60 things to do in Vancouver in August

Summer in Vancouver is one of the best times of the year with tons of events and activities happening around the city.

Here are 60 things to do in Vancouver in August.

Street Festivals, Parties & Fireworks

Honda Celebration of Light

What: Every year, hundreds of thousands of people flood English Bay to watch different countries compete using fire in the sky. Competitors this year are China, Brazil and, of course, Canada.
Where: English Bay – corner of Denman St. and Davie St., Vancouver
When: Saturday, August 1; 10 p.m.

Harmony Arts Festival

What: The 10-day festival attracts over 130,000 people. You can expect 70 free concerts this year from some of Canada’s most memorable artists.
Where: John Lawson Park, West Vancouver
When: Until to Sunday, August 9

Vancouver Street Dance Festival

What: The free dance event takes place at Robson Square (our city’s apparent dance mecca), where people get together for workshops, dance battles and live music performances.
Where: Robson Square Ice Rink – 800 Robson St., Vancouver
When: Until to Sunday, August 2

Powell Street Festival

What: This yearly festival is a celebrating of all things Japanese-Canadian. According to their website, their annual programming includes “collaborative and/or intercultural explorations between Japanese Canadian and Asian Canadian artists”. Events usually include performances, art and food booths.
Where: Various locations
When: Saturday, August 1 to Sunday, August 2; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m

TD Vancouver Chinatown Festival

What: Markets, walking tours, food tastings, stage performances, and a talent show encompass the 2015 Chinatown Festival. This year’s theme is Flair for Fashion.
Where: Chinatown, Vancouver
When: Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9

Vancouver Queer Film Festival

What: For 27 years, this festival has run in hopes to illuminate the transformative moments in the lives of queer people by showcasing queer films.
Where: Various locations, Vancouver
When: Thursday, August 13 to Sunday, August 23

Anime Revolution

What: This annual convention celebrates everything Anime. With cosplay contests, a panel with your favourite artists and vendors selling Anime memorabilia, this is the place for any Anime fan.
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre
When: Friday, August 14 to Sunday, August 16

The Fair at the PNE

What: The annual fair returns this August with all the classic attractions and food, plus new events including Peter Pan: The Broadway Musical, The Beatles Memorabilia Exhibit, Superhero Discovery Centre, Dinosaurs Alive! A Jurassic Experience, Mermaid Tales and the 5K Donut Dash.
Where: Pacific National Exhibition – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
When: Saturday, August 22 to Monday September 7 (closed August 24 & 31); 11 a.m. till late.

Go Topless Day Vancouver 2015

What: Ladies, take advantage of the one day when your bosoms can bounce freely down the streets of Vancouver.
Where: Robson from Denman to Hornby, Vancouver
When: Sunday, August 23; 1 to 3 p.m.

Full Moon Party

What: A full moon party is in the works again this year, despite last years controversies. Full moon parties are popular among tourists in Thailand and are known for getting wild and lasting all night.
Where: English Bay, Vancouver
When: Saturday, August 29

Outdoor Movies

Evo Summer Cinema Series: Top Gun

What: Watch Top Gun outside! The site will be outfitted with a four-storey inflatable movie screen, transforming the area into a magical outdoor cinema within a matter of hours, fit for thousands of Vancouverites to visit and watch flicks throughout the summer.
Where: Ceperley Meadows (Second Beach), Stanley Park
When: Tuesday, August 4; dusk

Waterfront Cinema at Canada Place: The Proposal

What: Watch The Proposal outside at Waterfront Cinema at Canada Place presented by Port Metro Vancouver. *Movies will be cancelled in the case of rain and rescheduled for a later date
Where: North point of Canada Place
When: Thursday, August 6; 8:40 p.m.

