27 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: August 24 to 26

Aug 20 2018, 10:47 pm

Enjoy the last weekend of August with our checklist of 27 events in Vancouver on Friday, August 24, Saturday, August 25, and Sunday, August 26. There’s Safe & Sound Music Fest, Savour Summer Festival, and more to see.

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

Friday, August 24, 2018

Safe & Sound Music Fest

Safe & Sound Music Fest 2017/Just Jash

  • What: Safe & Sound Fest kicks off on Friday with an awesome lineup featuring artists like Vince Staples, Goldlink, Sabrina Claudio, LNDN DRGS, Manila Grey, Sophia Danai, Side, Kenny Gourmet, The Freshest DJs, Floetic, Houtz, and Jay Swing. On Saturday you’ll get to hear performances by Anderson Paak & The Free Nationals, Alina Baraz, SonReal, Rico Nasty, Anders, Tobi Lou, Trill Sammy, So Loki, Angst, Kandy K, Goldstepz, The SJS Crew, Hedspin, Nina Mendoza, Arems & Hoppa, and Raiden.
  • When: Friday, August 24 to Saturday, August 25, 2018
  • Time: 2 to 11 pm (Friday) and 1 to 11 pm (Saturday)
  • Where: Westminster Pier Park, New Westminster
  • Tickets: $59.99 to $249.99 – Available via Safe & Sound Fest

The Curated Grid

  • What: An Instagram Workshop for the creative entrepreneur. The Curated Grid is a one-day intensive workshop designed for creative entrepreneurs who are looking to step up their Instagram game in today’s highly competitive social media market.
  • When: Friday, August 24, 2018
  • Time: 9 am to 2 pm
  • Where: Concious Lab – #200 422 Richards St., Vancouver,
  • Register: Online, $250

OH! Science World Public Light Control 2018

  • What: Vancouver-based experimental design firm Tangible Interaction is teaming up with Science World again to return the ‘OH!’ light control orb to the Olympic Village seawall. The interactive art installation allows participants to control one of Vancouver’s most renowned landmarks by changing the lights on its geodesic dome. Six different animations with variations in colours and patterns, including sparkles, bands, and waves, can be made.
  • When: Now to Friday, August 24, 2018
  • When: 9 pm to 11 pm
  • Where: 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver (False Creek seawall across from Tap & Barrel in the Olympic Village)
  • Cost: Free

Joe Rogan

  • What: The infamous UFC colour commentator is heading to Abbotsford this summer, not to sit ring-side, but to put on a show of his very own. The Stranger Times 2018 tour is Rogan’s North America comedy tour. This isn’t Rogan’s first jaunt into the world of comedy, as he has been working as a standup comedian for more than 20 years, and even has an hour-long comedy special, Joe Rogan: Triggered, that fans can check out on Netflix.
  • When: Friday, August 24, 2018
  • Time: 7:30 pm
  • Where: Abbotsford Centre – 33800 King Road, Abbotsford
  • Tickets: Available online, starting at $50

Live at the Gallery featuring Chris Blaber and Arthur Delahooke

  • What: Live at the Gallery brings music into the gallery setting, to connect fans of visual and musical arts. The event is an exciting mix of art and sound, from the sweet sounds of classical music to chilled out beats of local folk bands. This month’s concert features artists Chris Blaber and Arthur Delahooke.
  • When: Friday, August 24, 2018
  • Time: 7 pm
  • Where: Deer Lake Gallery – 6584 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
  • Admission: Free

Unibrow Arts Festival

  • What: Vancouver’s first comedy + zine fest. Local talent will shake things up across an array of venues up and down Main Street, with comedy, zine markets, exhibitions, interactive caricature drawing, brunch, dance parties, a limited-edition festival zine, and more.
  • When: Friday, August 24 to Monday, August 27, 2018
  • Time: Various times
  • Where: Various locations
  • More Info: Online

Fridays on Front

Weekly food events

@downtownnewwest/Instagram

  • What: Fridays on Front features artisan vendors from New West Craft, live music curated by the New Westminster Arts Council, and Food Trucks from the Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest. Steel & Oak Brewing Co. is also on site so you can enjoy a cold beer while strolling around, thanks to a fully-licensed Front Street during the event.
  • When: Fridays from now to August 24, 2018
  • Time: 5 to 10 pm
  • Where: 600-block of Front Street, New Westminister
  • Admission: Free

Saturday, August 25, 2018

Monstercat Compound 2018

  • What: The second annual Monstercat Compound, presented by Sapporo, will bring a massive party to Railtown with live performances and interactive experiences. Attendees to the event can expect performances from fan favourite artists including Vicetone, Dwilly, Bishu, Tails, and a live performance debut from Conro. New to the festival this year is a second stage, presented by Groundwork and powered by MusicBC. In addition to the live performances, the Compound will also feature workshops, video games, art, merch, carnival games, and a food truck.
  • When: Saturday, August 25, 2018
  • Time: 2 to 9 pm
  • Where:380 Railway St, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free of charge with RSVP; VIP tickets will also be made available for purchase.

