20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: Aug. 3 to 9

The first week of August is here, and it’s packed with tons of fun things to do in Vancouver.

And if you need suggestions, we’ve got you covered. From Pleasant Day Festival to Vancouver Whitecaps and more, here are 20 great events to check out from Aug. 3 to 9.

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

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Pleasant Day Festival

What: Pleasant Day Festival is taking over a huge stretch of Main Street for a jam-packed community celebration on Saturday, Aug. 8.

The family-friendly event is presented by the Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Area (MPBIA) and will feature interactive activities, chill zones, and four stages of great live music.

When: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Main Street from 16th Avenue to King Edward
Cost: Free

Vancouver Whitecaps

What: Cheer on the ‘Caps as they face Atlante on Tuesday, Aug. 4, and Juárez on Friday, Aug. 7, in Leagues Cup Action at BC Place.

When: Aug. 4 and 7, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver (except for July 7 at Swangard Stadium)
Cost: Various; purchase online

TheatreSports Unhinged at The Improv Centre

What: Two teams of hilarious improvisers create sketches and scenes inspired by audiences’ suggestions at the Improv Centre. The classic TheatreSports format will see some twists and turns, however, as the unexpected and forbidden become fair game.

When: Every Friday and Saturday
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online

Twilight Tuesdays at Science World

What: The return of Twilight Tuesdays at Science World means patrons can enjoy extended hours every Tuesday until 8 p.m. under the dome. Plus, you’ll receive discounted admission if you arrive after 5 p.m.

There is lots to discover at Science World this summer, including the popular feature exhibition Soccer & Technology from the FIFA Museum.

When: Every Tuesday until Sept. 1, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Discounted admission after 5 p.m.
Where: Science World – 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver
Tickets: Regular admission before 5 p.m. Discounted admission after 5 p.m. of $18.95 plus tax for adults, seniors and youth, and $14.95 plus tax for ages 3 to 12. Children who are ages 2 and under get in free and don’t require a ticket. More info online.

Naomi Osaka: The Second Set at The Rio Theatre and VIFF

What: Kat Jayme, documentary filmmaker behind acclaimed works like The Grizzlie Truth, I’m Just Here for the Riot and Finding Big Country, is coming to Vancouver for two screenings of Naomi Osaka: The Second Set. The theatrical director’s cut of the film will showcase the Japanese tennis great as she prepares for a return to the court after becoming a mother. There will also be a Q&A with Jame during the events.

When: Tuesday, Aug. 4 (Rio) and Saturday, Aug. 15 (VIFF), 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m. (Rio) and 5:20 p.m. (VIFF)
Where: The Rio Theatre and VIFF Centre, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online for The Rio Theatre and VIFF.

Koolfest

What: Vancouver’s Koolfest Summer Hot Chocolate Festival has returned with 48 different drinks to try.

The festival takes place until Aug. 4 and has participating vendors across Metro Vancouver creating some delicious cold drinks and frozen treats. Think chocolate milk, iced coffees, milkshakes, floats, fruit slushies, iced teas, bubble teas, and more.

When: Now until Aug. 4
Where: Participating vendors across Metro Vancouver

Gastown Sunday Set

What: Water Street is turning into a stage, gallery, café patio, dance floor, and open-air playground every Sunday until Sept. 6.

Each week features a fresh setlist of DJs, art drops, interactive installations, markets, games, and curated surprises. It’s street-level culture, served up weekly in the heart of Vancouver’s most iconic neighbourhood.

The series also features several rotating events, with programming including Streetside Sessions – Coffee Party. Gastown in Bloom – Flower Market, Open Air Atelier – Live Art Battles.

When: Sundays until Sept. 6, 2026
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Water Street from Richards to Columbia in Gastown
Cost: Free admission

Kiki Yeung at Yuk Yuks Surrey

What: Comedian Kiki Yeung is an acclaimed comedian with credits ranging from Netflix Is A Joke Fest, New York Comedy Festival, ABC, and Crazy Woke Asians.

The highly anticipated show at Yuk Yuks Surrey will also feature Seattle comic Ellen Acuario, who has appeared at the Women in Comedy Festival, Crazy Woke Asians, RISK Podcast live tour, and more.

When: Friday, Aug. 7, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Yuk Yuks Surrey at Elements Casino – 17755 60th Ave., Surrey
Tickets: $35 plus tax, purchase online

Plaza Pours Wine Tastings

What: Enjoy an outdoor evening wine tasting session hosted by a local sommelier from the Stable House Bistro. Doors open and the tasting starts at 5 p.m., running for one hour. Admission is completely free, but advance registration is required due to limited space and beverage quantities.

