34 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: August 31 to September 3

The Labour Day long weekend is upon us! Spend it by checking out these 34 fun events in Vancouver on Friday, August 31, Saturday, September 1, Sunday, September 2 and Monday, September 3. Enjoy Richmond World Festival, Le Burger Week, and more.

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

Friday, August 31, 2018

Richmond World Festival 2018

• What: Canadian and international music stars Magic! and Lights will headline the fourth annual Richmond World Festival, taking place next month. Presented by Coast Capital Savings, the nationally award-winning festival will once again present a smorgasbord of music, arts, food and culture from around the globe.
  
• When: Friday, August 31 to Saturday, September 1, 2018
• Time: 4 to 10 pm (Friday) and 11 to 10 pm (Saturday)
• Where: Minoru Park & Richmond Cultural Centre Plaza – 7191 Granville Avenue, Richmond
  Admission: Free

The Gateway Show

• What: Stand-up comedians take to the stage and tell their best jokes, then they go to an undisclosed location to get way too high, only to come back to the stage and attempt to tell more jokes completely baked. Featuring Kyle Bottom, Mike Masilotti, Rachel Walls, Nariko Ott and host Billy Anderson.
• When: Friday, August 31, 2018
• Time: 9:30 pm
• Where: Rickshaw Theatre – 254 E. Hastings Street Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $10

Mat Collective Free Yoga

• What: Mat Collective is the largest outdoor yoga program in Western Canada. Aside from offering free outdoor yoga classes all summer long, Mat Collective will also be hosting several special events, including an Acro Jam in partnership with MEC, and a class at BC Place in collaboration with the BC Lions.
• When: Now to Friday, August 31, 2018
• Time: Various times, check schedule for details
• Where: Classes take place at Kitsilano Beach (1015 Maple Street), Downtown (800 Robson Street), Granville Island (Chain and Forge), and Main Street (95 E 32nd Ave.)
• Admission: Free

Richmond Night Market

• What: This market draws crowds from across the province, who travel to check out the rows on rows of vibrant cuisine along with the diverse line-up of nightly performances on the 50-foot entertainment stage. There will be over 100 food vendors and 200 retail stalls this year.
• When: Now to Monday, October 8, 2018
• Time: Fridays and Saturdays from 7 pm to midnight; Sundays and holiday Mondays from 7 to 11 pm
• Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond (nearby Bridgeport Station)
• Price: $3.75 (regular admission)

The Market at Brewer’s Row

• What: Enjoy over 10 vendors, food trucks and community groups in the heart of Port Moody. Then sit at the gorgeous long table, surrounded by string lights and decked out with gorgeous flowers from Artisan Gifts & Flowers.
• When: Every Friday to August 31, 2018
• Time: 6 to 9 pm
• Where: Port Moody Station Museum parking lot – 2734 Murray Street, Port Moody
• Admission: Free

Friday Night Live 2018

• What: Enjoy everything from craft beer, to food trucks, and have the chance to win prizes, too. General admission entry is free, which means all you have to think about is bringing spending money for food, beer, and maybe a few sneaky bets on the horses. There’s also the option to go all-out, round up a group of your lovely friends, and go in on Grandstand box seats together.
• When: Every Friday until August 31, 2018
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Hastings Racecourse – 188 North Renfrew Street, Vancouver
• Price: FREE admission

North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market

• What: Shipbuilders’ Square in North Vancouver will be transformed into a vibrant night market with 100+ vendors every Friday night. Gathering some of Vancouver’s best food vendors, this free event will feature a full farmers’ and artisan marketplace along with local food trucks and live entertainment.
• When: Every Friday night to September 28, 2018
• When: 5 to 10 pm
• Where: Shipbuilders’ Square – 15 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Saturday, September 1, 2018

Double Feature Outdoor Movie Night at the Market

• What: To celebrate to the end of the summer in Lonsdale, SummerFest at the Market is presenting an epic double feature outdoor movie on September 1. Attendees can catch Finding Dory from 8 to 10 pm and then The Goonies from 10 pm to midnight. Be sure to bring blankets, chairs, and money for goodies, which can be purchased at Lonsdale Market until 9 pm – a special late opening time just for the double flick. The Outdoor Movie Night is by donation, all proceeds will go to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation.
• When: Saturday, September 1, 2018
  
• Time: 8 pm (Finding Dory) and 10 pm (The Goonies)
• Where: Lonsdale Market – 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
• Price: By donation

Nikkei Matsuri Festival 2018

• What: Nikkei Matsuri is Burnaby’s family-friendly Japanese cultural festival. Enjoy special guests, games, food, performances, a beer garden, marketplace and more.
• When: Saturday, September 1 to Sunday, September 2, 2018
• Time: 11 am to 7 pm
• Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre – 7347 Winston St, Burnaby
• Admission: Nikkei Matsuri activities that take place in the Garden are free to all attendees. A $3 admission fee will be collected at the entrance of the building for attendees wishing to partake in the Game Zone, Matsuri Marketplace, special workshops and main stage performances (all indoor activities). Children under the age of 5 are free all weekend.

