28 things to do in Vancouver this week: August 12 to 15

A brand new week means brand new events to enjoy! Here are 28 fun things to do in Vancouver from Monday, August 12 to Thursday, August 15, including Odlum Brown VanOpen, Deep into Darkness, and more.

For even more things happening around town check out our events section.

See also

• 'Poutine With Purpose' is officially coming to Vancouver this September
• Post Malone is playing in Vancouver this September
• Here's everything you can expect at Vancouver Startup Week

Monday, August 12

2019 Odlum Brown VanOpen

What: The 2019 Odlum Brown VanOpen, a Tennis Canada Event, is the largest and most celebrated Men’s and Women’s professional tennis tournament in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. This year’s competitors include Canadians Genie Bouchard, Vasek Pospisil, Rebecca Marino, and Brayden Schnur.

When: August 12 to August 18, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Hollyburn Country Club – 950 Cross Creek Road, West Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Crankworx Whistler 2019

What: ​The world’s largest mountain bike festival comes home to Whistler. Red Bull Joyride, Whip-Off World Championships, Kidsworx activities, and parties every night. Free for the public to enjoy.

When: Now to August 18, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations in Whistler
Admission: Free, though you can buy VIP tickets for a number of events here.

Summer Dance Series with DanZa

What: These free classes with Danza Productions are designed to introduce a variety of Urban and Afro-Caribbean inspired dance styles and rhythms. These beginner-friendly classes cater to multiple fitness levels and abilities. Presented by Vancouver Civic Theatres in partnership with DanZa Productions.

When: August 12 and August 19, 2019
Time: 6 pm
Where: šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn (formerly QET Plaza) – 695 Cambie St, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Vancouver TheatreSports

What: Known for their high-quality hilarity, Vancouver TheatreSports (VTS) will have locals and tourists alike laughing until their sides ache. Not only are they affordable (tickets start as low as $10.00 online!), but VTS is a registered charity too, so you’re laughing for a good cause.

There is a show every night – check out their schedule below and then go get your tickets at VTSL.com.

• Mondays: Improv Mondays with Michelle at 7:30 pm
• Tuesdays: Classic TheatreSports at 7:30 pm
• Wednesdays: Classic TheatreSports at 7:30 pm
• Thursdays: Classic TheatreSports at 7:30 pm, OK Tinder at 9:15 pm
• Fridays: Classic TheatreSports at 7:30 pm, and 9:30 pm
• Saturdays: Classic TheatreSports 7:30 pm, and 9:30 pm, The Late Show at 11:15 pm
• Sundays: Rookie Night at 7:30 pm

When: Every day throughout the summer
Time: Various times
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau Street, Granville Island, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Afternoon Tea in The Window

What: For a limited time starting August 1, guests can reserve appointments to enjoy afternoon tea in the hotel’s street-level window display on West Georgia Street. The experience will begin with the guest’s choice of Fairmont’s LOT 35 Tea, followed by an array of eats like house-baked English scones and golden sultana scones with clotted cream, strawberry preserves, and orange marmalade, tea sandwiches, and sweets from the hotel’s pastry shop. There is only one reservation per day available at noon, and this experience is $59 per person.

When: Monday to Friday until September 2. 2019
Time: 12 pm
Where: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver –
Price: $59 per person; reserve online or call 604-662-1900

CBC Musical Nooners

What: Free, live music concerts will be happening every weekday on the CBC Vancouver outdoor stage. Bring your lunch, to enjoy the 10th season of CBC Musical Nooners. Different performer each weekday.

When: Every weekday until August 16, 2019
Time: 12 to 1 pm
Where: CBC Vancouver – 700 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

YES SHEF! Elevating Women in Food and Wine Dinner

What: On August 12, the Worth Association for the Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality and award-winning Chambar Restaurant will co-host the YES SHEF! Elevating Women in Food and Wine fundraiser.

When: August 12, 2019
Time: 6 pm
Where: Chambar – 568 Beatty Street, Vancouver
Price: $180; buy online

Tuesday, August 13

Free Outdoor Movies in Stanley Park – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

What: One of the most popular summertime events in the city is back as free outdoor movies return to Stanley Park this summer. The Evo Summer Cinema Series on August 13 features Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on a four-story inflatable movie screen. Be there before dusk and take part in the many fun pre-show activities, including games, prizes, and giveaways, as well as the weekly offering of food truck fare and classic movie treats.

Please bring your own blankets and/or lawn chairs and, since it’s a family-friendly event, smoking or alcohol is not permitted. Moviegoers are encouraged to walk, take transit, or bike to Stanley Park for the shows  – there will be a bike valet service offered on-site each night too.

