57 things to do in Vancouver in September

The best months of the year may be over, but September doesn’t have to be all about going back to school and leaves changing colour. There are tonnes of events happening in Vancouver this month that will extend the good times for at least 30 more days.

Here are 57 things to do in Vancouver in September 2015.

Street Festivals & Parties

The Fair at the PNE

What: The annual fair returns this August with all the classic attractions and food, plus new events including Peter Pan: The Broadway Musical, The Beatles Memorabilia Exhibit, Superhero Discovery Centre, Dinosaurs Alive! A Jurassic Experience, Mermaid Tales and the 5K Donut Dash.
Where: Pacific National Exhibition – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
When: Saturday, August 22 to Monday September 7 (closed August 24 & 31); 11 a.m. till late.

TaiwanFest

What: TaiwanFest returns to Vancouver this September. Taking place over four consecutive days, this celebration of Taiwanese culture features live performances, folk music, workshops, a delicious street buffet (which should not be missed), Chinese medicine and much more.
Where: Opening concert (September 4) will take place at The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts – 777 Homer Street – and festival days, September 5 to 7, will take place on Granville Street (Smithe to Dunsmuir)
When: Friday, September 4 to Monday, September 7

Vancouver Zombie Walk

What: The Zombie Walk is the city’s largest flash mob, with participants numbering in the thousands. Zombies, ghouls, wights, revenents, walkers, runners, and flesh-eaters of all kinds will line the streets, with a few survivors thrown in for good measure.
Where: TBA, Downtown Vancouver
When: Saturday, September 5; begins at 3 p.m.

Serbian Days

What: Experience Serbian culture, dance, music, food and games at the 2015 Serbian Days festival, which is set to take place at the Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church.
Where: Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church – 505 East 63rd Avenue, Vancouver
When: Saturday, September 5 to Sunday, September 6

Richmond World Festival

What: Richmond World Festival is the City’s newest signature event and its first major multicultural festival. Scheduled for September 5th of the Labour Day long weekend, this festival will celebrate Richmond’s significant cultural diversity and they’re inviting the world to the party.
Where: Minoru Park – 7191 Granville Avenue, Richmond
When: September 5; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Victory Square Block Party 2015

What: Presented by CiTR Radio 101.9FM & Music Waste, the Victory Square Block Party is a yearly community celebration, featuring some of the best music groups in Vancouver, food, fun, and community pride.
Where: Victory Square – Hastings Street and Cambie Street, Vancouver
When: Sunday, September 6; 1:30 to 9 p.m

Unbuckled: Vancouver’s Ultimate Backyard BBQ

What: Unbuckled, Vancouver’s Ultimate Backyard BBQ, will combine casual sporting competitions, picnic eats and drinks, alt-country and bluegrass rhythms and plenty of good times all in the heart of the city.
Where: Brockton Baseball Diamond, Stanley Park – Vancouver
When: Saturday, September 12; 2 to 7:30 p.m.

COHO Festival

What: Fresh salmon grill, performances, booths and a run and walk are all part of this year’s annual COHO Festival at Ambleside Park.
Where: Ambleside Park, West Vancouver
When: Sunday, September 13; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Vancouver Fringe Festival

What: Vancouver’s independent and alternative theatre festival brings a series of plays to venues across the city for 10 days of artistic inspiration.
Where: Various locations
When: September 10 to September 20

Vancouver Public Library Sidewalk Used Book Sale

What: Browse and purchase used books from a selection of hundreds at the VPL’s annual Fall Sidewalk Used Book Sale.
Where: VPL Central Branch – 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
When: Thursday, September 17 to Saturday, September 19

Music

PNE Summer Concerts

What: This year’s Summer Night Concerts feature an exciting array of artists that are sure to please fans of all genres. Pop stars, Country favorites, R&B icons, and Rock ‘N’ Roll legends, will all be showcased at the 2015 PNE Concert series.
Where: PNE Amphitheater inside the PNE Fair grounds, Vancouver
When: Nightly between August 23 and September 7

Dave Matthews Band

What: They usually only play in giant outdoor venues, but the famous rockers Dave Matthews Band will delight fans at Rogers Arena in September.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
When: Tuesday, September 1; 7 p.m.

Mad Decent Block Party

What: Once again Blueprint and Live Nation are bringing the Mad Decent Block Party to Vancouver as Diplo and his crew return to bring the noise to the PNE Amphitheatre. It will be an all ages show with a VIP (19+) area as well.
Where: PNE Amphitheatre
When: Sunday, September 6; doors open at 3 p.m.

Passenger

What: Passenger, a.k.a. Michael David Rosenberg, will sing all his hits, including ‘Let it Go’, in Vancouver this September for the Whispers II North American Tour.
Where: The Orpheum – 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver
When: Wednesday, September 9; 7:30 p.m.

