20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: Aug. 11 to 17

August is just speeding by! Let’s slow down and savour the good times!

From the PNE Fair to Richmond Garlic Fest and more, here are 20 fun events around Metro Vancouver from Aug. 11 to 17.

Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.

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PNE Fair 2025

What: The PNE Fair in Vancouver is back for a big 2025, and you’ll want to prepare your summer schedule accordingly.

A highlight of the fair every year is the huge summer night concerts. Music lovers won’t want to miss the exciting mix of music legends and rising stars coming to The Chevrolet Stage inside the Pacific Coliseum.

It wouldn’t be the PNE without some exciting entertainment. Save room in your fair schedule to see the SuperDogs’ new western-inspired show “Wild Wild Wolf” in the Agrodome, the ultimate aerial I-FLIP Show, The Flying Fools High Dive Show, and The Big Backyard free play zone. And don’t forget all of your favourite fair food!

When: Saturday, Aug. 16 to Monday, Sept. 1, 2025 (closed on Aug. 18 and 25)
Time: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: 2901 E. Hastings St., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, purchase online

You might also like:
• A free fireworks festival is lighting up Metro Vancouver this month
• Disney's new on-ice extravaganza comes to Vancouver this fall
• Huge job fairs and career training expos are coming to Vancouver

Kitsilano Showboat

What: The iconic Kitsilano Showboat is in its 90th season this year with five performances each week in front of the North Shore mountain’s scenic backdrop. Enjoy dance, music and more from around the world right here in Vancouver, and each show is free to enjoy.

When: Wednesdays to Sundays until Aug. 17, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Kitsilano Beach – western end of the park next to Kits Pool
Cost: Free

Neighbourhood Patio at Bentall Centre

What: Soak up the summer vibes at the Neighbourhood Patio Pop-Up, your go-to weekday escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy live music daily, get creative at the Art Cart, or make your own bouquet to take home.

There will also be giveaways every afternoon of sweet and savoury treats with special appearances from local favourites like Earnest Ice Cream, Paella Guys, and Oyster Boys. And don’t forget to swing by FUNK Coffee Bar for their must-try Aperol Slush and crave-worthy bar snacks.

Whether you’re unwinding solo or meeting friends, this is one summer hangout you won’t want to miss.

When: Monday to Friday from Aug. 11 to 22, 2025
Time: 12 to 7 p.m.
Where: The Breezeway at Bentall Centre — 595 Burrard St., Vancouver
Admission: Free

Richmond Garlic Festival

What: Head to The Sharing Farm for a garlicky good time at the Richmond Garlic Fest. Guests will enjoy delicious food, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and unique experiences like birds-of-prey flying demos.

With dozens of local farmers, artisans, and food vendors on site, visitors can explore garlic in all its flavorful forms, from farm-fresh bulbs to the ever-popular garlic ice cream. So mark your calendars, bring your appetite, and join in the stinking good time.

When: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: The Sharing Farm — 2771 Westminster Hwy., Richmond
Tickets: By donation, suggested $5

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Houston Dynamo

What: Vancouver Whitecaps continue their MLS season this summer with exciting home games at BC Place. Cheer on the ‘Caps as they face the Houston Dynamo on Sunday, Aug. 17.

When: Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

Creed

What: Legendary rockers Creed have announced new dates for their latest North American tour, and it will soon be Vancouver’s turn to welcome them with arms wide open.

The Grammy-nominated group is bringing the Summer of ’99 Tour to Rogers Arena on Saturday, Aug. 16, with special guests Big Wreck and Mammoth WVH.

When: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices. Tickets available online

GranVino Wine Walk

What: GranVino is a walkable wine-tasting event in South Granville, featuring over 20 curated stops including boutiques, galleries, concept stores, and restaurants.

Guests will enjoy up to 15 tastings of B.C. wines, ciders, and spirits, paired with exclusive in-store experiences, promotions, giveaways and surprises. You will also receive a limited-edition tasting cup and tote to keep.

More than a wine event, the GranVino Wine Walk is a celebration of local creativity, community, and the vibrant culture of the neighbourhood.

When: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission: Tickets start at $75 plus fees, available on Eventbrite.

ARC Restaurant and HYPE Chocolate‘s Artisanal Ice Cream Pop-Up

What: Fairmont Waterfront’s ARC Restaurant and HYPE Chocolate are teaming up for an Artisanal Ice Cream Pop-Up, right next to ARC Patio in downtown Vancouver.

Ice cream fans can discover distinctive flavours like Lemon, Wildflower Honey & Thyme sorbet, a Salted Chocolate ice cream, and a Vanilla Bean & Brown Butter Croissant flavour that is crowned with edible gold.

There will also be a rotating selection of signature flavours and HYPE Chocolate’s signature seasonal B.C. berry cups topped with warm chocolate.

When: Every Saturday and Sunday until Sept. 14, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Beside Arc Restaurant’s Patio – 900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver

Vancouver Career Fair and Training Expo Canada

What: Career Fair and Training Expo Canada is taking place at Pan Pacific Vancouver on Thursday, Aug. 14 and Tuesday, Oct. 28.

