20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: August 7 to 13
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Summertime is just packed with fun events in and around Vancouver, and this week is no exception!
Do yourself a favour and check out these 20 fantastic events around the city from August 7 to 13, including The Big Bounce, Vancouver Mural Fest, and more.
And for more fun things happening around town be sure to check out our Listed section.
Black Block Party 2023
Yardie Grabz/Facebook | Emerald Osagie/Facebook
What: A popular festival celebrating Black music, arts, and culture is returning to Downtown Vancouver this weekend.
The free event is open to everyone and features live performances by Black artists, vendors, an art installation, a raffle, and more.
When: August 12, 2023
Time: 12 to 9 pm
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square – 850 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free
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Theatre Under the Stars: The Prom and Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical
What: Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS)’ 2023 season and 83rd year at the Malkin Bowl will feature two of Broadway’s smash hits: the big-hearted comedy, The Prom, and the fast-paced family adventure, Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical. The shows will run on alternate evenings from July 6 to August 26.
When: July 6 to August 26, 2023 (Performances alternate evenings)
Time: 8 pm, except on Fireworks Nights (July 22, 26, and 29) when shows begin at 7 pm
Where: Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park – 610 Pipeline Road
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
The Irish Fusion Festival
What: The Irish Fusion Festival, Vancouver’s newest addition to the festival scene, launches in False Creek just steps away from BC Place on Friday, August 18, and Saturday, August 19. Tickets for the festival are only $25 for the weekend, and guests will enjoy a fusion of culture with live music, energetic dance performances and family-friendly entertainment. Plus, attendees under the age of 12 will get in free.
In the spirit of community engagement, the festival has partnered with two local charities, Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities (PRDA) and Don’t Go Hungry. A portion of the proceeds from the festival will be donated to both organizations, supporting their vital work in the community.
When: August 18 and 19, 2023
Time: 5 to 10 pm (Friday), 10 am to 10 pm (Saturday)
Where: 80 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Cost: $25 for both days (available through Eventbrite or at the gate), $10 for Friday only (available on the gate), and $20 for Saturday only (available on the gate). Free for children under 10. Purchase online
Deckchair Cinema at The Polygon Gallery
What: The Polygon Gallery’s Deckchair Cinema takes place every Thursday on Lower Lonsdale’s waterfront deck. 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)
Playland
PNE Playland/Instagram
What: Get ready for the rolls, drops, spins, and thrills at Playland! 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 Skybender, Hell’s Gate, and of course, The Beast — the massive pendulum that stands 12 storeys tall and swings at speeds of 90 km/h.
When: Various weekdays and every weekend until August 18, 2023
Time: Various time slots
Where: Playland — 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Cost: $38 to $50 (online), with season passes also available. Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult. All guests 4 and up must purchase an admission pass for entrance. Purchase online.
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 Tri-City Dust Devils from August 8 to 13 with themed games including Superstar Series with John Gibbons on Tuesday, RBC We Care Wednesday supporting PLEA Community Services Society, 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 Nutrl, and A&W Family Fun Sunday with a clear fanny pack giveaway for the first 1000 fans.
When: August 8 to 13, 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
Young The Giant with Milky Chance
What: Multi-platinum-selling artist Young The Giant and acclaimed German rockers Milky Chance are teaming up for a performance at UBC Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre on Thursday, August 10. Vancouver fans will also be treated to live performances by special guest Rosa Linn.
When: August 10, 2023
Time: 7 pm
Where: Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre – 6066 Thunderbird Boulevard, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices. Tickets go on sale Friday, February 3 at 10 am
Vancouver Mural Fest’s Mount Pleasant Street Party
Vancouver Mural Festival (Sabrina Miso Creative/Submitted)
What: Vancouver Mural Festival’s Mount Pleasant Street Party goes down at the City Centre Artist Lodge at 2111 Main Street.
The former Motor Hotel building as well as surrounding streets will be home to live entertainment, food trucks and pop-up bars, an artisan market, and more. Best of all, the festivities will be free to enjoy.
When: August 10 to 13, 2023
Time: 5 to 10 pm (Thursday and Friday), 2 to 10 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: City Centre Artist Lodge – 2111 Main Street, Vancouver plus surrounding streets
Cost: Free
Vancouver Queer Film Festival
What: Vancouver Queer Film Festival is Western Canada’s largest queer arts event. Since 1988, the festival contextualizes and celebrates queer lives and experiences through online and in-person film screenings. This year will feature 92 films from 27 countries showcasing the struggles, joys, and journeys of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. There will also be performances by local artists, post-screening Q&As, and more.
When: August 10 to 20, 2023
Time: Various times
Where: Venues across Vancouver and online screenings
Passes: Purchase online
Russell & Roots – Country Night
What: Brought to you by Russell Brewing and The Festival Company, Russell & Roots’s Country Night features performances by LOCASH, James Barker Band, Meghan Patrick, and local acts. The 93.7 JR Country-presented event is sure to get the audience toe-tapping and singing along to the artists’ high-energy performances.
When: August 12, 2023
Time: 1 to 10 pm
Where: Softball City — 2201 148th Street, Surrey, British Columbia
Tickets: Starting at $78 — tickets are available here.
