25 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: August 28 to September 4

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

Drake

Drake (John Steel/Shutterstock)

What: Drake is on the road this summer with the It’s All A Blur tour, and it’s coming to Vancouver for two shows in August.

It is Drake’s first tour in five years, but the multi-platinum star has kept busy. In that time, he has released four albums, including 2022’s Her Loss in collaboration with 21 Savage. The album topped Billboard’s 200 chart with all 16 songs debuting on the iconic Hot 100 list.

His first Vancouver concert, scheduled for August 28, has now been rescheduled to Wednesday, August 30.

When: August 29 and 30, 2023
Time: 8 pm
Where: Rogers Arena — 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, purchase online

You might also like:
• Discover over 100 unique beverages at Whistler Craft Beer Fest next month
• Car-Free Day returns to Vancouver for three massive festivals in September
• Huge Halloween event with over 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins returning to Burnaby (PHOTOS)

Richmond Sunflower Festival 2023

What: The fourth annual Richmond Sunflower Festival will welcome guests to its over 20 acres of sunflowers, dahlias, and gladiolas starting on Saturday, August 5.

Open for as long as the flowers are blooming, the festival features over 90 varieties of stunning flowers as well as plenty of Instagram-worthy spots.

When: As long as the flowers are blooming
Time: 1 to 7 pm (Mondays to Fridays), 10 am to 7 pm (Weekends and Holidays)
Where: Richmond Country Farms – 12900 Steveston Highway, Richmond
Cost: Tickets are $12 on weekdays, $15 on weekends, and children 3 and under are free.

The Britannia Mine Museum presents “100 Years of Mill No. 3”

What: The Britannia Mine Museum is celebrating its legendary 100-year anniversary with a new feature exhibit commemorating “100 years of Mill No. 3” with a special showcase exhibition inside the Machine Shop.

Just 55 kilometres outside of Vancouver, this new celebratory exhibit, running now until Sunday, November 5, will dive into the history of Mill No. 3, which served as the heartbeat of the Britannia community and played a significant role in providing for the Mount Sheer mining communities.

When: Now until November 5, 2023
Time: 9 am to 6:30 pm (Until September 5)
Where: The Britannia Mine Museum, Machine Shop — 150 Copper Drive, Britannia Beach, BC
Admission: Adults (18+) – $39.95, Seniors/Students – $35.95, Youth (3-17) – $30.95, Children – $21.95, Preschool – free. Book online

PNE Fair 2023

PNE/Playland / Facebook

What: PNE Fair is happening until September 4, with new programming, returning attractions, and more for the whole family to enjoy.

A highlight of the fair every year is the huge concerts at the PNE Amphitheatre. Music lovers won’t want to miss the exciting mix of music legends and rising stars coming to The Chevrolet Stage. Just a few of the stars performing in August and September include TLC, Boyz II Men, Billy Talent, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Aqua, and Jason Derulo.

When: Now until September 4, 2023 (closed on August 28)
Time: 11 am to 11 pm
Where: 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Cost: $25 for adults, $16 for youth and seniors, $9 for children, and free for ages 3 and under. Save $5 on adult gate passes and $2 on youth, child, and senior gate passes by purchasing in advance online. Ride passes can also be purchased in advance.

Vancouver Canadians

What: Baseball is Back #AtTheNat! Join the Vancouver Canadians all season long and cheer on the future of the Blue Jays. You can enjoy 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.

The Vancouver Canadians are taking on the Hillsboro Hops from August 29 to September 3 with themed games including a Tuesday night match presented by Finlandia Pharmacy and Natural Health Care, RBC We Care Wednesday supporting Family Services of Greater
Vancouver, PlayNow Throwback Thursday with Scratch and Wins for the first 1,000 fans aged 19+, Fortis BC ‘Nooner at the Nat Friday, Fireworks Extravaganza on Saturday presented by CUPE BC, and A&W Family Fun Sunday with a jersey lunch bag giveaway for the first 500 fans under 12.

