of your friends can book your
tickets as a team to solve a
murder mystery in Vancouver’s
Gastown. Solve the case in two
hours by finding the real killer
out of the three suspects using
clues, brain-teasers, puzzles,
and more. You will compete
against other teams for scores and
points. For tickets and info, go to
VancouverMysteries.com

Heart of the City Festival:
October 28-November

8, Downtown Eastside,
Vancouver.

This is the real beat of the season.
With go events at 25 different
locations, this festival is full of
thrill and inspiration. The annual
festival is a celebration of the
Downtown Eastside community,
reflected in this year’s theme:
“Nourished by Community.’ Their
official website reports, “The 2015
Festival features a feast of twelve
days of music, stories, songs,
poetry, cultural celebrations,
films, theatre, dance, processions,
spoken word, panels, workshops,
discussions, gallery exhibitions,
multi-media, art talks, history
walking tours, and a diverse array

of artists.” This is an incredible

opportunity to experience the

art and learn the stories of this
diverse community, socialize, or
just explore. Many of the events
are free, which makes them easily
accessible. More information at
HeartOfTheCityFestival.com

Diwali Downtown: November
3-35

A free event for people of all
ages, Diwali Downtown is a
celebration of lights, colours,
and life. Diwali is a traditional
five-day celebration and the
most important festival in India,
during which different avatars

of the Hindu female deity are
worshipped each day for bringing
in good luck and fortune. With
over 15 live performances for
entertainment, colourful rangoli
art, and scrumptious Indian
food, you will be jumping with
excitement. Along with this,

you can also join other events
hosted during the Diwali Festival
this year, such as workshops,
cooking classes, and rangoli art
lessons. So put on your most
vibrant clothes and be part of the
celebration! You can get more

info at DiwaliFest.ca.

Eastside Cultural Crawl:
November 19-22, Vancouver.
This is a visual arts, crafts, and
design festival that will feature
free events at various locations in
Vancouver.

Thousands of artists across
Canada will participate in this
festival, and you can buy their art
to adorn your homes. Even if you
don’t intend to buy anything, it
is always a refreshing experience
to watch and admire beautiful
paintings, portraits, and craft
items. Ifyou want to spend

some time alone, but don’t want
to go for a walk in the woods,
then you should consider going
here. More info can be found at
CulturalCrawl.ca

Other notable free admission
events include:

» Arts at One: free concert series
at Douglas College’s New
Westminster campus every
Thursday at 1 p.m.

+ Family Night Pumpkin
Carving at Cloverdale
Recreation Centre on October

16 from 5-7 p.m.

* Vancouver Art/Book Fair
at Vancouver Art Gallery,
October 17-18

+ Zumba Your Way into
Happiness at West Vancouver
Memorial Library on October
17 from 3-4 p.m.

» Autumn Fair at Kits House
in Vancouver on October 24
from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

+ Garden Light Festival at Bear
Creek Park on November 5
from 5-8 p.m.

Another way to enjoy fall
is to take a walk—they have a
completely different meaning
during fall. The crispiness of the
air feels so good while watching
the breath-taking views of trees
and mountains. Stanley Park,
Queen Elizabeth Park, Green
Timbers Park, and other beautiful
parks of the Lower Mainland offer
unique experiences every time
you go during the fall. Make the
most of this autumn by treating
yourself with the best of nature,
music, arts, and delicacies.