazing opportunities in this amazing National Park. Follow Travel Alberta on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to start planning your trip to the Jasper Dark Sky Festival.

At least a century of stories spill from the shadows and dark corners of some of our region’s most historic sites and they’re hosting some very special events this Halloween to tell their tales (and have some fun).

Britannia Mine Museum

• What: Spoo-ook-tacular Halloween Weekend
• Where: Britannia Mine Museum (1 Forbes Way, Britannia Beach)
• When: October 29 & 30, 2016 from 11:00am to 3:00pm
• Tickets: Special event pricing is $15 (general), members and kids age 3 and under get in free (plus applicable taxes). The Museum’s regular train tour is not included in special event pricing; however, a special Halloween train ride is included with event admission.

The special train ride will have spooky stories inside the old underground tunnels. Check out the Spooky Science Show with all the smoke, fire and fun of last year’s show, plus a new batch of potions and tricks to wow the crowd. Take a peek inside the Witch’s House and the Insect Emporium, dress up at the photo booth, and explore the Village Fair.

Gulf of Georgia Cannery

• What: Halloween at the Cannery
• Where: Gulf of Georgia Cannery (12138 Fourth Ave, Richmond)
• When: October 22 & 23; October 29 & 30, 2016
• Tickets: Adults $10.20, Youth (6-16) $6.30, Seniors (65+) $8.95. Tickets may be bought in online in advance, in person at the Cannery Front Desk, or by phone (604) 664-9009. Society members receive 20% off ticket prices (discount available only through the Cannery Front Desk).

Solve the Mysterious Case of the Haunted Cannery, a spooky, family-fun mystery inside the 122-year old historic building, for all those who dare to enter.

This year, on Saturday October 22nd only, join an after-hours presentation by Northern Paranormal Investigations, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, in a discussion of the paranormal discoveries uncovered at the Cannery when it’s closed to the public. You will also have a chance to join a guided tour of areas where the research was conducted, and to ask questions about their investigations. Tickets $10 each (or $6, with a Halloween ticket) and can be purchased online. *Please note that it is not recommended for children under 16 years old to attend the paranormal presentation.

Fort Langley National Historic Site

• What: Grave Tales
• Where: Fort Langley National Historic Site (23433 Mavis Ave, Langley)
• When: Youth Edition (for youth accompanied by adult) $13.30 + service fee
  October 14-16 & 19-30, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
  Adult Grave Tales (ages 17+ only) – $17.10 + service fee
  October 14-16 & 19-30, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm or 8:00pm to 10:00pm
  Enhanced 3-hour Adult Grave Tales (ages 17+ only) – $20.60 + service fee
  October 14-16 & 19-30, from 9:00pm to 12:00am
  Grave tales adult overnight experience
• Tickets: Advance tickets are required. School group tours are available in the afternoons by phone reservation (604) 513-4799.

The popular Grave Tales historic walking tours are back! Join expert storytellers for a two-hour or three-hour program of spine-chilling stories, as you walk through the Fort Langley village at night. What would be creepier than Grave Tales tours? Try sleeping in historic Fort Langley after listening to the mysterious and tragic stories of its past. This October, they’re offering an in-depth 19+ Grave Tales tour and oTENTik overnight package. To book the overnight Grave Tales experience, please phone (604) 513-4777.

• What: Halloween Hoot at the Fort
• Where: Fort Langley National Historic Site (23433 Mavis Ave, Langley)
• When: October 29 & 30, 2016 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm
• Tickets: On sale now. Age 17+ $11.70, age 3-16 $6.30, age 2 and under free. free for valid annual pass holders at the door. If you purchase advance tickets, reserved numbered seating for the magic shows will be designated. Tickets at the door will include general seating, as available. Annual pass holders get free door admission, but for reserved seating, online tickets must be purchased.

Celebrate Halloween with Pirate Magician Gary Savard inside Fort Langley National Historic Site. Watch a family-friendly magic show at 1:30pm, 2:30pm or 3:30pm. Before or after your show, trick-or-treat at four of the fort buildings, make a craft, visit the Spooky Servants Quarters, and get your face painted in the Cooperage. Geared toward young families – wear your costumes for great photos.

* All prices are as of time of publishing of this blog post and are subject to change. All prices on online ticket sales or in person at these venues are the final and valid amounts.

Run and give in the spirit of Thanksgiving at the annual Granville Island Turkey Trot. This annual event brings together community in a celebration of Thanksgiving – demonstrating our gratitude for sport and our commitment to supporting others.

A hallmark event, the Granville Island Turkey Trot features a fun 10KM race on Thanksgiving Monday, October 10th, plus a Kids Run a day earlier.

Enjoy free food, drinks, entertainment, awards, medals, and more, as you run, walk or stroll around Granville Island! Even if you don’t feel like running, stop by to watch the fun and bring a donation to support the event’s local charity partners.

Granville Island Turkey Trot

Sunday, October 9, 2016 Kids Run at 12:00pm
Monday, October 10, 2016 10KM at 8:30am

Included in Registration

• Brand new 10KM medal for all finishers
• Free Stanley Park Beer valid at Mahony & Sons for those of legal drinking age
• $20 Gift Card (no minimum spend) from Rackets & Runners on New Balance product
• Free yoga session with Ocean Breath Yoga
• Race bib with built-in timing chip
• Free, convenient and secure gear check
• On-course services including water, Clif Bar, Ultima Replenisher and toilets
• Exciting Finish Line on Granville Island
• Free Expo at Performance Works with yoga and music
• Post-race celebrations with holiday-themed food and lively entertainment
• Age category and fun team prizes are up for grabs
• Plus your race entry supports local charities!

All abilities welcome. Participants are encouraged to run, walk, or even stroll with baby strollers. Great food will be available post-event and we encourage people to stay and mingle with free parking on Granville Island until 1:00pm on race day, Thanksgiving Monday. Kids will receive a ribbon, snacks, and fun activities including face painting.

Community Challenge

The Community Challenge, presented by Chevron, will recognize and reward communities that support the event: $500 will be awarded to the team with the largest numbers of runners; $250 will be awarded to the Best Team Costume – runners or spectators; Prizing for Team Captains of largest teams.

All participants who donate to one of the charity partners will be entered to win draw prizes donated by Granville Island merchants. Volunteers will also receive a free $20 Gift Card from Rackets & Runners valid on New Balance product with no minimum spend, plus other benefits including a shirt, food, and great group camaraderie.

For each $20 Gift Card redeemed by runners and volunteers, Rackets & Runners will also donate a pound of non-perishable food to our charity partner, Quest Food Exchange.

Benefitting Charities

Arts Umbrella: Art can change the lives of children in incredible ways, which is why Arts Umbrella helps students cultivate creativity through high-quality Performing, Visual, and Media Arts programs. Since 1979, the not-for-profit arts training centre has opened the doors for all kids to find and explore their artistic voices. More than 21,500 young artists ages 2 to 19 discover the magic each year – with two-thirds participating at little to no cost to their families.

Quest Food Exchange: A non-profit organization that provides dignified access to a variety of affordable and healthy foods to individuals facing food security challenges in British Columbia. Their primary objectives are to reduce hunger with dignity, build community and foster sustainability. Not open to the general public, Quest Food Exchange works in collaboration with food suppliers who donate their surplus food, and social service agency partners who refer their clients.

Register today! Follow the Granville Island Turkey Trot on Twitter and Facebook, plus RunVan on Twitter and Facebook #runvan #runandgive for more information.