When: Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Time: Dusk
Where: Ceperley Meadows near Second Beach, Stanley Park
Admission: Free

Deep into Darkness

What: Third Wheel Production’s Deep into Darkness invites you into the mind of Edgar Allan Poe as “he desperately searches for his lost love in this tragic dream within a dream,” experiencing poems like ‘Tell-Tale Heart’ and ‘The Raven.’ Explore over 20 rooms and three floors as you touch objects, rifle through drawers, and read through papers, unravelling “the mystery of [Edgar Allan Poe’s] chaotic descent into madness” at The Cultch. Attendees should dress comfortably and be prepared to walk/stand for the entirety of the show. The show is 18+ due to adult themes involving nudity and violence.

When: August 13 to 18, August 20 to 25, 2019
Time: Doors 7:15 pm, show 8 pm
Where: The Cultch — 1895 Venables St, Vancouver
Tickets: Early bird price $65, regular price $75, and at-door price $85

Romeo & Juliet and Love You Forever…. and More Munsch

What: Beach House Theatre’s 2019 season features Romeo & Juliet and Love You Forever…. and More Munsch. Enjoy outdoor performances right on Crescent Beach.

When: August 13 to 18, 2019 (Romeo & Juliet), August 14 to 17 (Love You Forever…. and More Munsch)
Time: 8 pm  (Romeo & Juliet), 11 am (Love You Forever…. and More Munsch)
Where: Blackie Spit Park – 3136 McBride Ave, Surrey
Tickets: Online

Music on the Plaza – Beauty Shop Dolls

What: Enjoy free live music at Surrey Civic Plaza in the evenings throughout August. Bring your folding chairs or blankets and join the fun with Beauty Shop Dolls on August 13.

When: August 13, 2019
Time: 6:30 to 8 pm
Where: Civic Plaza, Surrey City Hall
Admission: Free

Disgraced by Ayad Akhtar

What: The first production of Vagrant Players Theatre Society’s 2019/2020 season. Disgraced tells the story of corporate lawyer Amir Kapoor, who is living a happy wife with loving family and about to get the biggest promotion of his career. But things take a turn when he helps his nephew with a case defending a man of Muslim faith. Featuring Hesham Hammoud, Jordana Largy, Albert Nicholas, Bethany Brown, and Ardy Ramezani, and directed by Jessica Charbonneau.

When: August 13 to 17, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Nest on Granville Island – 1398 Cartwright St 3rd Floor, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

UBC Thunderbirds vs University of Tokyo at Nat Bailey Stadium

What: UBC is hosting the Inaugural International Collegiate Baseball Classic from August 13 to 18, with the four-team tournament featuring UBC Thunderbirds, Keio University, University of Tokyo, and Sacramento State University. A highlight of the tournament is a game between UBC Thunderbirds and University of Tokyo at Nat Bailey Stadium on August 12, where University of Tokyo will be the first Japanese varsity baseball team to ever compete on Canadian soil.

When: August 13, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium
Tickets: Online

VCC Chef’s Table Pop-Up Restaurant

What: Vancouver Community College’s Culinary Arts program presents the next edition of their pop-up restaurant The Chef’s Table. Enjoy a five-course, fixed menu with optional wine pairings served in an intimate setting with only 20 seats available per night.

When: Tuesdays to Thursday until September 8, 2019
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: Vancouver Community College – Downtown Campus JJ’s Restaurant – 250 West Pender Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $22-$55

Wednesday, August 14

Lansdowne Centre Drive-In Movie Series – Shazam

What: The Drive-In Movie Series returns to Lansdowne Centre for its fourth year, presented by Fresh Air Cinema. Enjoy Shazam on August 14 on the outdoor screen. Take a drive and cuddle up, or bring a blanket and lawn chair and settle in. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis (first 200 vehicles), and the movie audio will be broadcast over FM radio. Keep in mind that this is a family-friendly event, so smoking and alcohol are strictly prohibited.

When: August 14, 2019
Time: Gates open at 6 pm
Where: Lansdowne Centre – 5300 No. 3 Rd., Richmond
Admission: Free

Willingdon’s Annual Community Fair

What: Willingdon Community Centre’s annual summer celebration, with carnival games, raffles, barbecue, community displays and live entertainment. Wrap up the evening with a screening of A Bug’s Life in the park.

When: August 14, 2019
When: 5 to 10 pm
Where: Willingdon Community Centre – 1491 Carleton Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Summer Movie Nights on the Square – Inside Out

What: Vancouver’s free outdoor movie series in downtown at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (formerly Vancouver Art Gallery’s North Plaza) is screening Inside Out on August 14. Fresh Air Cinema’s large four-storey inflatable screen will pop up, creating the perfect urban environment to take in a flick surrounded by the concrete jungle — just be sure to bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets.

Hosted by the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, each night will have special activations for the public to enjoy, including photo booths, light displays, food trucks, and more.

When: August 14, 2019
Time: Movie begins at dusk
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (formerly North Plaza at Vancouver Art Gallery) – 850 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Blood & Iron Martial Arts: Open House and Longsword Tournament

What: Blood & Iron Martial Arts’s Open House features free sword fighting lessons for adult and youth. Learn how to hold and use real swords, then stick around to watch the Longsword Tournament.