Vancouver Cheese and Meat Festival 2018

• What: The Vancouver Cheese and Meat Festival returns for a day packed full of eating, drinking, and being merry. Of course, meat and cheese will be the main event, but there will also be accompaniments such as pickled items, chocolates, and coffee up for grabs. As always, beer, wine, spirits, and cider will available at the event.
• When: Saturday, September 1, 2018
• Time: 1 to 9:30 pm
• Where: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
• Price: $35-$145; buy via Eventbrite

Vancouver Whitecaps vs San Jose Earthquakes

• What: Vancouver Whitecaps face off with the San Jose Earthquakes at BC Place
• When: Saturday, September 1, 2018
• Time: 4 pm
• Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Labour Day Long Weekend at Tsawwassen Mills

• What: Enjoy exclusive savings at over 60 retailers at visit Tsawwassen Mills during the Labour Day long weekend.  Download the savings e-booklet online or pick up a copy at Guest Services when you arrive at the mall. Plus check out the Science World pop-up activation and the numerous other entertainment options!
• When: Saturday, September 1 to Monday, September 3, 2018
• Time: Various times
• Where: Tsawwassen Mills Mall – 5000 Canoe Pass Way, Tsawwassen
• Price: Free

Le Burger Week Vancouver 2018

• What: This year there are nine Vancouver eateries competing for the title of their city’s best burger. The winning creation is typically offered at a special “burger price” for the public to taste and cast their votes on leburgerweek.com. There will be winning burgers in several categories including People’s Choice, Most Creative, and Healthiest Burger. The celebration also sends undercover tasters all over the country to choose which creation will earn the Judges’ Choice title.
• When: Saturday, September 1 to Friday, September 7, 2018
• Time: Regular Hours
• Where: Restaurants around Vancouver
• More Info: Online

Portugal. The Man and Broken Social Scene

• What: Portugal. The Man and Broken Social Scene are taking over the main stage at Deer Lake Park in Burnaby, with special guests.
• When: Saturday, September 1, 2018
• Time: 6 pm
• Where: Deer Lake Park – 6450 Deer Lake Drive, Burnaby
• Tickets: Starting at $59.50 – Tickets available via Ticketmaster

TAIWANfest 2018

• What: TAIWANfest 2018 is making its annual return to downtown Vancouver this Labour Day weekend. Continuing the Dialogues with Asia series, this year’s event celebrates a ‘Fête with the Philippines.’ visitors of the festival will be able to experience some of the untold stories connecting Taiwan and the Philippines through live music and performances, food, fashion, film, workshops, and even a culinary competition.
  
• When: Saturday, September 1 to Monday, September 3, 2018
• Time: Various times
• Where: Vancouver Art Gallery – 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

F*ck Tinder: A Love Story

• What: The Moth StorySLAM champion David Rodwin brings his hit show F*ck Tinder: a love story to the Vancouver Fringe Festival. “F*ck Tinder” also won the best solo performance award at DC’s Capital Fringe Festival and was nominated for Best Solo Performance at The Hollywood Fringe Festival. Catch the special full preview at the Havana Theatre.
• When: Saturday, September 1, 2018 
  
• Time: 9:30 pm
• Where: Havana Vancouver – 1212 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $10

Bumbershoot

• What: The long weekend is a perfect time for a road trip, so head down to Seattle for Bumbershoot. Enjoy music, theatre, food experiences and more. Plus catch Vancouver acts like DJ Khanvict and comedians Sophie Buddle and Gavin Matts onstage.
• When: Friday, August 31 to Sunday, September 2, 2018
• Time: Various times
• Where: Various locations around Seattle Centre
• Passes: Online

Sunday, September 2, 2018

Babes On Babes – QUEER Long Weekend Party: Anniversary Edition

• What: Vancouver’s Queer Long Weekend Jam features special guests Immigrant Lessons, plus Body Party, DJ Kookum, Skylar Love, Adia and more.
• When: Sunday, September 2, 2018
• Time: 6:30 pm
• Where: Fortune Sound Club – 147 East Pender Street, Vancouver
• Cover: $15

Summer Cinema Series – Coco

• What: Enjoy an outdoor screening of the modern Pixar classic, Coco. Arrive early for best lawn seating selection and don’t forget to bring a blanket. Presented by Panatch Group.
• When: Sunday, September 2, 2018
• Time: Dusk
• Where: Main Lawn, Rocky Point Park, Point Moody
• 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, September 2, 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

Show and Shine

• What: The MBCA Show and Shine 2018 at Waterfront Park is dedicated to the preservation, restoration & enjoyment of the Mercedes-Benz automobile. This year celebrates 35 Years of the W201. Register online.
• When: Sunday, September 2, 2018
  
• Time: 9 am to 3 pm
• Where: Waterfront Park, North Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Summer Pool Party at Drai’s

• What: Keep the long weekend fun going with a Summer Pool Party at Drai’s. JStrIng, Zwoofer, Kluzda will be playing high energy KPop, EDM, party anthems, and more.
• When: Sunday, September 2, 2018
• Time: Doors 2 pm
• Where: Drai’S Vancouver – 3rd floor – 1161 West Georgia, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $16 to $25

