New West families are invited to trick or treat along the Quayside boardwalk this Halloween.
New West Family Place and the Downtown New West BIA have teamed up to host this year’s free Halloween on the Quay event on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. They’re inviting New West residents to bring their candy out of their lobbies and homes and set up creatively decorated tables along the boardwalk.
Dana Osiowy, executive director of Family Place, said the organizers are holding the event to build community and to offer families a safe, relaxing way to enjoy Halloween.
“Trick-or-treating can be a challenge in this area, so we wanted to create a festive environment where kids can have fun and neighbours can connect,” she said. “By hosting this on the boardwalk, we’re not only creating a safer, pedestrian-friendly space but also encouraging people from all over New West to join in, set up their own trick-or-treat stations, and share in the fun. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate Halloween and making sure this is a community that works for families.”
New West Family Place and the Downtown New West BIA will provide tents and lighting to enhance the atmosphere, but they’re encouraging everyone to join in the spirit by coming in costume, bringing a table and decorations, and handing out their favourite candy.
“We’d love to invite everyone in New West to join us for a fun evening. Whether you live on Quayside or not, come down to the boardwalk, set up a decorated station, and bring your candy,” Osiowy said. “It’s a great way to enjoy Halloween in a community setting.
Osiowy said people are encouraged to come in costume, bring their creativity, and make this a Halloween to remember. Halloween on the Quay runs rain or shine.
“Halloween is a rain-or-shine event, and we’ll be prepared for whatever the weather brings,” she said. “With support from our partners, including the Downtown New West BIA, we’ll have tents to keep things festive and dry if needed. Rain won’t stop us from having a great time!”
Osiowy said New West Family Place has been holding Halloween events in the Queen’s Park area for the past few years, and they’ve always been a huge hit. With its new location on Quayside Drive, the non-profit wanted to do something special for the neighbourhood.
“Trick-or-treating can be tricky here since most of the homes are in bigger buildings that require fob access,” she said. “The idea of transforming the boardwalk into a fun, spooky space for Halloween feels like such a natural fit. We see it as a chance to bring our community together in a fun, safe, and accessible way.”
Osiowy noted that many of the Quayside buildings get into the holiday spirit at Halloween.
“The residents on Quayside love to decorate for Halloween, and during COVID, they got so creative with things like candy shoots from second-floor balconies. So, we thought, why not bring that spirit outside to a car-free space where kids can safely trick-or-treat?” she said. “It also helps take some of the pressure off the busy Queen’s Park area!”
Anyone interested in participating can contact Eryne at [email protected].
Osiowy noted that Halloween on the Quay is just one of the Halloween-inspired events taking place on the riverfront this month.
“There’s so much happening Quayside this year,” she said. “Our local non-profits and the businesses have come together to create a range of fun, family-friendly activities.”
Throughout October, everyone can join in the Dracula bat scavenger hunt at River Market, where bats are hidden across various shops like Yoga at the Quay, Kinder Books, and Longtail Kitchen. Folks can pick up a scavenger hunt card from any participating business and collect stamps for every bat they find.
Fraser River Discovery Centre is hosting It’s a Stur-mergency! programs on the weekend of Oct. 26 and 27, where children can solve a mystery through engaging STEM activities.
“This year’s Halloween celebrations offer something for everyone, with plenty of opportunities for families to connect and enjoy the festivities together,” Osiowy said in an email to the Record. “This link from Tourism New West is a fantastic overview of the whole community.”
