20 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: September 23 and 24

The first weekend of fall is upon us, so let’s say hello to the new season with a fun event around Vancouver!

Get your weekend going with our list of 20 things to do this weekend, Saturday, September 23, and Sunday, September 24, 2017.

For more things happening around town, check out our events section.

Saturday, September 23, 2017

The Ultimate Sneaker Show Vancouver

• What: Sole Exchange Canada (SEC) is coming to Vancouver to host its Ultimate Sneaker Show. Expect tons of fun, giveaways, raffles, auctions and the Heat Vault Keymaster.
• When: Saturday, September 23
• Time: Noon to 6 pm
• Where: Vancouver Convention Centre East – 999 Canada Place
• Tickets: Online, $21-$25

The Blind Boys of Alabama with Ben Heppner

• What: Kicking off its 20th anniversary season, the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC presents The Blind Boys of Alabama with Ben Heppner. Hailed by The Rolling Stone as “gospel titans,” the five-time Grammy award-winning Blind Boys will match soulful harmonies with the mighty vocals of Canadian tenor and UBC alumnus, Ben Heppner.
• When: Saturday, September 23
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts – 6265 Crescent Road, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $54

The Tilt Comedy Show

• What: The Tilt features sketch, stand up, music, and special guests. This month features DJ De La Cru and stand-up by Emma Cooper. Hosted by Mallory Gallant and Steve Sidi.
• When: Saturday, September 23
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: XYYVR – 1216 Bute Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, Free

Tristen with special guest Jenny O

• What: A native of South Side Chicago turned longtime Nashville resident, Tristen has released two critically acclaimed solo records — 2011’s Charlatans at the Garden Gate and 2013’s CAVES — and toured extensively as a member of Jenny Lewis’ backing band.
• When: Saturday, September 23
• Time: Doors 7 pm / Show 8 pm
• Where: The Biltmore Cabaret – 2755 Prince Edward St, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $13

2017 Grand Prix of Art

• What: More than 100 artists of all ages and experience levels take part in a day of intense fun and competition, as artists race against the clock in this three-hour painting challenge.
• When: Saturday, September 23
• Time: 9 am to 5 pm
• Where: Britannia Heritage Shipyards – 5180 Westwater Drive, Richmond
• Tickets and Registration: Online

Apple Fest at Darts Hill Garden

• What: Celebrate the harvest at Darts Hill Garden Orchard. Take part in apple activities and fall festivities amongst the fall colours, including perennial planting workshops, Honeybee Centre demonstrations, orchard tours, seasonal snacks, live music, plant sale and more.
• When: Saturday, September 23
• Time: 11 am to 3 pm
• Where: Darts Hill Garden Park – 1660 168 St, Surrey
• Admission: Free

Sup Fu? Saturdays 5 Year Anniversary with Lil B

• What: Celebrate Sup Fu? Saturdays 5 Year Anniversary with Lil B “THE BASEDGOD” and residents Sailor Gerry, DJ Seko, DJ Marvel and hosted by Dkay.
• When: Saturday, September 23
• Time: 10:30 pm
• Where: Fortune Sound Club – 147 East Pender Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $22.50

Art’s Nursery Scarecrow Festival 2017

• What: Come see and take pictures with more than 60 scarecrows. This fun, family friendly event begins Saturday, September 23 with a kick-off party. Make your own scarecrow at the DIY Build-A-Crow station, take a hay ride, and enjoy kids crafts and activities. The scarecrows will be on display until Halloween.
• When: Saturday, September 23
• Where: Art’s Nursery – 8940 192nd Street, Surrey
• Admission: Free

Lil Jon at Drai’s Vancouver

• What: Lil Jon will be hitting Drai’s Vancouver, and the night couldn’t come soon enough. That’s right – you’ll be able to dance to his dope beats and drink a cocktail in hand at one of the city’s poshest nightclubs. But it gets even better. If you’d like to take your experience to the next level then you can sign up for VIP table service to enjoy with your favourite friends.
• When: Saturday, September 23
• Time: 9 pm
• Where: Drai’s Vancouver – 3rd Floor – 1161 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: $35 to $60, buy online. Tickets include entry fee only.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs Colorado Rapids

• What: Cheer on the Vancouver Whitecaps as they face off with Colorado Rapids at BC Place.
• When: Saturday, September 23
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
• Tickets: On Ticketmaster, $34.50-$149.50

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Walk for Reconciliation 2017

