BURNABY will once again become BC’s ultimate Halloween destination as the Burnaby Halloween Festival returns from October 3 to October 31. With more than 20 events taking over the city, the festival offers an unforgettable mix of family-friendly fun, cultural celebrations, and thrilling late-night experiences. From glowing pumpkin trails to haunted cabarets, this year’s lineup promises to make Burnaby the place to be this spooky season.

The Burnaby Halloween Festival is at the heart of the city’s bold vision to become Canada’s number-one Halloween destination by 2027. With every passing year, the festival grows in scope and ambition, drawing visitors from across the region and beyond. In 2025, that growth continues with a lineup that blends beloved traditions with exciting new experiences designed to appeal to all ages and interests.

“This festival has become a defining event for Burnaby,” said Chris Peters, Executive Director of Tourism Burnaby. “It brings our community together, sparks creativity, and draws visitors from near and far. Halloween in Burnaby isn’t just about costumes and candy, it’s about showcasing the incredible energy and culture of our city while positioning Burnaby as one of Canada’s top places to celebrate the season.”

This year, returning favourites will once again take centre stage. Pumpkins After Dark will transform Central Park into an illuminated wonderland, featuring more than 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins set against a backdrop of music and special effects. The popular Monster Dash 5K invites costumed runners to hit the trails for a spirited race, while Bake It Spooky with Punk Rock Pastries gives baking enthusiasts a chance to create their own devilishly delicious treats with local Food Network champion Hollie Fraser.

Central Spark will light up Central Park with games, live entertainment, food trucks, and a dazzling fireworks display, and the beloved Neighborhood Decorating Contest will once again inspire Burnaby residents to create the city’s spookiest homes, with a $1,000 grand prize up for grabs.

This year’s festival doesn’t stop there, several new experiences are set to debut, bringing even more excitement to the citywide celebration. MetroCon, BC’s newest FanCon, will debut on October 4 and 5 at the Hilton Metrotown, featuring celebrity guests, immersive experiences, and the largest Battlestar Galactica reunion in North America. On October 4, Sinner’s Cabaret will transform The Rec Room into a decadent 19+ Halloween variety show blending heavy metal, horror ballet, drag, burlesque, and live music.

Later in the month, Burnaby’s first-ever Day of the Dead Celebration will take place at The Amazing Brentwood Mall Plaza on October 18 and 19, bringing music, art, food, and hands-on cultural workshops to the heart of the city. The festival will wrap up with La Taqueria’s Halloween Party on October 31, a vibrant night of Latin beats, delicious bites, and a lively costume contest to close out the season in style.

To make the most of the Burnaby Halloween Festival, visitors can take advantage of the Ghostly Getaway hotel promotion. Guests who book a stay at participating Burnaby hotels and attend at least one ticketed event will receive a $100 shopping gift card to The Amazing Brentwood or Metropolis at Metrotown — the perfect treat to extend their Halloween experience. Full details on how to book and redeem the reward are available at BurnabyHalloween.com/stay.

“As the festival grows, so does the opportunity to showcase Burnaby to the world,” said Peters. “It’s incredible to see how this event has evolved, from a handful of activities to a citywide celebration with international appeal. We’re proud to welcome visitors, support local businesses, and create unforgettable experiences for everyone who takes part.”

With more than 20 events to explore, the Burnaby Halloween Festival offers something for everyone, whether you’re carving pumpkins, dancing the night away, or racing through the city in costume. Many events have limited capacity, so attendees are encouraged to plan early and secure their tickets.

Visit BurnabyHalloween.com to view the full festival schedule, purchase tickets, and take advantage of hotel offers.