20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: August 15 to 21

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

From PNE Fair to Come From Away, Monstercat to Meowfest, here are 20 fun events to check out from August 15 to 21 around Metro Vancouver.

And for more fun things happening around town be sure to check out our Listed section.

PNE Fair 2022

PNE Playland/Instagram | SuperDogs at the PNE/Submitted

What: PNE Fair is happening from August 20 to September 5, with new programming, returning attractions, and more for the whole family to enjoy. A highlight every year of the Fair is the amazing concerts at the PNE Amphitheatre. Music lovers won’t want to miss the exciting mix of music legends and internationally-acclaimed artists.

Save room in your Fair schedule to see the SuperDogs’ new super-powered show, “PAWVENGERS,” at the Pacific Coliseum, The Stars of the Peking Acrobats and the exciting Chinese acrobatics showcase, and the world-class Flying Fools High Dive Show. There are lots more to discover, plus don’t forget the exciting rides and the delicious food!

When: August 20 to September 5, 2022 (closed on August 22 and 29)
Time: 11 am to 11 pm
Where: 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Cost: $20 for adults, $14 for youth and seniors, $7 for children, and free for ages 3 and under. Save $2 by purchasing in advance online.

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SummerLight Festival: Light Organ’s 10-Year Anniversary

What: SummerLight Festival showcases Vancouver’s best Indie music, alt fashion & progressive art in Strathcona this weekend. The newest city festival features two live stages featuring The Zolas, Fake Shark, Desirée Dawson, food trucks and vendor market, a licensed bar, art installations and digital graffiti wall, and more for all ages to check out. Definitely an event you don’t want to miss.

When: August 20, 2022
Time: 2 to 9 pm
Where: SummerLight Festival Grounds – 876 Cordova diversion, Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, purchase online

Science World After Dark

What: Science World After Dark is a great opportunity to discover everything under the dome with drinks in hand. Check out the feature exhibition T. rex: The Ultimate Predator, the new Sacred Journey exhibit about the resurgence of Northwest Coast Canoe Cultures, and live science shows at Centre Stage.

Other Science World favourites and permanent galleries will also be open to Science World After Dark visitors, including the BodyWorks Gallery, the Tinkering Space, Puzzles and Illusions, and the Living Lab. Plus there are many more activities to check out during your visit.

When: August 18, 2022
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: Science World – 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $35 plus GST. Purchase online.

Broadway Across Canada – Come From Away

Come From Away (Matthew Murphy/Submitted)

What: Come From Away is about the true story of a small town in Newfoundland that welcomed the world.

The musical of the extraordinary tale of 7,000 stranded passengers and the townspeople that opened their doors to them has won multiple awards, including a Tony, three Drama Desk Awards, and four Olivier Awards. Come From Away’s original Broadway cast recording was also nominated for a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album.

When: August 16 to 28, 2022
Time: 8 pm (Tuesday to Saturday), 2 pm (Saturday), 2 pm and 7:30 pm (Sunday)
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online

Beanstock Coffee Festival

Courtesy Beanstock Coffee Festival

What: The Beanstock Coffee Festival is finally returning to Vancouver after a long three-year hiatus. Coffee fans and enthusiasts will be able to get together at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown where local specialty coffee roasters from around western Canada will showcase their standout beans.

Festival-goers can expect to sample coffee from these exceptional roasters, as well as learn about the best ways to brew great coffee at home with some hands-on learning opportunities from pro baristas.

When: August 20 and 21, 2022
Time: 8 am to noon, 1 pm to 5 pm
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Tickets: From $30

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Colorado Rapids

What: Vancouver Whitecaps continue their MLS season with an exciting match against the Colorado Rapids on August 17. Head down early for the pre-game Warmup at the Terry Fox Plaza, with live entertainment, food and drink specials, and more.

When: August 17, 2022
Time: 7 pm
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online

Fridays on Front

What: Fridays on Front is a huge block party that takes place on Front Street – right by Pier Park – that highlights artisan vendors, musical performances, and, of course, a lot of great food.

Some participating food vendors will include Donuteria – the brioche-style donut shop located in downtown New West – and Italian eats from Gastronomia Italia. Local restaurants will be represented, as will a rotating roster of local food trucks. The events will also be fully licensed.

When: Every Friday until August 19, 2022
Time: 5 pm to 9 pm
Where: 600-block of Front Street, New Westminster
Admission: Free

Meowfest 2022

Meowfest/Submitted

What: Meowfest is a full-day festival for the cat community happening on Saturday, August 20 at the Rocky Mountaineer Station. The one-day fest is presented by catit and is part purrty, part trade show, and part adoption event all for a worthy cause.

When: August 20, 2022
Time: 10 am to 1:30 pm or 1:30 pm to 5 pm. VIP Admission Pass holders can enter at any time.
Where: Rocky Mountaineer Station – 1755 Cottrell Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $27 plus fees for ages 13 and up, $20 plus fees for ages 7 to 12, free for ages 6 and under. The first 100 readers will receive 10% off the ticket price using code DAILYHIVE10. Purchase online

Richmond Maritime Festival 2022

What: The popular Richmond Maritime Festival will take place on Saturday, August 20, and Sunday, August 21 at the Britannia Shipyards

The National Historic Site in Steveston will host plenty of free activities for guests of all ages, including live entertainment, heritage boats, artisan and good vendors, and more.

