September has arrived and it’s full of fun events to enjoy in Vancouver!
From Vacouver Fringe to Vancouver International Film Festival, Coldplay to Vancouver Canucks, comedy to networking events, here are 67 things to do around the city this month.
For more things happening around town, check out our events section.
What: Featuring artists from as far afield as St. Petersburg, Accordion Noir Festival events will take place at various locations across the city in an effort to bring a completely different perspective on accordion playing to Vancouver.
When: September 7 to 10
Where: St James Anglican Church — 303 E. Cordova St, Vancouver, Russian Hall — 600 Campbell Avenue, Vancouver
What: Kicking off the fall arts season, FAÇADE will bringing the digital art of projection mapping to downtown. The free festival will see the facade of the Vancouver Art Gallery lit up for 10 days by as many artists. It’s the second year of the festival, which last year saw 35,000 people enjoy the new media festival in the heart of downtown.
When: September 4 to 10
Where: Georgia Street facade of Vancouver Art Gallery – 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
What: Taking over most of Granville Island and beyond each year, Vancouver Fringe is a wacky festival for theatre-lovers. From novices to veterans, it’s luck of the draw for all shows, which means you can see literally anything on stage. From one-person shows to musicals to the truly experimental, it’s a great way to take in up-and-coming work and new ideas—frequently in a raw, bootstrapped format.
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. The festival’s big draw this year is La Moneta at the Vancouver Playhouse, a dancer who mixes contemporary and traditional flamenco styles.
What: A multi-genre, multi-venue music festival featuring performances by Vince Staples, A Tribe Called Red, Gov’t Mule, Dear Rouge, Hannah Georgas and more.
What: Both in terms of admissions and number of films screened, VIFF is among the five largest film festivals in North America. The festival screen films from 70 countries on nine screens, with an international line-up including the pick of the world’s top film fests and many undiscovered gems.
What: The Vancouver Canadians are in the playoffs! Catch MILB post-season Devisional Series action on September 6 and 7 (Games 2 and 3). Vancouver last made the playoffs in 2014.
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario St, Vancouver
What: There’s nothing quite like watching the Whitecaps at BC Place. Cheer on your hometown MLS squad as they face off with Real Salt Lake (September 9), Minnesota United FC (September 13), Columbus Crew (September 16), and Colorado Rapids (September 23).
What: Head to BC Place to support the Lions as they strive for Grey Cup glory. They face off with Montreal Alouettes on September 8 and Hamilton Tiger-Cats on September 22.
What: Pre-season NHL action is back in Vancouver as the Canucks take on the Vegas Golden Knights on September 17, LA Kings on September 23, Calgary Flames on September 28 and Edmonton Oilers on September 30.
When: September 17, 23, 28 and 30
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
What: BC writer Mark Leiren-Young’s 20-year old play returns Bard on the Beach, which originally premiered the work back in 1996. Shylock’s one-man monologue about censorship, racism and the role of theatre still strikes many chords today. The provocative contemporary work has been updated to tie directly into our current political and social climate.
What: The hills are alive in this new production of the timeless musical classic, featuring the most perfect family ever yodelling away in the Austrian countryside. The Sound of Music film adaptation is now over 50 years old, and this touring production will be a great way to revisit those “favourite things” of your childhood. Love it or hate it, we still have “Doe, a deer, a female deer” stuck in our heads…
When: September 12 to 17
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
What: Six guys take to the stage, mixing ballet with street in this piece about loss, memory, and the longing for something unattainable. Set to a haunting cello score by Hildur Guðnadóttir, Saudade is by BC choreographer Joshua Beamish, whose past portfolio contains as many international accolades as it does local.
When: September 20 to 23
Where: Scotiabank Dance Centre – 677 Davie Street, Vancouver
What: This local dance company specializes in contemporary butoh, a “Japanese philosophy of movement.” Embrytrophic Cavatina pushes the form further, stripping bare four dancers in this primal and provocative piece. The “pure emotion and anguish[ing]” score is a cheeky 69-minutes long, and everything about this production promises butoh like you’ve never seen it before.