Vancouver Bandits Championship Weekend
Vancouver Bandits/Submitted
What: Hometown favourites the Vancouver Bandits host and compete in the CEBL Championship Weekend this week at Langley Events Centre The exciting event will feature a variety of exciting happenings, including the CEBL Awards on August 9 and CEBL Commissioner’s Breakfast on August 11.
JUNO-nominated artists SonReal and Boslen are performing in the CEBL Life Concert Series at Good Co. Granville in Vancouver on August 12.
The Bandits will take on a Western Conference Finalist on August 11 at LEC, and tickets to the game will also include admission to the Eastern Conference Final on the same day. And then make plans for the CEBL Championship Finals on August 13 to see which team will win it all.
When: August 9 to 13, 2023
Time: Various times
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200th Street, Langley (Good Co. Granville for concert)
Cost: Various; purchase online
Vancouver Hip-Hop 50 Concert
What: Vancity Hip-Hop 50, presented and hosted by Hollywood Theatre features over a dozen artists in the one-night-only event. Stars include the Rascalz, Split Sphere, Junk, Snak The Ripper, Teon Gibbs, and Shaylen D, A local rising star will also have the chance to take the stage.
When: August 11, 2023
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Hollywood Theatre – 3123 W Broadway Vancouver
Tickets: $25-$65, purchase online
Mensch. Jewish Delicatessen pop-up at Callister Brewing
What: Your next chance to get in on Mensch.’s insanely good hot pastrami sandwich will be on August 9 when it pops up at Callister Brewing for a one-night-only event.
The pop-up event will feature Mensch.’s absolutely iconic slow-brined, smoked, and hand-cut New York-style hot pastrami sandwich.
When: August 9, 2023
Time: 6 pm and 7:30 pm
Where: Callister Brewing Co., 1338 Franklin Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $16 (max. of two per order)
Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
Jeff Goldblum (Sterling Munksgard/Shutterstock)
What: Jazz pianist Jeff Goldblum and his backing band Mildred Snitzer Orchestra are performing at the Vogue Theatre in their first-ever Canadian performance.
The Oscar and Primetime Emmy-nominated star has released three albums with his jazz band, Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra: The Capitol Studios Sessions, I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This, and Plays Well with Others. The latter was released in March 2023 with Goldblum appearing on Late Night with Seth Myers and Jimmy Kimmel Live.
When: August 12, 2023
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices. Tickets available online
Whisky Smoke
What: Whisky Smoke is treating guests to a number of exciting firsts this year including a new wine showcase added to the festivities and a shift to a Friday evening event. Guests will also be in the heart of the thoroughbred racing as the event will now be held trackside.
The highly-anticipated event features 24 wines, more than 12 whiskies, cognac, and beer for guests to sip on. Brands that you can discover include Westland Distillery, Stauning Whiskey, Talisker, Lastella Winery, and Daou Vineyards.
When: August 11, 2023
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: Hastings Racecourse — 188 N Renfrew Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $75. Register online
BC Lions vs Calgary Stampeders
What: BC Lions continue their CFL season at BC Place this week with a game against the Calgary Stampeders on August 12.
When: August 12, 2023
Time: 4 pm
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online
Red Truck Beer Company’s Truck Stop Concert Series
Truck Stop Concert Series/Submitted
What: The Truck Stop Concert Series 2023 wraps up on Saturday, August 12 with a headline set by alternative-pop quartet Ripe. The Boston-based band has been streamed over 65 million times on Spotify and has performed to massive crowds at festivals such as Bonnaroo, Firefly, SweetWater, and Bottlerock. The day’s lineup also includes Vancouver faves Delhi 2 Dublin.
When: August 12, 2023
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: Red Truck Beer Company, 295 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets: Starting from $60 plus fees, purchase online
Summer Movie Nights on the Square
What: Vancouver’s free outdoor movie series in šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square, also known as the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery, is set to return this summer.
Every Thursday until August 17, the Downtown Van will inflate a large 16-ft inflatable screen for Summer Movie Nights. It’s the perfect urban environment to take in a favourite flick surrounded by the concrete jungle — just be sure to bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets. Food trucks will be on-site during each screening.
When: Every Thursday until August 17, 2023
Time: Activations start at 4 pm, movie starts around 9 pm, depending on when the sun sets.
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square – 850 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Father John Misty & The Head and the Heart
What: Father John Misty and The Head and the Heart have teamed up for a co-headlining tour this summer, and they’re stopping off in Vancouver.
Indie rock fans will get to see both bands perform at Vancouver’s PNE Amphitheatre on Tuesday, August 18, at what will be the tour’s one-and-only Canadian date.
When: August 8, 2023
Time: 5 pm
Where: PNE Amphitheatre, 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Price: Starting at $56.50 — Available now via Ticketmaster
Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival 2023
What: The Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival presented by Parkland returns to Deer Lake Park this summer with free admission. The festival will also feature performances by Fleet Foxes, Allison Russell, The Dip, Boy Golden, The Trade-Offs, and Bebe Buckskin.
When: August 12, 2023
Time: 2 to 10 pm (Gates at 1 pm)
Where: Deer Lake Park – 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Cost: Free. The event site has a capacity of 9,000 attendees
Vines Art Festival
What: The ninth annual multidisciplinary Vines Art Festival features visual and performing artists showcasing their talents at parks throughout Vancouver. The festival prioritizes the lived experiences of QTBIPOC and Disabled artists, with attendees able to enjoy live music, dance, and more.
When: August 9 to 19, 2023
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free