34 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: August 2 to 5

Vancouver Pride, BC Day and more! Enjoy your long weekend with these 34 Vancouver events happening on Friday, August 2, Saturday, August 3, Sunday, August 4, and Monday, August 5. Have fun, everyone!

And for more things happening around town be sure to check out our events section.

See also

• A live-scored, outdoor movie is playing at the Vancouver Art Gallery next week
• All the best highlights of the 10-day Vancouver Mural Fest
• Multi-instrumentalist King Princess announces Vancouver concert

Friday, August 2

Pride at Parq 2019

What: On August 2, Parq Vancouver will be playing host to Pride at Parq 2019, hosted by Kim Chi, Asia, Kameron, and RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10’s prestigious winner, Aquaria. On the night, the four Queens will deliver fierce performances and keep the adrenaline pumping while guests sip signature Pride cocktails and vibe to the beat of live entertainment.

In a first of its kind, VIP experience will be offered at the event, providing special guests private access to exclusive offers including the opportunity to mingle with the stars themselves. And of course, there will be a variety of pride-themed food and drink options throughout the night including the famous pride rainbow cake

When: August 2, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 9 pm
Where: Parq Vancouver — 39 Smithe Street
Price: Starting at $80 — Tickets available online

A.W.E.V.A.N.A.I.R above the Vancouver Art Gallery

What: A 65-foot hot air balloon is scheduled to take flight above the Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG) for the 2019 Honda Celebration of Light. The massive balloon, belonging to Hendrick’s Gin, is called the A.W.E.V.A.N.A.I.R, which stands for Amazing, Whimsical, Enchanting, Voyaging, Astounding, Nocturnal, Ascending, Interstellar, Roamer.

Lucky passengers will have a chance to ride the hot air balloon in groups of four, although they’ll have to win a “golden ticket” in order to ride. In order to win a golden ticket, contestants must have their name pulled in a ballot. Draws will be held at a number of participating bars around Vancouver, as well as onsite at the Hendrick’s Gin Air Departure Lounge from August 2 to 3. Eager riders can also enter via an online ballot.

Entrants must be residents of British Columbia and of legal drinking age to win and ride. No purchase is necessary.

When: August 2 to August 3, 2019
Time: 5 to 10 pm (weather dependent)
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery — 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free of charge with a golden ticket

Semiahmoo Days and White Rock Sea Festival

What: Enjoy a wide variety of events for the whole family at Semiahmoo Days and the 70th Annual White Rock Sea Festival. Festivities include a movie in the park, traditional salmon BBQ, car show, parades, and more.

When: August 2 to August 4, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Semiahmoo Park to Memorial Park
Admission: Free

Aritzia Warehouse Sale – Hiring Fair 2019

What: Artizia is hiring team members for their upcoming 2019 Warehouse Sale, which will take place from August 28 to September 2. Artizia is hiring for all positions for the warehouse sale, which promises to be bigger than ever. Bring a copy of your resume, along with other people who may want to work for the event.

When: August 2, 2019
Time: 1 to 5 pm
Where: 611 Alexander Street #118, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Summer Sounds on Jack Poole Plaza

What: Starting on Friday, August 2, the convention centre is launching Summer Sounds on Jack Poole Plaza, a music experience which takes place across four weeks in August. Each event will run on Friday from 3 pm until 6 pm, and feature a local musician taking the stage to perform amidst a stunning Coal Harbour backdrop. The all-ages event will also feature light refreshments available for purchase as well as a featured beer garden for attendees 19 years of age or older.

When: August 2, August 9, August 23 and August 30, 2019 (no show on August 16)
Time: 3 to 6 pm
Where: Jack Poole Plaza
Admission: Free

Pride at the Gallery

What: Attendees can explore four levels of the Art Gallery, and take in what the organizers are calling a “queer living library.” The event includes stories and pop-up conversations from queer artists and advocates, Paint & Drink in the Annex Workshop, bingo, as well as many

When: August 2, 2019
Time: 5 to pm
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery – 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Admission: $24 general, $18 student and senior, free for Members

What: Run through the streets of Mount Pleasant and see some amazing public art at the MEC x VMF Run the Murals event. This run, in collaboration with the Fraser Street Run Club, will include a 2 km and 5 km route where you’ll be able to bask in the colourful creations of local artists. Once you’ve caught your breath, head over to the VMF Gallery for some post-run snacks and drinks. Space is limited so register quickly.

When: August 2, 2019
Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Where: VMF Gallery, 14 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Saturday, August 3

43rd Annual Powell Street Festival

What: The annual Powell Street Festival is the largest Japanese Canadian festival in the country, which celebrates and promotes Japanese arts, culture, and heritage. It will feature live performances, martial arts demos, Japanese calligraphy, and most importantly, delicious food available for purchase.

