20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: Aug. 18 to 24

We’re heading toward the end of August, so let’s not waste a single moment of fun!

Plan your week with our rundown of 20 great events happening in and around Vancouver from Aug. 18 to 24, including a fireworks festival, epic concerts, and more.

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

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Pet-A-Palooza 2025

What: North America’s largest dog festival is returning to Vancouver this weekend, and it’s shaping up to be a paw-some time!

When: Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 1100 Mainland St., Vancouver
Cost: Free

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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

Vancouver Whitecaps vs St. Louis FC

What: Those looking to work up a sweat before taking in a Whitecaps FC game can kick off matchday on Saturday, Aug. 23, with a morning HIIT workout at BC Place.

The unique workout opportunity will be led by House Concepts instructors, and you can then return in the evening to cheer on the team as they take on St. Louis City SC at 6:30 p.m.

Fans are also invited to an all-ages Terry Fox Plaza Fan Zone party before the game. The festivities at Robson and Beatty will feature food and drink specials like $5 beers, live music, kids’ activities, and more.

When: Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m., plus pre-game festivities in the Terry Fox Plaza Fan Zone
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

Summer Night Fever

What: Turn back the clock and boogie down at The Rio Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 23 for Summer Night Fever.

Hop aboard the nonstop 70’s disco train featuring live performances by DISCOBABY, The Retrolytes band, Anushka Kashyap, and more acts. There will also be a 70s costume contest with prizes during the groovy dance party full of hits by The Bee Gees, ABBA, Jackson 5, and many more.

When: Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025
Time: Doors 8:15 p.m., show 9 p.m.
Where: The Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: $25 plus fees online, $30 plus fees at the door. Purchase online

Richmond Sunflower Festival

What: Those who can’t get enough sunshine and summertime will want to head to the Richmond Sunflower Festival while the flowers are in bloom.

The seventh annual floral celebration is now welcoming guests to its over 20 acres of sunflowers and seasonal blooms at Richmond Country Farms.

Open until mid-September, the festival features dozens of varieties of stunning flowers and plenty of Instagram-worthy spots.

When: Now until mid-September 2025
Time: Noon to 7 p.m. (Mondays to Fridays), 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (weekends and holidays)
Where: Richmond Country Farms — 12900 Steveston Hwy., Richmond
Cost: Admission at the gates is $14 plus GST on weekdays and $17 plus GST on weekends. Children 3-12 and seniors are $12 plus GST on weekdays and $15 plus GST on weekends. Ages 2 and under are free.

Summer in The Courtyard at Willowbrook

What: Willowbrook Shopping Centre’s Summer in The Courtyard offers free weekly events in its outdoor courtyard until August.

Enjoy Monday Fundays with bubbles, games, and activities, outdoor yoga sessions on Wednesdays led by Evolution Studios, and family-friendly movie nights every Friday. It’s a great way to spend time outdoors, connect with the community, and enjoy summer fun close to home.

When: Various dates until Friday, Aug. 29, 2025
Time: Monday Fundays – 1 to 3 p.m., Outdoor Yoga Wednesdays – 11 a.m. to noon, and Movie Night Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Willowbrook Shopping Centre – Outdoor Courtyard – 19705 Fraser Hwy, Langley
Admission: Free

Vancouver Cat Tour

What: The first-ever cat tour is coming to Vancouver this weekend.

The tour will proceed along Main Street to Scotia, between 5th and 10th avenues. And Main Street to Ontario and Broadway to 12th Avenue. The tours will stop at various addresses where registered cat owners reside.

The cat tour will conclude at Catoro Cafe, where the proceeds from the tour will be donated.

When: Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025
Time: 10 a.m.
Where: Mount Pleasant, Vancouver
Tickets: Go on sale online on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025

Ratana’s Warehouse Sale

What: Experience timeless outdoor living at exceptional value during Ratana’s Warehouse Sale. Enjoy savings starting at 70 per cent off retail on a curated selection of refined pieces, from firepits and modular sectionals to elegant al fresco dining sets.

Ratana’s Warehouse Sale is open to the public from Aug. 22 to 29, but guests should arrive early as quantities are limited and items are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

When: Friday, Aug. 22 to Friday, Aug. 29, 2025
Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Aug. 22), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Aug. 23 to 29)
Where: 8286 Ontario St., Vancouver
Admission: Free

Summer Music and Fireworks Festival

What: Head down to New Westminster’s waterfront on Saturday, Aug. 23, for the Summer Music and Fireworks Festival.

The family-friendly event, presented by the Hyack Festival Association, features a day full of activities, entertainment, and, of course, a huge fireworks display at the end of the evening.