Foo Fighters

What: Rock band Foo Fighters with front-man and former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl are landing in Vancouver for their World Tour.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
When: Friday, September 11; 7 p.m.

AC/DC

What: One of the biggest and best rock bands of all time, AC/DC, will ring ‘Hells’ Bells’ in Vancouver in September for their Rock or Bust World Tour.
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
When: Tuesday, September 22; 7 p.m.

The Who Hits 50!

What: The Who, your dad’s favourite classic rock band, are hitting the road again for a 50th anniversary tour. Expect to hear the biggest hits like ‘My Generation’, ‘Squeeze Box’ and ‘Love, Reign O’er Me’.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
When: Tuesday, September 29; 7:30 p.m.

Food & Drink

Food Cart Fest

What: The street food extravaganza hosts their final event of the season. Attendees to the final event can expect an array of delicious food truck fare. In fact, more than 20 of Vancouver’s most popular food carts will be in attendance.
Where: 215 West 1st Avenue, Olympic Village
When: Sunday, September 6; noon to 5 p.m.

Parking Lot Series at Red Truck Brewery

What: Featuring musical acts such as, Head Of The Herd, The Dudes, Good For Grapes, Ice Cream Social DJs, and a variety of Red Truck Beer and food trucks, Red Truck Brewery’s Parking Lot Series is sure to be a great and lively event.
Where: Red Truck Brewery parking lot – 295 East 1st Avenue, Strathcona
When: Saturday, September 12; 4 to 10 p.m.

In-N-Out Burger at the Langley Good Time Cruise-In

What: In-N-Out Burger will once again be making their pilgrimage from California to Canada for a special appearance for one day only. This is the only time you can order a Double Double in Metro Vancouver and end up with In-N-Out’s famous two-patty burger with special sauce.
Where: Langley Good Times Cruise-In – Fraser Highway 206th to 208, Douglas Creccent and the Cascades Parking lot
When: Saturday, September 12

21st Annual Metro Vancouver Feast of Fields

What: Attendees to this annual fundraiser event are encouraged to enjoy a glass of wine as they wander across a farmers field, travelling from tent to tent (sometimes through the barn, past the tractor or around the chicken coup), listening to live music, and tasting gourmet creations from B.C.’s top chefs, farmers, fishers, ranchers, food artisans, vintners, brewers, distillers and other beverage producers.
Where: UBC Farm – 3461 Ross Drive, Vancouver
When: Sunday, September 13; 1 to 5 p.m.

Autumn Shift Festival and BBQ CookOff

What: Celebrating a shift in seasons, and a shift towards urban gardening, sustainability and eating locally, The Autumn Shift Festival brings live entertainment, shopping, food and fun to the streets of Mount Pleasant.
Where: Main Street (between Broadway and East 7th Ave)
When: Sunday, September 13; noon to 6 p.m.

Greek Food Festival

What: Taste the culinary creations of Greece’s most impeccable dishes at Vancouver’s annual Greek Food Festival. The multi-day event will feature entertainers and vendors. Bring olive your friends!
Where: 4500 Arbutus Street, Vancouver
When: September 25 to 27

Main Street Station Farmers’ Market

What: This market features vendors lined up on the east side of Thornton Park on the sidewalk along Station Street, within ideal reach on foot for bus and SkyTrain users. Take note of new hours for 2015.
Where: 1100 Station St., Vancouver
When: Wednesdays, 2 to 6 p.m.; June 3 to October 7, 2015

Oak Street Farmers’ Market

What: This young South Vancouver market boasts all Certified Organic produce, meat, and eggs. It’s run by the Unitarian church, with a goal of connecting locals to their food and farmers.
Where: Unitarian Church of Vancouver – Oak St. and West 49th Ave., Vancouver
When: Wednesdays, 3 to 7 p.m.; June 3 to October 14, 2015

Granville Island Farmers’ Market

What: This cash-only market is steps from all the great food and vendors, and has been around for over 20 years.
Where: Triangle Square, Granville Island – Vancouver
When: Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; June 4 to late October 2015

Yaletown Farmers’ Market

What: A very urban market indeed, the pedestrian-friendly streets of Yaletown welcome vendors and farmers Thursday afternoons and evenings for a terrific food and shopping experience, right at the Yaletown-Roundhouse Canada Line station.
Where: 1200 Mainland Street, Vancouver
When: Thursdays, 2 to 6 p.m.; May 7 to October 29, 2015

UBC Farm markets

What: The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems operates the UBC Farm, and three weekly farm markets (June through October) on campus, providing students, faculty, and staff the chance to engage with the community and support local farming.
Where: UBC Farm – 3461 Ross Drive (Tuesdays & Saturdays), UBC Bookstore – 6200 University Boulevard (Wednesdays)
When: Tuesdays, 4 to 6 p.m. (June 9 to October), Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (June 10 to October), Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (June 13 to October)

Il Mercato Italian Market

What: The market brings together the tastes of Italy with fresh produce grown locally, in addition to delicious food prepared by Il Centro’s chef and handmade products from local artisans.
Where: 3075 Slocan Street, East Vancouver
When: Every third Friday of the month, May 15 to November 20, 2015; 3 to 7 p.m.