• What: An event billed as a “positive movement” to foster better relationships among Indigenous peoples and all Canadians will take place in downtown Vancouver this weekend. Known as the Walk for Reconciliation, the event organized by the City of Vancouver as part of its Canada 150+ programming is meant to bring together people of all ages, backgrounds, cultures and faiths as communities and as individuals.
• When: Sunday, September 24
• Time: 9:30 am
• Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 650 Cambie Street, Vancouver
• Register: Online

World Rivers Day 2017

• What: Celebrate BC’s waterways later this month at the World Rivers Day celebration taking place at the Burnaby Village Museum. The family-friendly event features Juno-nominated children’s artist, Ginalina, environmental exhibitors, and plenty of hands-on activities and children’s entertainers for the kids.
• When: Sunday, September 24
• Time: 11 am to 4:30 pm
• Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
• Admission: Free, carousel rides $1.25

Study and Go Abroad Fair Vancouver

• What: Some of the world’s top universities, grad schools, and professional schools will be exhibiting at the upcoming fair at the Convention Centre. The fair is a chance for you to boost your resume and step into your next stage of education. Study while you travel. Or, if you’re thinking of taking a gap year, you could even spend this time working, volunteering, or learning a language in a new country, or two.
• When: Sunday, September 24
• Time: Expo: 1 to 5 pm | Seminars: noon to 5 pm
• Where: Vancouver Convention Centre, East Building – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
• Admission: Free – register online

Unbelievable at Museum of Vancouver

• What: On the occasion of Canada’s 150th anniversary, the Museum of Vancouver is diving deep into the vault and showcasing some of Vancouver’s most valuable treasures. Unbelievable features contested objects, storied replicas and iconic artifacts for a mind-bending exploration of the role stories play in defining community – and what happens when these tales can’t be relied upon.  
• When: Now until Sunday, September 24
• Where: Museum of Vancouver – 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $$8-$18. Children 4 and under free.

Ioco Ghost Town Day

• What: Food, music, history, and locally produced goods. The Ioco Ghost Town Days is a fan favourite of Port Moody residents and a great way to spend some quality family time.
• When: Sunday, September 24
• Time: Noon to 4 pm
• Where: Ioco Townsite Corner of Ioco Road & 1st Avenue Port Moody
• Admission: Free

Hapa-palooza Festival 2017

• What: Now in its seventh year, the festival is a celebration of mixed heritage and hybrid identity, featuring a vibrant fusion of music, art, storytelling, dance and community gatherings. Happening from September 22 to 24, Hapa-palooza will be free and open to the public as Canada’s first and largest mixed ancestry festival.
• When: Now to Sunday, September 24
• Where: Visit hapa-palooza.com for details
• Admission: Free, required to attend Hip Hapa Hooray! Awards: RSVP here

Dragon Ball Z Live

• What: Get ready to go Super Saiyan at the Rio Theatre for one night only of a variety show featuring fighting, circus, sideshow and burlesque. Kame-hame-on out to join them for a night of craziness, featuring your favourite Dragonball Z characters starring an array of local performers.
• When: Sunday, September 24
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $20

Vancouver Flipout Pinball Expo

• What: Featuring everything from vintage arcade classics to the latest cutting edge technology, Holiday Inn & Suites will play host to the second-annual Vancouver FlipOut Pinball Expo.
• When: Now until Sunday, September 24
• Time: 10 am to 11:45 pm Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm Sunday
• Where: Holiday Inn & Suites – 1110 Howe Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $60 for a weekend pass, $25 for Friday, $30 for Saturday, and $20 for Sunday

Vancouver Console League – Halo 5 4v4 Random Teams Tournament

• What: Vancouver Console League’s first ever event. Compete in a Halo 5 4v4 Random Teams Tournament Microsoft Store at Metrotown. All skill levels welcome, and free to enter with a chance to win a prize at the end of the event.
• When: Sunday, September 24
• Time: Noon to 3 pm
• Where: Microsoft Store Metropolis at Metrotown – #230 – 4800 Kingsway, Burnaby
• RSVP: Online

Grand Opening of the Fraser Mills Station & Mackin House’s 108th Birthday Party

• What: You’re invited on a tour of Mackin House and the Fraser Mills Train Station. Stay for the crafts, free snacks and more. Check out the quilt project featuring drawings created by the children and youth of Coquitlam, and don’t miss your chance to enter a draw for an afternoon of tea and scones in the Parlour.
• When: Sunday, September 24
• Time:  Noon to 3 pm
• Where: Across the street from Mackin Park – 1046 Brunette Ave, Coquitlam
• Admission: Free