When: Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025
Time: 3 to 9:30 p.m. The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m.
Where: Westminster Quay, New Westminster
Cost: Free

North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market

What: North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market (SYNM) is celebrating its 12th anniversary in Lower Lonsdale in 2025. The popular free event takes place every Friday and features a beer garden, live music, market vendors and food trucks.

When: Every Friday until Sept. 12, 2025
Time: 3 to 10 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free

Music on Main’s Summer Pop-Up Concerts

What: Summertime was made for relaxing in the park with pals and listening to great music. Now you can enjoy a live soundtrack thanks to a series of outdoor concerts happening this month.

Music on Main presents Summer Pop-Up Concerts at Mount Pleasant Park from Aug. 18 to 20. The evening concerts will feature a range of music styles, and all performances are free.

When: Monday, Aug. 18 to Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Mount Pleasant Park — West 16th Avenue at Ontario Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Vancouver Canadians vs Tri-City Dust Devils

What: Baseball is Back #AtTheNat! Join the Vancouver Canadians and cheer on the future of the Blue Jays as they take on the Tri-City Dust Devils this week.

You can watch the game while enjoying hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, and all other ballpark favourites, along with a cold beer. Plus, don’t miss the exciting theme nights.

When: Tuesday, Aug. 19 to Sunday, Aug 24, 2025
Time: Various start times
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchased online at CanadiansBaseball.com

Big Splash Water Park

What: Big Splash Water Slide Park in Tsawwassen is open for the summer. The seven-acre resort-style park features 13 body and tube slides, a kids’ zone, hot tubs, and more to help you beat the heat.

Big Splash’s highlight is the Boomerango, an exhilarating tube slide with a six-story drop. According to the park, it’s the only one of its kind in Western Canada.

When: Now until Monday, Sept. 1, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting
Where: 4775 Nulelum Way, Tsawwassen
Admission: Various prices, purchase online

Broadway Across Canada – The Lion King

What: Watch as the Serengeti comes to life as never before in The Lion King by Broadway Across Canada. More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular – one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage.

When: Wednesday, Aug. 20 to Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Bradley Sakawsky’s Pro Comedy

What: Vancouver comedian Bradley Sakawsky presents a radical night of laughs inside a skateboard shop. Get ready for a lineup of the city’s funniest comedians curated by Sakaswsky, with huge laughs, unique points of view, and more.

When: Thursday, Aug 21, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Flatspot Longboard Shop – 112 East Pender St., Vancouver
Tickets: $17.34, purchase online

Cyndi Lauper

What: Chart-topping ’80s music superstar Cyndi Lauper is bringing her farewell tour to Vancouver this summer.

When: Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices. Tickets for sale online

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

Short-Grain Rice at Dachi

What: Dachi’s chef Jiwon Seo is teaming up with chefs Eva Chin (Yan Dining Room, Toronto) and Katy Cheung (Burdock & Co., Vancouver) for a one-night-only feast.

Guests will be treated to dishes centred on short-grain rice and rooted in Chinese and Korean heritages, layered with smoke, spice, and plenty of flavour. There will also be craft sake and natural wines to pair with the dishes.

When: Monday, Aug. 18, 2025
Time: 5 p.m.
Where: Dachi – 2297 E. Hastings St., Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Rooftop Rhythms & Garden Grooves

What: Fairmont Waterfront’s Rooftop Rhythms & Garden Grooves is a summertime silent disco in partnership with Grey Goose. Head to the third-floor Garden and Poolside Terrace for the open-air dance party with three DJ-curated channels.

Your ticket also includes your first handcrafted cocktail, with non-alcoholic options available.

When: Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025
Time: 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Where: Fairmont Waterfront – 900 Canada Pl., Vancouver
Tickets: $49 plus tax, purchase online

Oval Community Day

What: Oval Community Day is a free event with activities for all ages. Bring the whole family to try sport demos, enjoy live performances, and partake in high-energy Family Zumba.

Guests are also invited to snap photos with Olympic torches, enjoy kids’ games, and try the tasty food on site.

When: Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Richmond Olympic Oval – 6111 River Rd., Richmond
Admission: Free

Salmon Sessions Music Festival

What: The third annual Salmon Sessions Music Festival, presented by the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce and Penmar Community Arts Society, will be held at Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club (SFGC) on Saturday, Aug. 23.

Guests will enjoy great live music, explore the Little Campbell Hatchery, food vendors and beer garden, and more at the all-ages event. Performers this year include Karen Lee Batten, The Promised, Antonio Larosa, Richard Tichelmann, and Angie Faith & Good Company.

When: Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025
Time: 3 to 11 p.m.
Where: Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club – 1284 – 184th St., Surrey
Tickets: Various prices, available online