27 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: September 21 to 23

Sep 19 2018, 5:32 am

The first weekend of fall has arrived! Have fun with these 27 things to do in Vancouver on Friday, September 21, Saturday, September 22, and Sunday, September 23. There’s Vancouver International Flamenco Festival, Vancouver Giants, and more to enjoy.

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

Friday, September 21, 2018

A Civilized Conversation with Chelsea Handler

Chelsea Handler

Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock

  • What: Political activism, culture and cannabis are just a few of the hot topics that will be covered by comedian Chelsea Handler. The nation-wide speaking tour is modelled after the town hall events Handler has been doing in cities across the US, centred around social and political activism.
  • When: Friday, September 21, 2018
  • Time: 8 pm
  • Where: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd. (UBC)
  • Price: Tickets are available online through UBC and start at $58

Vancouver International Flamenco Festival

  • What: All things flamenco are at this annual festival of dance, featuring both ticketed performances and free events. The traditionally Spanish art form takes on new multicultural meaning with both Canadian and international artists.
  • When: Friday, September 21 to Saturday, September 29, 2018
  • Time: Varies
  • Where: Various venues across Vancouver
  • Tickets: At Flamenco Festival; varies

VR/AR Global Summit Vancouver 2018

  • What: Hosted by the VR/AR Association, the summit feature keynotes, industry tracks, workshops, creative hubs, demos, exhibits, breakouts, and amazing VIP events.
  • When: Friday, September 21 to Saturday, September 22, 2018
  • Time: Various times
  • Where: Parq Vancouver – 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online

Vancouver Ribfest

  • What: The first annual Vancouver Ribfest features four powerhouse smokers including the Crazy Canuck Smokers (Brantford, Ontario), Blazing BBQ (Calgary, Alberta), Big M’s Smokin’ Bones BBQ (Ontario), and Billy’s BBQ (Michigan, USA). Other foodie draws include Lemon Heaven, Calgary Mini Donuts, Monster Ice Cream, Tator King (blooming onion and fries), and a craft beer garden. Additional features include live entertainment on The Big Sticky Stage and fierce competitions like the Best Rack Competition and an all-new Ribbers Olympics.
  • When: Friday, September 21 to Sunday, September 23, 2018
  • Time: 11 am to 9 pm (Friday and Saturday), 11 am to 7 pm (Sunday)
  • Where: Plaza of Nations – 750 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free entry

Vancouver Giants vs Everett Silvertips

  • What: Vancouver Giants kick off the 2018/2019 Western Hockey League season versus Everett Silvertips at the Langley Events Centre.
  • When: Friday, September 21, 2018
  • Time: 7:30 pm
  • Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200 Street, Langley
  • Tickets: Online

The 2nd Annual Raincouver Umbrella Party

umbrella party

@lewisli9808/Instagram

  • What: Hosted by Party4Health and Soundboks, organizers are planning for the “rainiest, outdoor urban dance party in history,” bringing hundreds of attendees together in the process. The event takes place on Friday, September 21, on the International Day of Peace, and looks to raise awareness for mental health. The evening will host events such as umbrella limbo, rain dances, umbrella sword fighting, LED skip rope, line dancing, and bear hugs. Attendance is by donation and the event coincides with a city-wide dance party that takes place later that evening.
  • When: Friday, September 21, 2018
  • Time: Event begins at 8 pm
  • Where: Bill Curtis Square – 1198 Mainland Street, Vancouver
  • Admission: By donation at the event

Eastside Flea

  • What:Each event hosts over 50 local vendors selling diverse goods from handmade independent maker wares to vintage clothing, collectibles, plants, artisan food. and more. You’ll also find food trucks, live vinyl deejays, pinball, outdoor courtyard, and other fun things to check out.
  • When: Every other weekend starting Friday, September 21 to Sunday, September 23, 2018
  • Time: Various times
  • Where: Eastside Studios – 550 Malkin Ave, Vancouver
  • Price: $3 admission, $5 for a weekend pass

Saturday, September 22, 2018

lululemon SeaWheeze Sunset Festival 2018

  • What: An epic night of yoga, beers, and live music at the lululemon SeaWheeze Sunset Festival. The popular festival takes place in Vancouver’s beautiful Stanley Park, and internationally-acclaimed DJ and producer, Diplo, will be headlining the festival. Local DJ and producer, and JUNO nominee, Felix Cartal will warm up the crowd to kick off the dance party. Festival-goers can take part in an all-level sunset yoga practice, visit the local artisan market, and enjoy food and beverages from local purveyors. The festival kicks off following lululemon’s popular SeaWheeze half marathon (registration for the run is now closed).
  • When: Saturday, September 22, 2018
  • Time: 4:30 to 11 pm
  • Where: Stanley Park —  1151 Stanley Park Drive, Vancouver
  • Tickets: $45 for the Sunset Festival, available at SeaWheeze.com

