20 fun things to do in Vancouver this long weekend: August 2 to 5
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The BC Day long weekend is upon us, and there’s so much to see and do!
Make the most of your time with our roundup of 20 great events happening around Metro Vancouver from August 2 to 5. Pride Parade, Chilliwack Corn Maze, and more.
And for more fun things happening around town be sure to check out our Listed section.
Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival 2024
Vancouver Pride Parade (EB Adventure Photography/Shutterstock)
What: One of Vancouver’s most popular summer festivals returns with some Drag Race royalty.
Attendees will want to head to Concord Pacific Place on August 3 and 4 for VanPrideFest, a free two-day extravaganza with epic entertainment on two stages, food trucks, vendors, and activities. The TD Main Stage features performances from various Canada’s Drag Race winners, including Venus (season 4), Giséle Lullaby (season 3), and Icesis Couture (season 2).
Pride Weekend’s signature parade will take place on Sunday, August 4, beginning at the intersection of Davie and Denman streets and ending at the festival site at Concord Pacific Place.
When: August 3 and 4, 2024
Time: Various times
Where: Concord Pacific Place, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Oakridge Summer Social
What: Oakridge Summer Social by Oakridge Park offers a sneak preview of what Vancouver’s cultural hub will offer next year. This dynamic event series will run until September 2 at Oakridge Park x Pac Rim Patio, which will be transformed into an immersive garden with floral displays, lush greenery, and a picnic-themed menu to top it all off.
Head to the Oakridge Park x Pac Rim Patio at 1067 West Cordova for special events like Cinema Nights in the Park and Family Summer Portrait Sessions.
When: Now until September 2, 2024
Time: Various times
Where: 1067 West Cordova Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $20, purchase online
Vancouver Highlanders
What: Canada’s only professional rugby team, the Vancouver Highlanders, is playing a series of exciting matches at Burnaby Lake Rugby Club this summer. Cheer them on as they face Brazil on August 3 and Canada XV national team on August 17.
When: August 3 and August 17, 2024
Time: Various times
Where: Burnaby Lake Rugby Club – 3760 Sperling Avenue, Burnaby
Tickets: $29 plus fees, free for children 12 and under. Purchase online
Movies Under the Stars in Surrey
Movie Under The Stars/Downtown Surrey BIA
What: Movies Under the Stars, hosted by the Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association and presented by PCI, is screening family-friendly films on three Saturdays in August.
Pack your blankets and chairs, and arrive at Holland Park early to stake out your favourite spot. Plus, there will be activities and live entertainment starting at 6 pm each movie night.
When: August 3, 10 and 17, 2024
Time: Pre-film activities begin at 6 pm, movie starts at dusk
Where: Holland Park – 13428 Old Yale Road, Surrey
Cost: Free
Vancouver Dyke March
What: The Vancouver Dyke March and Festival happens on August 3 on Commercial Drive and is a celebration that centres the experiences of those whose gender identity or expression intersects with their sexual orientation to further marginalize them within the wider LGBTQIA2S+ community.
Everyone is welcome to join the march starting from McSpadden Park at noon and then down Commercial Drive to Grandview Park. The festival will feature live performances, vendors, food trucks and kids tent, and more.
When: August 3, 2024
Time: 11 am meeting at McSpadden Park. Depart McSpadden Park at noon. Festival at Grandview Park from 12:30 to 5 pm
Where: McSpadden Park – 2125 Victoria Drive, Vancouver; Grandview Park – 1657 Charles Street, Vancouver,
Cost: Free
FlyOver – Awaken Canada
What: Flyover’s brand-new “Awaken Canada” film takes guests on a thrilling ride across the country, from the landscapes of the Maritimes to above Baffin Island in Canada’s far Arctic north and Yukon’s Mt. Logan, the highest mountain in Canada.
The new film also follows world-class athletes as they take on challenging terrain, including freestyle skiers taking on the wintery snow-covered heritage streets of Old Quebec City.
When: Daily
Time: Various times
Where: 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices are available on-site or online. Booking online beforehand is advised.