When: August 3 and 4, 2019
Time: 11:30 am to 7 pm
Where: Powell Street Area near Oppenheimer Park
Admission: Free

16th Annual Vancouver Dyke March and Festival

What: Vancouver’s 16th Annual Dyke March & Festival begins in McSpadden Park at 11 am with pre-March festivities and a community art project to create the new Vancouver Dyke March banner for the year. The March will leave McSpadden Park at noon and make its way down Commercial Drive to end at Grandview Park for the Festival. The Festival will take place from 1 to 5 pm, and involve performances from various artists, feature queer-friendly vendors, and create a space to gather with friends, family, and the community.

When: August 3, 2019
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: McSpadden Park, Commercial Drive, Grandview Park
Admission: Free

Vancouver Street Dance Festival 2019

What: The eighth Vancouver Street Dance Festival (VSDF), the largest outdoor street-dance event in Canada, is returning to downtown Vancouver this weekend at Robson Square. The line-up for this year’s event includes six battles in some of the most influential styles of street dance — hip-hop, breaking, locking, popping, waacking, and house. There will be free dance workshops for the public, vendors, showcases, live music, DJs, special guest judges, and a kids-only battle featuring students from studios across BC.

When: August 3, 2019
Time: 11 am to 8 pm
Where: Robson Square – 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Honda Celebration of Light fireworks 2019 – Croatia

What: The sky over Vancouver’s English Bay will once again be lit up with fireworks for three nights this summer, as the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks competition returns to the city. Now in its 29th year, the Honda Celebration of Light features Croatia on August 3.

Back again for all three days, the Park Stage at Second Beach is a free, family-friendly festival site featuring live music, food trucks, sponsor activations, and a site-wide liquor license. The event also welcomes back the Red Bull Air Show, a spectacular pre-show performance happening over all three festival nights. Returning this year, radio partner Z95.3 will be presenting Z-Fest on The Keg Lounge stage overlooking English Bay for three nights of music programming before the pyrotechnic displays.

When: August 3, 2019
Time: 10 pm to 10:25 pm (25-minute duration each night). Rain or shine. Music simulcast on radio station LG 104.3 FM.
Where: English Bay, Vancouver
Admission: Free. Reserved seating on sale through the festival’s website.

Terry Wallace Memorial Breakfast

What: Enjoy a buffet, by-donation pancake breakfast with all the fixings. This annual event celebrates the life and work of Vancouver Pride Society founder, Terry Wallace.

When: August 3, 2019
Time: 8 am to 12 pm
Where: Jim Deva Plaza – 1200 Bute St, Vancouver, BC
Admission: By donation

Vancouver Undie Run 2019

What: Co-hosted by BN3TH, the 3rd annual Vancouver Undie Run is a mobile dance party which gives participants the opportunity to explore downtown Vancouver in a costume, or a pair of comfy underwear. The 5 km jog is for all fitness levels and travels down Davie Street, through a parkade, and then ends at the Pink Alley Way.

When: August 3, 2019
Where: English Bay Beach
Time: 8 pm Start
Cost: By donation. All participants must register here.

Walk Off the Earth

What: Juno Award-winning, multi-platinum group, Walk Off the Earth, is coming to Vancouver during their world tour. Their five-people-playing-one-guitar interpretation of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” exploded on YouTube, garnering more than 180 million views. Since then, the group has gone on to release their own original songs, “Red Hands” (#1 at AAA), “Fire In My Soul,” and “Rule The World.” Walk Off the Earth has already sold out venues around the world, not to mention collaborating with artists including Snoop Dogg, Steve Aoki, and Keith Urban.

When: August 3, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: The Orpheum — 601 Smithe Street
Price: $39.75 to $69.75 (plus service charges) — Tickets available via Ticketmaster

Richmond Sunflower Festival 2019

What: The first ever Richmond Sunflower Festival will feature 20 different varieties of sunflowers and dahlias on over eight acres of land for you to enjoy, with multiple #instaworthy moments. Take a train ride through the vineyard and enjoy a tractor ride to the sunflower fields. You can also enjoy a cool drink or ice cream at the vendors at the festival, including a meal on weekends at the festival’s food trucks.

When: August 3 to September 15, 2019
Time: 10 am to 7 pm
Where: Richmond Country Farms, 12900 Steveston Highway
Cost: $10 on Weekdays and $15 on Weekends, plus tax

Nach`i`m: A Night of Indigenous Femme Excellence

What: Vancouver Mural Festival and Paisley Eva Nahanee (Dame) spotlight Vancouver’s contemporary Indigenous female* artists across all sectors from visual arts to music to tattooing. This event uses an inclusive definition of femme* and includes all self identifying female, trans and non-binary folks.