Trout Lake Farmers’ Market

What: This is the farmers’ market that started up in 1995 and became the cornerstone of the Vancouver Farmers’ Market collective of markets.
Where: Lakewood Drive and 13th Avenue, East Vancouver
When: Saturdays; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; May 9 to October 24

West End Farmers’ Market

What: The West End’s relaxed Saturday market is a great meeting spot for locals. Grab a cup of coffee, peek at the adjacent community gardens, and take a stroll with your purchases at Nelson Park.
Where: Comox Street (between Bute and Thurlow), Vancouver
When: Saturdays, May 30 to October 24; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kerrisdale Farmers’ Market

What: The Kerrisdale Farmers’ Market lines East Boulevard every Saturday, bringing out the locals in one of Vancouver’s oldest communities. Stroll, shop, and eat at this vibrant weekend gathering.
Where: East Boulevard (between 37th and 41st Avenues), Vancouver
When: Saturdays, June 10 to October 13; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

River District Farmers’ Market

What: This market offers a unique riverfront gathering place in a burgeoning local community. Shop from vendors and artisans, and soak up some local colour.
Where: Kerr Street Plaza, 8683 Kerr Street
When: Saturdays, May 30 to October 10; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kitsilano Farmers’ Market

What: The Kits market takes place Sundays in the parking lot of the Community Centre, and has a Bike Valet for shoppers on two wheels, and lots nearby for families to do.
Where: West 10th Ave (between Larch and Balsam), Vancouver
When: Sundays; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; May 10 to October 25

*A note for this summer: During construction on the parking lot at the Kits Community Centre, the Kitsilano Market will temporarily relocate to Riley Park, at the southeast corner of 30th Avenue and Ontario Street. From May 10 to June 7, 2015 the market will run on the same day and time, and have all the same vendors as the Kits market.

Mt Pleasant Farmers’ Market

What: The Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market is one of the newer kids on the Vancouver Farmers’ Market’s block, but it has quickly become a focal point of the community, bringing familiar vendors and neighbourhood faces together Sundays.
Where: 2300 Guelph Street, Mount Pleasant, Vancouver
When: Sundays, June 14 to October 11; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m

Night Markets

International Summer Night Market

What: Each weekend over 20,000 visitors hit up this massive summertime night market in Richmond and experience the diverse array of booths, food and drink vendors, kids’ play area, and live entertainment.
Where: 12631 Vulcan Way (behind Home Depot on Sweden Way), Richmond
When: Friday, May 8 to September 27; Fridays and Saturdays 6 to 11 p.m. and Sundays 6 to 10 p.m.

Richmond Night Market

What: Drawing crowds from all over Metro Vancouver, the Richmond Night Market is located within easy access of the Canada Line’s Bridgeport Station. Roam the aisles to find games, food, and all sorts of wares for sale. Late nighters take note, this is the only local night market open until midnight (Fridays and Saturdays).
Where: 8351 River Rd. (nearby Bridgeport Station)
When: May 15 to October 12, 2015; Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m. to Midnight, Sundays and holiday Mondays 7 to 11 p.m.

Shipyards Night Market

What: The Shipyards Night market features food trucks, live music, numerous vendors and a beer garden.
Where: Shipbuilders’ Square – 138 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
When: May 1 to September 25; Fridays, 5 to 10 p.m.

Plaza of Nations Saturday Night Market

What: The Plaza of Nations transformed into an outdoor marketplace, complete with food trucks, craft beer, and local bands
Where: Plaza of Nations – 750 Pacific Boulevard
When: Every Saturday, June 20 to September 12, 2015; 5 to 10 p.m.

Sports

The National Circus of Acrobats

What: Some of China’s most skilled and acclaimed acrobats are coming to Vancouver in September for a one-night only performance at the Orpheum Theatre.
Where: Orpheum Theatre – 601 Smithe St, Vancouver
When: Friday, September 4; 7:30 p.m.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Colorado Rapids

What: The Whitecaps face off against the Colorado Rapids at BC Place.
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
When: Wednesday, September 9; 7 p.m.