Evo Summer Cinema Series: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

What: Watch Harry Potter outside! The site will be outfitted with a four-storey inflatable movie screen, transforming the area into a magical outdoor cinema within a matter of hours, fit for thousands of Vancouverites to visit and watch flicks throughout the summer.
Where: Ceperley Meadows (Second Beach), Stanley Park
When: Tuesday, August 11; dusk

Waterfront Cinema at Canada Place: Back to the Future Part II

What: Watch Back to the Future Part II outside at Waterfront Cinema at Canada Place presented by Port Metro Vancouver. *Movies will be cancelled in the case of rain and rescheduled for a later date
Where: North point of Canada Place
When: Thursday, August 13; 8:30 p.m.

Evo Summer Cinema Series: Jurassic Park (1993)

What: Watch the original Jurassic Park outside! The site will be outfitted with a four-storey inflatable movie screen, transforming the area into a magical outdoor cinema within a matter of hours, fit for thousands of Vancouverites to visit and watch flicks throughout the summer.
Where: Ceperley Meadows (Second Beach), Stanley Park
When: Tuesday, August 18; dusk

Waterfront Cinema at Canada Place: Dumb and Dumber

What: Watch Dumb and Dumber outside at Waterfront Cinema at Canada Place presented by Port Metro Vancouver. *Movies will be cancelled in the case of rain and rescheduled for a later date
Where: North point of Canada Place
When: Thursday, August 20; 8:15 p.m.

Evo Summer Cinema Series: Tomorrowland

What: Watch Tomorrowland outside! The site will be outfitted with a four-storey inflatable movie screen, transforming the area into a magical outdoor cinema within a matter of hours, fit for thousands of Vancouverites to visit and watch flicks throughout the summer.
Where: Ceperley Meadows (Second Beach), Stanley Park
When: Tuesday, August 25; dusk

Waterfront Cinema at Canada Place: The Hunger Games – Catching Fire

What: Watch Catching Fire outside at Waterfront Cinema at Canada Place presented by Port Metro Vancouver. *Movies will be cancelled in the case of rain and rescheduled for a later date
Where: North point of Canada Place
When: Thursday, August 27; 8 p.m.

Music

Shorefest

What: More than 20 free concerts will take place at English Bay and Sunset Beach Park in conjunction with the city’s 25th annual Honda Celebration of Light.
Where: English Bay and Sunset Beach, Vancouver
When: Saturday, August 1; 2 p.m.

Taylor Swift

What: Queen Taylor Swift brings the celebrated 1989 Tour to Vancouver for one night only at BC Place. Openers include Vance Joy and Shawn Mendes.
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
When: Saturday, August 1; 7 p.m.

Squamish Valley Music Festival

What: This summer’s festival, produced by Live Nation Canada in partnership with brand.LIVE, will return to Logger Sports Grounds and Centennial Fields in Squamish for three days from Friday, August 7 to Sunday, August 9. Headliners include Drake, Mumford & Sons and Sam Smith.
Where: Logger Sports Grounds and Centennial Fields, Squamish
When: Friday, August 7 to Sunday, August 9

Burnaby Blues Festival

What: Held in Deer Lake Park, this daylong event features a multitude of bluesy concerts set in the outdoor theatre.
Where: Deer Lake Park, Burnaby
When: Saturday, August 8; noon to 10 p.m.

Nicki Minaj: The Pinkprint Tour

What: Singer and rapper Nicki Minaj brings the Pink Print Tour to Rogers Arena this summer to play hits from her latest album.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
When: Sunday, August 16; 7 p.m.

PNE Summer Concerts

What: This year’s Summer Night Concerts feature an exciting array of artists that are sure to please fans of all genres. Pop stars, Country favorites, R&B icons, and Rock ‘N’ Roll legends, will all be showcased at the 2015 PNE Concert series.
Where: PNE Amphitheater inside the PNE Fair grounds, Vancouver
When: Nightly between August 23 and September 7

SLIPKNOT

What: SLIPKNOT, the famed heavy metal band, will be performing in Vancouver this summer for their Summer’s Last Stand Tour.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
When: Monday, August 24; 6 p.m.

