There's not shortage of fun activities in New West this Halloween weekend, but that's not the only game in town. Here are the Record's top picks for Oct. 31 to Nov. 1.
1. Enjoy a symphony barn dance when the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra brings a playful children’s show to Anvil Centre. Let Your Music Shine! With Lisa and Linda introduces kids to the fiddle – and gets their toes tapping and hands clapping to folk favourites. They’ll be performing on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in Anvil Centre. Tickets are $15 for adults and seniors and $7 for children. For tickets, go to www.vancouversymphony.ca.
2. Get into the halloween spirit at Fraser River Frights aboard the Samson V on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 1 to 3 p.m. The event includes an afternoon of ghost stories, spooky nautical crafts and a scavenger hunt. The Samson V is next to River Market and Inn at the Quay on the Fraser River. The drop-in is by donation.
3. Take the kids to Royal City Centre, where they can have free spooky photos taken on Friday, Oct. 30 from noon to 6 p.m. and on Saturday, Oct. 31 from noon to 5 p.m. Kids can also trick-or-treat at mall merchants from 4 to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
4. Have a hilarious Halloween at Peter ‘n’ Chris, The Mystery of the Hungry Heart Motel. The comedy is on stage at Anvil Centre Theatre on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., as well as 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 1. For tickets, go to ticketsnw.ca or call 604-521-5050. Anvil Centre is at 777 Columbia St.
5. Visit Fraser River Discovery Centre for its Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. You’re invited to dress up in costume and make a creepy craft, take part in the graveyard dig, get your picture taken in the photo booth and uncover the wicked witches’ spell for a special prize. Discovery Centre is located at 788 Quayside Dr., next to River Market.
6. Make seeds for bees at this weekend’s ArtStarts event at River Market. Beekeeper Lori Weidenhammer will explore the world of seeds and seedpods – and help you make a take-home seed package for the bees in your garden. It’s taking place on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at River Market at Westminster Quay, 810 Quayside Dr.
7. Celebrate Halloween at one of the local watering holes. Match Pub at Starlight Casino in Queensborough is having a Great Gatsby Halloween with the Tainted Lovers; the Heritage Grill is hosting the New V2’s Howler; the Paddlewheeler Pub features Eclipse; and the Union Jack Public House is having a Halloween Bash featuring the Shindiggers.
