34 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: August 3 to 6

Jul 31 2018, 10:50 pm

The BC Day long weekend is here! Call up your friends and enjoy these 34 great events in Vancouver on Friday, August 3, Saturday, August 4, Sunday, August 5 and Monday, August 6. We’ve got Vancouver Pride Parade, Vancouver Street Dance Festival, and more.

And for more things happening around town be sure to check out our events section.

Friday, August 3, 2018

108th Annual Abbotsford Agrifair

Abbotsford

Abbotsford Agrifair

  • What: Enjoy midway rides, showstopping performances, and fantastic music at Abbotsford Agrifair. This year’s event will also feature a number of new performances and attractions. These include the RCMP Musical Ride, the Dock Dog Show, and the Horse Whisperer.
  • When: Friday, August 3 to Sunday, August 5, 2018
  • Time: 10 am to 11 pm daily
  • Where: Abbotsford Exhibition Park – 32470 Haida Drive, Abbotsford
  • Tickets: General admission begins at $12 per day.

OH! Science World Public Light Control 2018

  • What: Vancouver-based experimental design firm Tangible Interaction is teaming up with Science World again to return the ‘OH!’ light control orb to the Olympic Village seawall. The interactive art installation allows participants to control one of Vancouver’s most renowned landmarks by changing the lights on its geodesic dome. Six different animations with variations in colours and patterns, including sparkles, bands, and waves, can be made.
  • When: Fridays: August 3, August 10, August 17 and August 24, 2018
  • When: 9 pm to 11 pm
  • Where: 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver (False Creek seawall across from Tap & Barrel in the Olympic Village)
  • Cost: Free

AniRevo: Summer 2018

  • What: Anime Revolution’s seventh annual event features three days of cosplay, panels, anime, manga, Japanese culture and more.
  • When: Friday, August 3 to Sunday, August 5, 2018
  • Time: Various times
  • Where: Vancouver Convention Centre – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online

Pride at Parq

The Brat Pack

  • What: Vancouver’s 2018 Pride Festival is kicking off with a bang at “Pride at Parq,” being held at Parq Vancouver downtown. On Friday night, Drag Race star Kim Chi will emcee an evening party and mingle with guests, while Berlin-based DJ Dickey Doo keeps the music going well into the night. Saturday’s events include a ‘cocktails, canapes, and queens’ afternoon hosted by drag queen and record producer Pearl, who will also be performing a three-hour DJ set. Cocktails, canapés, and a dessert bar will be complemented with a live performance by the Brat Pack.
  • When: Friday, August 3 and Saturday, August 4, 2018
  • Time: Friday from 8 pm to 2 am, Saturday from 2 pm to 7 pm
  • Where: Parq Vancouver – 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Available online, tickets start at $60

Queer As Jokes Returns

  • What: Queer As Jokes starts with a live DJ to set the mood, then comes a hilarious mix of comedic acts and a show stopper surprise. Enjoy the queer-loving energy through stand-up, drag, music and costume changes. Ages +19.
  • When: Friday, August 3, 2018
  • Time: 10:30 pm
  • Where: Yuk Yuk’s Vancouver – 2837 Cambie Street, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online, $12

Vancouver Underwear Run and Dance Party

  • What: With support from BN3TH Underwear (formerly MyPackage) and the Vancouver Pride Society, Party4Health’s Undie Run will be kicking off Pride Weekend festivities. Everyone is welcome, including members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, and the larger Vancouver community.
  • When: Friday, August 3, 2018
  • Time: 7 pm
  • Where: Davie Street and throughout the downtown core. Exact stat location will be announced a few days prior to the event.
  • Admission: $3

PRIDE <3 MUSIC

  • What: lululemon Vancouver x LOVELOUD present an evening of music, connection and celebration of PRIDE, featuring live performances by VINCINT, Foreign Figures and Omar Khan, plus special guests. All ticket proceeds and onsite sales of exclusive product to benefit LOVELOUD Foundation. LOVELOUD was founded in 2017 by Dan Reynolds, the lead singer of Imagine Dragons, to help ignite the relevant and vital conversation of what it means to unconditionally love, understand, accept, and support LGBTQ+ youth in an effort to keep families together. Guests of all ages welcome.
  • When: Friday, August 3, 2018
  • Time: Doors 6:45 pm, show 7:15
  • Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online

Saturday, August 4, 2018

Honda Celebration of Light fireworks 2018 – South Korea

Honda Celebration of Light/Jonathan Evans

  • What: English Bay in downtown Vancouver will once again be showered with fireworks for three nights this summer, as the 2018 Honda Celebration of Light fireworks competition returns to the city. The participating countries for the festival’s 28th year are South Africa, Sweden and South Korea. New this year, all three of the participating countries will be required to incorporate the same theme into their fireworks display and musical accompaniment. The theme, as voted by the public, will be “Love.”
  • When: Saturday, August 4, 2018
  • Time: 10 pm to 10:25 pm (25-minute duration each night). Rain or shine. Music simulcast on radio station LG 104.3 FM.
  • Where: English Bay, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free. Reserved seating on sale through the festival’s website.

