27 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: August 23 to 25

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Another wonderful weekend to enjoy! Fill your time with these 27 events happening in Vancouver on Friday, August 23, Saturday, August 24, and Sunday, August 25. Check out Friday Night Live, Monstercat Compound, and more.

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

See also

• Comedian Chelsea Handler doing show in Vancouver this fall
• Check out this gourmet foodies' festival on September 8
• Irish singer/songwriter Hozier is performing live in Vancouver this fall

Friday, August 23

Friday Night Live 2019

What: Hastings Racecourse will be hosting its exhilarating Friday Night Live series until September 6, starting at 7 pm every Friday. This year, every Friday Night Live event will feature a cool playlist with their resident DJs spinning your favourite tracks all night long with a great mix of Hip Hop, R&B, Old School, Reggaeton, Top 40, EDM Music, and more.

As well as the amazing music and electric atmosphere, you can catch races happening under the stars. There’s also going to be outdoor beer tents with a great selection of highballs, your favourite beers on tap, as well as food trucks on site. Don’t forget the legendary Silks Buffet which offers the most incredible views of the racecourse and the mountains in the backdrop.

When: Now until September 6, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where:  Hastings Racecourse – 188 North Renfrew Street, Vancouver
Price: FREE admission

TripLit Conference Speaker Series – Sam Kolder with Introduction by Emmett Sparling

What: Sam Kolder will share how he has become one of the most influential travel videographers online. While sharing clips from his own work, he will tell stories about creating compelling content while trailblazing on international adventures (often with Emmett Sparling). He’ll reflect on what it means to him to be an “influencer” and how he has used his status to create a positive impact in the ways that are important to him.

TripLit’s mission is to promote positive change through a global community of talented, passionate, and engaging visual storytellers on social media. The TripLit conference speaker series is part of the first TripLit conference being held on Bowen Island.

When: August 23, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Bowen Island Lodge – 380 Cardena St. Bowen Island
Tickets: Online, $60

Fridays on Front

What: Boasting artisan vendors from New West Craft, live music curated by the New Westminster Arts Council, and of course, a slew of Food Trucks from the Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest, this is one weekly event you don’t want to miss.

When: Fridays until August 23, 2019
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Where: 600-block of Front Street, New Westminister
Admission: Free

Reel to Real Outdoor Summer Film Series – Short Films from Coast to Coast to Coast

What: Reel to Real’s Outdoor Summer Film Series features free evenings of animation workshops at Performance Works and films at Ron Basford Park’s amphitheatre. Enjoy a screening of Short Films from Coast to Coast to Coast on August 23.

When: August 23, 2019
Time: Animation workshops at 6 pm, film at 9 pm
Where: Ron Basford Park on Granville Island, Vancouver, BC
Admission: Free

Summer Sounds on Jack Poole Plaza

What: 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 23 and August 30, 2019
Time: 3 to 6 pm
Where: Jack Poole Plaza
Admission: Free

Theatre Under the Stars: Mamma Mia! and Disney’s Newsies

What: Audiences will be transported to the warmth of a Greek island and witness a fight for what’s right this summer, when Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) presents Mamma Mia! and Disney’s Newsies this summer season at Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl. Enjoy a carefree evening of theatre surrounded by the scenic beauty of Stanley Park as young talent from across the Lower Mainland share the stage with some of Vancouver’s finest professional theatre artists. 

When: Now until August 24, 2019 (performances alternate evenings)
Time: Various times
Where: Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park – 610 Pipeline Road, Vancouver
Tickets: At Theatre Under the Stars

Music at the Cannery

What: The Cannery’s annual summertime evening concert series returns. Every Friday evening will feature a different musical act, catering to a wide range of musical tastes, including blues, folk, and more.

When: Every Friday until August 30, 2019
Time: Doors at 6 pm, show at 6:30 pm
Where: Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site – 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond
Tickets: At the door, $7 for adults, $5 for ages 2 to 17-years-old

Saturday, August 24

Monstercat Compound 2019

What: On Saturday, August 24, the third annual Monstercat Compound, presented by Sapporo, will bring a massive free party to Railtown with live performances and interactive experiences. In addition to the live performances, Compound will also feature workshops, video games, art, merch, carnival games, and food trucks. Several companies and organizations will also be on site to interact and meet with guests.

When: Saturday, August 24, 2019
Time: 2 to 9 pm
Where: 380 Railway St, Vancouver
Admission: Free with RSVP; Compound Premium Passes are available for purchase HERE

Steveston Beer Fest 2019

The seventh annual Steveston Beer Fest will take place in the historic Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Steveston on August 25. Partial proceeds from this event will support the Richmond Christmas Fund and other local non-profit groups.

When: August 24, 2019
Time: 7 to 9:30 pm
Where: The Gulf of Georgia Cannery – 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond
Price: $55; buy 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.

Wings over Iona

What: Celebrate the fall migration of shorebirds, songbirds and other avians at Iona Beach Regional Park. Activities include a bird walk, watching bird banders, and trying to navigate a migratory obstacle course.

When: August 24, 2019
Time: 11 am to 1:30 am
Where: Iona Beach, Richmond
Admission: Free

ElectraFest Vancouver 2019

What: The Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association, a non-profit organization that promotes electric-battery car use in BC, is bringing back its ElectraFest to the public plaza at Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown. The festival is free, and attendees can even test drive or test ride on-site models of electric-battery and hybrid vehicles. Other activities entail exhibits featuring electric vehicle technology and vintage electric vehicles that date back as far as 1912. Kids can also participate in the Slot Car Grand Prix or experience Science World’s ‘On The Road’ display.

