Things are getting spooky at the RCA as we gear up for Halloween! This October has a Friday the 13th, a solar eclipse, and a full-blood moon lunar eclipse on Halloween weekend. Now THAT’S an eerie Halloween season. We’ve got two events to help you celebrate – a musical masquerade for the whole family and an after-hours haunted jailhouse extravaganza.  

On Sunday, October 22, we are excited to welcome JUNO award-winner Norman Foote to the Mary Irwin Theatre for his beloved family show, Halloween Howl. Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Norman Foote has written for Walt Disney Records, worked with the likes of Fred Penner, and has worked on productions including Max and Ruby live on stage shows, Toopy and Binoo in The Marshmallow Moon and Backyardigans Live. In this thrilling Halloween experience, Norman will guide both young and old through an exciting, interactive, and frequently comical musical adventure. This treasured annual performance from this Canadian icon celebrates story, encouragement, and music, with interactive elements, fun songs, and lots of laughs. Don’t miss this kick-off to your Halloween activities! Tickets are available here.

Kids don’t get to have all the fun on Halloween! Get ready for a spine-chilling evening of mischief and mayhem at our second annual Halloween bash, Jailhouse Rock (19+). On Saturday, October 28, we’re transforming the RCA Atrium into a haunted penitentiary, full of ghostly inmates and, of course, rock and roll. Jeff Piattelli and his band will be rocking this jailhouse all night long. Jeff is a rock musician from Kelowna, BC, known for filling a room with his incredible skills on guitar. He’s performed at venues all throughout Kelowna, such as O ‘Flannigan’s, The Vibrant Vine, and Train Station Pub, and we’re thrilled to be bringing his talents to the RCA!  

Show off your best costumes in our thrilling costume contest for a chance to win fantastic door prizes. You’ll also have a chance to bid on mysterious items in our silent auction and indulge in delightful drinks and treats, all while having a hauntingly good time. Tickets are available here.

By joining us, you'll not only have a blast but also support a great cause. RCA is a registered charity and proceeds from events like these enable us to offer free programming to our community all year round. So come along and enjoy the best of Halloween while making a positive impact on our community!  

Don't forget about Queerphoria's Into the Haunted Dream House (19+) -  an immersive horror-themed variety show happening at the RCA on Saturday, October 21! Wind your way through a haunted house, followed by a spooky drag performance, and end the evening by dancing at the afterparty. This event will highlight queer art and drag, and is stacked with local performers, DJs, and more! The RCA and this event are an inclusive, safe space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community (allies are welcome). Get your tickets here.

Still feeling the Halloween spirit in November? Us too. That’s why we’ve got a brand-new spooky teen course, Horror Illustration with Brock Gratz, to help keep the October vibes going! This 5-session series will explore some of the fundamentals of horror-style illustration, like in classic horror movie posters, comics, and art pieces. How do we confront our fears? How do we best create something that makes viewers feel nervous and fearful? Teens 13+ can learn all this and more Thursdays, from November 16 to December 14. Register today here. 

Trick or treat yourself and join us at the RCA this Halloween!