19 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: August 19 and 20

Welcome to the weekend, Vancouver! Let’s get you started with our rundown of hot events happening around the city.

From The Fair at the PNE’s opening weekend, a Garlic Festival, a rally for tolerance and inclusivity, and more, here are 20 things to do this weekend, Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20, 2017.

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

Saturday, August 19, 2017

Canada 150 at The Fair at the PNE: $1.50 admission

• 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. First Responders and a guest get free gate admission on Heroes’ Opening Weekend. You can also wear red and/or a Maple Leaf to show your Canadian pride for $1.50 admission into The Fair at the PNE between 11 am and 1 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
• When: August 19 to 20 only
• Time: 11 am
• Where: The Fair at the PNE – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
• Admission: $1.50 by wearing red and/or a Maple Leaf

See also

• Wear your Canadian Pride for $1.50 admission into The Fair at the PNE this weekend
• The Fair at the PNE 2017 summer concert series lineup announced
• 41 outrageous new foods coming to the PNE this year

Theatre Under the Stars

• What: For nearly 75 years, Theatre Under the Stars has brought soaring works of musical theatre to Stanley Park. More than just a night at the theatre, TUTS interweaves a kaleidoscope of elements – setting, scenery, concessions, and quality art – into a fun, encompassing experience. This year’s shows are Mary Poppins and The Drowsy Chaperone.
• When: Now to August 26
• Time: Various times
• Where: Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park
• Tickets: Online

YVR Chill Out

• What: YVR is hosting the YVR Chill Out at Larry Berg Flight Path Park. Enjoy live performances from local artists David Morin, Bobs and Lolo, Derek Pitts, and Fionn, as well as food and family-friendly activities. YVR community partners such as Canucks Autism Network, Vancouver Aquarium, City of Richmond and St. John’s Ambulance will also be on site with interactive booths.
• When: August 19
• Time: 11 am to 3 pm
• Where: Larry Berg Flight Path Park – Russ Baker Way, Richmond
• Admission: Free

Conquest Cycling Club Classic 2017

• What: Taking place at Granville Park Lawn Bowls Club on Saturday, August 19, the fourth annual Conquest Club Classic is fundraising to support The Ride to Conquer Cancer and the BC Cancer Foundation. Sponsored by Granville Island Brewery, the fun and interactive event will feature lawn games, music, entertainment, themed décor, a food and beverage service, a live silent auction, raffle prizes, and much more.
• When: August 19
• Time/schedule: Registration at 3 pm, Lawn games from 4 to 6 pm, Music and chill from 6 to 7 pm
• Where: Granville Park Lawn Bowls Club – 3025 Fir Street, Vancouver
• Price: $20 spectator tickets; $120 registration for a team of four – Tickets available online via Eventbrite

New West Pride Street Party

• What: New West Pride’s largest street festival yet features a Band Stage, DJ Stage, Spoken Word Stage, Drag Stage, VIBE 11 Stage, Last Door Recovery Society’s Clean, Sober, and Proud Substance-Free Dance Party, Kid Zone, roving entertainers, and more.
• When: August 19
• Time: 3 to 8 pm
• Where: Columbia Street, New Westminster
  
• Admission: Free

Our Cityride Festval Vancouver 2017

• What: Our Cityride is Vancouver’s first ever non-competitive bike ride and festival. Riders will enjoy the scenic 17-km course, then immerse themselves in the festival with multiple exhibitors, a beer garden, and food trucks. Entrance to the festival is free and open to the public.
• When: August 19
• Time: 3 to 9 pm
• Where: David Lam Park, Yaletown
• Price: Free for registrants and members of the public

Vines Art Festival 2017 – Main Event

• What: Vines Art Festival is a community-driven event that features earth-inspired visual and performing artists, eco-conscious community leaders, herbalists, urban farmers, and woodcarvers. The festival main event will be held at Trout Lake Park on August 19, and features artists enlivening the park with performances, installations and workshops.
• When: August 19
• Time: 1 to 7:30 pm
• Where: Trout Lake Park – 3300 Victoria Drive, south end behind the concession
• Admission: Free

Harder BASS Tribute hosted by Crisis Era

• What: A tribute to the Harder BASS Generation. Crisis Era is a hard dance duo from Vancouver who has performed all over the world, including Belgium, Austria and the United States.
• When: August 19
• Time: 10 pm
• Where: Harbour Event Centre – 750 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $10

Oppose the Racists in Metro Vancouver!