Aritzia Warehouse Sale 2018

• What: There will be a constant rotation of new stock coming in daily with major price cuts of 50% to 90% off the original retail cost. Brands such as Wilfred, TNA, Babaton, and Talula will be up for grabs from both spring/summer and fall/winter.
• When: Now to Monday, September 3, 2018
• Time: 7 am to 9 pm Thursday through Saturday, and 9 am to 7 pm on Sunday and Monday
• Where: Vancouver Convention Centre West Building – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
• More Info: Online

Poirier Street Market

• What: Launched in 1996, the Poirier Street Farmers Market is the longest running suburban farmers market in the Lower Mainland.  The Poirier Street Market hosts a diversity of vendors and products from May through October. Each week a wide variety of vendors gather to showcase their products – made, baked, grown, or raised in BC.
• When: Every Sunday to Sunday, October 28, 2018
• Time: 9 am to 1 pm
• Where: Dogwood Pavilion Parking Lot – 624 Poirier Street, Coquitlam
• Admission: Free

Summer Sundays: Big City Soul

• What: Enjoy free concerts every Sunday at Rocky Point Park. Big City Soul plays a high-energy mix of new music and classic songs that they guarantee will get you up dancing.
• When: Sunday, September 2, 2018
• Time: 2 pm
• Where: Rocky Point Park – 2800 block Murray Street, Port Moody
• Admission: Free

Victory Square Block Party 2018

• What: CiTR Radio 101.9FM and Discorder Magazine annual summer party to bring summer to a close. Featuring live music, an ice cream truck on site, and a raffle for great local prizes. Proceeds from the raffle and sponsorship go towards Megaphone, Vancouver’s street magazine sold by homeless and low-income vendors.
  
• When: Sunday, September 2, 2018
• Time: 1 to 9 pm
• Where: Victory Square – corner of Hastings and Cambie, Vancouver,
• Admission: Free

Monday, September 3, 2018

The Fair at the PNE

• What: Since 1910, millions of guests have enjoyed shows, exhibits, sporting events, amusement rides, concerts, cultural activities and, of course, the annual summer Fair at the PNE. Explore exhibits, enjoy live performances, be thrilled by rides, play games, learn about livestock, shop for treasures, and eat the yummiest food all in one place.
• When: Now to Monday, September 3, 2018
• Time: 11 am to late
• Where: The Fair at the PNE – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Labour Day at Burnaby Village Museum

• What: Old-fashioned fun at Burnaby Village Museum, complete with games of chance, entertainment, demonstrations, a children’s craft, and market vendors.
• When: Monday, September 3, 2018
• Time: 11 am to 4:30 pm
• Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
• Admission: Free, plus free Carousel Rides

Back to School TheatreSports

• What: Vancouver TheatreSports honours the beginning of fall with a special improv show dedicated to school days. Back to School TheatreSports takes classic TheatreSports short form improv ‘games’ and adapts them to parody classroom clichés and cliques (some things never change). Instead of the traditional TheatreSports referee, the action will be overseen by a very stern Principal. Regardless of whether you are/were a jock, a nerd or one of the cool kids at school, everyone will be able to relate and find something to laugh about.
• When: Monday, September 3, 2018, then every Tuesday to Saturday until Saturday, October 6, 2018
• Time: 7:30 pm
• Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau St, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Campbell Valley Nature Walks – A World of Colours

• What: Learn about wildlife and wildflowers on these casual walks with veteran naturalist Al Grass. The park’s plants and animals show a marvellous diversity of colours. But what does it all mean? All ages. Bring your camera.
• When: Monday, September 3, 2018
  
• Time: 1 to 2:30 pm
• Where:  Campbell Valley Regional Park
• Admission: Free

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

Phoenix

• What:  Phoenix, a Grammy award-winning band from France, make their long-awaited return to Vancouver. Some of their more noticeable performances have been in 2013, when they headlined both Coachella and Rock en Seine, and headlining the Governors Ball in 2017. They’ve also played in front of sold-out shows at New York City’s Madison Square Garden and Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl.
• When: Monday, September 3, 2018
• Time: Doors at 6:30 pm, show at 7:30 pm
• Where: The Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

The Great British Tea Party

• What: The newest theme is a classic but cheeky one, The Great British Tea Party is available now through September 3, with seatings at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm daily. Selections at this tea include Fairmont’s LOT 35 Tea, the Eton Mess with berries, meringue and whipped double cream, and raisin and butter scones served with Devonshire cream and strawberry jam to name a few.
• When: Now through September 3, 2018
• Time: 11 am, 1 pm, or 3 pm
• Where: Notch8 – Fairmont Hotel Vancouver – 900 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
• Price: $65 per person; book online

See also

• Tsawwassen Mills is offering discounts at 60+ stores this Labour Day long weekend
• A giant 2,000-slice blueberry pie will be in Metro Vancouver next month
• 6 events to check out at TAIWANfest in Vancouver this weekend