The Really Gay History Walking Tour
Forbidden Vancouver/Instagram
What: Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours presents a guided celebration of the unsung heroes who helped change the social fabric of the city, including drag kings, two-spirit warriors, queer church ministers, and transgender crime fighters. Led by guide Glenn Tkach, guests will discover the gayest beer parlour in town, learn about pioneers of the LGBTQ2+ community, and more.
When: Tuesdays and Sundays, plus extra dates during Pride from August 2 to 5, 2024 (no tours on August 4)
Time: 10 am
Where: Starts outside the Trees Organic Coffee – 930 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Cost: $30-$33, purchase online
Movies on the Mountain
What: Enjoy a one-of-a-kind outdoor movie experience at Grouse Mountain this summer!
Watch screenings of popular films like Encanto, Barbie, Jurassic Park, Grease, and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban with stunning views of the Cascade Mountain Range on Thursday nights in August.
When: Every Thursday from August 1 to 29, 2024
Time: Movies will start at sunset; times may vary
Where: Grouse Mountain (Altitudes Bistro) – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Tickets/Admissions: Included with a valid Grouse Mountain Pass, Mountain Admission Ticket, Download Ticket and Sunset Rate Ticket (visit Grouse Mountain after 7 pm for only $25). Purchase online
Powell Street Festival
What: The 48th annual Powell Street Festival is happening on August 3 and 4 at Oppenheimer Park and the Paueru Gai (the Powell Street area and Vancouver’s historical Japanese neighbourhood).
Whether you’re checking it out for the first or 40th time, Powell Street Fest will be a jam-packed weekend celebrating Japanese Canadian culture, food, and art.
When: August 3 and 4, 2024
Time: 11:30 am to 7 pm
Where: Oppenheimer Park and Paueru Gai (Powell Street area), Vancouver
Admission: Free
Chilliwack Corn Maze
Greendale Acres Farm/Facebook
What: Chilliwack Corn Maze, a popular destination for families and adventurers, is opening next week for another season of summer fun.
Greendale Acre’s iconic maze is in the likeness of American Idol judge Luke Bryan and was made in partnership with 93.7 JR Country.
When: August 1 until October 31, 2024
Time: Various times. Check opening hours online
Where: Greendale Acres – 41905 Yale Road West, Chilliwack
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online. Ages 2 and under and those over 75 years are free. Memberships are also available.
Happyland Festival
What: The third annual Happyland Festival, presented by Timbre Concerts and Sunrise Series, is happening at PNE Amphitheatre and Playland. A fully inclusive Pride celebration, Happyland features an epic lineup of performers, including Tinashe, Adore Delano, Raja Gemini, Vincint, and more.
When: August 4, 2024
Time: Gates 5 pm
Where: PNE Centre Grounds and Playland, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Public Disco’s Pride Block Party
What: Public Disco is hosting its third annual Pride Block Party on Saturday, August 3, in the city’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. The 19+ event features international DJs and local performers, food trucks, pop-up bars, and more.
Get ready to dance the day away with international house music DJs Shaun J. Wright from Chicago and Sappho from Portland while discovering new temporary murals by queer artists Ciele Beau and Christina Hryc.
Local DJ Nancy Dru curated the event, which also includes DJs Sam Steele, Adam 2 and DJ Grooveheart, and gogo dancers from Vancouver’s kiki Ballroom Scene.
When: August 3, 2024
Time: 3 to 11:30 pm
Where: West 3rd Avenue and Ontario Street, Vancouver
Admission: $23.10 to $44.10, which includes GST. Purchase online
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Club Tijuana
Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports
What: Vancouver Whitecaps continue their MLS season this month with several exciting home games at BC Place. Cheer on the ‘Caps as they face Club Tijuana in Leagues Cup on August 3.
When: August 3, 2024
Time: 7 pm
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online
Music Mountain Series at Sea to Sky Gondola
What: The hills are alive with the sound of music at Sea to Sky Gondola. The popular attraction hosts a variety of acclaimed musicians throughout the summer, including Bluesberry Jam on August 2 and Ruckus Deluxe on September 13.
