28 things to do in Vancouver this week: August 19 to 22

August is just zooming by, so slow down and have some fun! Here are 28 great things to do in Vancouver from Monday, August 19 to Thursday, August 22. “Weird Al” Yankovic Unibrow Arts Festival, and more.

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

See also

• Irish singer/songwriter Hozier is performing live in Vancouver this fall
• Banks to perform at the Orpheum during North American tour
• Comedian Chelsea Handler doing show in Vancouver this fall

Monday, August 19

“Weird Al” Yankovic

What: “Weird Al” Yankovic is the biggest-selling comedy recording artist in history, and he’s coming to Vancouver and Abbotsford as part of his Strings Attached Tour. Best known for his hilariously irreverent parodies of hit songs, including “Eat It,” “Like A Surgeon,” “Smells Like Nirvana,” “Amish Paradise,” “White & Nerdy,” and “Tacky,” Weird Al will be performing a “high-energy, rock and comedy show featuring costumes, props, a video wall, and – for the first time – a full orchestra.”

When: August 19 (Vancouver) and August 22 (Abbotsford Centre), 2019
Time: Doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver; Abbotsford Centre 33800 King Rd., Abbotsford
Tickets: Available through LiveNation

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

Monday Night at the Movies: Ben is Back

What: Pack some snacks and head to North Vancouver District Public Library – Capilano Branch for a screening of Ben is Back starring Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges. All ages.

When: August 19, 2019
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: North Vancouver District Public Library – Capilano Branch – 3045 Highland Blvd, North Vancouver
Admission: Free

Vancouver Canadians vs Boise Hawks

What: Vancouver Canadians take on Boise Hawks at MIIB at Nat Bailey Stadium. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a rally towel presented by Langara College.

When: August 19, 2019
Time: 7:05 pm
Where: Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Free Outdoor Zumba at Canada Place

What: Take part in a free outdoor Zumba class every Monday at the North Point of Canada Place with ZumbaVancouver.ca instructors. No dance experience or partner is needed for this fun fitness class.

When: Every Monday until August 26, 2019
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Where: Canada Place North Point – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Waste to Wonder Exhibit 2019

What: The Waste to Wonder exhibit consists of five life-size sculptures of Canadian at-risk wildlife — the narwhal, orca, bison, grizzly, and caribou — each of them made from upcycled flip flops. More than 6,500 flip flops in total were used to make the sculptures, requiring more than 2,500 hours of work by more than two dozen artists. In addition to the exhibit, there will be a selfie station with an iconic Canadian beaver sculpture, artist demo / meet & greet, upcycle bracelet workshops, upcycle Kiehl’s workshop, plastics recycling drives, contest giveaways, and more.

During the exhibit, each sculpture will be available for purchase through an online auction, starting at a minimum bid of $5,000. All proceeds will be donated to Variety – the Children’s Charity.

When: Now to September 8, 2019
Time: Open during regular mall hours
Where: Metropolis at Metrotown Grand Court – 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Desi Queer

What: A collection of short films that showcases the complexities of queer South Asian experiences across borders and identities. Films include Home Girl, The Last Letter, Pahichan,Please Mind The Gap, Priya, and U for Usha. Themes explored include family, tradition, and large and small acts of resistance

When: August 19, 2019
Time: 9:30 pm
Where: Vancity Theatre – 1181 Seymour St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Tuesday, August 20

Free Outdoor Movies in Stanley Park – Jurassic Park

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 20 features Jurassic Park 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 20, 2019
Time: Dusk
Where: Ceperley Meadows near Second Beach, Stanley Park
Admission: Free

JoJo Siwa with special guests The Belles

What: Nickelodeon’s JoJo Siwa brings her D.R.E.A.M The Tour to Vancouver with special guests The Belles. JoJo appearted on two seasons on Dance Moms along with her mother, Jessalynn Siwa, and is also a popular Youtuber.

When: August 20, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre – 6066 Thunderbird Boulevard, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Music on the Plaza – Bruce Coughlan

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 Bruce Coughlan on August 20.

When: August 20, 2019
Time: 6:30 to 8 pm
Where: Civic Plaza, Surrey City Hall
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 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

The Fair at the PNE

What: Since 1910, millions of guests have enjoyed shows, exhibits, sporting events, amusement rides, concerts, cultural activities and, of course, the annual summer Fair at the PNE. This year features concerts by Billy Idol, TLC and UB40. Entertainment and attractions include Reveen, a video game exhibit, Knights of Valour Superdogs, PNE Prize Home, and more.

When: Now to September 2, 2019 (closed August 26)
Time: 11 am to late
Where: The Fair at the PNE – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Restaurant Rumble

What: Vancouver chefs, bartenders, baristas, and barbers hit the ring in the annual Restaurant Rumble to raise funds for Eastside Boxing Club’s programs for at-risk women and youth. The Undercard starts at 2 pm and the Main Event begins at 8 pm

When: August 20, 2019
Time: 2 pm and 8 pm
Where: The Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Board Game Nights at Collingwood Neighbourhood House Annex

What: The Collingwood Neighbourhood House Annex are hosting board game nights on August 20 and September 3. Bring your own tabletop games or learn a new game while making new friends.

