23 Things to do this Labour Day Long Weekend in Vancouver
As the sun sets on another great Vancouver summer, there is still one long weekend left to enjoy the abundance of activities that take place in and around the city. For a complete list of everything happening around Metro Vancouver, visit our Events Calendar.
Food and Drink
Taste the food at the PNE
From the 6 absolute must try dishes at the fair to the 6 weird and wacky eats to sink your teeth into at the Fair at the PNE 2014, we’ve got you covered. If you’re looking for some great food at a decent price, check out our recommendations for 7 delicious the Fair at the PNE 2014 eats under $10.
Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets are a great way to spend a morning or afternoon in the city. Check out the numerous Farmers’ Markets in and around Vancouver – see our Farmers Market Guide.
Try some great food at the Richmond Night Market
Head to the Richmond Night Market and try some of the great food at the market. While you’re there, might as well grab a cellphone case and some socks. You can never have enough of those.
Here is our rundown of the 7 best dishes to eat at the Richmond Night Market.
Food Cart Festival at Olympic Village
The last day of Vancouver’s original food cart festival with over 20 vendors, DJs and much more.
- When: Sunday, August 31
- Time: Noon to 5 p.m.
- Location: 215 West 1st Avenue (Between the Cambie Bridge and Olympic Village)
Food Cart Festival at Holland Park
The last day of Surrey’s Food Cart Fest in Holland Park. A massive weekly gathering of B.C.’s best street food with DJs, markets, kids’ activities and outdoor fun!
- When: Saturday, August 30
- Time: Noon to 5 p.m.
- Location: 13428 Old Yale Road, Surrey
Food Cart Fest Sunset Beach Party
For three evenings, Sunset Beach in Vancouver will be transformed into something you would normally see on a Calfornia beach. Food carts, art, music and more at the new Sunset Beach Socials this summer.
- Date: August 29 – last of the summer (weather permitting)
- Time: 5 p.m. until sundown
- Cost: Free admission
- Location: Sunset Beach (Beach Avenue between Bute and Thurlow) Google Map Link
Gastown BBQ and Chili Festival
Vancouver’s only BBQ & Chili festival is back for its third year on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31. Twelve Gastown restaurants will compete in an exciting outdoor cookout offering the best in barbecued pork ribs, chicken wings, beef brisket and more.
- When: August 30 and 31
- Where: 200 Block of Carrall Street, Vancouver
Grab some of the World’s Best Gelato
Vancouver is no slouch when it comes to great gelato spots, and another spot, Bella Gelateria, just opened up in Yaletown (their second location). You’ll find it and other shops in our best gelato in Vancouver guide.
Go on a Craft Beer Crawl in Vancouver’s Brewery District in East Van
The craft beer scene is in full swing in Vancouver and there is no better spot than in East Vancouver’s Brewery District. Catch all the beer news in the city in our beer & wine section.
Parties, Markets and Music
TAIWANfest
One of the world’s largest arts and cultural events outside of Taiwan, TAIWANfest is a three-day festival that takes over downtown Vancouver.
- Dates: August 30 to September 1
- Location: Granville Street from 700 to 800 block and the Vancouver Art Gallery
Victory Square Block Party
Vancouver’s favourite free community concert returns August 31 at Victory Square, at the edge of Gastown.
- Date: August 31
- Time: Noon until late
- Location: Victory Square, 150 West Hastings
PNE FREE Summer Concert Series
This year’s Summer Night Concerts features an exciting array of artists that are sure to please fans of all genres.
The Concerts will run every evening until September 1 at 8 p.m. at the PNE Amphitheatre.
- SEE ALSO: PNE Concert Series Lineup
Hit up a bar or club
Head on over to Gastown to party, check out Charles Bar, great on a Saturday night. Or if that’s not your scene, check out Venue or Celebrities on Granville.
Other things to check out this Labour Day Long Weekend
Game of Thrones Exhibition at PNE
HBO Canada brings the Game of Thrones Exhibition, a free event celebrating the craftsmanship that brings the epic series to life. A must-see for any fan of the series.
- Dates: On until September 1
- Location: The Fair at the PNE – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Bike to the Nat
Ride your bike to the Vancouver Canadians games. We partnered up with the City of Vancouver and the C’s to bring you the first ever “Bike to the Nat” game.
Bike ride along the seawall
Whether you rent or own, you have to do this route at least once. If you’re looking for another, be on the lookout for best biking routes in Vancouver article shortly.
- SEE ALSO: Best bike routes in Vancouver
Go for a hike
The Chief is one of the more popular hikes, but there are plenty of other hikes in Metro Vancouver for you to attempt. Slap on some sunscreen, get on your shorts and grab some water and prepare to take on mother nature.
- SEE ALSO: 5 best hikes in Vancouver
Go for a run
While the weather this weekend isn’t promising, it’s still great for a run! Get in one last run in before the fall routine kicks back into gear.
- SEE ALSO: Best places to run in Vancouver
Hit up a Patio
Whether you’re looking for a secluded patio, a rooftop escape or just want to watch the beautiful people of the city as you sip a latte or other beverage of choice, we have you covered. Our patio guide is the most extensive guide in the city.
Do the Grouse Grind
The Grouse Grind is one of those Vancouver things you have to try at least once in the summer. Attempt to beat your time or just make it to the top without stopping (unless a tourist gets in your way).
Pro tip: The 1/4 marker means 1/4 completed, not 1/4 remaining.
Stick a Piece of a Gum to the Gumhead Public Art Piece
The Vancouver Art Gallery installed a commissioned public sculpture on the grassy mound just outside the museum building on Howe Street.
Art enthusiasts and pedestrians passing by will be encouraged to stick their chewed gum to the giant seven foot tall Gumhead sculpture.
Relax and unwind at Robson Square’s public plaza, the Urban Reef
The Urban Reef was installed at the start of summer and will be around through this weekend.
Check out the Aritzia Warehouse Sale
Being stuck in a lineup for a sale isn’t how you might picture your long weekend. However, thousands will be doing just that. If you’re brave enough and want some great clothes, this is the sale for you.
For the rest of your long weekend events needs, check out our Vancouver Events Calendar.
Feature Image: Mark Faviell via Flickr
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