Read the original article published by Miss 604.

Embrace all that fall has to offer and take some time to explore Coquitlam in October. Get outside on a rainy day trail run in Mundy Park, explore our many parks in search of fall colours or watch salmon return to local streams. Stay inside and cheer on the Coquitlam Express, listen to live music, catch a performance or search out local comfort foods at one of our many restaurants.

There will be candy, pumpkin pie, hearty cuisine and new art exhibitions. Here are 10 fun events and activities to get outdoors, spark creativity, reunite with friends and get those pulses racing.

Bring Back the Noise

Calling all hockey fans! The Coquitlam Express are hosting three home games this month. Expect extra safety measures, including required proof of vaccination, mandatory face masks and 50% room capacity. They take on the Chilliwack Chiefs Oct. 15, Powell River Kings Oct. 27 and the Langley Rivermen Oct. 31 at Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex. Get your tickets. Locals tip – head to nearby Austin Heights for a pre- or post-game meal at one of the many restaurants in the neighbourhood.

Sing Your Heart Out 

Have you checked out MyPub yet? Formerly known as the Frog and the Nightgown, MyPub on Falcon Drive near City Centre has a new menu, live bands, happy hour, plus Karaoke every Friday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sing your favourite tunes or just enjoy the show. Check out their website or Facebook page for details.

Listen to Live Jazz and Blues

2021 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Evergreen Cultural Centre in Coquitlam. Live music takes the stage at Evergreen Cultural Centre twice this month, starting with Van Django on Saturday, Oct. 2, a Vancouver-based quartet rooted in the jazz of the 1930s of Paris, France.

Also don’t miss the Blue Moon Marquee, a swingin’ blues band born of the wild rose foothills of Alberta. These performers carry the energy and sound of a full band with the swinging energy of jazz tinged blues, taking the stage Saturday, Oct. 16.

See the Salmon Run 

Salmon

The name Coquitlam comes from the Coast Salish word “kwikwetlem,” which means “red fish up the river.” This is the time of year when salmon return to spawn in our local rivers – and one location to view this natural wonder is along the Hoy Creek trail, walking toward Hoy Creek Hatchery.

The much-loved Salmon Come Home is slated for Sunday, Oct. 24, at the Hatchery. This is a free celebration of salmon returning to the creek, featuring live salmon demonstrations and other activities. Be sure to watch their website for further event details.

Adults looking at salmon

Watch a Free Movie during Culture Days

As part of Culture Days, the Coquitlam Public Library will be screening two films at the Coquitlam City Centre branch on Saturday, Oct. 23. Movies include Cruella (2021) and Little Women (2019). The library is at 1169 Pinetree, near Lincoln SkyTrain Station.

Dine Out, Take Out & Support Local for Thanksgiving Day

Why not give yourself a day off cooking so you can spend more time relaxing? Many local restaurants will be offering special turkey meals on Thanksgiving Day (Monday, Oct. 11) or try something completely new (ramen, pho or Korean Fried Chicken perhaps?). Check out our Eat-Drink map for a listing of 200+ local restaurants and to search for dine-in or take-out/delivery options near you.

New Restaurants to Try

Join us in welcoming these local restaurants to Coquitlam! Here are some new places you’ll definitely want to try.

  • The Gully Canteen: Authentic street food and Indian brunch brought to you from the Gullies of India. Try their classic Indian brunch or bring home a meal kit. They’re located in Eagle Ridge Plaza on Lansdowne.
  • Tahn Door Indian Eatery: A creative new Indian restaurant located next to Zone Bowling is now open! Watch their website for updates and their fabulous menu.
  • Famoso Italian Pizzeria & Bar: Located at Coquitlam Centre, known for their Neapolitan pizzas, artisan pastas & delicious beverages – opening soon! Watch their website for updates.
  • Pho Net Viet: New Vietnamese place on 942 Westwood Street, racking up the excellent reviews.
  • Nubo Grill & Tapas: Authentic Asian fusion recipes within the entertainment district, near the Cineplex Cinemas and Zone Bowling.

Shop the Farmers Market

The season is nearly wrapping up so pick up your local produce, baked goods, prepared foods and one-of-a-kind artisan crafts at the Coquitlam Farmers Market. Get a jump on your Christmas shopping or simply stock up on all those delicious jams and pickles for the months ahead. The market is open every Sunday during October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the final date being Oct. 31.

View an Art Exhibition

Mark your calendar for the opening reception of two new exhibitions at Place des Arts on Friday, Oct. 29 from 7 – 9 p.m. Exhibits include Figurative Abstractions, charcoal, pastels and acrylics by Elsa Chesnel; and Nature in Watercolour, watercolours by Carol Rui. Visit their website for the details.

Also, Place: A Nomadic Gallery in British Columbia, is on display at Evergreen Cultural Centre until Nov. 7, featuring the work of five B.C.-based Francophone artists.

Happy Halloween

Costumes, candy, haunted houses, spooky decorations… boo! While Halloween lands on a Sunday this year, you can bet the celebrations will take place all weekend. Check the Tri-City News and events blogs like Miss604.com for their listings of local decorations and Halloween events.

Did we miss your event or October activity? Share it with us on social media by tagging #explorecoquitlam or email us at tourism@coquitlam.ca.

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