When: August 29 to September 3, 2023
Time: Gates open at 6 pm, first pitch at 7:05 pm (Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday), Gates open at 12 pm, first pitch at 1:05 pm (Friday and Sunday)
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Start at $20 and can be purchased online at CanadiansBaseball.com, over the phone at 604-872 5232, or in person at the Nat Bailey Box Office

Lansdowne Centre Drive-In Movie Series

What: A drive-in movie series is returning to Richmond this summer and everyone is invited to roll up for the family-friendly outdoor screenings!

Drive-In Movie Nights at Lansdowne Centre, presented by the shopping mall and Fresh Air Cinema, takes place every Wednesday until August 30. Best of all, the films are absolutely free to attend.

When: Every Wednesday until August 30, 2023
Time: Film screenings begins after sunset
Where: Lansdowne Centre Parking Lot – 5300 No. 3 Road, Richmond
Cost: Free

Blueprint Events at Malkin Bowl and Pacific Coliseum

foundation.series/Instagram

What: Just because summer is winding down doesn’t mean that the fun has to stop.

Vancouver-based Blueprint Events are bringing the summer vibes to Stanley Park all September long with a series of epic open-air concerts at Malkin Bowl. They’re also bringing a huge lineup to Pacific Coliseum.

When:

• Foundation V5 w AC Slater, Bijou, Blossom, Average Citizens: September 2 at Malkin Bowl
• Real Love Day w Joe Kay and Thuy: September 3 at Malkin Bowl
• Foundation V6 w Chris Lorenzo, Justin Martin, Doc Martin, and Keepsix: September 8 at Malkin Bowl
• Stacked w Seven Lions, Jason Ross, Andrew Bayer, Au5, and Far Out: September 9 at Pacific Coliseum
• Propagate w Jayda G, Octave One, and Yu Su: September 22 at Malkin Bowl
• The Blaze: September 27 at Malkin Bowl

Time: Various times
Where: Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park and Pacific Coliseum
Tickets: Various costs, purchase online

Summer’s Last Call Rooftop Party Sponsored by Empress 1908 Gin (Unofficial Ed Sheeran Pre-Party)

What: Empress 1908 is teaming up with D6 Bar and Lounge for the Summer’s Last Call Rooftop Party, and you won’t want to miss out. Enjoy Empress 1908 Gin’s two cocktails on special as well as $50 off Empress 1908 Gin bottles from 2 to 9 pm.

D6 is the perfect location for the Unofficial Ed Sheeran Pre Party with a rooftop dancefloor, prime city views, delicious cocktails, and a superstar DJ set by Felitche from 5 to 9. Don’t forget that an all-white dress code is in effect.

When: September 2, 2023
Time: Doors at 2 pm, Show from 5 to 9 pm
Where: D6 Bar & Lounge – 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free, reserve online

Supper al Fresco

What: Summertime was made for sharing good food with dear friends in the fresh air. And a brand-new event debuting in Vancouver this month will be a perfect opportunity to gather your pals together.

South Granville Business Improvement Association’s Supper al Fresco event will allow guests to select from a curated takeout menu and dine on two of the most stunning plazas in the city. And you’ll even receive complimentary treats.

When: August 29, 2023
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: South Granville, Vancouver
Tickets: $40, purchase online

Nikkei Matsuri Japanese Festival

Nikkei Matsuri (Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre/Facebook)

What: The Nikkei Matsuri festival is a massive celebration of Japanese arts, culture, and heritage at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre on Saturday, September 2, and Sunday, September 3.

Guests of the annual cultural celebration will enjoy live performances, food trucks, and more. And new for this year is a pre-festival celebration on Friday, September 1.

When: September 1 to 3, 2023
Time: 5 to 10 pm (Friday), 11 am to 7 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre — 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Cost: $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Free for NNMCC members, children and youth 17 years old and younger, and seniors over 65. Admission is also free for all guests between 6 and 7 pm.

