More than 20 FREE and cheap things to do in Vancouver this August
Looking for a way to save this summer? We’re here to help!
Check out these 27 fun events around Vancouver in August that won’t break the bank, like the Pleasant Day Festival, Light Up Chinatown!, and more.
For more great events happening around town, be sure to check out our Listed section.
One-time-only events and activities
Pleasant Day Festival
Mount Pleasant BIA
What: Pleasant Day Festival is taking over a huge stretch of Main Street for a vibrant community celebration full of dining, shopping, interactive activities and live music.
The family-friendly event on Saturday, Aug. 9, is presented by the Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Area (MPBIA). Pleasant Day will feature several stages showcasing local artists and musicians, market vendors, games, and activities for all ages.
When: Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Main Street from 16th Avenue to King Edward
Cost: Free
Evo Summer Cinema Series at Stanley Park
What: Hundreds of people will gather in Stanley Park every Tuesday for Canada’s largest outdoor movie series. You can watch a curated lineup of Hollywood hits and family favourites on the giant 40-foot inflatable movie screen.
When: Every Tuesday until Aug. 26, 2025
Time: Screenings begin a little after sunset
Where: Ceperley Meadows beside the Second Beach pool – 8501 Stanley Park Dr., Vancouver
Cost: Free
ARC Restaurant and HYPE Chocolate‘s Artisanal Ice Cream Pop-Up
What: Fairmont Waterfront’s ARC Restaurant and HYPE Chocolate are teaming up for an Artisanal Ice Cream Pop-Up, right next to ARC Patio in downtown Vancouver.
Ice cream fans can discover distinctive flavours like Lemon, Wildflower Honey & Thyme sorbet, a Salted Chocolate ice cream, and a Vanilla Bean & Brown Butter Croissant flavour that is crowned with edible gold.
There will also be a rotating selection of signature flavours and HYPE Chocolate’s signature seasonal B.C. berry cups topped with warm chocolate.
When: Every Saturday and Sunday until Sept. 14, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Beside Arc Restaurant’s Patio – 900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver
Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival 2025
Vancouver Pride Society
What: The annual Vancouver Pride Parade will begin at Concord Pacific Place lands in Northeast False Creek and travel westward along Pacific Boulevard and Pacific Street, terminating at Burrard Street. As well, with a shorter route for 2025, the parade will start at 1 p.m. — one hour later than usual. Over 150 parade entries are planned.
Parade spectators can follow the tail end of the procession to the new Davie Village Pride Festival, which will span a three-block stretch of Davie Street between Burrard Street and Jervis Street.
Organizers are promising a “high-energy, inclusive celebration” at the Davie Village Pride Festival, featuring live music, drag performances, DJs, and roaming entertainers, as well as licensed lounges, extended patios, and local businesses spilling out onto the street.
When: Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025
Time: Vancouver Pride Parade — 1 to 3:30 p.m.; Davie Village Pride Festival — 2 to 10 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Pride Parade — along Pacific Boulevard and Pacific Street between Concord Pacific Place/BC Place Stadium and Burrard Street; Davie Village Pride Festival — at Davie Street between Burrard Street and Jervis Street, and at Nelson Park
Admission: Free
Fridays on Front
What: Fridays on Front, the popular free block party series, is firing back up on Front Street Mews in Downtown New West.
One of the region’s best street parties, Fridays on Front highlights artisan vendors, musical performances, and, of course, a lot of great food. And it’s a quick walk from both the New Westminster and Columbia Skytrain Stations.
When: Every Friday from Aug. 8 to 22, 2025
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
Where: Front Street Mews in Downtown New Westminster
Admission: Free
Summer Movie Nights on the Square
What: Every Thursday evening to Aug. 14, Downtown Van will inflate a large 33-foot screen in šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square at the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery for the family-friendly Summer Movie Nights.
This summertime tradition will see a massive crowd of moviegoers watch their favourite flicks under the stars. Activities start at 5 p.m., so there will be plenty of fun before the screening starts.
When: Every week until Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025
Time: Activations start at 5 p.m.; movies start at dusk
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square – 850 W. Georgia St., Vancouver
Cost: Free
TAIWANfest Vancouver
TAIWANfest
What: The popular annual TAIWANfest will take place from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 at several locations in Downtown Vancouver, including šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square, Granville Street, the Annex, Wilms Salon, and more.