When: August 3, 2019
Time: 6 pm to 1 am
Where: VMF Gallery – 14 West 7th Avenue (entrance in 7-½ Lane), Vancouver
Admission: Free

Barre Belle celebrates PRIDE

What: Work out like a dancer with Barre Belle at their Kitsilano studio. Not only will you be breaking a sweat, instructor Sean Def’s Barre Belle Fit class will be done to anthems that will make you want to dance. Registration is by donation and will support QMUNITY, a non-profit organization that aims to improve the lives of queer, trans, Two-Spirited people.

When: August 3, 2019
Time: 3 PM
Where: Barre Belle Kitsilano, 1847 W 4th Street, Vancouver
Admission: By donation, benefiting QMUNITY

Movies Under the Stars – Space Jam

What: Movies Under the Stars presents Space Jam on August 3 at Holland Park. Gather your blankets and lawn chairs and cozy up in front of a big screen. Movies start after dusk but attendees are encouraged to arrive earlier to find a good seat and to enjoy the pre-show entertainment. Starting at 5 pm, there will be fun activities before the movie begins.

When: August 3, 2019
Time: Dusk
Where: Holland Park – 13428 Old Yale Road, Surrey
Admission: Free

Sunday, August 4

2019 Vancouver Pride Parade

What: A celebration. A protest. A party. A chance to recognize how far we have come and reflect on where we need to go from here. With over 130 different entries, attracting crowds of 600,000 annually, the annual Vancouver Pride Parade is a world-class event celebrating our diverse LGBTQAI2S+ communities.

When: August 4, 2019
Time: 12 to 3 pm
Where: Through Vancouver and the West End and ending at Sunset Beach
Admission: Free

Sunset Beach Festival

What: A festival along beautiful Sunset Beach with a Main Stage, Community Zone, Family Fun Zone, beer garden, food trucks, interactive art, and more. Head by after the Pride Parade or go early and dance all day beside the water.

When: August 4, 2019
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Sunset Beach, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Art2Heart Summer Art Gala

What: An evening of art, music, and hands-on activities featuring talented youth. Singers, musicians, writers and visual artists will be showcased along with an array of stunning artwork. Take a tour through our art gallery, grab some free food and drinks, and watch the artists perform live onstage, then join the youth DJ’s for the after-party.

When: August 4, 2019
Time: 4 to 8 pm
Where: Surrey City Hall – 13450 104 Ave, Surrey
Admission: Free

The Really Gay History Tour

What: Venture into Vancouver’s LGBTQ2+ history this Pride season on the Really Gay History Tour from Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours. You’ll visit the sites of bookstore bombings, police raids, Imperial Court coronations, the “Kiss-Ins” of Granville Street, and the gayest beer parlour in town.

When: Every Sunday
Time: 2 pm
Where: Starts outside of Vancouver City Centre Skytrain Station, finishes in the Davie Street Village.
Tickets: Online

Bowen Island Sea Kayaking

What: Bowen Island Sea Kayaking offers rentals and guided tours from 2 hours to multi day, allowing you to explore beautiful Bowen Island and Howe Sound on the water. They also offer kayaking and paddle board lessons as well as Paddle Canada certifications. You can also join their popular sunset and full moon tours.

When: April to October
Time: Hours vary. Check website or call.
Where: Bowen Island is a natural wonderland, and is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay.
More Info: Book online here.

Untoxicated 2019

What: Vancouver Pride Society, TELUS, Last Door Recovery Society, and the Government of British Columbia present Untoxicated 2019, Vancouver Pride’s all inclusive substance free event. Featuring Alaska Thunderfuck, Bob The Drag Queen, and Violet Chachki with MC Crystal Clearly and Alma Bitches. Special performances by Raye Sunshine and Jaylene Tyme Plus performances by Sienna Blaze, Kendall Gender, Cinnamon Winters, Anya Marx, Nana Mandibles, Continental Breakfast, PM, Madam Lola with music by DJ’s Dave Ally and Lejos.

When: August 4, 2019
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: Thurlow and Davie, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Tsawwassen Sun Festival

What: The Tsawwasen Sun Festival is a three-day celebration of fun in the sun, with special events, games, friendly competitions and many other attractions. There’s antique hunting and skateboarding at the South Delta Recreation Centre and BINGO at KinVillage, while the bulk of the events take place at Winskill Park. You can also enjoy the annual Rotary Parade which heads down 56th Street from 16th Avenue to Winskill Park. The parade is sponsored by dozens of companies and features hundreds of local individuals, clubs and businesses.