When:  August 24, 2019
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre — 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Movies Under the Stars – Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

What: Movies Under the Stars presents Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse on August 24 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 24, 2019
Time: Dusk
Where: Holland Park – 13428 Old Yale Road, Surrey
Admission: Free

BC Lions vs Hamilton Tiger-Cats

What: The BC Lions take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in CFL action at at BC Place

When: August 24, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Battle of the Brews

What: The Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society and 102.7 THE PEAK host the 3rd Annual Battle of the Brews. This fun charity event will offer attendees a great afternoon of craft beer tasting and delicious food sampling. Attendees will get the chance to help choose their favourite beers and all proceeds from the event will fund Athletics 4 Kids and Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society youth initiatives.

When: August 24, 2019
Time: 1 to 5 pm
Where: Civic Plaza, City Hall – 13450 104 Ave, Surrey
Tickets: Online

Wild Salmon Celebration 2019

What: The Chefs’ Table Society of British Columbia is back with the Wild Salmon Celebration for 2019. Enjoy six food stations and BC wines at this event.

When: August 24, 2019
Time: 6:30 pm to 9 pm
Where: False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf – 1505 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver
Price: $60; buy online

Vancouver Orchid Society Summer Sale

What: See some beautiful orchids and companion plants and purchase your own from one of the many vendors in attendance. There will also be repotting demos at 11 am, 1 pm and 2 pm.

When: August 24, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Floral Hall, VanDusen Gardens – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Sunday, August 25

TOMS Warehouse Sale 2019

What: The TOMS warehouse sale is back, and now it’s even bigger and better than in previous years. With over 30,000 pairs of TOMS shoes to choose from, there’s something for everyone —including men, women, youth, and babies. Some of the styles you’ll find at the four-day event include classic TOMS, as well as espadrilles, wedges, laced shoes, slip-on shoes, low boots, and sandals in all sizes. You’ll also be able to take advantage of door-crasher prices for TOMS sunglasses, at only $19.99.

When: Now to August 25, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Richmond Olympic Oval – 6111 River Road, Richmond
Admission: Free

Robson Square Salsa 2019

What: Enjoy a free dance lesson taught by some of Vancouver’s best salsa instructors. Following the lessons, there is a dance show that features some of Vancouver’s most talented dancers. Plus there is social dancing throughout the afternoon.

When: Every Sunday until August 25, 2019
Time: Lesson starts at 3 pm. Dance show starts at 5 pm
Where: Robson Square – 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free, donations accepted

Friendship Festival

What: Multicultural Russian Speaking Association of BC hosts its fourth annual Friendship Festival, with live entertainment, national food, arts, traditional costumes, children activities and more.

When: August 25, 2019
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Perez Center – 6184 Ash Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Ladner Village Market

What: The Ladner Village Market takes over the heart of Ladner Village on select Sundays in the summertime. The market features live music, many vendors, and more to see, do and eat.

When: August 25; September 8, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: 5028 48th Avenue (between Delta and Elliott Streets) in Ladner Village
Admission: Free

Crave the Heights

What: Crave the Heights, presented by the Heights Merchants Association, is bringing tantalizing food and live entertainment back to Burnaby for another year. The neighbourhood dining showcase features restaurants on the Heights offering affordable set menus, new and unique menu items, happy hour bites, and plenty of drink deals and discounts.

When: Now to August 25, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various restaurants across Burnaby Heights
Cost: Prices vary by restaurant

WBSC Softball Americas Qualifier for the Games of the XXXII Olympiad Tokyo 2020

What: Eleven teams from North, Central, and South America will participate in the tournament, with the top three National Teams in each group advancing to a Super Round. The top two National Teams in the tournament final standings will gain a spot for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

When: August 25 to September 1, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Softball City – 2201 148 St, Surrey
Tickets: Online

Sunday Seafood Boil Series at Boulevard

What: Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar will officially be hosting its popular series of summer seafood boils for 2019. This epic feast is enjoyed outside at a communal table, and features fresh-caught lobster, jumbo prawns, clams, mussels, and Dungeness crab.

When: Sundays from now until August 25, 2019
Time: 6 pm
Where: Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar – 845 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Price: $68; buy online

Deep into Darkness

What: Third Wheel Production’s Deep into Darkness invites you into the mind of Edgar Allan Poe as “he desperately searches for his lost love in this tragic dream within a dream,” experiencing poems like ‘Tell-Tale Heart’ and ‘The Raven.’ Explore over 20 rooms and three floors as you touch objects, rifle through drawers, and read through papers, unravelling “the mystery of [Edgar Allan Poe’s] chaotic descent into madness” at The Cultch. Attendees should dress comfortably and be prepared to walk/stand for the entirety of the show. The show is 18+ due to adult themes involving nudity and violence.

When: Now to August 25, 2019
Time: Doors 7:15 pm, show 8 pm
Where: The Cultch — 1895 Venables St, Vancouver
Tickets: Early bird price $65, regular price $75, and at-door price $85

Unibrow Arts Festival 2019

What: Vancouver’s first comedy and zine fest, Unibrow Arts Festival is a showcase of the city’s comedy and DIY art publishing scenes. Enjoy comedy shows, screenings, artist talks, and more until August 25 in various venues around Mount Pleasant.

When: Now until August 25, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Online

Cascadia 2019: Opening Night Dancefilms Screening & Panel

What: Dancinema presents the fourth annual Cascadia Dance & Cinema Festival, with workshops, screenings, and forums. The festival kicks off on August 25th at Vancity Theatre with an evening of dance films, prize draws, filmmakers Q&A and more.

When: August 25, 2019
Time: Doors 6:30 pm
Where: Vancity Theatre – 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver, British
Tickets: Online