More than 20 FREE and cheap things to do in Vancouver this September
Check out these 22 free and cheap events this month that pack in the fun, like Vancouver Fringe Festival, The Canine Library, and more.
For more great events happening around town, be sure to check out our Listed section.
One-time-only events and activities
Bike the Night
Hub Cycling
What: Bike the Night Vancouver is rolling back into town this September with music, lights, prizes, and hundreds of riders cruising the Seawall after dark, and it’s free to join.
Designed for people of all ages and experience levels, the event turns the Seawall into a glowing, music-filled ride route, with a community festival to kick things off.
Guests can also take part in the free Bike the Night pre-ride Festival at David Lam Park from 5 to 10 p.m. The event features live music, food trucks, Project 529 registrations, tune-ups from MEC, and more.
When: Friday, Sept. 18, 2026
Time: 5 p.m. (pre-ride party), 6:30 p.m. (first wave suitable for young riders), and 7:45 p.m. (second wave)
Where: David Lam Park, Vancouver
Admission: Free, general tickets on Hub Cycling’s Bike The Night page
Vancouver Fringe Festival
What: Vancouver Fringe Festival returns to Granville Island and beyond from Sept. 10 to 20, 2026, embracing every kind of everything. This year, there will be more than 80 shows, two days of free Kids Fringe events, and the return of the free Fringe Patio music series from Sept. 5 to 20. Tickets and information are available online.
When: Sept. 10 to Sept. 20, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues on Granville Island and other venues across Vancouver
Cost: Free and ticketed events; prices range from $16 to $20, depending on each show. Purchase online
Vancouver Vegan Festival
What: The Vancouver Vegan Festival returns to Kitsilano Beach with plant-based food and drink vendors, community booths, artisans, and more.
The all-day event runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will feature a sustainable market, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and more. Get ready to chow down on tasty eats from local food trucks, too.
When: Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kitsilano Beach
Tickets: Free
Filipino Fest
Museum of Surrey
What: The Museum of Surrey is hosting its annual Filipino Fest on Saturday, Sept. 12, with live performances, food vendors, children’s activities, and more.
According to the museum, it is an opportunity for guests to reconnect with their roots or learn about Filipino culture for the first time.
When: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Museum of Surrey – 17710 56a Ave., Surrey
Admission: Free
Vanier Park: Monthly Pay-What-You-Can Sundays at Vancouver’s Museums
What: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver Maritime Museum, and the Museum of Vancouver are partnering up for Pay-What-You-Can Sundays.
On the first Sunday of every month, guests of all ages are invited to visit the three Kitsilano waterfront attractions and explore the exhibits without financial barriers.
The three Vancouver attractions are within walking distance of each other in Vanier Park, and guests can discover maritime history, learn about local heritage, and explore science and space.
When: The first Sunday of every month
Time: Various hours of operation
Where: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver Maritime Museum, and the Museum of Vancouver
Cost: Pay what you can
Our Neck of the Woods
What: Our Neck of the Woods festival is happening this Saturday at Memorial Peace Park and the downtown core of Maple Ridge.
Guests can expect food trucks, family-friendly activities, and a full day of live music on three stages from 2 to 10 p.m. during the free event. Headliners this year include Bedouin Soundclash, Dear Rouge, and Tim & The Glory Boys.
When: Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026
Time: 2 to 10 p.m.
Where: Memorial Peace Park and the downtown core of Maple Ridge
Cost: Free
Gastown Sunday Set
What: You’re going to want to make Sundays your new excuse to head to Gastown, because Water St is going car-free this summer.
Every Sunday through Sept. 6, Water St will transform into a pedestrian-friendly hub for Gastown Summer Set. Expect live DJs, outdoor coffee parties, flower markets, art battles, patio dining, pop-up activations, games, and plenty of surprises.
Stretching from Richards St to Columbia St, the weekly series turns Gastown into an open-air playground where every visit offers something different.
When: Every Sunday until Sept. 6, 2026
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Water Street from Richards to Columbia in Gastown
Cost: Free admission
The Canine Library
Vancouver Public Library/Facebook
What: Canine Library is woofing it up at John Hendry Park, and participants can choose from various poetry books from VPL’s collection for their session with a St. John Ambulance-certified therapy pup.
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: John Hendry Park — 3300 Victoria Dr., Vancouver (behind the Trout Lake Community Centre on the east side and along the path)
Cost: Free
Car Free Days Vancouver
What: Vancouver’s ever-popular Car Free Days are returning this month for two epic celebrations across the city.