• What: Vancouver activists will be holding a rally for “tolerance and inclusivity” at City Hall on Saturday, to counter a march planned there by a far-right, anti-Islamic group. The rally is being organized by an ad hoc group, Stand Up To Racism Metro Vancouver, comprised of various activists and community leaders across Vancouver.
• When: August 19
• Time: 12:45 to 4 pm
• Where: Vancouver City Hall – 453 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver
• Info: On Facebook

BC Pinot Noir Festival

• What: The fourth annual BC Pinot Noir Celebration brings together 34 of the province’s best Pinot Noir producers to celebrate the varietal that is defining the region. More than 300 guests will sip, swirl, Pinot Noirs at Linden Gardens in Kaleden.
• When: August 19
• Time: 3 to 10 pm
• Where: Linden Gardens, 315 Linden Avenue, Kaleden
• Tickets: Eventbrite, $175

Sunday, August 20, 2017

Ratha-Yatra Vancouver Parade and Festival 2017

• What: Taking place for its 45th year, the parade is set to be bigger and better than before with cultural groups, marching bands, classic cars, floats, kiddies trains, dancing lions, mariachis, and much more. And as soon as the parade ends, the ‘Festival in the Park’ begins in Stanley Park beside the pool at Second Beach. You’ll get to hear musicians performing on the two main stages including top Kirtan performers, plus catch live theatre performances, and cultural dance groups.
• When: August 20
• Time: 11:30 am to Dusk
• Where: Parade along Beach Avenue from under Granville Bridge to Second Beach in Stanley Park. Festival is beside Second Beach.
• Price: Free

Odlum Brown VanOpen

• What: The Odlum Brown VanOpen kicks off August 12 at the Hollyburn Country Club in West Vancouver. Part of the ATP Challenger Tour (for the men’s tournament) and ITF Pro Circuit (women’s tournament), the VanOpen features approximately 140 men and women from all over the world set to compete for USD$200,00o in prize money.
• When: Now to August 20
• Where: Hollyburn Country Club – 950 Cross Creek Rd, West Vancouver
• Tickets: Online. Admission to men’s and women’s singles qualifying during the opening weekend on August 12 and 13 are free. Ticket prices range from $25 to $58 for the remainder of the tournament, with free admission offered to kids under 12 on Wednesday, August 16.

9th annual Metro Van Garlic Festival

• What: Metro Vancouver’s only garlic festival, The 9th annual Garlic Festival is a celebration of the Stinking Rose. Enjoy culinary fare, fresh local garlic, farmers market, and family fun.
• When: August 20
• Time: 10 am to 3 pm
• Where: The Sharing Farm Society – 2771 Westminster Hwy, Richmond
• Admission: Buy food and drink tickets on site

Port Moody Car-Free Day

• What: Head to St. Johns Street for a community celebration, filled with local businesses and artisans, delicious food, live music, and activities for all ages.
• When: August 20 from 12 to 7 pm
• Where: St. Johns Street, between Douglas Street and Moody Street Port Moody, British Columbia
• Cost: Free

Exhibition: Beyond The Horizon

• What: Beyond the Horizon is a unique exhibition showcasing selected landscapes from the Richmond Art Gallery’s Collection and a series of new works developed in response by students from the Richmond Art Gallery’s Youth Mentorship Program.
• When: Now to August 20
• Where: Richmond Art Gallery – #180 – 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
• Admission: By Donation

Vancouver Canadians vs. Everett Aquasox

• What: Catch the Vancouver Canadians in action against the Everett Aquasox in a 3-game home stand.
• When: August 20 to 22
• Where: Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario St, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $14-$25

Handsome Devil – Vancouver Queer Film Festival

• What: The Vancouver Queer Film Festival comes to a closewith a screening of Irish gem Handsome Devil. Described as “Dead Poets Society meets Glee“, the coming-of-age comedy stars Fionn O’Shea as Ned, a ginger-haired misfit who develops a crush on his college roommate. After the screening, attendees are invited to join a queer procession marching from The Playhouse to The Junction Pub for the festival’s Closing Gala Party.
• When: August 20
• Time: 9 pm (Thursday) and 4:30 pm (Saturday)
• Where: The Playhouse
• Tickets: Online, $8-$12

Watch & Learn – A Vancouver Maker Festival

• What: Watch & Learn is a weekend-long summer festival showcasing Vancouver’s arts & culture community. The event will include an Etsy Vancouver Market, weekend-long artisan workshops, live paintings, live music, food trucks, craft breweries & more.
• When: Now to August 20
• Time: 11 am to 7 pm
• Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza – 650 Hamilton St, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $7 day pass, $10 all weekend pass, children 12 and under free

Social Sundays at VanDusen – Company B Jazz Band

• What: Pack a blanket and bring your friends to VanDusen Botanical Garden for Social Sundays this August. Company B Jazz Band, signature cocktails, and lawn games will get you grooving on Sunday afternoon. All ages event, but ID is required for liquor purchase. 
• When: August 20
• Time: 3 to 5:30 pm
• Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak St, Vancouver
• Cost: Free with regular garden admission