When: August 20 and September 3, 2019
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: Collingwood Neighbourhood House Annex – 3690 Vanness Ave., Vancouver
Admission: Free

Wednesday, August 21

TripLit Conference 2019 – Storytelling with Purpose

What: TripLit is a five day conference on Bowen Island for content creators who want to make a positive impact. The conference’s mission is to promote positive change through a global community of the talented, passionate, and engaging visual storytellers on social media.

Featured guests include Emmett Sparling  Sam Kolder Chelsea Yamase, Renee Hahnel and Matthew Hahnel, Amir Zakeri, and Kalen Emsley, along with digital media professionals, business owners, group facilitators, and charity consultants. The conference will include workshops, presentations, outdoor adventures, hosted discussions and lots of networking opportunities.The full conference is ages 18+, and the evening presentations are open to all ages.

When: August 21 to 25, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Bowen Island Lodge – 380 Cardena St. Bowen Island
Tickets and More Information: Online

Summer Movie Nights on the Square – Crazy Rich Asians

What: Vancouver’s free outdoor movie series in downtown at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (formerly Vancouver Art Gallery’s North Plaza) is screening Crazy Rich Asians on August 21. 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 21, 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

The 3rd Annual East Van Cider Fest

What: Liberty Merchant Company presents the 3rd Annual East Van Cider Fest in support of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. All proceeds from both ticket sales, silent auctions and door prizes directly support the GVFBS. The evening will feature cider, mead and spirits from all over British Columbia.

When: August 21, 2019
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: The Wise Hall & Lounge – 1882 Adanac Street, Vancouver
Price: $29.99 plus a non-perishable food donation, proceeds will benefit the GVFBS and tickets are available at all Liberty Wine Merchants locations

Lansdowne Centre Drive-In Movie Series – Detective Pikachu

What: The Drive-In Movie Series returns to Lansdowne Centre for its fourth year, presented by Fresh Air Cinema. Enjoy Detective Pikachu on August 21 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 21, 2019
Time: Gates open at 6 pm
Where: Lansdowne Centre – 5300 No. 3 Rd., Richmond
Admission: Free

lululemon Nooner Yoga Series at Jack Poole Plaza

What: lululemon’s popular Summer Yoga Series is returning to Vancouver for another summer. Participants of any age or skill level will be able to take part in their classes every Wednesday at noon at Jack Poole Plaza.

When: Every Wednesday until August 28, 2019
Time: 12 pm
Where: Jack Poole Plaza, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Sunset Cinema – Aladdin

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 Aladdin on August 21 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 21, 2019
Time: Movies begin at dusk
Where: šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn (formerly QET Plaza) – 695 Cambie St, Vancouver
Admission: Free

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 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

Thursday, August 22

Moist

What: Vancouver alt-rockers Moist are reuniting and going on tour to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of their breakthrough album, Silver.

When: August 22, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8:30 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Waterfront Cinema at Canada Place – Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse

What: During Waterfront Cinema on August 22, a large inflatable screen will pop up to screen Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, 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 22, 2019
Time: Dusk
Where: North Point of Canada Place
Admission: Free

Vancouver Quidditch League – Summer Quidditch

What: Your chance to catch the golden snitch with Vancouver Quidditch League. All skills levels are welcome, beginner to veteran. Participation is by donation.

When: Every Thursday until August 22
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: John Hendry Park (North West Corner), Vancouver
Admission: By donation

Unibrow Arts Festival 2019

What: Vancouver’s first comedy and zine fest, Unibrow Arts Festival is a showcase of the city’s comedy and DIY art publishing scenes. Enjoy comedy shows, screenings, artist talks, and more from August 22 to 25 in various venues around Mount Pleasant.

When: August 22 until August 25, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Online

Summer Fun in the Park

What: Vancouver Park Board presents Summer Fun at Andy Livingstone Park. Talk part in free crafts such as painting and chalk murals, as well as mini sports, games, and music.

When: Tuesdays to Thursdays until August 30, 2019
Time: 12 to 2:30 pm
Where: Andy Livingstone Park – 89 Expo Boulevard, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Night Court: An Evening at Vancouver Police Museum

What: Explore The Vancouver Police museum after hours at their Night Court event. Discover Vancouver’s historic morgue and autopsy suite while enjoying a drink from the beer and wine bar. Then take a True Crime tour at 7:15 and 8:15 pm, and learn about the most infamous murders investigated in the building.

When: August 22, 2019
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Vancouver Police Museum & Archives – 240 E. Cordova Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $25 and includes one drink

Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival

What: Builders from throughout the Lower Mainland provide workshops and showcase demos on the craft of wooden boat building. Enjoy the paddle build challenge, canoe building demo, Children’s Boat Building Adventure Festival, and more. Plus there will be an entertainment stage behind the marketplace on Granville Island.

When: August 22 to August 25, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Granville Island, Vancouver
Admission: Free