When: July 9 and 23, Aug. 6 and 20, 2026
Time: 5 to 6 p.m.
Where: South Granville Plaza West – Granville Street and West 13th Ave., Vancouver
Admission: Free, but advanced registration is required

Light Up Chinatown!

What: Light Up Chinatown! is returning for its sixth year, taking over the Vancouver neighbourhood with plenty of exclusive food collaborations, live performances, local vendors, and community programs.

The festival, which started as a way to support local businesses in the area, has been known to draw over 20,000 visitors during its two-day run.

When: Aug. 8 and 9, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Saturday), and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: Along the 500 block of Columbia Street and neighbouring streets in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown
Admission: Free

Playland 2026

What: There are over 30 rides and attractions to enjoy at Vancouver’s favourite amusement park, ranging from family-fun rides to extreme, heart-racing attractions.

Prepare yourself for the sky-high Atmosfear, the timeless Wooden Roller Coaster, and of course, The Beast — the massive pendulum that stands 12 storeys tall and swings at speeds of 90 km/h.

When: Select dates until Aug. 21, 2026
Time: Wednesday through Sunday in August from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Extended evening hours on select nights.
Where: Playland — 2901 E. Hastings St., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices; season and single-day passes are on sale now. Purchase online

South Granville Summer – Silent Book Club

What: Settle in for a dedicated hour of silent reading with optional socializing afterward. The event runs from 2 to 4:30 p.m., with doors opening right at 2 p.m. and wrapping up at 4:30 p.m. Admission is completely free, and no advanced ticketing or website links are required to attend this community gathering.

When: Aug. 8, 2026
Time: 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: South Granville Plaza West – Granville Street and W. 13th Avenue, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Big Splash Water Park

What: Big Splash Water Slide Park in Tsawwassen is back for the summer season. 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 Sept. 7, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting
Where: 4775 Nulelum Way, Tsawwassen
Admission: $43 for an all-day pass and $34 for a twilight pass, which begins at 3 p.m. Children three and under are free with a paying adult. Purchase online

Vancouver Bandits

What: Vancouver Bandits bring Canadian Elite Basketball League action to the Langley Events Centre this summer. They take on the Winnipeg Sea Bears on Sunday, Aug. 2, and then gear up for a CEBL Western Conference game on Thursday, Aug. 6.

When: Sunday, Aug. 2, and Thursday, Aug. 6
Time: 12:30 p.m. (Sunday), 7 p.m. (Thursday)
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200th St., Langley
Cost: Various; purchase online

Bend & Flow Community Yoga

What: Find your center with refreshing, fresh-air movement classes. Admission is entirely free; participants just need to bring their own yoga mat.

When: Aug. 9 and 23, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: South Granville Plaza East – Granville Street and West 14th Avenue, Vancouver
Admission: Free (Bring your own mat)

Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival

What: One of Metro Vancouver’s most popular outdoor music festivals will be returning this month, and it’s giving fans a huge reason to cheer.

Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival, happening at the Festival Lawn at Deer Lake Park on Saturday, Aug. 8, is once again offering free admission in 2026. Fans will also be treated to a stellar lineup of performers, including headliner Talk and Canadian icon Jully Black.

When: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026
Time: 3:30 to 10 p.m.
Where: Deer Lake Park Festival Lawn – 6450 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
Cost: Free

Harmony Arts Festival

What: West Vancouver’s annual Harmony Arts Festival runs from July 31 to Aug. 9 with an array of cultural events and food programming.

With dozens of live music performances, art markets and demonstrations, food events and more, this summery event is one you won’t want to miss.

When: July 31 to Aug. 9, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations in West Vancouver
Cost: Various, including free concerts and programming. Learn more online

North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market

What: North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market (SYNM) is celebrating its 13th anniversary in Lower Lonsdale in 2026. 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. 11, 2026
Time: 3 to 10 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free

IVE

What: IVE, made up of Anyujin, Gaeul, Rei, Jangwonyoung, Liz and Leeseo, is one of the world’s fastest-rising K-pop groups.

IVE is touring in support of their second full-length album, Revive+, which topped several domestic and international charts upon its debut in February 2026.

When: Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Tickets for sale online

Stanley Park Mini Golf

What: The City of Vancouver has opened a temporary 18-hole mini golf experience in Stanley Park. The new attraction is expected to last until the fall.

Go on a golf adventure through a whimsical mini-golf wonderland created with an artful take on geometric patterns. All ages are welcome to come take a swing.

When: Now until the fall
Time: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Sunday through Wednesday) and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Thursday through Saturday)
Where: 690 Pipeline Rd., Vancouver
Cost: $16 to $18 plus tax for nine holes, and $23 to $25 for 18 holes. An 18-hole family package for two adults and two children, or one adult and three children, for $90 plus tax, is also available. Children under three can play for free. Book online