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.