When: September 20 to 29
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
What: 75 years ago, over 8000 Japanese-Canadians were detained in barns where the PNE now stands today. Site-specific theatre takes on new meaning in Japanese Problem, shedding light on this little-known dark moment of Vancouver history. Set in a recreated stall within the original building of the Japanese-Canadian incarnation, the intimate performance incorporates interviews with survivors and their descendants, many of whom are still dealing with the ramifications today.
When: September 22 to 30
Where: The Livestock Building, Hastings Park – 188 N. Renfrew Street, Vancouver
What: The writer behind A Steady Rain used to write medical journals by day, penning his own original plays at night for over 20 years. That tenacity paid off when Keith Huff eventually sold the two-man play, prompting offers to write for Mad Men and House of Cards. Now, some Vancouver TV actors are putting on the show at the Havana Theatre, reprising the roles of Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig of the original production. Apparently it’s go big or go home for these Hollywood North veterans.
When: September 26 to 30
Where: Havana Theatre – 1212 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
What: These 18-and-under stars all have major network credits under their belts, from the CBC to Disney to Netflix. Now they’re coming together to triple-threat their way through 13, the Broadway teen musical about growing up. It’s refreshing to see teenagers portrayed by actors of that age group, many of whom will act, sing and dance to a live band.
When: September 28 to October 8
Where: Waterfront Theatre, Granville Island – 1412 Cartwright Street, Vancouver
What: Multi-platinum-selling artists, multiple Grammy Award-winners and music icons, Lionel Richie and very special guest Mariah Carey are touring together for the first time ever. Lionel Richie has sold over 100 million albums world wide, and has an Oscar, a Golden Globe, four Grammy awards all to his name. Mariah Carey has sold over 220 million records, and has been recognized with multiple Grammy Awards, 21 American Music Awards, Billboard’s “Artist of the Decade” Award, the World Music Award for “World’s Best Selling Female Artist Of The Millennium,” and BMI’s “Icon Award” for her outstanding achievements in songwriting.
When: September 3
Time: Doors at 6 pm / Show at 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
What: Against Me! is ready to release their new album, Shape Shift With Me in September. While much has changed in the lives of Grace and her bandmates—guitarist James Bowman, bassist Inge Johansson and drummer Atom Willard—in that time period, it’s clear that those intervening years have done wonders for creativity.
What: Dear Rouge is led by husband and wife duo Drew and Danielle McTaggart. Between the two of them, they carry years of touring and recording with multiple bands and different musical ventures. Presented as part of the Westward Music Festival.
What: Lang Lang returns to the Orpheum to perform Gershwin’s famous and much-loved Rhapsody in Blue with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Maestro Tovey conducts this special concert that also features the Australian String Quartet, led by former VSO Concertmaster Dale Barltrop. Lang Lang will also perform Saint-Saëns Aquarium from Carnival of the Animals, America from Bernstein’s West Side Story, and Sugar Plum Fairy, from Tchaikovsky’s famous Nutcracker.
What: Jackson is ready to hit the stage again with her State of the World Tour, and promises fan faves from her chart-topping, latest album Unbreakable along with an array of her ‘socially conscious’ music from her vast career, and more soon-to-be released new tracks. A published author, dancer, businessperson, philanthropist, and one of biggest-selling artists in popular music history, Jackson has sold 160 million records worldwide, and is a star that has definitely left a mark on the pop industry.
When: September 26
Time: Doors at 7 / Show at 8 pm
Where: Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
What: Feeding on a diet of The Pogues, Paul Kelly, and whatever else was playing, Vance Joy cut his teeth performing at open mike nights in Melbourne. His songs capture the familiar pulse of everyday experiences in a unique and celebratory manner. Featuring guests Amy Shark and Chappell Roan.
When: September 27
Time: 7 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville St, Vancouver
What: Since 2000, Coldplay has released seven studio albums and also played seven concert tours, and frontrunner Chris Martin announced they will be playing songs from each album on this tour. Known for their theatrical displays on stage, unique covers, and witty banter with the crowd, this is sure to be another incredible show.
When: September 29
Time: 7 pm
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
What: Host Nathan Fielder presents a live sneak peek of the upcoming season of Nathan for You. The screening will be followed by a Q&A discussion that will include several off-the-cuff jokes by Fielder.
When: September 4
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street, Vancouver
What: Graham Clark’s Quiz Show is a comedy show that cherry picks the best segments of game shows and presents them all in one bizarre event. Comedians are the “contestants,” with prizes to be won and heads to be scratched. Brought to you by Hot Art Wet City.