The upcoming Vancouver job fairs bring together a mix of employers from a variety of industries, as well as on-site training exhibitors who can teach applicants about different credentials that may help them land their dream jobs.

When: Thursday, Aug. 14 and Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Pan Pacific Vancouver – 999 Canada Place, #300
Cost: Free, register online

Meet Me in Gastown

What: Meet Me in Gastown returns for its fourth year on Thursday, Aug. 14, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Maple Tree Square.

Enjoy a vibrant evening of street food from 16 Gastown restaurants, including Monarca, The Greek, and Robba Da Matti. Shop local, savour affordable bites, and catch live music, including a special set by the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra.

Keep the party going into the night with a DJ set at the Cocktail Patio hosted by Monarca and Guilt & Co.

When: Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025
Time: 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: Maple Tree Square Stage and an after-party held at Carrall St. Alley, Gastown
Cost: Free

WNBA Canada Game: Seattle Storm vs. Atlanta Dream

What: The WNBA has announced that a contest between the Seattle Storm and Atlanta Dream will take place at Rogers Arena, making it the league’s first-ever regular-season matchup held outside the United States.

The Storm are the 2020 WNBA Champions and have four titles across franchise history, tied for the best mark of any team.

While this is Canada’s first regular-season game, it is also the country’s third time hosting a WNBA game, as Toronto and Edmonton both held preseason games in the past.

When: Friday, Aug. 15, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices. Tickets for sale online

Superflux 5th Birthday Party

What: Head to Superflux Beery Company to help them celebrate their fifth birthday. The 19+ shindig will feature live DJs, new beer releases, wines from Pamplemousse Jus, and eats from Taqueria Chicatana and Superflux.

When: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025
Time: 2 to 10 p.m.
Where: Superflux Beer Company – 505 Clark Dr., Vancouver
Admission: Free

Extreme Bounce Inflatapark

What: Those looking for a new activity to do with the whole family can finally jump for joy, because North America’s largest indoor bounce park is now open in Surrey.

Extreme Bounce Inflatapark is an 18,000 sq. ft. destination filled with immersive activities, high-tech visuals, and surprises for guests of all ages to enjoy.

There are 17 events to challenge yourself with inside Extreme Bounce Inflatapark during your 60-minute timeslot, from slides to obstacle courses and even dodgeball. Numerous staff members are inside the park to ensure safety.

When: Open seven days a week
Where:  Unit 3700 10153 King George Blvd., Surrey

Light Up Chinatown!

What: A family-friendly festival reconnecting Vancouverites to Chinatown returns this weekend, and foodies are in for a treat!

The fifth annual Light Up Chinatown! is happening on Aug. 16 and 17 at 500 Columbia St. and neighbouring streets in the historic cultural neighbourhood.

Everyone is invited to enjoy live entertainment, a kids’ fun zone, and unique street food creations during the free event. Plus, there are some great prizes to be won.

When: Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Saturday), 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: 500 Columbia St. and neighbouring streets in Chinatown
Admission: Free

Theatre Under the Stars: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Legally Blonde The Musical

What: Theatre Under the Stars’ 85th year at the Malkin Bowl will feature Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Legally Blonde The Musical. The shows will run on alternate evenings until Aug. 16, and promise to be another great year of theatre in Stanley Park.

When: Now until Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 (Performances alternate evenings)
Time: 8 p.m., except on Fireworks Nights (July 19, 23, and 26, when shows begin at 7 p.m.)
Where: Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park – 610 Pipeline Rd., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Summer Cinema in Burnaby

What: A long-running fresh-air film series is returning to Burnaby this summer, and it’s packed with favourites the whole family can enjoy.

The fun kicks off with A Minecraft Movie on Aug. 15 at Civic Plaza and Dog Man on Aug. 16 at Confederation Park. Then make plans to check out other family-friendly flicks at both locations throughout the rest of the month.

When: Saturday, Aug. 16 and 23 (Confederation Park), Friday, Aug. 15, 22 and 29, 2025 (Civic Plaza)
Time: 8:15 p.m.
Where: Civic Square by Bob Prittie Library – 6100 Willingdon Ave., Burnaby; Confederation Square — 250 Willingdon Ave., Burnaby
Cost: Free

New West Pride Street Festival

What: Pride Week in New West will wrap up with the Pride Street Party, where Columbia Street will be closed to traffic, and instead will play home to live entertainment, family-friendly activities, vendors and food trucks, and more.

When: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025
Time: 3 to 10 p.m.
Where: Columbia Street, New Westminster
Admission: Free

Jay Nok x Rewind: HEY HAAA Thai Brunch & R&B Beats

What: You’re invited to a Thai brunch and day party at Olympic Village’s Jay Nok. Enjoy Chef Nok’s unique twist on classic brunch items, such as the Thai tea French toast and a Thai basil omelette. Rewind DJs will also set the vibes with a playlist of R&B throwbacks, and guests will even have a chance to win a pair of tickets to Rewind’s End of Summer Party.

When: Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Jay Nok Modern Thai – 127 W. 2nd Ave., Vancouver
Reservations: Online