Janet Jackson

What: Janet Jackson brings her Unbreakable Tour to Rogers Arena for a throw back to some classic 90s hits.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
When: Monday, August 31; 8 p.m.

Food & Drink

Vancouver Longtable Dinner

What: This communal dining experience will take place outside in striking natural settings and award-winning Executive Chef James Walt will prepare exclusive four-course menus of his signature farm-to-table dishes. Wine pairings will be selected by 2013 Sommelier of the Year Samantha Rahn, and service organized by Restaurant Director Neil Henderson.
Where: Bard on the Beach in Vanier Park
When: Monday, August 3; 4 p.m.

Gourmet Ice Cream Tour

What: Off The Eaten Track’s Gourmet Ice Cream Tour will grant attendees the opportunity to visit local ice creams shops and sample lots of delicious locally-made ice cream. From soft-serve to ice cream sandwiches, this tour highlights some of the best frozen treats in the city.
Where: Meeting place is at Railtown Café – 397 Railway Street, Vancouver
When: Every Wednesday of August (5,12,19,26); 5 to 6 p.m.

Food Cart Fest

What: Over 20 of Vancouver’s most popular food carts will gather in one spot every Sunday this summer for the return of the Food Cart Fest in Olympic Village.
Where: 215 West 1st Avenue, Olympic Village, Vancouver
When: Sundays, starting June 28, 2015 from noon to 5 p.m.

Parking Lot Series at Red Truck Brewery

What: Featuring musical acts such as, Head Of The Herd, The Dudes, Good For Grapes, Ice Cream Social DJs, and a variety of Red Truck Beer and food trucks, Red Truck Brewery’s Parking Lot Series is sure to be a great and lively event.
Where: Red Truck Brewery parking lot – 295 East 1st Avenue, Strathcona
When: Saturday, August 15; 4 to 10 p.m.

Diner en Blanc Vancouver

What: On Tuesday, August 25, lucky ticket holders will gather at an as-yet undisclosed Vancouver location to set up tables and chairs along with their picnic goodies for a chic and unforgettable evening of social community.
Where: Location TBA
When: Tuesday, August 25

Main Street Station Farmers’ Market

What: This market features vendors lined up on the east side of Thornton Park on the sidewalk along Station Street, within ideal reach on foot for bus and SkyTrain users. Take note of new hours for 2015.
Where: 1100 Station St., Vancouver
When: Wednesdays, 2 to 6 p.m.; June 3 to October 7, 2015

Oak Street Farmers’ Market

What: This young South Vancouver market boasts all Certified Organic produce, meat, and eggs. It’s run by the Unitarian church, with a goal of connecting locals to their food and farmers.
Where: Unitarian Church of Vancouver – Oak St. and West 49th Ave., Vancouver
When: Wednesdays, 3 to 7 p.m.; June 3 to October 14, 2015

Granville Island Farmers’ Market

What: This cash-only market is steps from all the great food and vendors, and has been around for over 20 years.
Where: Triangle Square, Granville Island – Vancouver
When: Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; June 4 to late October 2015

Yaletown Farmers’ Market

What: A very urban market indeed, the pedestrian-friendly streets of Yaletown welcome vendors and farmers Thursday afternoons and evenings for a terrific food and shopping experience, right at the Yaletown-Roundhouse Canada Line station.
Where: 1200 Mainland Street, Vancouver
When: Thursdays, 2 to 6 p.m.; May 7 to October 29, 2015

UBC Farm markets

What: The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems operates the UBC Farm, and three weekly farm markets (June through October) on campus, providing students, faculty, and staff the chance to engage with the community and support local farming.
Where: UBC Farm – 3461 Ross Drive (Tuesdays & Saturdays), UBC Bookstore – 6200 University Boulevard (Wednesdays)
When: Tuesdays, 4 to 6 p.m. (June 9 to October), Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (June 10 to October), Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (June 13 to October)

Il Mercato Italian Market

What: The market brings together the tastes of Italy with fresh produce grown locally, in addition to delicious food prepared by Il Centro’s chef and handmade products from local artisans.
Where: 3075 Slocan Street, East Vancouver
When: Every third Friday of the month, May 15 to November 20, 2015; 3 to 7 p.m.