When: September 9
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Fox Cabaret – 2321 Main Street, Vancouver
What: Stand-up comedian, writer, director and person Demetri Martin returns to Vancouver with his new show Let’s Get Awkward. Demetri began doing stand-up comedy in New York City, where he worked as a staff writer at Late Night with Conan O’Brien and was a regular performer on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Demetri has released two stand-up comedy albums and three hour-long stand-up comedy specials, including his latest for Netflix, Demetri Martin Live (at the time).
When: September 9
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts – 6265 Crescent Road, Vancouver
What: The one year anniversary of the improv versus stand-up show. Hosted by Matty Vu and Malcolm McLeod, with a lineup of fierce comedians battling for the audience’s laughs.
When: September 16
Time: 8:30 pm
Where: Little Mountain Gallery – 195 East 26th Street, Vancouver
What: Improv Against Humanity returns from summer vacation for a sizzling show at the Rio Theatre. Join The Fictionals for an action-packed look back at Summer, sweet prizes to get you ready for Fall, and the crowning of the Most Horrible Person in Vancouver.
When: September 20
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
What: Vancouver TheatreSports’ rising stars take to The Improv Centre stage every Sunday night. The 90 minutes of improv will showcase the talent of these new players and prepare them for the bright lights of main stage.
When: Every Sunday
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
What: A comedy show perfect for your saucy night out. The Dirty Betty Show is a variety show featuring Vancouver’s hottest comedians, improvisers, and drag superstars.
When: September 29
Time: 8 pm
Where: Cafe Deux Soleils – 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
What: BC’s top tech companies are looking for developers, QAs, data analysts, UX/UI designers, IT and DevOps engineers, and project managers. If you are a tech professional in one of these roles looking for your next dream job, or just looking to connect with awesome local tech employers, head to Talent Day at the BC Tech Innovation Hub, hosted by BCjobs.ca in partnership with the BC Tech Association.
When: September 6
Time: 5 to 7:30 pm
Where: BC Tech Innovation Hub – 887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, BC
What: The University Women’s Club of Vancouver’s way of showcasing and celebrating the many amazing women’s groups and organizations that Vancouver has to offer. Mix and mingle with over 100 other fearless females, connect with women’s group exhibitors, and get inspired at the exclusive screening of the Oprah approved and Canadian produced documentary Dream, Girl.
When: September 7
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Where: University Women’s Club of Vancouver at Hycroft Manor – 1489 McRae Ave, Vancouver
What: An evening of networking, cocktails, appetizers, laughs, and inspiring stories from Janet Austin (CEO, YWCA Metro Vancouver), Meredith Powell (Co-Founder of The Next Big Thing), Brittany Whitmore (Founder, Exvera Communications),and Vivian Smith (Executive Director, Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation).
When: September 14
Time: 5 to 8 pm
Where: Cascades Casino, Coast Hotel & Convention Centre Summit Theatre – 20393 Fraser Highway, Langley
What: A lively evening of spirited, focused presentations by local professionals who’ll share their disruptive ideas on how to move the collective thinking forward when it comes to Human Beings – because we are all more than a (Human) Resource.
When: September 19
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Science World – 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
What: An evening of networking and #RadicalGenerosity at L’Atelier Coworking. Meet Vicki Saunders, Founder of SheEO, and learn about how SheEO is changing the landscape for female entrepreneurs. Hear from the Lunapads team, Sonia Strobel from Skipper Otto’s Community Supported Fishery, Barbara Alink from The Alinker and Patrice from Satya Organics, entrepreneurs who were funded and supported by the SheEO network. And connect with like-minded, inspiring women in the Vancouver community.
When: September 20
Time: 5 to 8 pm
Where: L’Atelier Vancouver Coworking – #400 319 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
What: Join Women in PR Canada at their end of summer soiree at Hycroft in Vancouver, B.C. Enjoy a conversation about career transitions, wine, networking and more.
What: Vancouver Startup Week is a gathering of entrepreneurs, developers, investors, and community leaders all coming together to celebrate one of the top tech hubs in the world. The city will be teeming with events, including presentations from some of the biggest names in the tech scene.