Attendees will enjoy a huge lineup of free events, including live music and performances, family-friendly activities, art markets, and public talks.
When: Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations, including šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square, Granville Street, and The Annex at Orpheum
Cost: Free
Whistler Summer Concert Series 2025
What: Summertime was made for outdoor concerts, and Whistler is offering a stunning backdrop for both artists and music lovers this year.
When: Various dates in August 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. (live DJ sets) and 7:30 p.m. (headlining sets)
Where: Whistler Olympic Plaza – 4365 Blackcomb Way, Whistler
Cost: Free
North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market
What: North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market (SYNM) is celebrating its 12th anniversary in Lower Lonsdale in 2025. 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. 12, 2025
Time: 3 to 10 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free
Paws of Nude Dog Bar
Nude Beverages
What: Paws of Nude Dog Bar is a playful afternoon at Cooper’s Dog Park in celebration of pups and their people.
Nude Beverages, a proud supporter of animal rescue, will be handing out dog treats, toys, and water, while pet parents can enjoy samples of Nude products.
Nude also recently partnered with the BC SPCA to create the Paw Pack, now available in stores, with proceeds helping animals in need.
When: Monday, Aug. 4, 2025
Time: 3 to 6 p.m.
Where: Cooper’s Dog Park – 1020 Marinaside Cr., Vancouver
Admission: Free
Deckchair Cinema at The Polygon Gallery
What: The Polygon Gallery presents Deckchair Cinema every week on Lower Lonsdale’s waterfront deck.
Hosted in partnership with presenting sponsor Rogers Communications, the open-air film series will feature music and entertainment, drinks from Strathcona Beer Company, and more.
When: Every Thursday until Aug. 28, 2025
Time: Music and concession open at 7 p.m., screenings begin at sundown
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Crt., North Vancouver
Cost: By donation
Free Outdoor Yoga Classes with Mat Collective
What: Mat Collective is hosting free yoga classes at Hadden Park at Kits Beach every week throughout the summer.
Every instructor brings their own style to their outdoor class, starting with a grounding warm-up before moving on to flows and holds, working your way up to a peak pose, and concluding with a meditative finish.
When: Every Tuesday until August 26, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Hadden Park — 1905 Ogden Ave., Vancouver
Cost: Free, register online to reserve your spot.
Light Up Chinatown!
Vancouver Chinatown Foundation
What: A family-friendly festival reconnecting Vancouverites to Chinatown returns this weekend, and foodies are in for a treat!
The fifth annual Light Up Chinatown! is happening on Aug. 16 and 17 at 500 Columbia St. and neighbouring streets in the historic cultural neighbourhood.
Everyone is invited to enjoy live entertainment, a kids’ fun zone, and unique street food creations during the free event. Plus, there are some great prizes to be won.
When: Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Saturday), 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: 500 Columbia St. and neighbouring streets in Chinatown
Admission: Free
Summer in The Courtyard at Willowbrook
What: Willowbrook Shopping Centre’s Summer in The Courtyard offers free weekly events in its outdoor courtyard until August.
Enjoy Monday Fundays with bubbles, games, and activities, outdoor yoga sessions on Wednesdays led by Evolution Studios, and family-friendly movie nights every Friday. It’s a great way to spend time outdoors, connect with the community, and enjoy summer fun close to home.
When: Various dates until Aug. 29, 2025
Time: Monday Fundays, 1 to 3 p.m.; Outdoor Yoga Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to noon; and Movie Night Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Willowbrook Shopping Centre – Outdoor Courtyard — 19705 Fraser Hwy., Langley
Admission: Free
Pet-A-Palooza 2025
What: North America’s largest dog festival is returning to Vancouver this summer, and it’s shaping up to be a paw-some time!
Pet-A-Palooza’s The Day of the Dog takes over Yaletown on Sunday, August 24. The free event features new attractions, playful photo opportunities, and tasty treats for our four-legged friends. The outdoor celebration is pet-friendly, so bring your furry family members along to join the party.
When: Aug. 24, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 1100 Mainland St., Vancouver
Cost: Free
Powell Street Festival
Powell Street Festival
What: The 49th annual Powell Street Festival is happening on Aug. 2 and 3 at Oppenheimer Park and the Paueru Gai (the Powell Street area and Vancouver’s historical Japanese neighbourhood).
There will be over 60 events and 40 performances to check out at this year’s Japanese street festival, including live music, dance performances, film screenings and more.
