Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, and Grand Forks is ready for it. Think a creative morning with something warm in your cup, an afternoon poking around the shops on Market Avenue, and an evening gathered around a bonfire with friends, family and neighbours.
Sunday keeps things gentle. There are no listed events, which makes it the perfect excuse for a long brunch and a slow wander through downtown before the week starts again.
Visiting for the first time? Most of this weekend happens within a few blocks of each other along Market Avenue and Central Avenue, so you can park once and walk.
For more ideas, check out our Grand Forks community page and the full list of Grand Forks events. Planning a bigger loop? Browse all Kootenay events.
Saturday: Art, Shopping and a Halloween Bonfire
10:00 AM: The Creative Café
Ease into Halloween with The Creative Café at Gallery 2, the Grand Forks Art Gallery on Central Avenue. It is a relaxed morning art program with coffee, tea, juice or kombucha, and a guided project designed for all skill levels. No artistic talent required, just a willingness to get a little paint on your sleeve.
EventThe Creative CaféKootenay Connection Stop: Refinery Consignment Clothing
From the gallery, it is a short walk over to Market Avenue. Refinery Consignment Clothing offers a curated selection of pre-owned clothing, handbags, shoes, jewellery and menswear. Last-minute costume piece or a cozy fall layer for tonight's bonfire, this is a smart place to look, and the offer takes 10% off items that are not already discounted.
OfferGet 10% offKootenay Connection Stop: Contact Photo Arts
Just up the street at 327 Market Ave, Contact Photo Arts has been part of Grand Forks since 1983. Browse the merchandise for a gift or a keepsake and save 15% on your purchase. Note that passport photos and photo printing services are excluded.
OfferGet 15% offAfternoon: Costume Check and a Breather
Use the afternoon to finish costumes, round up the kids and grab warm layers. Late October evenings in the Boundary get crisp once the sun goes down, so bring a toque and maybe a thermos.
7:00 PM: Halloween Bonfire & Fireworks
The night's main event is the annual Halloween Bonfire & Fireworks, welcoming friends, family and neighbours. Grand Forks is one of the participating communities, alongside Christina Lake and Greenwood. Check the event card for the latest details on where to gather before you head out.
EventHalloween Bonfire & FireworksSunday: Brunch and a Downtown Stroll
Morning: Brunch at The Wooden Spoon Bistro
After a late Halloween night, Sunday calls for a proper meal. The Wooden Spoon Bistro at 221-B Market Ave is known for high-quality food made with locally sourced ingredients. Check hours before you go.
Kootenay Connection Stop: The Wooden Spoon Bistro
Bring a friend: buy one breakfast or lunch and get a second of equal or lesser value free, with the purchase of two beverages. That is a lot of brunch for not a lot of effort.
OfferBreakfast or Lunch - Buy One, Get One Free!Midday: Wander Market Avenue
Walk off brunch with an easy loop around downtown. Market Avenue and Central Avenue are compact and friendly on foot, and a slow Sunday is a nice time to notice the shopfronts you might have rushed past on Saturday.
Afternoon: Get Ahead on Fall Chores
With Halloween behind you, it is a good moment to plan the seasonal to-do list. Three Guys Services handles junk removal, yard work and farm work, which is handy for clearing out the garage or the leaves before the snow arrives. Their offer gives you $10 off when you spend $60 or more.
OfferGet offThe Weekend at a Glance
Saturday
- MorningCoffee and a guided art project at The Creative Café
- MiddayConsignment browsing on Market Avenue
- AfternoonGift shopping and costume prep
- EveningHalloween bonfire and fireworks
Sunday
- MorningTwo-for-one brunch at The Wooden Spoon Bistro
- MiddayEasy stroll through downtown
- AfternoonPlan fall chores and seasonal errands
How Much Can You Save?
Grand Forks businesses post offers on Kootenay Connection all year, from shop discounts to two-for-one meals. Stack a few over one weekend and the savings add up quickly: 10% here, 15% there, and a free brunch for your favourite person.
Thinking ahead to winter driving? Tomkat Automotive at 6785 19th St, in town and a certified inspection facility, is offering one free KAT service (oil change and safety inspection, labour only) plus 10% off parts related to that service. Book a time that suits you.
OfferReceive one KAT service free!!!Keep an eye on the Kootenay Connection VIP Pass too, which brings premium offers together in one place for locals and visitors who like to explore the region.
The Bigger Idea
A good weekend does not need a packed schedule. In Grand Forks, it can be a morning of making something, an evening around a fire with neighbours, and a Sunday brunch where nobody is in a hurry. Supporting the shops and cafés along Market Avenue keeps those simple pleasures close to home.
Keep Exploring Grand Forks
Find more on the Grand Forks community page, see what is coming up on the Grand Forks events page, or browse all Kootenay events.
Local businessThe Wooden Spoon BistroLocal businessRefinery Consignment ClothingLocal businessContact Photo Arts