When: August 2 to 5, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Winskill Park – West side of 56th at 9th, Tsawwassen
Admission: Free

Vancouver Mural Festival Pride Special

What: Enjoy a 12-hour indoor/outdoor Pride party in Mount Pleasant hosted by Public Disco, Bye Felicia and Club NA in partnership with Vancouver Mural Festival. Kick things off with an all-ages patio party in 7-1/2 Lane, including Bye Felicia performing afternoon drag by. Then head inside for an evening of 19+ dancing in a neighbouring warehouse space by Club NA.

When: August 4, 2019
Time: 2 pm to 2 am
Where: 7-½ Lane
Admission: Free before 5 pm, $10 from 5 to 8pm, $20 after 8 pm

Twins of Evil: Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson Hell Never Dies Vancouver Concert 2019

What: Twins of Evil Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson are coming to Vancouver this summer. The musicians are joining forces for their Hell Never Dies 2019 North American tour, stopping in Vancouver on August 4, to perform at Rogers Arena.

When: August 4, 2019
Time: Doors 6 pm | Show 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena
Price: Starting at $39.50— Tickets available via Ticketmaster

Vin Van Brunch

What: Vin Van is throwing its first bubbly brunch pop-up on August 4. Enjoy a three-course spread of brunch delights created by Chef Dayna Rogers each paired with a glass of fizz. There will also be a breakfast margarita bar with additional beverages available for purchase.

When: August 4, 2019
Time: 11:30 am
Where: Fiore – 1485 W 12 Avenue, Vancouver
Price: $60; buy online

Monday, August 5

Squamish Days

What: Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival features five days of fun for the whole family. Head up the Sea to Sky Highway and enjoy children’s sports, pancake breakfast, parade, loggers sports show, BBQ, live music, and more.

When: Now to August 5, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations in Squamish
Tickets: Online, many free events

BC Day Market Monday at Burnaby Village Museum

What: Celebrate BC Day and Market Monday at Burnaby Village Museum. Featuring Vancouver Circus School, Across the Pacific with The Stride Studios, childrens activities and games, live music and more.

When: August 5, 2019
Time: 11 am to 4:30 pm
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Admission: Free, Carousel Rides $2.65

THRIVE Talks

What: THRIVE Talks is a speaker series inviting female—including those who are cis, trans, gender non-binary, gender-fluid and femme-identified—artists to share their journeys, their work, and why they do what they do. In this VMF edition of THRIVE Talks, hear from some of the contemporary female artists who are involved in the Vancouver Mural Festival. All genders and people are welcome to attend the event.

Date: August 5, 2019
Time: 7 to 8:30 pm
Where: VMF Gallery – 14 West 7th Avenue (entrance in 7-½ Lane), Vancouver
Admission: $5

Alternative Pride Vancouver 2019

What: Alternative Pride Vancouver 2019 is a grass-roots non-corporate music and art festival celebrating LGBTQ+ artists. Now in it’s fourth year, it takes place over five days, and presents 18 unique and diverse events including warehouse take-overs, unforgettable garden performances, breath-taking city vistas, chic gallery exhibitions, a night of musical theatre, drag brunches in specially curated restaurants, decadent boat cruises, and wild, kinky after-hours, with out-of-this-world main events — all while raising money for some important Vancouver queer causes.

When: Now until August 5, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Online

Harmony Arts Festival

What: Harmony Arts Festival is a celebration of music, art, food and culture presented by Odlum Brown Limited. Explore the art market, enjoy art exhibitions and demos, sing along to live concerts, dine ticketed culinary events, watch movies in the park, and more.

When: August 2 to August 11, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: West Vancouver’s waterfront between 14th Street and 16th Street on Argyle Avenue.
Admission: Free

Campbell Valley Nature Walks Damsels and Dragons: Inhabitants of the Pond

What: ​Veteran naturalist Al Grass leads a casual walk to learn about wildlife and wildflowers. All ages welcome.

When: August 5, 2019
Time: 1 to 2:30 pm
Where: Campbell Valley Regional Park, Langley
Admission: Free, registration required. Barcode 7716

BC Day at Museum of Vancouver

What: Museum of Vancouver is celebrating BC Day with $5 admission all day long. Go on a 30-minute highlight tour of Haida Now, then learn the life stories of local animals and plants in Wild Things: The Power of Nature in our Lives. Afterwards, check out the latest feature exhibition There is Truth Here: Creativity and Resilience in Children’s Art from Indian Residential and Day Schools.

When: August 5, 2019
What: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Museum of Vancouver – 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver
Admission: $5