Deckchair Cinema at The Polygon Gallery

What: The Polygon Gallery’s Deckchair Cinema on Lower Lonsdale’s waterfront deck is hosted in partnership with the City of North Vancouver. The open-air film series will feature music and entertainment, an artisan market, and drinks from local wineries and breweries.

Admission to Deckchair Cinema is by donation, courtesy of BMO Financial Group, and includes entrance to access Polygon Gallery’s summer exhibition Jeremy Shaw: Phase Shifting Index.

When: Every Thursday until August 31, 2023
Time: Music and concession open at 7 pm, screenings begin at sundown
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: By donation (suggested $10)

Sharon, Lois & Bram Sing-A-Long with Sharon & Randi

What: Get ready to sing your heart out with the legendary Sharon from Sharon, Lois & Bram. Join in the nostalgic sing-along filled with childhood favorites and timeless tunes that will have you and your little ones smiling and dancing down memory lane.

There will be a meet and greet and optional book signing after the magical musical journey. All together now “Skinnamarinkydinkydink Skinnamarinkydo!”

When: September 4, 2023
Time: Doors 10:30 am, Show 11 am
Where: Congregation Beth Israel 989 West 28th Ave, Vancouver
Cost: $10 per person, children under 2 are free. Purchase online

Acre Through the Seasons and Iconic Wines of BC Dinner

What: Acre Through the Seasons will be partnering with Iconic Wineries of BC for a multi-course culinary experience this August. Taking place on August 30, the dinner will feature six dishes prepared by Executive Chef William Lew and Restaurant Chef Lemuel Tsang using all local ingredients.

When: August 30, 2023
Time: 6 pm
Where: Acre Through the Seasons, 8400 West Road #115, Richmond
Tickets: $198 per person

Ed Sheeran

What: Ed Sheeran is bringing his popular + – = ÷ x Tour (pronounced The Mathematics Tour) to BC Place on Saturday, September 2, 2023, along with special guests Khalid and Maisie Peters.

Sheeran’s + – = ÷ x Tour is in support of his latest album, 2021’s Equals. It was his fourth consecutive album to top the Billboard 100 and his fourth album to be named after a mathematical symbol.

When: September 2, 2023
Time: 6 pm
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Nintendo Switch Cinema Experience

The Super Mario Bros. Movie/IMDB

What: Nintendo of Canada is bringing the cross-Canada Nintendo Switch Cinema Experience to Richmond, and the family-friendly event includes a screening of The Super Mario Bros. Movie by Fresh Air Cinema.

Fans of all ages can stop by Toad’s Playhouse to play some of the Nintendo Switch’s latest and most popular games. You’ll also want to bring your camera with you as there will be a number of fun photo-ops transporting guests into the worlds of Pikmin 4 and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

When: September 2 and 3, 2023
Time: Doors at 6 pm; film starts at 8:30 pm
Where: Richmond Olympic Oval – 6111 River Road, Richmond
Admission: Free; register online

Botanist and Lazy Bear Collaboration Dinner

What: This month, Botanist will be playing host to San Francisco’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant Lazy Bear as well as its sister bar True Laurel for two days of collaborative dining experiences.

On Wednesday, August 30, a six-course tasting menu from Chef Hector Laguna and Lazy Bear’s Chef/Partner David Barzelay will be on offer. On August 31, the Botanist bar team will welcome True Laurel for a “custom menu of hero cocktails and bar snacks from both venues.”

When: August 30 and August 31
Where: 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: August 30 dinner is $275 per person, reservation only; August 31 is walk-in only

Muay Thai Academy Vancouver – Suphachai “Saenchai” Saepong seminar

What: Muay Thai Academy is hosting Suphachai “Saenchai” Saepong on Monday, August 28 for an exclusive seminar for all skill levels at the Croatian Cultural Centre.

Saepong is a multi-time Lumpinee Stadium title holder in four different weight classes and has competed in over 300 fights and won championships all over the world.

When: August 28, 2023
Time: Doors at 4 pm, seminar from 5 to 7 pm
Where: Croatian Cultural Centre – 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Cost: $185 plus tax, register online

Meet Me in Gastown

What: The second annual Meet Me in Gastown, organized by Low Tide Properties, features live performances and concerts, art demonstrations, and more.

