Festive Things to do this Halloween Season

There is so much to do this month. Between midterms, work, and day-to-day stress, who has time for Halloween?

You do. No excuses, kids. There is something for everyone in October, even the faint-of-heart.

To start with the least spooky (or the spookiest depending on your personality), Ellen DeGeneres is coming to town. You can dance it out with the one, the only, Ellen at Rogers Arena at 7:00pm on Friday, Oct. 19.

Diwali Fest is also a big deal, especially in the Surrey area. On Oct. 21 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, thousands of people come together for a South Asian cultural extravaganza. Diwali will combine a bazaar, dance performances, music, and more for family-friendly fun.

There are ghost trains at either end of town. In Stanley Park resides an all-ages ghost train which takes riders “through a mystical and magical world,” according to its website. This runs from Oct. 11 to 31. There is also one at Bear Creek Park if you wish to stay local. This one goes from Oct. 5 to 31 from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

There are all kinds of haunted house experiences to pursue in the Lower Mainland. Right next to KPU’s Surrey campus is Potter’s House of Horrors, infamous in the Surdel area and beyond for scaring the heck out of your friends and family. It has been running since Oct. 5 and will continue until the 31st. Check out pottershouseofhorrors.comfor varying times and prices.

Another big one to check out is the Amore Manor Haunted House on 1151 Robin Way. It’s a normal looking house, at least, from the outside. Inside, however, it’s a completely different story. From Oct. 26 to 28, and then again on the 31st from 6:30 until 9:30 pm, enjoy an extra-spooky, non-kid-friendly experience for a donation of either cash or food, which goes straight to Share Society Food Bank.

If you will be in the Langley area sometime between Friday Oct. 19 and Nov. 3, Brinkworth Dungeon haunted house could be worth checking out. At 22260 48th Ave., Murreyville, Langley, the house is also accepting food donations for the Langley Food Bank. Seriously, what is better than a good time for a good cause?

The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the infamous cult classic from 1975, has evolved into a live show including props, scheduled heckling, cosplay, props, and “virgin initiations.” Taking place at The Waterfront Theatre at 1412 Cartwright Street from Oct. 26 to Nov. 10, there will be 10 performances and prop bags available for purchase. Prepare to see men in tights and get toast crumbs in your hair. I’m sorry, but it’s inevitable.

The Parade Of Lost Souls is an annual event that takes place in the Commercial Broadway area on Oct. 27 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The exact location is not revealed until midnight the night before (how mysterious). It is put on by Dusty Flower Pot Productions and has a sweet after party at the Wise Hall at 10:00 pm. This year, the theme is Magic and Realism, so dress accordingly.

For even more creepy times, check out the VanDusen Botanical Garden from Oct. 19 to 31, the Thriller Dance Zombie Event on Oct. 27 at the Plaza in Olympic Village for some Michael Jackson-themed activities, or look up the Ghostly Gala fundraiser held at the Kitsilano Neighbourhood House. All proceeds go to West Side Family Place.

Enjoy your time, and stay safe this Halloween season.