When: Every Friday until September 13, 2024
Time: 5 to 8 pm
Where: 36800 BC-99 – Squamish
Admission: Free with a season pass or day ticket
Fitness is Such a Drag: Pride Fundraiser
What: Vancouver dance fitness group Pop Queen Cardio is kicking off Vancouver Pride with outdoor fundraiser Fitness is Such a Drag at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square.
The beginner-friendly event is raising funds for QMUNITY, and features performances by Canada’s Drag Race star Kendall Gender alongside fan-favourite performers Bibi SouPhresh, Tiffany Ann Co., Hazel, and dancers from Quill Collective.
When: August 1, 2024
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square – 850 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Cost: By donation with proceeds going to QMUNITY. Pre-registration is required online.
Big Splash Water Park
Big Splash Waterpark
What: Big Splash Water Slide Park in Tsawwassen has reopened for the summer season. The seven-acre resort-style park features 13 body and tube slides, a kids’ zone, hot tubs, and more to help you beat the heat.
Big Splash’s highlight is the Boomerango, an exhilarating tube slide with a six-story drop. According to the park, it’s the only one of its kind in Western Canada.
When: Now until September 2, 2024
Time: 11 am to 6 pm, weather permitting
Where: 4775 Nulelum Way, Tsawwassen
Admission: $41 for an all-day pass, $31 for a twilight pass that begins at 3 pm. Children three and under are free with a paying adult. Purchase online
Birds Nest Properties Community Paddling Days
What: Each date in the Birds Nest Properties Community Paddling Days includes new activities on both land and water, centred on a different theme, and is open to paddlers of all ages.
Paddling sessions start hourly between 1 and 3 pm and are led by volunteers from one of Vancouver’s top dragon boat teams.
When: August 4, and September 8, 2024
Time: 1-hour slots at 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm
Where: Creekside Community Centre — 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver
Cost: Minimum $2 donation with proceeds going to charities and community groups. Register online
Canada Pride – Granville Island Lounge
What: Pride season is in full swing, and Vancouver Pride Society (VPS) has a huge lineup of programming prepared for its Canada Pride 2024.
The Granville Island Lounge will serve up an exciting mix of low-key and high-energy events for everyone to enjoy from August 1 to 4. The Queer Haven opens with Comedy Here Often’s showcase of Vancouver’s funniest queer comics.
Come back the next day for the Patio Party with Fruit Forward, featuring a curated selection of natural wines, and Hotlatch’s Pride Party, with DJs and performers celebrating Indiqueer joy. The Granville Island Lounge will include Sweet Soul Saturday, Gateo Pride featuring Bronx-based Dominicana DJ Ultraviolet from House of Yes NYC, Gaymer Pride, and the “Last Dance” Closing Party.
When: August 1 to 4, 2024
Time: Various times
Where: Granville Island Lounge – 1531 Johnston Street, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online
An Unfunny Evening With Tim Minchin and His Piano
What: Olivier Award-winning, Grammy and Tony Award-nominated artist Tim Minchin warns audiences that his upcoming show is “not a comedy gig.” However, there are no assurances about the absence of laughs.
Minchin and his piano will perform songs from his 2020 studio album, Apart Together, his musicals, Matilda and Groundhog Day, his TV and film writing, and more at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
When: August 3, 2024
Time: 7 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $39.50 plus fees, purchase online
Como Taperia Patio Paella Series
What: Como Taperia, the acclaimed Spanish tapas spot in Mount Pleasant, is helping diners get ready for the warm weather and good times by bringing back its Patio Paella series.
Teaming up with the Paella Guys, Como will invite guests to try out the Spanish catering company’s signature Paella Mixta (a combination of chicken and seafood).
When: August 4, August 18, and September 1, 2024
Time: Seatings at 12 noon, 2 pm and 4 pm
Where: Como Taperia, 201 East 7th Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets: From $28 plus tax and gratuity per person
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