BC Lions vs. Ottawa Redblacks

What: The BC Lions play the Ottawa Redblacks for the city’s only CFL home game of September.
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
When: Sunday, September 13; 1 p.m.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. CD Olympia

What: The Whitecaps face off against the CD Olympia at BC Place.
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
When: Wednesday, September 16; 7 p.m.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC

What: The Whitecaps face off against the Seattle Sounders at BC Place.
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
When: Saturday, September 19; 7 p.m.

Vancouver Tweed Ride

What: Get your most traditional English garb and your vintage bikes ready, the Tweed Ride is returning to Vancouver. The Tweed Ride aims to promote bike riding in urban areas and proceeds for the ride benefits Power To Be Adventure Society.
Where: Vancouver Club – 915 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
When: Sunday, September 20; ride starts at 12:30 p.m.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. New York City FC

What: The Whitecaps face off against New York City at BC Place.
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
When: Saturday, September 26; 7 p.m.

Day of the Longboat

What: UBC’s annual event off the shores of Jericho Beach is hugely popular with students, but many don’t know anyone in the community is welcome to participate as well! Find a team and have 10 to 12 people race a longboat canoe down the Jericho Beach coast. This is the largest voyageur canoe race in the world and the biggest UBC Recreation event. Registration deadline is Monday, September 21.
Where: Jericho Sailing Centre – 1300 Discovery Street, Vancouver
When: Clinics: Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27; Race weekend: Saturday, October 3 to Sunday, October 4

Other

50% off all Cineplex Films

What: Starting Monday and running until Friday, September 4, all Cineplex theatres across Canada will be offering a 50 per cent discount on all tickets for any movie – an extension of its weekly “Tuesday Everyday” price. This includes premium ticket experiences such as 3D, IMAX, UltraAVX, DBOX and VIP Cinemas.
When: Monday, August 31 to Friday, September 4
Where: Various locations. Click here for a full list.

Aritzia Warehouse Sale

What: The biggest warehouse sale returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre for five days of sale madness. Shop all of Artizia’s on-sale spring, summer, fall and winter merchandise at an incredibly low price. Line ups will be long and patience will be tested. Go at your own (and your wallet’s) risk.
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
When: Thursday, September 3 to Sunday, September 7; 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

QS World Grad School Tour Vancouver 2015

What: For students and young professionals interested in pursuing a global education and kick starting an international career, this is the perfect event to gain access to information and hear first hand about these opportunities from the experts.
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre East – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
When: Tuesday, September 8; 2:30 to 8 p.m.

Kevin Hart: What Now Tour

What: His career is currently exploding with dozens of movie roles, but stand-up comedian Kevin Hart will get crowds giggling at Rogers Arena for the Vancouver stop of the What Now Tour.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
When: Thursday, September 10; 7 p.m.

Art of Leadership Conference

What: This one day conference features five internationally renowned bestselling authors and thought leaders who will share an exciting blend of cutting edge thinking and real world experience on today’s most critical leadership issues. Featuring: Chris Hadfield, Captain Phillips, Gretchen Rubin, Marshall Goldsmith and Dr. Liane Davey.
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre – East Building, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
When: Monday, September 14; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Joe Rogan with Special Guests

What: Stand-up comedian Joe Rogan will make guests laugh at his Vancouver tour stop in September. A intimate venue will be sure to add to the experience.
Where: The Orpheum – 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver
When: Friday, September 18; 8 p.m.

Etsy Made in Canada Market

What: Etsy Vancouver is one-day marketplace, bringing together local Etsy sellers and communities in celebration of the country’s maker movement. Crafters, artisans, and collectors will be selling their handmade and vintage goods to the lovely community. Come show your support to your fellow talented Vancouverites!
Where: UBC Robson Square – 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
When: Saturday, September 26; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Vancouver Aquarium Sea Monsters Revealed

What: Sea Monsters Revealed, running at the Vancouver Aquarium from now until Labour Day Weekend, takes some of the ocean’s most unusual creatures and strips them down to nothing but skin and bones – or cartilage as the case may be – giving visitors an inside-out look and what makes them tick.
Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
When: Daily until September 7

Science World Ultimate Dinosaurs Exhibit

What: Ultimate Dinosaurs introduces you to new and unique dinosaurs that evolved in isolation in South America, Africa and Madagascar. The exhibition combines rarely seen specimens with augmented reality technology that transforms full-scale dinosaurs into flesh-covered animated beasts right before your eyes.
Where: TELUS World of Science – 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver
When: Saturday, May 30 to September 7, 2015; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m

Stefan Stagmeister: The Happy Show

What: One of the largest exhibitions in MOV’s 120-year history, this astonishing experience transcends the boundary between art and design. It takes over museum galleries and in-between spaces-stairwells, hallways, and restrooms-in order to ask: what makes us happy?
Where: Museum of Vancouver – 1100 Chestnut St., Vancouver
When: Daily until Monday, September 7; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.