The Museum of Vancouver will be a hub of seasonal activity this October, hosting a slate of Halloween events ranging from a participatory murder mystery to comedy and culturally rooted ghost-story evenings.
Programming highlights and dates
The museum's October offerings run from Oct. 17 to Oct. 31 at 1100 Chestnut St. The series opens with Murder at the Museum on Oct. 17, an interactive evening that asks guests to help solve the death of the fictional Dr. Distillation. A comedy night, storytelling events focused on Chinese and Filipino supernatural traditions, a children’s spooky story time and more are scheduled through the end of the month.
- Oct. 17 — Murder at the Museum (participatory murder mystery)
- Oct. 24 — Haha, History! (comedy show featuring local comedians)
- Oct. 30 — Ghost stories from China and the Philippines; special spooky story time for children with a Chinese opera mask craft
- Oct. 31 — Free admission to the Canadian Video Game Museum pop-up exhibition for anyone in costume
Performers and storytellers
The comedy evening, billed as Haha, History!, will feature local stand-up performers Myles Anderson, Peter Carlone and Juno-winner Ivan Decker. On Oct. 30, storytellers Nathalie De Los Santos and Cynthia Liu will present tales drawn from Chinese and Filipino ghost and spirit traditions. The kids’ programming that evening includes a hands-on activity: children can create their own Chinese opera mask with materials supplied by the museum.
"A body in the hot tub. A chemist with no pulse. And a museum full of people who all claim they were elsewhere when poor Dr. Distillation took his final soak. Guests are encouraged to participate!"
Access, costs and what to expect
Admission and programming fees vary by event; full details and ticket information are available via the museum's event website. The museum also announced a seasonal perk for Halloween night: anyone wearing a costume will receive free admission to the Canadian Video Game Museum's pop-up exhibition on Oct. 31.
| Event | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Murder at the Museum | Oct. 17 | Participatory murder mystery |
| Haha, History! (comedy) | Oct. 24 | Comedians Myles Anderson, Peter Carlone, Ivan Decker |
| Ghost stories & kids' story time | Oct. 30 | Storytellers Nathalie De Los Santos, Cynthia Liu; mask-making for kids |
| Canadian Video Game Museum pop-up | Oct. 31 | Free admission for costumed visitors |
For Vancouver residents, the museum's Halloween programming has a few immediate appeals. It offers family-oriented daytime activities and hands-on craft sessions as well as evening events that spotlight local performers and invite public participation. The inclusion of cultural storytelling from Chinese and Filipino traditions broadens the season's programming beyond the typical Halloween fare and reflects the city's diverse community.
Beyond entertainment, events like the comedy night and the pop-up exhibition provide opportunities for local artists and cultural organisations to connect with new audiences. For families planning weekend outings or residents looking for a seasonal night out, the Museum of Vancouver's calendar supplies both interactive and reflective options across the two-week run.
Tickets, specific event times and any age restrictions differ by event; visitors should consult the museum’s event pages for booking details and accessibility information.