What: Slow Jam Sundays is a sexy video dance party featuring all your favourite old school (and new school) slow jams, spun by DJs Marlon J. English and P-luv alongside hosts Ariel Swan and Aaron Dudley.
When: September 3
Time: 9 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom– 867 Granville Street,
Vancouver
What: Born one day apart, Northwest hip hop duo KnowMads – Tom Pepe and Tom Wilson – began their movement almost a decade ago and have been cultivating one of the most diehard independent followings in the region ever since. They began making music purely out of love. As their passion grew, so did their fan base.
When: September 8
Time: 7 pm
Where: The Biltmore Cabaret – 2755 Prince Edward St, Vancouver
What: Known for flipping tracks into re-imagine bangers, Ohio-based bass producer Crankdat makes his return to Vancouver playing at VENUE for EMBRVCE Fridays.
What: Shlohmo is the creation of 22-year-old Henry Laufer, LA-native and visual artist turned selftaught musician. As a founding member of the WEDIDIT collective (RL Grime, Groundislava, D33j, Purple, 2kwtvr, Juj, Nick Melons), Henry’s early work placed him at the forefront of a new wave of rising talent amongst west coast producers. With an effortless grasp on sound design, Laufer combines deceptively simple and emotive melodies, subtle bass drops and swinging slow motion drums.
When: September 17
Time: 8 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom– 867 Granville Street, Vancouver
What: Brennan Heart (real name: Fabian Bohn) has an impressive track record as a DJ and producer with over 100 releases. His track “Lose my Mind” was an instant hit on YouTube with over 13 million views, and he has sold out the legendary Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam, Brennan is known for his unrestrained efforts and perseverance, constantly improving his skills and studio setup.
When: September 23
Time: 10 pm
Where: Harbour Event Centre – 750 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
What: Dutch brothers Victor and Stephan Leicher are fast conquering the world of dance music as scintillating duo DubVision. With five Beatport Main Chart Top 10s, two Beatport Progressive House Chart #1s and a Beatport Electro Chart #1 to their name, they have marked themselves out as a serious force in the dance music scene.
When: September 29
Time: 10 pm
Where: Harbour Event Centre – 750 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
What: Listen to great music, visit local artists at work and soak up those last rays of summer sun, while taking in the majestic views of the North Shore mountains and the pristine Capilano Reservoir. There will be free activities for the kids and free artist demonstrations in many mediums by a selection of talented local artists – they will also have artwork for sale.
What: Feast of Fields is a three hour wandering gourmet harvest festival that highlights the connections between farmers and chefs, field and table, and between farm folks and city folks. Taste, sip, and enjoy incredibly delicious creations from over 50 of BC’s best food and beverage providers.
What: Join local naturalist Gareth Pugh to walk the trails around Brae Island Regional Park and learn about the birds and animals that can be found there. Wear good walking shoes and bring your binoculars and cameras. This is an easy walk along level trails. Presented by Derby Reach/Brae Island Parks Association
What: The Fair features pony rides, petting farm, equestrian entertainment by Southlands Riding Club members, a Silent Auction, a beer garden, local arts and crafts market, heritage displays, farmers market, and more. This year’s proceeds will go towards the Southlands Riding Club Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation Program, which rescues abandoned and abused horses and rehabilitates them so they can be re-homed as riding horses. The remainder of the funds are used to support the Southlands Riding Club, a non-profit society established in 1943 as a recreational and training facility for junior and amateur equestrian athletes.
When: September 17
Time: 10 am to 10 pm
Where: 7025 Macdonald Street, Vancouver
Admission: Entry is by donation and parking is free. Some activities cost $1.00-$5.00
What: Try your hand at old-fashioned chores, enjoy fiddlers, artists and historians, and sample a variety of apples. Presented by Derby Reach/Brae Island Parks Association
When: September 30
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Derby Reach Regional Park. Meet at Heritage Area on Allard Crescent, north of 96th Ave, 4 km west of Fort Langley
What: This local food destination is situated on the corner of Georgia & Hamilton at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza. Shop fresh weekly to enjoy quality fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs and poultry, baked goods, artisan food and craft, fresh fish, and local craft beer, wine and spirits.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
When: Every Thursday to October 5 from 11 am to 3 pm
What: The Granville Island Farmers’ Market is the oldest of its kind in Vancouver offering customers fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers. This market also has local craft beer and wine vendors too.