You can get your shop on with local businesses, then check out the neighbourhood restaurants, which will be welcoming festival-goers all day and evening long.

When: August 31, 2023
Time: 3 to 7 pm
Where: Water Street from Abbott Street to Carrall Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Janelle Monae

@JanelleMonae/Twitter

What: Multi-talented performer Janelle Monáe is coming to Vancouver this week for what should be an epic show. Nominated for eight Grammy awards, Monáe is embarking on a tour to support her latest album, The Age of Pleasure.

While Monáe has released three hit albums, she’s also known for her acting chops, including her stellar performance in last year’s hit Netflix film Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Critics called her a standout in the murder mystery.

When: August 31, 2023
Time: 8 pm
Where: UBC Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre — 6066 Thunderbird Boulevard
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Vancouver FC

What: Vancouver FC take on Forge FC this weekend in Canadian Premier League soccer action at Willoughby Community Park at the Langley Events Centre.

When: September 3, 2023
Time: 2 pm
Where: Willoughby Community Park at the Langley Events Centre – 7782 200 Street, Langley Township
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

The Vegan Market

What: Canada’s first and only 100% plant-based night market has had a busy summer, with the final installment of the season going down this week at Locarno Beach.

The plant-based food-fuelled parties invite guests to enjoy a drink while you shop from local businesses, makers, and brands.

When: August 31, 2023
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: Locarno Beach
Tickets: Minimum donation of $4 or canned goods, clothing, or pet food. Children are free.

Summer Cinema in Burnaby

What: The evenings are getting warmer in Metro Vancouver, which means it’s the perfect season to watch a movie outdoors. Good thing that the City of Burnaby is bringing back Summer Cinema to Civic Square weekly until Friday, September 1.

When: Every Friday to September 1, 2023
Time: 8:30 pm
Where: Civic Square by Bob Prittie Library – 6100 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby (except August 26 which is at Edmonds Park – 7433 Humphries Avenue, Burnaby)
Cost: Free

Le Burger Week 2023

Le Burger Week/Facebook

What: Start flippin’ those patties! Le Burger Week is back and restaurants across Canada will have the chance to create special burger masterpieces for all to enjoy.

From September 1 to 14, the 12th annual burger celebration is kicking off in cities across the country, unveiling new and exciting creations from the heartiest of meals to plant-forward burgs’.

When: September 1 to 14, 2023
Time: Various hours of operation
Where: Various restaurants across Metro Vancouver. A full list will be released online closer to the event.

Burnaby Central Railway

What: Burnaby Central Railway is welcoming passengers to climb aboard its 3 km track near Confederation Park every weekend until this fall. Your ride will take you across tunnels, bridges, and viaducts. And while you’re there, stop by the ever-growing Garden Railway.

British Columbia Society of Model Engineers (BCSME) built and operates the mini railway, with three different types of locomotives pulling the ridable trains.

When: Weekends and stat holidays through Thanksgiving weekend
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: 120 N Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby
Cost: $4.50 for a single ride, all passengers three years old and up. $40 for a 10-ride pass

Downtown Farmers’ Market

What: The pedestrian-friendly setting of the šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza) welcomes visitors to check out more than 25 vendors and farmers every Wednesday afternoon. Shop for produce, artisan goods, and more.

When: Every Wednesday until November 29, 2023
Time: 2 to 6 pm
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza) – 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver

Chilliwack Corn Maze

Greendale Acres Farm/Facebook

What: Chilliwack Corn Maze, a popular destination for families and adventurers, is open for another season of summer fun.

Greendale Acre’s iconic maze is celebrating a quarter-century milestone in 2023, and the design of the massive cornfield pays tribute to its 25-year history.

When: Now until October 31, 2023
Time: Various times. Check opening hours online
Where: Greendale Acres – 41905 Yale Road West, Chilliwack
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online. Ages 2 and under, over 75 years, and dogs are free. Memberships are also available.