Olde Harvest Fair

  • What: Celebrate the harvest with food, neighbourly competitions and music. While the kids play in the hay, enjoy local vendors and artisans, live music and dancing, warm apple cider, performances by The Re-Enactors, tours of the 1894 farmhouse, and more.
  • When: Saturday, September 22, 2018
  • Time: 11 am to 3 pm
  • Where: Historic Stewart Farm – 13723 Crescent Rd, Surrey
  • Admission: Free

BC Lions vs Hamilton Tiger-Cats

jovan olafioye

Image: BC Lions / Twitter

  • What: Catch the BC Lions taking on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at BC Place.
  • When: Saturday, September 22, 2018
  • Time: 7 pm
  • Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online

2018 Grand Prix of Art

  • What: Over 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. The exhibition is open to the public from 3 to 6 pm on Saturday and will remain on display at Britannia Heritage Shipyards National Historic Site until Sunday, September 23 from 12 to 4 pm.
  • When: Saturday, September 22 to Sunday, September 23, 2018
  • Time: 10 am to 6 pm
  • Where: Various locations around Steveston
  • Registration: Online

Mid-Autumn Mooncake Demonstration

  • What: Learn the history, customs, and tradition behind the celebration of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Instructor Jessica Yue will first show you how you how to make ice mooncakes. Then you will take a quick tour of the house while she sets up the kitchen and shows you how to make baked mooncakes. You’ll get a chance to sample each of the mooncakes as well. Space is limited so sign up early. Ages 12+.
  • When: 
  • Time: 10:30 am to 12 pm
  • Where: Coquitlam Heritage – 1116 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam
  • Tickets: Online, $8.88

Craig Ferguson – Hobo Fabulous Tour

  • What: A comedy legend in film, television and the stage, Craig will be bringing his hilarious observations with a bit of a Scottish bent to Richmond. Come see the former late-night star as he talks about current events and the absurdities of life in this 18+ show.
  • When: Saturday, September 22, 2018
  • Time: 8 pm
  • Where: River Rock Casino – 8811 River Rd, Richmond, Richmond
  • Tickets: Online

Alicia Tobin’s Come Draw With Me

  • What: Join Alicia Tobin and her special guests for Come Draw with Me, an evening of drawings, laughing, sharing, marker sniffing, and friendships. No talent required, supplies provided.
  • When: Saturday, September 22, 2018
  • Time: 9:30 pm
  • Where: Little Mountain Gallery – 195 E 26th Ave, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online, $10

Oktoberfest at Fraternal Order of Eagles

  • What: Enjoy a traditional Oktoberfest meal prepared by Chef Heinz Ludwig while listening to Oumpa-pah music followed by dancing and live music by the band Search Party. Dinner includes organic bratwurst, red cabbage, German potatoes, warm sauerkraut and a local fresh soft pretzel.
  • When: Saturday, September 22, 2018
  • Time: 6 pm to 1 am
  • Where: Fraternal Order of Eagles – Northwest Aerie 2638 170 West 3rd Street, North Vancouver
  • Price: $25; buy online

CapFest

CapFest/Capilano University

  • What: Capilano University is throwing CapFest, a massive event for the broader community, to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The free-to-attend all-day event features multiple stages with live music and DJs, food trucks and a family-friendly beer garden. You can tour the new murals on campus, explore an Indigenous festival, see film screenings, visit an experience fair, where you can measure your abilities against world-class records, and take on an escape room challenge. There’s also going to be an alumni homecoming hospitality tent and activities for children.
  • When: Saturday, September 22, 2018
  • Time: 2 to 9 pm
  • Where: Capilano University’s North Vancouver campus – 2055 Purcell Way
  • Price: FREE admission

RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq The World Tour – Vancouver

  • What: Your favourite drag stars will be hitting the stage for the Official RuPaul’s Drag Race WERQ the World Tour. The event will be hosted by Bob the Drag Queen and showcase performances by the queens from Season 10. Fan favourites will also make an appearance, with Kim Chi, Valentina, Shangela, and Violet Chachki joining in on the fun.
  • When: Saturday, September 22, 2018
  • Time: Doors open 8 pm, show starts at 9
  • Where: The Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Available on Ticketmaster starting at $30.50

