Embrace the fall season with Harvest Days at VanDusen Botanical Garden
Visitors can enjoy festive activities, art, music, and food until Oct. 20
Visitors can enjoy folk music, art installations, and festive activities at VanDusen Botanical Garden’s annual Harvest Days festival. (Submitted)
Editor’s note: This article previously stated Taylor Shewfelt works for the VanDusen Botanical Garden Association. The Runner regrets the error.
As the fall season wraps Vancouver in golden hues, VanDusen Botanical Garden is celebrating autumn with its annual Harvest Days.
Since 2022, the event has been transforming the garden into an autumn-themed festival for anyone looking to embrace the beauty of fall.
From navigating through a scarecrow-themed hedge maze to crafting fall-inspired souvenirs, there’s something for everyone at Harvest Days, with fall-themed cutouts and fall foliage making the perfect photo opportunities.
“Events like Harvest Days are essential for fostering a sense of togetherness within the community,” Taylor Shewfelt, senior marketing specialist for the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, wrote in an email statement to The Runner.
“They provide opportunities for education, relaxation, and connection in an outdoor environment, which is especially beneficial for mental health and well-being, all while supporting local artists and businesses.”
New to the event this year is a series of art installations by local artist Nickie Lewis. Her eco-friendly creations, made entirely from natural and biodegradable materials, blend seamlessly with the garden’s environment.
The installations add a fresh artistic flair but also align with the garden’s sustainability ethos and can be viewed when walking down “Sculpture Stroll”
For those who love music, there are live performances daily.
Visitors can enjoy live bluegrass and folk music by artists like Loon Lake Holler, The Contingency, and Oh Clementine!
If you’re a foodie, you’re in for a treat. There’s an array of food trucks, offering everything from gourmet grilled cheese to gluten-free and vegan options. The Coffee & Cookie Truck provides the ideal fuel for a cozy garden stroll.
For visitor Anureet, the timing of the event is a major draw.
“These couple of weeks in October are the sweet spot. The weather is not too hot, not too cold. It’s really nice,” she says. “Even if you come in August and September, the weather is sticky and a little hot. But these two weeks before Halloween are so good to be in Vancouver.”
For Simran, another event attendee, the best part about the event is being able to connect with nature.
“We can see so many things that are in nature, and we can explore more, learn more. There’s so much connectivity to the environment,” she says.
“Harvest Days offers families and friends a chance to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and connect in a green space. We hope visitors leave with a deep appreciation for the beauty of the autumn season and a renewed connection to nature,” Shewfelt wrote.
The event runs on weekends until Oct. 20 from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Online tickets before tax and fees are $11.47 for adults, $8.03 for youth, and $5.74 for children, with free admission for those aged 4 and under.
For more information about Harvest Days, visit https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/harvest-days.aspx.