Trout Lake Farmers’ Market

What: This is the farmers’ market that started up in 1995 and became the cornerstone of the Vancouver Farmers’ Market collective of markets.
Where: Lakewood Drive and 13th Avenue, East Vancouver
When: Saturdays; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; May 9 to October 24

West End Farmers’ Market

What: The West End’s relaxed Saturday market is a great meeting spot for locals. Grab a cup of coffee, peek at the adjacent community gardens, and take a stroll with your purchases at Nelson Park.
Where: Comox Street (between Bute and Thurlow), Vancouver
When: Saturdays, May 30 to October 24; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kerrisdale Farmers’ Market

What: The Kerrisdale Farmers’ Market lines East Boulevard every Saturday, bringing out the locals in one of Vancouver’s oldest communities. Stroll, shop, and eat at this vibrant weekend gathering.
Where: East Boulevard (between 37th and 41st Avenues), Vancouver
When: Saturdays, June 10 to October 13; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

River District Farmers’ Market

What: This market offers a unique riverfront gathering place in a burgeoning local community. Shop from vendors and artisans, and soak up some local colour.
Where: Kerr Street Plaza, 8683 Kerr Street
When: Saturdays, May 30 to October 10; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kitsilano Farmers’ Market

What: The Kits market takes place Sundays in the parking lot of the Community Centre, and has a Bike Valet for shoppers on two wheels, and lots nearby for families to do.
Where: West 10th Ave (between Larch and Balsam), Vancouver
When: Sundays; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; May 10 to October 25

*A note for this summer: During construction on the parking lot at the Kits Community Centre, the Kitsilano Market will temporarily relocate to Riley Park, at the southeast corner of 30th Avenue and Ontario Street. From May 10 to June 7, 2015 the market will run on the same day and time, and have all the same vendors as the Kits market.

Mt Pleasant Farmers’ Market

What: The Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market is one of the newer kids on the Vancouver Farmers’ Market’s block, but it has quickly become a focal point of the community, bringing familiar vendors and neighbourhood faces together Sundays.
Where: 2300 Guelph Street, Mount Pleasant, Vancouver
When: Sundays, June 14 to October 11; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m

Night Markets

International Summer Night Market

What: Each weekend over 20,000 visitors hit up this massive summertime night market in Richmond and experience the diverse array of booths, food and drink vendors, kids’ play area, and live entertainment.
Where: 12631 Vulcan Way (behind Home Depot on Sweden Way), Richmond
When: Friday, May 8 to September 27; Fridays and Saturdays 6 to 11 p.m. and Sundays 6 to 10 p.m.

Richmond Night Market

What: Drawing crowds from all over Metro Vancouver, the Richmond Night Market is located within easy access of the Canada Line’s Bridgeport Station. Roam the aisles to find games, food, and all sorts of wares for sale. Late nighters take note, this is the only local night market open until midnight (Fridays and Saturdays).
Where: 8351 River Rd. (nearby Bridgeport Station)
When: May 15 to October 12, 2015; Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m. to Midnight, Sundays and holiday Mondays 7 to 11 p.m.

Shipyards Night Market

What: The Shipyards Night market features food trucks, live music, numerous vendors and a beer garden.
Where: Shipbuilders’ Square – 138 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
When: May 1 to September 25; Fridays, 5 to 10 p.m.

Surrey Night Market 2015

What: Surrey Night Market is an open air event for local residents to sell and consume a variety of local foods, services and goods.
Where: Cloverdale Exhibition Grounds – 17726-62 Ave., Surrey
When: Friday, May 29 to Sunday, September 20; Friday, Saturday and Sunday; 6 to 11 p.m.

Plaza of Nations Saturday Night Market

What: The Plaza of Nations transformed into an outdoor marketplace, complete with food trucks, craft beer, and local bands
Where: Plaza of Nations – 750 Pacific Boulevard
When: Every Saturday, June 20 to September 12, 2015; 5 to 10 p.m.

