The Burnaby Halloween Festival 2025 transforms Burnaby, BC into a month-long celebration of all things spooky from early to late October. Spanning neighbourhood plazas, parks, cultural venues, and shopping districts, this community-wide festival brings together more than twenty happenings for every kind of Halloween fan—families with young children, cosplay enthusiasts, horror buffs, and anyone planning seasonal things to do in Vancouver and nearby. Expect a blend of free civic gatherings and ticketed spectacles, all stitched together by local partners to showcase Burnaby’s creative spirit and welcoming community.
This year’s festival program stretches across the city—Central Park, Swangard Stadium, The Amazing Brentwood, Metropolis at Metrotown, and the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown—making it easy to build a full day (or several) around the events. Signature highlights include illuminated pumpkin trails, a family-friendly night in the park capped with fireworks, a costumed 5K run, multicultural performances, and a brand-new fan convention weekend. Whether you’re a local or visiting from around the Lower Mainland, the Festival is a standout entry among British Columbia events each October, offering accessible, transit-friendly fun and a friendly alternative to downtown crowds.
Getting around is easy: SkyTrain’s Patterson and Metrotown Stations put you within walking distance of Central Park and major shopping hubs. For things to do in Burnaby before or after your event, pair an evening experience with dinner at Metrotown or The Amazing Brentwood, or explore nearby neighbourhoods for coffee and dessert. If you’re planning a festival weekend, look at Burnaby hotel packages, some stays include a gift card valid at local shopping centres when you attend a ticketed event.
Families will find plenty of stroller-friendly options, especially outdoor trails and mall-based programming. For Central Spark, arrive early to nab a good viewing spot for the fireworks and use transit to avoid traffic. Costumes are welcome (and encouraged) across most of the festival, from the 5K run to fan-con photo ops, just check any prop policies for indoor venues. If you’re making a Vancouver trip, consider timing your visit around a marquee night (Central Spark or opening weekend for Pumpkins After Dark) and add daytime stops at Burnaby Mountain, Central Park’s trails, or the city’s many family attractions. It’s one of the most convenient BC festivals to navigate by rapid transit.
Food-wise, you’ll find pop-ups and trucks at major outdoor gatherings, plus plenty of sit-down options at Metropolis at Metrotown and The Amazing Brentwood. For colder evenings, bring layers, gloves, and a portable blanket; for rain, pack a light shell and waterproof shoes. Many outdoor experiences proceed rain or shine, adding a moody fall ambiance to the photos.
Don’t miss this Burnaby event, discover why the Burnaby Halloween Festival is a standout among British Columbia’s fall festivals and a top pick for Vancouver-area Halloween fun.