Steveston Dragon Boat Festival 2018

Steveston Dragon Boat Festival, Dragon Boat BC/Facebook

  • What: The ninth annual Dragon Boat Festival is taking place at Steveston Harbour and Imperial Landing Park. An estimated 1,500 paddlers and 20,000 festival-goers converge for one of BC’s biggest dragon boat races and one of Richmond’s most popular community festivals. Enjoy dragon boat races, live music, vibrant visual arts, entertainment, children’s activities, and culinary offerings.
  • When: Saturday, August 25, 2018
  • Time: 8 am to 7 pm
  • Where: Steveston – Richmond, British Columbia
  • Price: Free

2018 BC Wildfire Benefit Concert

  • What: A rocking fundraiser for the Canadian Red Cross with performances by, Cobra Ramone Music, The Getmines, Kownterpoint, and The Carbons.
  • When: Satuday, August 25, 2018
  • Time: 8 pm
  • Where: Rickshaw Theatre – 254 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver,
  • Tickets: Online, $12

Port Moody Arts Centre’s 20th Anniversary Birthday Bash

  • What: In honour of the Port Moody Arts Centre’s 20th Anniversary, the Arts Centre is hosting a Birthday Bash.  The festival-style block party will feature free events for the community inside, outside, and around the historic buildings at 2425 St. Johns Street. Activities include live music, vintage cars, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.
  • When: Saturday, August 25, 2018
  • Time: 12 to 4 pm
  • Where: Port Moody Arts Centre – 2425 St. Johns Street, Port Moody
  • Admission: Free

Savour Summer Festival 2018

  • What: The free Savour Summer Festival, presented by Wesgroup and River District is taking place on Saturday, August 25 at River District’s Town Centre Plaza. Enjoy free music, giveaways, entertainment, craft beer samples, a market, and even sliders from Romer’s Burger Bar.  Live music will be your soundtrack for the day led by local favourites Myles Bigelow, with lively jazz and soul sounds, Kutapira, featuring Afro-Cuban vibes, and a long-time favourite from The Roxy, Dr. Strangelove. Take time out to enjoy some shopping at the marketplace packed full of local vendors, including Prebak’s edible cookie dough. Get creative and learn from professional artists as you help create a large interactive River District graffiti mural in partnership with the Vancouver Mural Festival.
  • When: Saturday, August 25, 2018
  • Time: 4 to 8 pm
  • Where: River District Town Centre – Sawmill Crescent and River District Crossing, Vancouver
  • Price: Free

Battle of the Brews

  • What: The Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society and 102.7 THE PEAK host the 2nd 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: Saturday, August 25, 2018
  • Time: 2 to 5 pm
  • Where: Civic Plaza, City Hall – 13450 104 Ave, Surrey
  • Tickets: Online, $40-$50

Our Feathered Friends

vancouver outdoor events january

Bald eagle (Ian Duffield/Shutterstock)

  • What: Discover the world of birds with your little one. From bejewelled hummingbirds to majestic eagles, marvel at the diversity as you explore nature and find your favourite. Ages 3 to 5, must be accompanied by an adult.
  • When: Saturday, August 25, 2018
  • Time: 10 to 11:30 am
  • Where: Burnaby Lake Regional Park, Burnaby
  • Admission: $4.25 per child, registration required: 604-432-6359. Barcode 7363

Wild Salmon Celebration

  • What: On August 25 join the Chefs’ Table Society of British Columbia and the BC Salmon Marketing Council for a celebration of an iconic BC product, Wild Salmon. Enjoy tasting dishes featuring BC wild salmon will be prepared by sic well-known BC chefs sharing a love of the ocean.
  • When: Saturday, August 25, 2018
  • Time: 6:30 to 9 pm
  • Where: False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf – 1505 W 1st Avenue, Vancouver
  • Price: $49-$59; buy online

BC Lions vs Saskatchewan Roughriders

  • What: BC Lions face off with the Saskatchewan Roughriders at BC Place.
  • When: Saturday, August 25, 2018
  • Time: 7 pm
  • Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online

Railtown’s Tailgate Barbecues

  • What:Attendees will enjoy slow-smoked brisket and pork shoulder from a 12-foot smoker/barbecue barrel, beer-brined chicken and brats, as well as a choice of sides like Carolina coleslaw and creamy potato salad to name a few.
  • When: Saturday, August 25, 2018
  • Times: 4 to 9 pm
  • Where: Railtown Cafe – 397 Railway Street, Vancouver
  • Price: $29, $19 for vegetarian; buy online or on site