Terry Wallace Memorial Breakfast

  • What: Enjoy a buffet, by-donation pancake breakfast with all the fixings. This annual event celebrates of the life and work of Vancouver Pride Society founder, Terry Wallace.
  • When: Saturday, August 4, 2018
  • Time: 8 am to 12 pm
  • Where: Jim Deva Plaza, Davie Street and Bute Street
  • Price: By donation

Pure Pride Vancouver

  • What: Pure Pride’s 13th-anniversary celebration presents international superstar, recording artist and contestant from RuPaul’s Drag Race, Willam. There will also be performances by Raye Sunshine, former Cirque du Soleil aerialist, Tyler Ayres, the Bratpack, Jo Durée, Mimi Anmormi, the Pure Pride Boys and more. The night will be hosted by local drag legend Joan-e, and DJ Matt Effect from Sydney, Australia and Vancouver’s Nick Bertossi will keep the dance floor bouncing till 4 am.
  • When: Saturday, August 4, 2018
  • Time: 9 pm to 4 am
  • Where: Harbour Event Centre – 750 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online, $40-$60

Storm Crow Drag Brunch

  • What: Get your geek and drag on! Featuring Rose Butch, Anne Xiety, Karmella Barr, and Ruby Slickeur as Clark Kunt. Seating is limited so arrive early to secure your spot.
  • When: Saturday, August 4, 2018
  • Time: Doors at 11 am and the show starts at noon
  • Where: Storm Crow Alehouse – 1619 West Broadway, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free, but you’re recommended to purchase brunch.

Curious by Nature: Seashore Mysteries

  • What: Want to know more about nature in regional parks? Drop by these pop-up stations to chat with a park interpreter. Learn about a featured plant or animal or bring your own questions.
  • When: Saturday, August 4, 2018
  • Time: 9:30 am to 12 pm
  • Where: Boundary Bay Regional Park, Delta – Meet at the open area near the concession building at Centennial Beach
  • Admission: Free

Movies Under the Stars – Ferdinand

  • What: Movies Under the Stars brings free outdoor films to Holland Park. Gather your blankets and lawn chairs and cozy up in front of a big screen for Ferdinand. Movies start after dusk but attendees are encouraged to arrive earlier to find a good seat and to enjoy the pre-show entertainment. Starting at 5 pm, there will be fun activities before the movie begins.
  • When: Saturday, August 4, 2018
  • Time: Dusk
  • Where: Holland Park – 13428 Old Yale Road, Surrey
  • Admission: Free

Ex-Forest Service Vessel Squadron Rendezvous

  • What: Celebrate over 100 years of BC’s coastal heritage by boarding the BC Ex-Forest Service Vessel Squadron and meeting their owners at Britannia Shipyards dock. Then visit the Steveston Maritime Modellers inside the Seine Net Loft and see how they bring history to life through their handcrafted model ships.
  • When: Saturday, August 4 to Sunday, August 5, 2018
  • Time: 12 to 4 pm
  • Where: Britannia Shipyards – 5180 Westwater Drive, Richmond
  • Admission: Free

Powell Street Festival

  • What: The annual Powell Street Festival is the largest Japanese Canadian festival in the country, which celebrates and promotes Japanese arts, culture, and heritage. It will feature live performances, martial arts demos, Japanese calligraphy, and most importantly, delicious food.
  • When: Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5, 2018
  • Time: 11:30 am to 7 pm
  • Where: Oppenheimer Park (400 block of Powell Street, Vancouver) and the surrounding streets
  • Admission: Free

Vancouver Street Dance Festival 2018

Vancouver Street Dance Festival

via VSDF

  • What: Vancouver Street Dance Festival (VSDF) is the largest outdoor street-dance event in Canada. This year’s event features six battles in some of the most influential styles of street dance – hip-hop, breaking, locking, popping, waacking, and house. There will be free dance workshops for the public, vendors, showcases, live music, DJs, special guest judges and a kids-only battle featuring students from studios across BC.
  • When: Saturday, August 4, 2018 
  • Time: Festival begins at 11 am
  • Where: Robson Square – 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free