When: August 20 and 21, 2022
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Britannia Shipyards – 5180 Westwater Drive, Richmond
Admission: Free

Amber Harper-Young at Yuk Yuks Surrey

What: Vancouver’s Amber Harper-Young has performed all around the globe and was a finalist in the BC’s Funniest Female competition. She has performed at Just For Laughs Vancouver, YYC Comedy Fest in Calgary, The Del Close Marathon in New York, and many more

When: August 20, 2022
Time: 8 pm
Where: Yuk Yuks Surrey at Elements Casino – 17755 60th Avenue, Surrey
Tickets: $19.05 plus tax, purchase online

Monstercat Compound 2022

Monstercat/Facebook

What: On Saturday, August 20, the fifth annual Monstercat Compound will bring an outdoor block party to Railtown with live performances and interactive experiences. The event features two stages of live music, art installations and video games, food trucks and beer gardens and more.

When: August 20, 2022
Time: 2 to 9 pm
Where: 380 Railway St, Vancouver
Admission: Free with RSVP, $25 Compound Premium Passes are also available. Purchase online

Deckchair Cinema at The Polygon Gallery

What: The Polygon Gallery’s Deckchair Cinema, hosted in partnership with the City of North Vancouver, is open-air film series that will also feature music, DJs, and special guests each week.

Attendees are invited to bring blankets and low chairs to the film screenings on Cates Deck in front of The Polygon Gallery. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and films begin at sundown. Entry is by donation.

The film being screened on August 18 is Alfred Hitchcock’s classic, Rear Window

When: Every Thursday until August 18, 2022
Time: Music and concession open at 7 pm, screenings begin at sundown
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: By donation

Chilliwack Flight Fest Airshow

What: The 28th Chilliwack Flight Fest Airshow is happening on Sunday, August 21, at the Chilliwack Airport, and visitors to Chilliwack Flight Fest Airshow can check out ground displays and community booths at the airport, learn about drone technology, and even try out a flight simulator. There will also be a kid’s zone for the budding pilots to explore.

The main event is, of course, the exciting air show, with a variety of planes taking to the sky. It will be the first time since 2019 that Chilliwack Flight Fest is happening.

When: August 21, 2022
Time: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: Chilliwack Airport – 46206 Airport Road, Chilliwack
Admission: Free. Donations will be collected at the entrance gate to support the Chilliwack Flight Fest Society with costs for the production.

Mingler on the Mountain

Grouse Mountain

What: Come on out to Altitudes Bistro at Grouse Mountain to meet other hikers, visitors, and beer lovers – or get a group of your buddies together to switch up your regular routine. There’s nothing better than a cold drink after a hard workout! Each night features a live DJ, Granville Island Brewing drink features, food specials, great prizes, and more.

When: Wednesday, August 17, and 31, 2022
Time: Kicks off at 6 pm
Where: Grouse Mountain (Altitudes Bistro) – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Tickets/Admissions: $25 Sunset Rate after 7 pm (online offer only); $69 for full-day Mountain Admission tickets; $59 for full-day Local Mountain Admission tickets. Purchase online

HOT TAKE: A Hot Ones-themed standup comedy show

What: Inspired by the interview series Hot Ones, Sean McDonnell challenges stand-up comics to eat hotter and hotter wings while trying to showcase their best material. Can the comedians beat the heat while making you laugh? Head down to the show to find out.

When: August 18, 2022
Time: 8 pm
Where: The MOTN – 582 Powell Street Vancouver
Admission: $15 plus fees, purchase online

Steveston Dragon Boat Festival 2022

Dragon Boat BC/Facebook

What: The 2022 Steveston Dragon Festival at Imperial Landing on Steveston’s waterfront is a free family-friendly event that features live entertainment and festival displays, artisan and food vendors, and of course, exciting races.

On the day, you’ll also get to enjoy live music and cultural performances on the main stage by Michelle Kwan and her Guzheng, Coastal Wolf Pack, Luc LeMans, Hon Hsing Athletic Club, and Dj Gerard. There will also be children’s activities, a festival marketplace, and a Red Truck patio to enjoy.

When: August 20, 2022
Time: 9 am to 7:30 pm
Where: Imperial Landing Park – Richmond
Cost: Free

Warehouse Pop-Up Shop

What: Warehouse is hosting a special pop-up shop at Ninth + Vine in Kits to showcase ten local and sustainable brands. Each day will feature a unique event or activity, including tarot readings, tin-type camera photos, and facials. It will also be a great opportunity to meet the makers behind the great brands.

When: August 18 to 23 2022
Time: 12 to 5 pm
Where: 2308 West Broadway, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Evo Summer Cinema Series at Stanley Park

What: Get your blankets and favourite snacks ready, because outdoor movies with Fresh Air Cinema and Evo Car Share in Stanley Park are returning this summer. Hundreds of people will gather every Tuesday on the Grand Lawn at Ceperley Meadows near Second Beach to watch Hollywood hits and family favourites on the giant four-storey inflatable movie screen

Dirty Dancing is playing on August 16.

When: Every Tuesday until August 23, 2022
Time: 8 to 11 pm, screenings begin at dusk
Where: Ceperley Meadows near Second Beach – 8502 Stanley Park Drive, Vancouver
Cost: Free, VIP seating available online