The Local’s List: What to Do in October in the Alberni Valley

Local events, fall food, live entertainment and an easy October walk

October settles into the Alberni Valley a little differently than September. The mornings are cooler, evenings arrive earlier, and keeping a rain jacket close by becomes a habit again. But there’s still plenty of reason to get out of the house.

Fall colour settles across the Alberni Valley as October brings cooler days and changing leaves.

This month’s Local’s List has a little of everything: comedy and live music, Saturday markets, seasonal food, an easy walk between rain showers, and just enough Halloween to remind us what’s coming at the end of the month.

Have a Laugh Over a Pint

Start the month with a night out at Dog Mountain Brewing. Comedian Ashwyn Singh brings The Imperfect Ally Tour to Port Alberni on Thursday, October 8, with the show starting at 7 p.m.

Ashwyn Singh brings The Imperfect Ally Tour to Dog Mountain Brewing on October 8.

It’s one of several live events happening around town this October, and an easy excuse to grab some food, order a local pint and settle in for an evening of stand-up.

Bring Home the Harvest

Saturday mornings are still market mornings in October.

The Spirit Square Farmers’ Market at Harbour Quay runs from 9 a.m. to noon, while the Port Alberni Farmers’ Market on Cherry Creek Road runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both markets operate year-round, but October is a particularly good time to see what local growers, bakers, producers and makers have on their tables.

Saturday markets continue through October, with local produce, baking, preserves and handmade goods.

With Thanksgiving landing on October 12 this year, it’s also a good excuse to bring something grown or made in the Alberni Valley to the table.

If you want to do more with the season’s harvest, the Alberni Valley Food Security Society and EcoChef Academy are offering food preservation workshops throughout October. Sessions cover jams and jellies, preserving herbs, the basics of fermentation and fermented beverages.

Prefer to let someone else do the cooking? Have a look through our Alberni Valley food and drink guide for local restaurants, cafés, breweries and places to pick up something sweet.

Catch a Break in the Rain

October weather has a way of changing the day’s plans. When the rain lets up, take the opportunity to get outside.

The Kitsuksis Dyke Trail is an easy choice when you have an hour rather than an entire afternoon. The paved walkway follows Kitsuksis Creek and connects Blair and Spencer parks, with plenty of places to join or leave the route along the way.

Catch a break in the October rain with a walk along Kitsuksis Creek and the Kitsuksis Dyke Trail.

Bring a warm layer, expect a few puddles and enjoy the quieter pace that comes with walking around town at this time of year. If you have more time and don’t mind getting your boots a little muddier, our guide to hiking in the Alberni Valley and favourite hikes near Port Alberni have plenty more ideas.

Make It a Night Out

On Saturday, October 24, Let’s Go Surfin’! brings the music of the Beach Boys to the ADSS Theatre. The tribute show from BACKBEAT takes the stage at 7:30 p.m., with plenty of familiar songs for anyone who could use a little California sunshine in late October.

Let’s Go Surfin’! brings the music of the Beach Boys to the ADSS Theatre on October 24.

It’s far from the only live show on the calendar this month. Port Alberni venues have music and entertainment scheduled throughout October, making this a good month to see what’s playing somewhere you haven’t been in a while.

Turn Up the Volume for Halloween

By the final weekend of October, things get a little louder.

Vortex Vol. 3: Inferno takes place October 31, bringing a 19+ night of electronic music to the KCC. Other Halloween parties, family activities and community events will also be filling the calendar as the end of the month approaches.

We’ll leave the costumes, spooky stops and Halloween happenings for our updated Haunted Alberni guide. For now, consider this your reminder that Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, so it may be worth making plans early.

Vortex Vol. 3: Inferno brings electronic music to the KCC on Halloween night.

Make October a Local Month

October doesn’t need a packed schedule. Pick up something for dinner at a Saturday market. Catch a comedy show. Walk Kitsuksis when the clouds part. Meet friends for live music or try your hand at preserving some of the season’s harvest.

There’s plenty happening around the Alberni Valley this month, whether you’re looking for a night out or simply a reason to put on the raincoat and leave the house. For more things happening around town, check the Alberni Valley Events Calendar for current dates, times and event updates.