The massive street festivals are presented by Car Free Vancouver Society as well as TransLink, local municipalities, and BIAs to promote the growth of car-free culture and spaces.
Each year, thousands of attendees, food vendors, artisan booths, kids’ activities, and more. There will also be plenty of great live music to check out.
When: Saturday, Sept. 5 and Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
Time: 12 to 7 p.m.
Where: Commercial Drive (Sept. 4) and Main Street (Sept. 13)
Cost: Free
Aritzia Warehouse Sale
What: The Vancouver Aritzia warehouse sale typically offers customers 50 to 90 per cent off retail prices. This year, Aritzia says there will be “coveted styles — including jackets, coats, dresses, blouses, denim, pants, skirts, accessories and more.”
Aritzia also says that new styles will be arriving daily.
When: Now to Sept. 7, 2026
Time: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Sept. 5; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 6 and 7
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre West — 1055 Canada Pl., Vancouver
Admission: Free
Richmond Farm Fest
Richmond Farm Fest
What: Celebrate Richmond’s agricultural roots and bright future with delicious food, community, and outdoor fun at The Richmond Farm Fest.
It’s all going down on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the KPU Farm at Garden City Lands, and it’s a full-day affair you don’t want to miss out on.
This free, family-friendly event is all about exploring Richmond’s unique blend of urban and rural environments, active farming, and vibrant culinary community.
When: Sept. 13, 2026
Where: KPU Farm at Garden City Land — 5040 Garden City Rd.
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Price: Free
Fringe Patio Music Series including Labour Day Weekend
What: The free Fringe Patio music series, located at Ocean Artworks on Granville Island, is a showcase of local musicians running from Sept. 5 to 20.
It kicks off Labour Day weekend with Parlour Panther, Hyaenas, Cowboy Bebop Bebop Band, Krystle Dos Santos, and Alvaro Rojas 5tet, all co-presented with Coastal Jazz and Blues Society. The full schedule is available online.
When: Sept. 5 to 7, then daily from Sept. 5 to 20, 2026
Time: Various times – see full schedule online
Where: Ocean Artworks – covered outdoor public space and pavilion on Granville Island, Vancouver
Cost: Free
TAIWANfest Vancouver
What: The popular annual TAIWANfest will take place from Sept. 5 to 7 at several locations in Downtown Vancouver, including šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square, Granville Street, Vancouver Playhouse, VPL Central Branch, and The Annex at Orpheum.
Attendees will enjoy a huge lineup of free events, including live music and performances, family-friendly activities, workshops, and more.
When: Sept. 5 to 7, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations, including šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square, Granville Street, Vancouver Playhouse, VPL Central Branch, and The Annex at Orpheum
Cost: Free
stɑl̓əw̓ Pow Wow
Stalew Pow Wow
What: The fifth annual stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow returns to Langley Events Centre from Sept. 11 to 13, inviting people of all ages and backgrounds to experience Indigenous culture through singing, dancing, drumming, food, art, and community.
The three-day celebration brings together Indigenous communities from across the region and beyond, with more than 500 dancers participating in Saturday’s Grand Entry.
Highlights include welcome ceremonies, Indigenous artists and food vendors, an all-women’s drum group competition, Coast Salish dancers and singers, hoop dancers, youth performers, and more.
When: Friday, Sept.11 to Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
Time: 6 to 11 p.m. (Friday), noon to 11 p.m. (Saturday), 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200th St., Langley
Cost: One-day passes are $10 per person, and three-day passes are $20 per person. Admission is free for children five and under and Elders. Purchase online
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 attend. 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 to $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
Farmers markets in Metro Vancouver
Trout Lake Farmers Market
What: 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. 31, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Lakewood Drive and East 13th Avenue, Vancouver
Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
The BC Farmers Market Trail
What: Find fresh groceries, locally sourced produce, as well as artisanal food offerings at the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market, held weekly at Dude Chilling Park in Mount Pleasant.
When: Every Sunday until Nov. 1, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Dude Chilling Park — 2300 Guelph St., Vancouver
False Creek Farmers Market
What: See, taste, and indulge at this bustling weekday market. This market, which takes place at Olympic Village Square on the Milton Wong Plaza, showcases over 25 farms and producers, as well as food and coffee trucks.
When: Every Thursday until Oct. 29, 2026
Time: 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: Olympic Village Square on the Milton Wong Plaza