Strathcona Artisan Market

  • What: The outdoor street market puts the spotlight on low-income residents of the Downtown Eastside and Strathcona and allows them to sell their hand-made creations in a festival-like atmosphere. Arts, crafts, textiles, baked goods, and freshly cooked food will occupy the market. Neighbourhood artisans use the market as a launching pad for bigger ventures.
  • When: Saturday, August 4 to Sunday, August 5, 2018
  • Time: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Where: 400 Princess Avenue, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free

Sunday, August 5, 2018

40th Annual Pride Parade

  • What: A protest. A party. A chance to recognize how far we have come and reflect on where we need to go from here. With over 130 different entries, attracting crowds of 600,000 annually, the annual Vancouver Pride Parade is a world-class event celebrating our diverse LGBTQAI2S+ communities.
  • When: Sunday, August 5, 2018
  • Time: 12 to 3 pm
  • Where: Through Vancouver and ending at Sunset Beach
  • Admission: Free

Sunset Beach Festival

  • What: Dance the day away along beautiful Sunset Beach at the end of the Pride Parade. The Sunset Beach Festival features a main stage showcasing LGBTQAI2S+ talent and wedding ceremony performed by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. With a 1,500 beer garden, outdoor sober lounge, Community Zone and Family Fun Zone with additional programming food truck circle and more, there is something for everyone.
  • When: Sunday, August 5, 2018
  • Time: 11 am to 6 pm
  • Where: Sunset Beach
  • Admission: Free

Steveston Farmers & Artisans’ Market

  • What: With entertainment playing and vendors striking up light conversation with customers throughout the day, the Steveston Farmers and Artisans’ Market creates a friendly, social environment for you to spend your afternoon. Whether you’re buying fresh locally grown produce, grabbing a bite to eat, enjoying the craftsmanship of some of the artisans, or simply strolling through the market enjoying the day, the market has something to offer for everyone.
  • When: Sunday, August 5, 2018
  • Time: 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
  • Where: Easthope Parking Lot (across the street from the Steveston Community Centre) – 4111 Moncton Street, Richmond
  • Admission: Free

Clayton Community Farmers’ Market

  • What: The Clayton Community Farmers’ Market community is made up of a diverse community of farmers, fishers, artisans, food preparers and more. There will also be a Family Fun Zone, live music and food trucks.
  • When: Sunday, August 5, 2018
  • Time: 10 am to 3 pm
  • Where: Clayton Heights Secondary School – 7003 188 St, Surrey
  • Admission: Free

Untoxicated Street Party

  • What: Pride’s substance-free sober dance party, organized by Last Door Recovery
    Center, featuring performances from drag stars Trixie Mattel and Sasha Velour,
    7 plus Piotr, Raye Sunshine, Jaylene Tyme, Del Stamp, and MC Alma Bitches and
    Crystal Clearly.
  • When: Sunday, August 5, 2018
  • Time: 6 pm to 10 pm
  • Where: Davie Street and Bute Street
  • Admission: Free

History Sunday at Pride 2018

Image: Brendan Leong Photography

  • What: Celebrities’ legendary 14 Hour and 10 DJ epic #Pride2018 finale. Featuring Karsten Sollors of Chicago, BOIGRL (DJ Skylar Love & Ms. Jackson of San Francisco), Stilla B2B DJ NOKU of Toronto, Johnny Jover of Glass Petals, Zak Santiago, Seb C, Mattilde and MY!GAY!HUSBAND! of Glory Days. No cover until 7 pm
  • When: Sunday, August 5, 2018
  • Time: Doors 2 pm
  • Where: Celebrities Nightclub – 1022 Davie St, Vancouver
  • More Info: Online

Creative Café

  • What: Learn about the history and natural wonders of Minnekhada Regional Park and enjoy the work of local artists. Drop by anytime.
  • When: Sunday, August 5, 2018
  • Time: 1 to 4 pm
  • Where: Minnekhada Regional Park, Coquitlam –  Meet at Minnekhada Lodge
  • Admission: Free

The 6th Youth World Cup Live Painting Competition

  • What: The 6th Youth World Cup Live Painting Competition and The One Dollar for One Poor Child Charity Event is a global charity event that is hosted by The Canada Youth Arts Development Foundation and strongly supported by UNICEF Canada. It is a global painting competition for children and youth artists ages 4 to 25 across the world. The event aims to help children who live in poverty.
  • When: Sunday, August 5, 2018
  • Time: 2 to 6 pm
  • Where: Richmond Olympic Oval – 6111 River Road, Richmond
  • Cost: $20 registration (includes $1 donation to UNICEF)