Where: Triangle Square (between the Net Loft and the Public Market), Granville Island
When: Every Thursday to September 28 from 10 am to 3 pm
What: The market where it all began. Come meet your friends and neighbours, pick up supplies for a picnic by the lake, or just rub shoulders with farmers who care about the future of the land as much as the food they put on your plate.
What: Located in the heart of Vancouver’s West End, this laid-back Saturday market looks onto beautiful Nelson Park and adjacent community gardens. Take the dog for a walk and enjoy the best in local produce, prepared foods and crafts.
Where: West End Farmers Market – 1100 Comox Street, Vancouver
When: Every Saturday to October 21 from 9 am to 2 pm
What: Located just steps from the Skytrain, this convenient Wednesday farmers’ market is ideal for local food fans seeking an easy shop on their commute. Over 85% of the vendors at Main Street Station are primary producers offering an excellent mix of fresh and organic produce, meat, eggs, handmade cheeses, and more.
Where: Main Street Station – 1100 Station Street, Vancouver
What: You’ll find familiar faces like Applebarn Pumpkin Farm, Blue Comet Seafoods and Goldwing as well as new ones like Honest Food Farms, Rai Produce and Urban Digs Farm. You won’t have to elbow your way through lines to get at the cauliflower and there’s plenty of adjacent street parking. It’s also only a couple blocks from the 99 B-line.
Where: Dude Chilling Park – 2390 Brunswick Street, Vancouver
When: Every Sunday to October 8 from 10 am to 2 pm
What: This one-of-a-kind market is the only riverfront market in Vancouver. Come shop for fruits and vegetables, prepared foods, and handmade products produced by farmers and artisans. Stay for live music, a delicious meal and enjoy the waterfront, playground and pier.
Where: Kerr Street Plaza – 8683 Street, Vancouver
When: Every Saturday to October 14 from 10 am to 3 pm
What: The Ambleside Farmers’ Market has a wide selection of organic and conventional produce. Prepared food vendors include baking, jams, honey, syrups, salsas and much more. The Ambleside Market has a games table, kids play area, and live music.
Where: Ambleside Farmers Market – 1500 block of Bellevue Street, West Vancouver
When: Every Sunday to October 30 from 10 am to 4 pm
What: The Lonsdale Quay Farmers’ Market has a great selection of conventional and organic produce. You also will find local artisans with jewellery, pottery, photography, kids clothing, soaps & much more. The market also has a book exchange, newspaper reading area, and live music.
Where: East Plaza of the Lonsdale Quay Market – 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
When: Every Saturday to October 29 from 10 am to 3 pm
What: The Richmond Night Market is returning on May 12, people. This market draws crowds from across the province who travel to taste to rows on rows of vibrant cuisine offered and check out the diverse line-up of nightly performances on to 50-foot entertainment stage.
Day/Time: Fridays and Saturdays 7 pm to Midnight, Sundays and holiday Mondays 7 to 11 pm
Dates: Now to October 9, 2017
Location: 8351 River Road (nearby Bridgeport Station)
Admission: $3.75 (regular admission). Kids 10 and under, seniors 60 and up are free. Zoom pass (up to 7 visits) is $20.
What: First there was the International Summer Night Market, then, there was the Panda Market, now, there’s the brand new Illumination Summer Night Market. This event features over 300 different booths including over 200 retailers and 60 food ones. Illumination will feature special weekends dedicated to themes such as Music Festival Weekend, Culture Festival Weekend, and Music, Dance, and Singing Competitions.
Days/Time: Friday and Saturday from 7 pm to midnight, Sunday from 7 to 11 pm, and long weekends from 7 to midnight.
Dates: Now to September 10, 2017
Location: 12631 Vulcan Way (behind Home Depot on Sweden Way)
What: Back at it again, the North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market is returning for summer 2017. 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 weekly. Shipyard Plaza in North Vancouver will be transformed into a vibrant night market every Friday night starting May 5.
Day/Time: Fridays 5 to 10 pm
Dates: Now to September 29, 2017
Location: Shipbuilders’ Square – 138 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Admission: Free
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Daniel Chai
Daniel Chai is a writer and actor based in Vancouver, BC.