When: August 14, 2019
When: Open House from 12 to 1:30 pm, Longsword Tournament from 2 to 8 pm
Where: Blood & Iron Martial Arts – 7846 Edmonds St, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Summerdine 2019 – Les Dames Do Dinner

What: This event sees 22 separate dinner parties all at the same time on one night from Vancouver to the Okanagan, the Fraser Valley to Vancouver Island. This is Les Dames d’Escoffier – BC Chapter’s annual dining celebration called Summerdine. This year it will take place on August 14 (with one event on August 15 in Victoria). Check out the participating restaurants and dinner online.

When: August 14, 2019
Where: Participating venues in BC
More Info: Online

Sunset Cinema – Mary Poppins Returns

What: Vancouver Civic Theatres invites all movie lovers to Sunset Cinema, a free outdoor movie series on šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn (formerly QET Plaza) outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Bring your blankets, chairs, and pillows, and enjoy Mary Poppins Returns on August 14 on the huge inflatable screen under the stars. Movies begin at dusk, weather permitting, but arrive early to save your spot. Four-legged friends are welcome.

When: August 14, 2019
Time: Movies begin at dusk
Where: šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn (formerly QET Plaza) – 695 Cambie St, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Community Celebration of Japanese Culture

What: Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House and Tam Tanaka host a community celebration of Japanese culture on August 14.  There will be a showcase of traditional paper doll cards, plus tea, sushi and refreshments to enjoy. Everyone is welcome.

When: August 14, 2019
Time: 1 to 3 pm
Where: Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House – 800 East Broadway, Vancouver
Register: at the front desk or call 604-879-8208.

Thursday, August 15

Vancouver Queer Film Festival

What: Starting in 1988, the Vancouver Queer Film Festival is Western Canada’s largest queer arts event. The Festival contextualizes and celebrates queer lives and experiences, and prioritizes diverse identities including narratives from trans people, queer people of colour, and Indigenous people. Enjoy films from British Columbian filmmakers as well as Canadian and international directors and storytellers.

When: Thursday, August 15 to Sunday, August 25, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Venues across Vancouver
More Info: Online

The Bomb Shelter Open Mic

What: Stand-up comics and other comedic artists are invited to test their material at The Bomb Shelter Open Mic every Thursday. Featuring a variety of hosts and produced by Rawsome Comedy at the new Caveman Cafe.

When: Every Thursday
Time: Sign-up at 6:30 pm, show from 7:30 to 10 pm
Where: Keto Caveman Cafe – 605 West Pender Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Science World After Dark

What: Science World After Dark features all of your favourite activities just for adults. Watch a film on the world’s largest dome OMNIMAX screen, explore six permanent galleries, discover what’s new in the Feature Gallery, and wet your whistle with a cold beer or glass of wine. Then grab your favourite childhood dinner in Triple O’s and experience exciting live science shows at Centre Stage.

When: August 15, 2019
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Where: Science World – 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Waterfront Cinema at Canada Place – How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

What: During Waterfront Cinema on August 15, a large inflatable screen will pop up to screen How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, creating the perfect environment to take in a flick under the stars, all with the North Shore mountains in the background. To give your night two thumbs up, do yourself a favour and bring a lawn chair (or you’ll be sitting on the hard ground) and jackets and/or blankets (it gets cold). And keep in mind that this is a family-friendly event so neither smoking nor alcohol are permitted.

When: August 15, 2019
Time: Dusk
Where: North Point of Canada Place
Admission: Free

Rock Ambleside Park 

What: Rock Ambleside Park 2019 features Tom Cochrane with Red Rider, Honeymoon Suite, Quiet Riot, Blue Oyster Cult, Pat Travers, The Romantics, The Headpins, Streetheart, SAGA, Sass Jordan and David Wilcox. The artists have a combined 24 platinum records, 15 gold records and 12 Juno Awards.

When: August 15 to 18, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Ambleside Park, West Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Dirty Little Secrets

What: Watch a cast of Vancouver and New York improvisers explore the audience’s anonymous secrets at Columbia Theatre in New Westminster. Everyone must share a true secret to enter.

When: August 15, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm., show 8 pm
Where: The Columbia Theatre – 530 Columbia Street, New Westminster
Tickets: Online, $10

Our Town by Thornton Wilder

What: Pulitzer prize-winning drama Our Town by Thornton Wilder tells the tale of Grover’s Corners, a fictional small town set between 1901 and 1913, and the everyday lives of the townspeople. This is Peninsula Productions’s inaugural show in our beautiful new black box theatre.

When: August 15 to 18, August 21 to 24, 2019
Time: 8 pm and 2 pm matinees on select dates
Where: Peninsula Productions Black Box Theatre – 14600 North Bluff Road, White Rock
Tickets: Online