Sports

Free Yoga at Kits Beach

What: Free yoga classes held at Kits Beach Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings from 7 to 8 p.m.
Where: Kits Beach, between the swimming pool and tennis courts – Cornwall Ave. and Yew St., Vancouver
When: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday night until August 31, 2015; 7 to 8 p.m.

Free Yoga at Dude Chilling Park

What: Yoga instructor Solomon Montijo, along with ten other teachers, hosts free classes daily at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. in Dude Chilling Park.
Where: Dude Chilling Park – 2390 Brunswick St., Vancouver
When: Daily; 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Ballroom dancing lessons at Robson Square

What: DanceSportBC’s Robson Square sub-committee will be hosting 10 nights of free dancing, lessons and performances beginning in June.
Where: Robson Square Ice Rink – 800 Robson St., Vancouver
When: Every Friday of the summer, beginning June 26; 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Free salsa dancing at Robson Square

What: Free lessons begin earlier on in the day taught by professional salsa dancers, which are followed by a dance show at 5 p.m. filled with some of Vancouver’s best performers.
Where: Robson Square Ice Rink – 800 Robson St., Vancouver
When: Every Sunday from July 5 to August 30, 3:30 to 7 p.m.

Vancouver’s Largest Water Fight

What: Looking for a way to cool off this summer? Grab your buckets, fill your Super Soakers and get your trigger finger ready for the 9th annual Vancouver Water Fight.
Where: Lumberman’s Arch, Stanley Park
When: Saturday, August 8; 1 p.m.

lululemon SeaWheeze Half Marathon

What: lululemon’s annual half marathon takes over the streets of Vancouver for running and much more. Sunset yoga, brunch and a sunset festival are all part of the massive event.
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
When: Saturday, August 15

Slide the City North Vancouver

What: Slide down a four-city-block length of Lonsdale Avenue beginning at Keith Road and ending at 3rd Street with a long splash pool stretch to stop.
Where: Lonsdale Avenue and Keith Road, North Vancouver
When: Saturday, August 22; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

PNE 5K Donut Dash

What: The inaugural PNE Donut Dash 5km is Vancouver’s tastiest 5km run where runners will be re-energized with tasty treats throughout the course, including mini donuts, cotton candy and more.
Where: Empire Fields and PNE Fairgrounds
When: Sunday, August 23; 9 a.m.

Other

Friday Night Live at Hastings Racecourse

What: Hastings Racecourse brings back their popular Friday night races every Friday in August. Join the fun with a live DJ, food and drink specials and racing beginning at 7 p.m.
Where: Hastings Racecourse -188 North Renfrew Street, Vancouver
When: Every Friday in August; 6 p.m.

Abbotsford Air Show

What: Hosted in Abbotsford, this is the region’s biggest celebration of flight, complete with hundreds of airplanes and dozens of air displays.
Where: Abbotsford International Airport – 1595 Townline Road, Abbotsford
When: Friday, August 7 to Sunday, August 9

Science World Ultimate Dinosaurs Exhibit

What: Ultimate Dinosaurs introduces you to new and unique dinosaurs that evolved in isolation in South America, Africa and Madagascar. The exhibition combines rarely seen specimens with augmented reality technology that transforms full-scale dinosaurs into flesh-covered animated beasts right before your eyes.
Where: TELUS World of Science – 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver
When: Saturday, May 30 to September 7, 2015; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m

Stefan Stagmeister: The Happy Show

What: One of the largest exhibitions in MOV’s 120-year history, this astonishing experience transcends the boundary between art and design. It takes over museum galleries and in-between spaces-stairwells, hallways, and restrooms-in order to ask: what makes us happy?
Where: Museum of Vancouver – 1100 Chestnut St., Vancouver
When: Daily until Monday, September 7; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more events happening around Metro Vancouver, visit our Events Calendar.