October on the Sunshine Coast

October ushers in a quieter time on the Sunshine Coast, but you'll find that the fall lineup doesn't stop until the new year. Throughout the month, you can find ways to make the most of autumn, from u-pick pumpkin patches to the three-day, annual art-filled extravaganza of the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl. Between events, you can visit cideries in apple-filled orchards or cozy brewery tasting rooms, stock up on fresh produce at local farmers' markets, hunker down in a cabin for some R&R, or sip on seasonal lattes at coffee shops across the region.

Here's what to see and do this month.
 

BC Craft Beer Month

October happens to be BC Craft Beer Month—the perfect excuse to make the rounds at the Sunshine Coast's five breweries. To celebrate, breweries often feature tap takeovers, new seasonal releases, and specials all month long, in addition to hosting live music, trivia and games nights, and more. But really, this month is all about supporting our breweries and the vibrant community hubs they provide. 

Most local breweries are part of the BC Ale Trail, so don't forget to check into the BC Ale Trail app during your visit!

Retreats

Keep an eye on our Deals & Packages page, which often features multi-day retreats. 

Stay Wilder is hosting FORAGED: A Wild Mushroom Retreat from October 2 - 4, 2026 in Sechelt. It's led by Jody "Shaggy Jack" Franklin, who will be sharing his knowledge of the biology, ecology, and identification behind Coastal BC's wild mushrooms. The retreat includes two nights of accommodation, a foraging course + guided hikes with Jody "Shaggy Jack" Franklin, all meals (including a wild mushroom feast from a local chef), and unlimited sauna time and evening stargazing.

Cider Season

Fall is arguably the best season to enjoy local cider—it's apple season! The Sunshine Coast is home to four cideries, each offering up their own unique spin on a centuries-old craft.

Grab a couple of friends (or take your family, they are all kid-friendly) and enjoy an afternoon of great sips, conversation, bucolic farm and orchard views, and tasty on-site eats. All four offer covered areas, meaning that even a drizzly day won't keep cider-lovers away.

Pumpkin Patches

Is there anything that screams fall more than a pumpkin patch? These family-friendly events bring together the best of the season: bright orange pumpkins perfect for carving jack-o-lanterns, seasonal treats like cinnamon-spiced mini donuts and apple cider, hay rides, farm animals, and more. They're a hit with kids and families, and a great way to spend a crisp fall day on the Sunshine Coast. 

Sechelt's Brickers Cider adds a pumpkin patch to its orchard every year. During their Pumpkin Festival on October 3 & 4, 2026, you can pick your way through a few pumpkin-lined rows to grab the perfect one, then stroll over to the tasting area to sip on apple juice (for the kids) and cider (for the adults). Fuel up with hot pizzas or soup, and let kids burn energy at the on-site playground. This year, Brickers is kicking off the patch with a two-day Pumpkin Festival, which includes live music, food specials, a mulled cider release, and more.

In Gibsons, Shady Hazel Farm is the de facto spot to nab your jack-o-lantern-to-be. This family-run, 16-acre farm opens its patch every weekend in October (10am–4pm) for pick-your-own pumpkins, a visit with resident piglets, and—if you're feeling bold—a go on the pumpkin cannon (an ingenious way to help the farm dispose of rotting pumpkins and feed the resident sheep at the same time). Take the kids for a hay ride around the property, then warm up with a hot apple cider or coffee and a mini donut while you're at it. There's even a u-pick flower farm where you can nab the last blast of the season's beautiful blooms.

The Sunshine Coast Art Crawl

We could go on and on about the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl (October 23 - 25, 2026), but you'll just have to see it for yourself. This annual event has been running since 2009, and every year has grown to include more incredible local artists. This fall, look for 186 venues and 200+ artists throwing their studio doors open across the coast, from Gambier Island and Langdale all the way to Earls Cove and Egmont. Pick and choose which stops to hit, chat with the artists behind the work, and don't skip the Friday night reception parties—including The Kube Studio's art battle, a friendly competition where artists race to finish a themed piece in front of a live crowd.

Halloween on The Sunshine Coast

There are some fun events happening in the leadup to Halloween on October 31. Keep an eye on our Calendar of Events to see what's happening during your trip!

• Vampire Masqueerade - October 3, 2026
  Tickets are on sale for this event that features drag performances, DJs, dancing, and a Witches Market with several vendors and a room set up for tarot reading. 
• Ghost Train at Powell River Farmers' Market - October 24 & 30, 2026
  Hop aboard the miniature Ghost Train at the Powell River Farmers' Market for a ride through the lit-up exhibition grounds in Paradise Valley (running two evenings only). Post-ride, warm up by the bonfire and grab a bite from Just Frys & Dogs. 
• Family Halloween Rave - October 30, 2026
  Celebrate Halloween with an afternoon of music, dancing, costumes, and family-friendly fun at the Family Halloween Rave! Bring the whole family for a spooktacular dance party. 
• QRCA Pumpkin Pedal - October 31, 2026
  Prefer to celebrate Halloween on two wheels? The qathet Regional Cycling Association's Pumpkin Pedal is a costume-encouraged ride along a spooky loop suited to all ages (there's even a treat waiting for every rider at the finish). 
• Trick Or Treat at Gibsons Public Market - October 31, 2026
  From 10:00am – 6:00pm you, bring your little ghosts and goblins to Gibsons Public Market for some daytime Halloween fun!
• Annual Halloween Howl - October 31, 2026
  Get your tickets for this annual Halloween dance and costume extravaganza at the Pender Harbour Legion (Madeira Park Legion). Enjoy live music from the Steve Hinton Band. 

Cozy Season

If you're simply looking for some quiet time on the Coast, October is the perfect time to enjoy cozy season on the Coast. The leaves change colour, the air gains a crisp edge, and there are plenty of ways to lean into fall. 

Grab a seasonal drink or cup of hot chocolate from a local cafe before settling into the pages of a book. Layer up for a walk or hike through the forest, and keep in mind that any fall rain contributes to the awe and beauty of local waterfalls. Book a pampering spa treatment, or simply soak away your stress in a hot tub. And keep an eye out for seasonal menus, which have been known to feature items like local mushrooms.