The Really Gay History Tour

  • What: Venture into Vancouver’s LGBTQ2+ history this Pride season on the Really Gay History Tour from Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours. You’ll visit the sites of bookstore bombings, police raids, Imperial Court coronations, the “Kiss-Ins” of Granville Street, and the gayest beer parlour in town.
  • When: Daily until Sunday, August 5, 2018
  • Time: 2 to 4:30 pm
  • Where: Starts outside of Vancouver City Centre Skytrain Station, finishes in the Davie Street Village.
  • Tickets: Online, $28-$32

Monday, August 6, 2018

BC Day Market Monday at Burnaby Village Museum

  • What: Celebrate BC Day and Market Monday at Burnaby Village Museum. Featuring chainsaw carving demonstrations, Lumberjack Show presented by Laughing Logger, Vancouver Circus School, live music and more.
  • When: Monday, August 6, 2018
  • Time: 11 am to 4:30 pm
  • Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
  • Admission: Free, Carousel Rides $2.65

Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins august

Tony Robbins/ Facebook

  • What: American businessman, author, and philanthropist Tony Robbins is coming to Vancouver for Power of Success, a talk on personal development, money, motivation, business strategies, and more. Robbins promises to transform your entire life, from your relationships to your career.
  • When: Monday, August 6, 2018
  • Where:  Vancouver Convention Centre, West Building— 1055 Canada Place
  • Tickets: $197 to $995, online

Alternative Pride Vancouver 2018

  • What: The 3rd annual Vancouver Alternative Pride Festival is a grass-roots artist-led music and art festival celebrating LGBTQ artists. Taking place over 5 days, the event features 20 unique and diverse events including warehouse take-overs, mystical garden performances and more, in support of Vancouver queer charities.
  • When: Now to Monday, August 6, 2018
  • Time: Various times
  • Where: Various locations
  • Tickets: Online

ZimCarvings African Carvings & Art

  • What: This summer, Bloedel Conservatory is exhibiting the beautiful and unique stone sculptures by ZimCarvings. The exhibit will showcase hand-carved, original works from over 30 Zimbabwean stone sculptors with all pieces available for purchase. As an extension of the show, an outdoor marquis tent in front of the Conservatory will feature carving demonstrations by artist Patrick Sephani, and smaller sculptures, hand-woven baskets, and jewelry available for purchase.
  • When: Daily until September 16, 2018
  • Time: Various times
  • Where: Bloedel Conservatory – 4600 Cambie Street, Vancouver
  • Admission: Regular rates apply

Fort Langley Brigade Days

  • What: Returning for its 32nd year, “Brigade Days” the festival will showcase 1800s fur trade culture through demonstrations of sewing, laundry, weapons, music, and more. As part of the show, event-goers can enjoy a variety of educational activities, including cooking and farming demonstrations, historic weapon shooting, and an indigenous exhibit. There will also be a Fur Trade Era Fashion Show, in which heritage interpreters will transform their outfits from those of the servant class to the garb of the upper class. The highlight of the festival is ‘The Arrival of the Fur Brigades,’ a re-enactment that portrays the annual return of fur traders in the 1800s.
  • When: Saturday, August 4 to Monday, August 6, 2018
  • Time: 10 am to 4:45 pm
  • Where: Fort Langley National Historic Site — 23433 Mavis Avenue, Fort Langley
  • Ticket: $7.80 for adults, $6.55 for seniors, and FREE for youth under 17.

Theatre Under the Stars: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella and 42nd Street

  • What: Enjoy a carefree evening of theatre surrounded by the scenic beauty of Stanley Park as young talent from across the Lower Mainland share the stage with some of Vancouver’s finest professional theatre artists. TUTS 2018 features performances of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella and 42nd Street.
  • When: Now to August 25, 2018
  • Time: Various times
  • Where: Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park – 610 Pipeline Road, Vancouver
  • Tickets: At Theatre Under the Stars

Copper Crows Blues Band at Kitsilano Showboat

  • What: Bring your dancing shoes, sandals or sun-drenched bare feet and soak up the sounds of Copper Crows Blues Band down at the Kits Showboat.
  • When: Monday, August 6, 2018
  • Time: 7 pm
  • Where: Kitsilano Showboat – 2300 Cornwall Ave, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free
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