Sunday, September 23, 2018

#BetonYES – A Day At The Races

  • What: A day to be reunited with the YES! community at Hastings Racecourse for an afternoon of fashion, games and fun. Keep the summer vibes strong with a little afternoon bubbly, lawn games, and wonderful ladies, all while giving back. The networking will be fun and genuine, and a great chance to connect with people in the YES! community.
  • When: Sunday, September 23, 2018
  • Time: 1 to 5 pm
  • Where: Hastings Racecourse – 188 North Renfrew Street, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online, Members $35, Non Members $45 (Bring a Friend: 25% off the second ticket when purchased together)

Active Aging Week

  • What: Active Aging Week, the annual health promotion event for adults over 50 years, is organized by the International Council on Active Aging. Learn more about the various events around Burnaby here.
  • When: Sunday, September 23 to Friday, September 28, 2018.
  • When: Various times
  • Where: Various locations in Burnaby
  • Admission: Free

World Rivers Day

  • What: A free family-friendly celebration of rivers and waterways. Activities include demonstrations, displays, tours, activities, crafts, music. and a headline musical performance by Ginalina. Plus the Burnaby Village, Carousel (rides $2.65 each) and Ice Cream Parlour will be open.
  • When: Sunday, September 23, 2018
  • Time: 11 am to 4:30 pm
  • Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
  • Admission: Free

Vancouver Whitecaps vs FC Dallas

waston davies whitecaps

Image: Vancouver Whitecaps FC / Twitter

  • What: Vancouver Whitecaps face off with FC Dallas at BC Place in MLS action.
  • When: Sunday, September 23, 2018
  • Time: 4 pm
  • Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online

Rivers and Trails Festival

  • What: Celebrate Port Coquitlam’s rivers and trails and enjoy a day of music, art and culture. There will be children’s activity passport stations and prizes, food trucks, a salmon smolt release, an art station, live music by Jessica Barbour, instruments from around the world and an interactive drumming workshop with Boris.
  • When: Sunday, September 23, 2018
  • Time: 12 to 4 pm
  • Where: Lions Park – 2300 Lions Way, Port Coquitlam
  • Admission: Free

Watershed Tour

  • What: Through games and activities, explore big concepts in some of the most beautiful parts of the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve. Take a trip over the Seymour Falls Dam on a magic school bus and walk along the lower river through beautiful trails.
  • When: Sunday, September 23, 2018
  • Time: 9 am to 12 pm
  • Where: Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve, North Vancouver
  • Admission: Free. Ages 3+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration Required 604-432-6430. Barcode 7488

Slow Fish Dinner 2018

  • What: The 5th Annual Slow Fish Dinner at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts offers attendees a unique chance to celebrate local sustainable fish and seafood. Following a reception, during which Salmon-Safe St-hubertus and Oak Bay Frizzante Rose wine will be served along with canapes prepared by the students, 8 chefs will be serving exceptional tasting dishes in the 8 kitchens at PICA.
  • When: Sunday, September 23, 2018
  • Time: 6 to 9 pm
  • Where: Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts – 1505 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver
  • Price: $99-$109; buy online

Aldor Acres Pumpkin Patch

pumpkin

pumpkin patch (Romiana Lee/Shutterstock)

  • What: At Aldor Acres, there is no shortage of variety with over 15 types of pumpkins spread across the farm’s 20 acres. After you’re done with pumpkin picking, head over to say hello to the animals or go for a tractor-pulled hayride.
  • When: Saturday, September 23 to Tuesday, October 31, 2018
  • Time: 9 am to 5 pm daily
  • Where: 8301 252nd Street, Langley
  • Admission: $8 (anyone of walking age)

ArtBreakers Illustration Market

  • What:A Vancouver art market featuring some of the best contemporary illustrators, comic, and concept artists in North America. Many of the attending artists will be debuting and selling original prints, books, shirts, bags and enamel pins.
  • When: Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23, 2018
  • Time: 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday
  • Where:Heritage Hall – 3102 Main Street, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free

Art House Theatre Day at VIFF Vancity Theatre – The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales 

  • What: From the creators of the Academy Award®-nominated Ernest & Celestine comes another tale of animal misfits. The countryside isn’t always as calm and peaceful as it’s made out to be, and the animals on this farm are particularly agitated: a fox who mothers a family of chicks, a rabbit who plays the stork, and a duck who wants to be Santa Claus. If you think life in the country is a walk in the park, think again. All-ages screening.
  • When: Sunday, September 23, 2018
  • Time: 3 to 5 pm
  • Where: VIFF Vancity Theatre – 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online, Free
See also
Daniel ChaiDaniel Chai

+ Listed