Expect to find traditional Japanese food, festival food, comforting community cuisine, sweets, refreshing treats, and more during your visit. There will be over 50 food and craft vendors to discover this year.
When: Saturday, Aug. 2 to Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Oppenheimer Park and Paueru Gai (Powell Street area), Vancouver
Admission: Free
South Granville Summer
What: Get ready for fun in the sun as South Granville Summer Social Club turns a beloved Vancouver neighbourhood into the hottest social club of the season.
When: Various dates until August 2025
Time: Various times
Where: South Granville, from Granville Bridge to W. 16th Avenue
Tickets: All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise specified.
Recurring events and activities
Bill Reid Gallery — Free Admission Day
Bill Reid Gallery
What: The Bill Reid Gallery is named after the renowned Haida artist and is the only public gallery dedicated to the contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast. The gallery is home to the Simon Fraser University Bill Reid Collection and also hosts a variety of special exhibitions, workshops, panel discussions, and more.
Guests can visit the Bill Reid Gallery for free from 2 to 5 p.m. on the first Friday of each month.
When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: 639 Hornby St., Vancouver
Cost: By donation
Vancouver Public Library Movie Screenings
What: Vancouver Public Library hosts a variety of movie screenings for the public at its branches throughout the month, and the best part is that they are free to check out. Expect to see the latest Hollywood Blockbusters, timeless classics, and more.
When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Various VPL Branches
Cost: Free
Family Saturdays at Chinatown Storytelling Centre
What: Learn about Chinatown’s heritage and culture through hands-on activities during Family Saturdays at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. The event happens on the third Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes guided tours, prizes, special offers from neighbouring restaurants, and free admission for youth 17 years and under.
When: The third Saturday of each month.
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Centre is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Where: 168 East Pender St., Vancouver
Cost: Free for youth 17 and under, guests under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Admission $10-$12, purchase online
Vancouver Art Gallery – Free First Friday Nights
Vancouver Art Gallery/Facebook
What: The Vancouver Art Gallery was founded in 1931 and is renowned as one of North America’s leading visual arts institutions. The largest public art museum in Western Canada currently has a variety of exhibitions on display, and you can check them out for free during the Free First Friday Nights events.
When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: 750 Hornby St., Vancouver
Cost: Free
Community Jam at The Improv Centre
What: The Improv Centre welcomes performers of all levels to get up onstage with professionally trained improvisers at its free monthly community jam. The 18+ event features theatre exercises, improv games, and more during the fun, interactive jam.
When: The last Saturday of every month
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver
Cost: Free
Burnaby Central Railway
Burnaby Central Railway. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)
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 rideable trains.
When: Weekends and stat holidays through Thanksgiving weekend
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 120 N Willingdon Ave., Burnaby
Cost: $4.50 for a single ride for all passengers three years old and up. $40 for a 10-ride pass
Farmers markets in Metro Vancouver
Trout Lake Farmers Market
Trout Lake Farmers’ Market/eatlocal.org
This farmers market began back in 1995 and became the cornerstone of the Vancouver Farmers Market collective of markets. One of the most popular markets, Trout Lake has food trucks on-site and a variety of vendors selling fresh local produce, locally made goods, and all things food.
When: Every Saturday until Oct. 25, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Lakewood Drive and East 13th Ave., Vancouver
Surrey Urban Farmers’ Market
What: Located just steps away from the Surrey Central SkyTrain station and bus loop, Surrey Urban Farmers’ Market is a vibrant gathering place that aims to promote small-scale farmers, food producers, and artisans.
When: Every Saturday until Oct. 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Royal Kwantlen Park at the corner of 104th Street and Old Yale Road, Surrey
Athenia Acres Farm Markets
Athinia Acres Farm Markets (Nina LaFlamme Photography/Submitted)
What: Athinia Acres, a 30-acre regenerative organic farm, hosts a new, curated farm market experience every Sunday. Shop for certified organic produce, fresh florals, and a rotating lineup of local vendors with artisanal items, food, and drinks.
When: Every Sunday until Oct. 26, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 12800 No. 2 Rd., Richmond
Southlands Tsawwassen Farmers Market
What: This Delta farmers market features local produce, sweet treats, blooms, bevvies, artisans, live music, food trucks and more. There will also be themed celebrations on select dates throughout the season.
When: Every other Saturday until Nov. 8, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Market Square, Southlands – 6313 Market Ave., Delta