Sunday, August 26, 2018

Pinoy Fiesta 2018

Filipino Fiesta

Pinoy Fiesta Vancouver/Facebook

  • What: Pinoy Fiesta, the largest and most highly-anticipated Filipino celebration in British Columbia, features tantalizing and authentically made Filipino cuisine, a cultural parade, traditional Filipino music and dance, and more.
  • When: Sunday, August 26, 2018
  • Time: 9 am to 9 pm
  • Where: Memorial South Park – 41st Avenue and Windsor Street, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free

Full Moon Morning Beach Party

  • What: Hosted by Party4Health, the Full Moon Morning Beach Party is all about partying for wellness and community. Get high on each other, not alcohol or drugs.
  • When: Sunday, August 26, 2018
  • Time: 9 am to 12 pm
  • Where: TBA
  • Admission: Free

Go Topless Day Vancouver 2018

  • What: Go Topless Day, an annual shirtless march, invites people of any gender in cities around the world to stand up for women’s rights and go topless in public. Men are invited to participate in the march, though are encouraged to don pasties or tape on their own chests as a mark of solidarity. The march will begin at the front of the Safeway on Robson Street, east of Denman at 12 pm and take place from Denman to Hornby.
  • When: Sunday, August 26, 2018
  • Time: 12 pm
  • Where: 1766 Robson St, Vancouver

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: Sunday, August 26, 2018
  • Time: 4 to 8 pm
  • Where: Surrey City Hall – 13450 104 Ave, Surrey
  • Admission: Free

Latin style BBQ Sundays at Cacao

  • What: Every Sunday this summer Cacao Vancouver will be offering a drool-worthy Latin-style BBQ. This event offers patrons traditional “Carne Asada” from different regions in Central and South America. Come to join the Cacao family for a classic neighbourhood Sunday gathering. Reservations are required.
  • When: Every Sunday until August 26, 2018
  • Time: 11 am to 5 pm
  • Where: Cacao – 1898 W 1st Avenue, Vancouver
  • Price: Single person platter $30; For two $50; For Four $95; Call 604-731-5370 to reserve.

The Fair at the PNE

  • What: Since 1910, millions of guests have enjoyed shows, exhibits, sporting events, amusement rides, concerts, cultural activities and, of course, the annual summer Fair at the PNE. Explore exhibits, enjoy live performances, be thrilled by rides, play games, learn about livestock, shop for treasures, and eat the yummiest food all in one place.
  • When: Now to Monday, September 3, 2018 (closed August 27)
  • Time: 11 am to late
  • Where: The Fair at the PNE – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online

Free the Nipple Bike Ride Vancouver

  • What: This free event coincides with Women’s Equality Day and aims to bring women together on a ride to normalize female breasts and “fight back against rape culture and social bias.” There are several ways to show solidarity. Participants can go topless (no full nudity allowed), wear pasties, or wear a bra or bikini top. Attendees are encouraged to decorate their bikes as well. The event is described as “family friendly” and will go at a leisurely pace. All genders are welcome and organizers “encourage men to show their solidarity by opting to cover up or censor their nipples with tape, pasties, or a shirt.”
  • When: Sunday, August 26, 2018
  • Time: Meet at 12 pm, ride starts at 12:30 pm
  • Where:Meet at Sunset Beach — 1204 Beach Ave, Vancouver, in front of the concession stand.
  • Admission: Free

Sunday Afternoon Salsa at Robson Square 2018

  • What: Now in its 12th year, Sunday Afternoon Salsa at Robson Square is an annual series of free, outdoor salsa dances held at Robson Square in downtown Vancouver during the summer months of July and August. Try the beginner dance lessons at 3 pm and 7 pm, watch the performances at 5 pm, or check out the social dancing throughout the afternoon.
  • When: Every Sunday to August 26, 2018
  • Time: 3 pm to 9:30 pm
  • Where: Robson Square – 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free

The 2018 Vancouver International Bird Festival

Vancouver International Bird Festival

VIBF/Facebook

  • What: The first-time festival partners with the International Ornithological Congress (a collection of the world’s foremost avian researchers and conservationists) and Artists for Conservation to celebrate the expansive, eye-catching world of birds. The celebration is open to the public with bird tours, expos, all-ages activities, and art exhibitions running through the course of the week. The majority of events are free and open to the public. Information, dates, and times can be found on the website.
  • When: Now to Sunday, August 26, 2018
  • Time: All Day Long
  • Where: The Vancouver Convention Centre and multiple parks across the Lower Mainland
  • Admission: Free

TOMS Warehouse Sale

  • What: Take advantage of the huge savings at the TOMS warehouse sale taking place at Richmond Olympic Oval. Not only will the classics be on sale – over 30,000 pairs of shoes will be discounted, with up to 70% off select items. This includes everything from women’s to men’s shoes, as well as TOMS for kids and babies.
  • When: Now to Sunday, August 26, 2018
  • Time: Various times
  • Where: Richmond Olympic Oval – 6111 River Road, Richmond
  • Price: FREE admission
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